Home Fleetwatch 2022 bpSA announces centenary strategy towards attaining net-zero in Southern Africa

bpSA announces centenary strategy towards attaining net-zero in Southern Africa

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bpSA’s forecourts and truck stops are a welcome sight for empty tanks. Plans are to expand and high-grade the portfolio of over 500 service stations, while growing the number of forecourts owned by black entrepreneurs or run by black franchisees.
bpSA’s forecourts and truck stops are a welcome sight for empty tanks. Plans are to expand and high-grade the portfolio of over 500 service stations, while growing the number of forecourts owned by black entrepreneurs or run by black franchisees.

While Shell has announced plans to exit its South African downstream business, which includes over 600 service stations, this month – May 9th to be exact – marks bp Southern Africa’s (bpSA) 100 years of fueling South Africa and the company is using its centenary milestone to refresh and re-energise for the next century and beyond by outlining a “strategic roadmap” which will see the expansion of its operations in the country. The “roadmap” includes a number of new strategies that address ongoing environmental, mobility and personal challenges.

According to bpSA CEO, Taelo Mojapelo: “To guide the next stage of bpSA’s journey, its leadership has drawn up a strategic roadmap for the long term. Its goals are firstly, to expand and high-grade the portfolio of over 500 service stations, while growing the number of forecourts owned by black entrepreneurs or run by black franchisees.

bpSA CEO, Taelo Mojapelo: “A robust, integrated supply chain will drive topline growth.”
bpSA CEO, Taelo Mojapelo: “A robust, integrated supply chain will drive topline growth.”

“Secondly, it intends to redefine convenience retailing by upgrading and expanding its forecourt offerings. Thirdly, it is working on optimising its supply model by implementing a robust, integrated product and supply chain that will drive topline growth.” Click here for one example of how the company is optimising its supply chain: https://fleetwatch.co.za/fleetwatch-2022/dp-world-and-makwande-supply-distribution-win-the-bid-for-bpsas-secondary-transport-operations/

Reimagining energy

The organisation will implement a programme of centenary events over the coming months to thank employees, partners, dealers and stakeholders and inspire them with the global group’s purpose of ‘reimagining energy’ on the path to net-zero, says Mojapelo.

bpSA’s choice of diesel meets old and new truck engine requirements.
bpSA’s choice of diesel meets old and new truck engine requirements.

bpSA’s strategy fits into the global group’s broader focus on reimagining energy, as the organisation pivots from being an international oil company that produces resources to an integrated energy company that delivers solutions for customers.

“By focusing on resilient hydrocarbons, convenience and mobility, and low carbon energy, bp is ensuring that it remains relevant to future generations by adapting to an evolving market and the needs of people and the planet,” Mojapelo explains.

From fossil-fuels to clean energy

Mojapelo states that: “Over the past 100 years, bpSA has evolved from the Atlantic Refining Company of Africa, incorporated in 1924, to the well-known brand seen today on all South Africa’s major highways and urban areas. Its varied history has included refining fuel and coal mining (both of which it has now exited), as well as groundbreaking black economic empowerment deals. It has willingly taken on its responsibility to help with education, skills, enterprise development and transformation of the local energy sector.”

A few notable highlights of bpSA’s past 100 years in South Africa include:

  • Being the first local oil group to beat the government’s deadline for a lead abatement strategy for fuels.
  • Being one of the first companies in its sector to implement a BEE deal by forming a JV company managed and controlled by historically disadvantaged South Africans (Masana Petroleum Solutions).
  • The first international oil company in South Africa to appoint a female CEO.

“From our forecourt to our partners in retailing, storage and distribution, we are dedicated to remaining a forward-looking, responsible and effective steward of South Africa’s energy supply networks for as long as the country needs us,” says Mojapelo.

And here’s a tasty cherry on the top. “Select communities will get to share in the festivities when bpSA settles students’ outstanding university fees, details of which will be announced. Also, our customers will receive various goodies at bp filling stations as an appreciation for their patronage,” concludes Mojapelo.

FleetWatch extends its congratulations to bpSA on its Centenary year. 100 years in the country is an amazing milestone.