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The Christmas Edition

Each year end, we love to take the opportunity to reflect on the year with our teams, our partners and customers. 2024 has been a year of resilience, dedication, and collaboration – qualities that have fuelled our success in reaching new milestones and building strong relationships with both clients and each other. This holiday season, we celebrate these highlights and express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this an exceptional year.

Our theme for this final newsletter of the year is one of gratitude and celebration. We are proud to honour the hard work and accomplishments of our teams and share the joy of the holiday season with you all. As we look back on the highlights of 2024, let us celebrate our achievements and anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead.


Dear VVM Community,

As we reach the end of 2024, I am filled with pride and gratitude for everything we have achieved together. This year has been a remarkable testament to the strength, dedication, and passion that each of you brings to VVM. We’ve not only reached new milestones in client relationships and internal development but have done so with a spirit of unity and resilience that embodies the essence of our VVM family.

2024 has been a year of growth and accomplishment, marked by significant achievements across multiple fronts. We expanded our client base, welcoming key partnerships with clients. Each new partnership represents the trust that leading brands place in VVM to manage complex credit management needs with professionalism and care. Our ability to bring value to these relationships speaks volumes about the expertise and commitment of every team member, from frontline agents to our executive leadership.

This year, we also saw the success of several impactful initiatives that have strengthened our internal culture. Our Top Performer lunches, Pink October Cancer Awareness campaign, and our heritage celebrations have all reinforced a sense of community and shared purpose. These events have highlighted the unique talents and dedication within our team, as well as our commitment to supporting each other, both professionally and personally.

Notably, we achieved impressive collection achievements and won some prestigious  awards during the year. These awards given by our clients are in recognition of the hard work, resilience, and dedication to going above and beyond in every client engagement. Each milestone achieved has helped us raise the bar and reinforced VVM’s reputation as a leader in our industry. Each failure has also helped us to re-evaluate and refocus to come back stronger.

Additionally, we took steps to enhance leadership development across the organisation with training at every level of experience both internal and external. These initiatives were a powerful reminder that continuous growth and adaptability are essential to our success, and it has equipped our leaders with new tools to inspire and guide their teams effectively.

As we look back on all we’ve accomplished, I am reminded that these achievements are the result of the collective efforts of each one of you. You have shown that, with the right attitude, dedication, and teamwork, we can overcome any challenge. This season, I encourage each of you to take time to reflect on these successes, celebrate your contributions, and enjoy the well-deserved rewards of your efforts.

Thank you for making 2024 a memorable and impactful year for VVM. I look forward to the journey we will continue together in 2025, building on this incredible foundation and reaching even greater heights. May this holiday season bring you and your loved ones joy, rest, and rejuvenation.

Warm regards,

Karin Van De Venter

Chairman of the Board


This year has been filled with remarkable achievements and milestones that have strengthened VVM’s position in the industry. Here are some of the most memorable highlights from 2024:

  • New Client Partnerships: VVM welcomed a series of new and returning clients this year, showcasing our team’s commitment to delivering exceptional results.
  • Top Performer Lunches: Celebrated our outstanding performers each quarter with team lunches that recognized their hard work and dedication.
  • Pink October for Cancer Awareness: Our team joined together to raise awareness for cancer, donning pink in solidarity and support.
  • Dance to Enter Day: A day filled with fun and energy, reminding us to bring enthusiasm and joy into our daily work.
  • Special Training with Matthew Dorsey: One of the highlights of our professional development this year was a training session led by Matthew Dorsey, an esteemed leadership trainer who has worked with global clients, including American Express.
  • Launch of VBILL – our new in-House Reporting Platform: This year, we introduced a new reporting platform designed to improve efficiency and data accessibility within our organisation. This tool has streamlined our reporting processes, allowing us to respond quickly to client needs and make informed decisions.

Success at VVM means more than numbers, it’s about people. Dimakatso, a newly promoted call centre manager, is a shining example of this. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and heartfelt leadership, embodying the core values that VVM holds dear.

Dimakatso started her VVM journey in November 2009 as a call centre agent. With a background as an admin manager in retail, she faced a steep learning curve in collections. Despite initial challenges, Dimakatso’s hard work paid off. Within 10 to 11 months, she was promoted to team leader. This rapid ascent was a testament to her dedication and potential.

“It wasn’t easy,” Dimakatso recalls. The transition was tough. She had to manage people with more experience in collections than she had. But Dimakatso’s determination and the support from her superiors helped her grow. Training programs and guidance from leaders were crucial. “Proper training really helped us,” she emphasises. This support system allowed her to build a solid foundation and develop the skills necessary for effective leadership.

Dimakatso’s leadership style is shaped by her personal values. As a single mother of three boys, she understands the importance of empathy and support. Her eldest son recently graduated in accounting science, a testament to her dedication at home and work. Dimakatso balances her professional responsibilities with her role as a mother, a feat that requires immense strength and organisation.

At VVM, Dimakatso treats her agents like family. “I always love to see people succeed,” she says with a smile. This nurturing approach has fostered a strong sense of community and loyalty among her team members.

Dimakatso’s connection with her team is deep. She knows their personal stories and challenges. This bond creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Her agents even call her “Mom Dee.” Her ability to understand and support her team has made her a beloved figure at VVM. She believes that understanding her team’s personal lives helps her lead more effectively. By knowing their backgrounds, she can provide the right support and encouragement, creating a positive and productive work environment.

One of Dimakatso’s proudest achievements was managing a key portfolio from 2015 to 2024. “When the position was advertised, I decided to give it a try,”she recalls. Her dedication led to many successes and recognitions. She treasures the awards and incentives her team earned through hard work.

“These accolades are a testament to our collective effort and dedication,” she says. This period was marked by consistent performance and a strong sense of accomplishment. Her team’s success in reaching targets and receiving client recognition was a highlight of her career.

Dimakatso’s journey hasn’t been without trials. The loss of a close colleague and friend was a tough moment. This friend had motivated her to strive for excellence. His passing was a reminder to cherish and support those around us. “His encouragement pushed me to be better every day,” she reflects. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of building strong, supportive relationships within the workplace.

Despite challenges, Dimakatso’s commitment to her team remains strong. She believes in leading by example and creating a positive work environment. “I don’t want to disappoint myself, my team, or the business,” she asserts. Her leadership is characterised by her dedication to her team’s success and her unwavering commitment to their well-being. She constantly seeks to inspire and motivate her team, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Dimakatso’s desk, often decorated with balloons and heartfelt messages, shows the love and respect she has earned. “These messages mean the world to me,” she says. They remind her of the difference she makes every day. This visible appreciation from her team is a testament to the positive impact she has had on their lives. It also serves as a daily reminder of why she loves her job and why she continues to strive for excellence.

Looking ahead, Dimakatso is excited to continue her journey at VVM. She wants to mentor and support her team, helping them achieve their goals. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of genuine leadership. “I see myself growing alongside my team,”she says.

Dimakatso’s journey at VVM is inspiring. It’s about resilience, empathy, and making a real difference in people’s lives. As VVM grows, leaders like Dimakatso will shape its future, ensuring success built on compassion and dedication. Her story highlights the importance of personal connection and the impact it can have on professional success. Dimakatso’s ability to balance empathy with performance is a key factor in her leadership style, and it’s what sets her apart as a true leader.

Dimakatso’s story is a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the power of genuine human connection. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right attitude and support, anything is possible. Dimakatso’s journey at VVM is far from over, and her future is bright.


When the festive season approaches, we are provided with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the year that has passed. In a world that often moves too fast, this time of year reminds us to slow down and focus on what matters – our relationships, our growth, and the values we hold dear.

The end of the year is a natural time to look back. It’s an opportunity to assess what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and what we’ve achieved. This isn’t about just reliving every moment but recognising the progress we’ve made and the resilience we’ve shown through both challenges and successes.

Reflecting on the year

Reflection allows us to understand the journey we’ve taken. It gives us the chance to acknowledge both the good and the difficult moments and how they’ve shaped us. What have you learned this year? What did you achieve that you’re proud of? What challenges taught you something important?

This is a time to reconnect with what matters most. Reflection helps us to focus on more than just external achievements. It gives us an opportunity to look at our personal growth and the connections we’ve strengthened along the way.

Gratitude

Gratitude is an important part of this season. It’s a time to focus on the people, experiences, and moments that have brought value to our lives. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring challenges; it means recognising the support, kindness, and opportunities that helped us through them.

When we take a moment to express gratitude – whether silently to ourselves or outwardly to those who’ve made a difference – it reminds us of what truly matters. This practice can shift our perspective and highlight the small but meaningful parts of life that we often take for granted.

Celebrating the season

The festive season is about more than holidays or traditions – it’s about taking time to celebrate what is important. This might be family, friends, or simply the chance to rest and recharge after a busy year.

Celebration doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It can be found in shared meals, laughter with loved ones, or moments of peace and reflection. This is a time to focus on joy through connection and appreciation.

Looking ahead

As the year ends, it’s natural to think about what comes next. The festive season can be a time of hope and renewal. It’s a chance to set intentions for the future and focus on what you want to achieve or improve. While the future is never certain, this time of year reminds us of the possibilities ahead and the strength we’ve gained from the past year.

Hope helps us move forward, and it’s especially important as we transition into a new year. It allows us to see challenges as opportunities and gives us the motivation to continue striving for growth and betterment.

What really matters

In the end, this time of year is a reminder to prioritise what truly matters. It’s about connection – to ourselves, to others, and to the values that guide us. It’s about taking a moment to reflect, express gratitude, and celebrate life’s small and big victories.

As you move through this festive season, take the time to reflect on your year with honesty, express gratitude for the people and experiences that mattered, and celebrate the moments of joy and growth. These actions bring clarity, strengthen relationships, and prepare us for the opportunities of the year ahead.


At VVM, we believe education is empowering, and our Bursary Program is a testament to this commitment. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate one of our bursary recipients, Emilisha Louw, who successfully completed her studies with flying colours. Emilisha’s dedication and hard work exemplify the values we strive to uphold – resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

Emilisha’s journey reminds us of the transformative power of education and the importance of supporting those who strive to better themselves and their futures.

VVM Bursary Program

The VVM Bursary Program was established to break down the financial barriers that often prevent so many from pursuing their educational dreams. Open to all VVM staff and their immediate family members, the program is designed to provide the support needed to advance academic and professional goals.

Education is a pathway to opportunity, but we recognise that life’s challenges can sometimes stand in the way. Whether it’s pursuing a degree, completing a certificate, or supporting a family member’s education, the VVM Bursary Program aims to make these aspirations attainable.

Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in the growth and development of our team. Here’s to education, opportunity, and the continued success of everyone at VVM!


As we look forward to 2025, we are excited about the new opportunities and challenges that await us. This holiday season, let us take time to celebrate our achievements, recharge, and prepare for another successful year.

The theme of resilience will continue to guide us, reminding us that together, we can overcome any challenge and reach new heights.

Let’s carry the spirit of this season into the new year, embracing each day with enthusiasm and determination. Here’s to a prosperous and inspiring 2025!


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