New CEO for eBucks

Jolandé Duvenage

Duvenage is one of the original eBucks team members responsible for launching eBucks.com in 2000, and has played an integral role in the company's success over the 10 years she has been with the company.

She has occupied several key senior management positions within eBucks, and was responsible for the successful negotiation and implementation of numerous key projects including launching FNB's internet offering in all its African subsidiaries and offering the only website in South Africa to sell the country's lottery tickets.

Prior to her appointment as CEO, Duvenage was executive head of Innovation, where she was responsible for developing alternate revenue streams for the programme.

An honoured Duvenage says, "There are many great projects that we are busy with and I hope to further complement the eBucks team's efforts by ensuring the continued growth of the business through people development and innovation."

Future of the industry

Commenting on the South African rewards industry, Duvenage says that the landscape is rapidly changing and that offering significant value will distinguish programmes that have a true impact from those that don't.

"A few years ago there weren't all that many programmes in existence but FNB took the leap and gave eBucks the necessary support and investment," she explains. Today, FNB is reaping the benefits.

Sha believes that rewards programmes in South Africa are going to become a lot more targeted in what they offer and, while many currently only benefit a small group of people, the key will be to create wider appeal and make them relevant to lower income groups.

"The increase in programmes, and greater commitment from companies has really matured the market and created some healthy competition."

This means the challenge to drive differentiation and value for customers and the various stakeholders in these loyalty programmes is more important than ever before. Duvenage says that this is a driving force for her and her team as she plans to keep eBucks at the forefront of the industry, while remaining valuable to members and partner organisations.

Duvenage succeeds Lezanne Human, who, after six years at the helm of eBucks, has assumed the position of CEO of IPH / Premier at First National Bank.