Turnarounds are rarely glamorous. They are not defined by a single moment of brilliance, but by the compounding effect of a thousand difficult decisions, disciplined execution, and the grit to stay the course when the results aren’t immediately visible.

When we embarked on our journey to transform BCX, we were clear about the phases we needed to navigate: Reset, Stabilise, and Grow. It is a framework that sounds simple on paper but requires relentless rigour to execute in reality. Today, as I reflect on where we stand, I can say with confidence that the “Reset” is behind us, that the “Stabilise” phase has built a solid foundation, and that we are now firmly entering the phase of “Growth”.

But growth doesn’t just happen – you have to earn the right to grow.

The golden thread of execution

In recent sessions with my executive team, we have been focusing on three core pillars: Reflect, Refocus, and Reignite. We needed to be honest about where we were – acknowledging the operational inefficiencies and silos that held us back – and then create a “golden thread” of accountability that runs through every unit of the business.

We shifted our gaze from lagging indicators (financial results) to the operational drivers that actually create value. We stopped hoping for better numbers and started fixing the engine.

Nowhere is this more evident than in our ITSS (IT Software Solutions) business. Not long ago, this division was challenged by low margins and negative cash flow. It required a structural overhaul – from how we compensated our teams to how we structured our operations. It wasn’t easy, but the discipline paid off. Today, ITSS has not only improved its margins and revenue but has reversed into positive free cash-flow. That is the power of fixing the fundamentals.

Winning in the new world

Having stabilised the core, we have been able to look outward and aggressively pursue the technologies that are shaping the future. We didn’t just talk about a multi-cloud strategy; we executed it. We strengthened the BCX One Cloud platform, invested heavily in Azure, ramped up our AWS certifications, and developed tangible proof points with Alibaba Cloud, including a super app and a digital marketplace.

We are also seeing our bets on the Internet of Things (IoT) pay off. We identified market-changing opportunities, from smart metering to manufacturing, and delivered on them. A proud moment for the team was the successful deployment of a facial recognition solution for the G20 event. Now that the event has concluded, we can share that this technology performed flawlessly on a global stage, proving that South African innovation can compete with the best in the world.

The momentum of trust

The market is taking notice. We are winning significant mandates, including e-recruitment systems for major state-owned entities, comprehensive IoT and security solutions for global mining houses, and Testing-as-a-Service for top-tier financial institutions.

These wins, alongside the numerous awards we are receiving from our OEM partners, are not just trophies on a shelf. They are signals of trust. They confirm that our strategy is working and that our clients believe in our ability to deliver.

The road ahead

We are no longer fixing a broken system; we are optimising a performing one. The energy in our halls has shifted from anxiety to ambition.

However, we remain vigilant. The transition from “Stabilise” to “Grow” requires even more discipline than the turnaround itself. We must maintain our alignment, continue to break down silos, and ensure that every person at BCX understands their role in this new chapter.

We have reset the business. We have stabilised the ship. Now, we reignite the engine.