By Eamonn Ryan
Metraclark, part of the Beijer Ref international group, celebrated a vibrant customer evening at A’la Turk restaurant in Gauteng.
Kobus Hattingh, general manager of Metraclark. All images by © RACA Journal
The gathering brought together contractors, suppliers and staff for a relaxed evening of networking, industry updates and opened with candid discussion on one of the sector’s most pressing concerns: commercial crime.
The event was notable not just for its professional content, but also for the opportunity it offered attendees to reconnect, share experiences and enjoy social interaction in a friendly, informal environment.
Welcoming customers back
Kobus Hattingh, general manager of Metraclark, welcomed the assembled guests. While the Centurion branch had hosted an official reopening in 2022, this marked the first true customer evening since before the pandemic in 2020. Staff from the local branch were introduced, alongside representatives from Pretoria administration and head office teams, creating an atmosphere of connection and familiarity for attendees.
Hattingh highlighted the company’s extensive footprint: 23 branches across South Africa and operations in several African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mauritius. “Our way to market is clear – we do not compete with contractors. You are our business. We buy from manufacturers and distribute directly to you,” he told guests. This emphasis on partnership and support set the tone for the evening, framing Metraclark as a trusted intermediary between manufacturers and contractors.
Ivana de Necker, Metraclark credit manager.
Addressing the threat of commercial crime
A sobering segment of the evening presented by Metraclark credit manager Ivana de Necker focused on the rise of commercial crime in South Africa. Metraclark’s credit division outlined alarming statistics: commercial fraud had increased in South Africa by 18.5% in the past year alone, equating to nearly 400 reported cases every day. By contrast, the European Union reported only 2 600 cases for the same period.
The discussion highlighted how fraud affects businesses not just financially, but reputationally, with impacts including higher insurance premiums, wasted time and operational disruptions. Techniques affecting the HVAC&R sector were explored, from falsified credit applications and phishing emails to fake change-of-banking letters, fraudulent EFTs and even attempts by former employees to transact on old accounts.
Practical examples – including forged documents with copied logos, mismatched fonts and bogus email addresses – were shown to illustrate the risks and underscore the importance of vigilance. Customers were encouraged to verify any suspicious communication directly with Metraclark and to rely on officially confirmed banking details rather than emailed instructions.
In addition to highlighting risks, Metraclark used the evening to showcase measures it has implemented to enhance security and streamline operations:
- Customer barcodes for technicians: combined with one-time password (OTP) authentication and spending limits, these ensure tighter control over who can transact on an account
- A secure remittance portal: facilitating accurate online payment allocations and transparent account management
- An e-commerce platform: offering registration, access to statements and proof-of-delivery documentation, with plans to introduce digital credit notes. Customers using these tools can enjoy both security and convenience, along with potential discounts
These initiatives reflect Metraclark’s broader commitment to protecting contractors’ businesses while providing tools to simplify everyday operations.
