R E G I O N A L FOCUS PROTECTING SOUTHERN AFRICAS PEOPLE AND NATURAL RICHES FIDI Affiliates in Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are investing in business initiatives that will help protect the environmental riches of both the region and the wider world. They are also making people-focused changes that demonstrate the benefits of taking a broad approach to sustainability that includes social change. Andrew Mourant reports F reak heatwaves in Canada; devastating floods in Belgium and Germany. Different phenomena in regions half a world apart, but scientists believe climate change is the common factor between these extremes. A reminder, perhaps, that switching to LED lighting in a South African removals warehouse, although a small thing in itself, matters in the grand scheme of things. It epitomises a culture change thats taken root among FIDI Affiliates. However, going green is a long-term commitment, often a challenge, and just one among many they have to face. When FIDI Focus contacted companies in Southern Africa they had a lot else on their plate. Some were literally fighting fires, the fallout from civil unrest. Removals is an industry used to being stresstested, however, and one that could give lessons in resourcefulness and durability. Stuttaford Van Lines, a dominant presence on the scene, has ridden many a storm during its 163-year history. It has a network of 14 branches and sales offices, and a fleet of around 600 vehicles. Trade covers large local, national and 50 FF303 Sept_Nov 21 pp50-56 Regional Focus southern Africa.indd 50 WWW. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 14/09/2021 16:26