Bill Venter’s persistence and innovation took him from penniless pupil to an electronic and telecoms legend in South African business.
William “Bill” Peter Venter is a South African business legend best known for founding and expanding Allied Electronics Group, more commonly known as Altron.While he received a first class pass with an average mark of more than 70%, Venter’s parents could not afford to send him to university.
Following his training at the Post Office, Venter joined the multi-national telecommunications group STC as a telecoms engineer. By the age of 31, he was made STC Group marketing manager. Allied Electric was one of the first South African-controlled electrical, electronics, and telecommunications companies and would serve as Venter’s avenue for helping South Africa become independent of foreign control in those areas.It began with designing and manufacturing semi-conductor rectifier equipment, battery chargers, inverters, variable speed drives, DC motor controls, DC power supplies, electronic signal equipment, and transformers.
Bill served as CEO of Altron until 2001, when his son Robbie took over the reins. He remained on the Altron board until 2018, over half a century since he founded the company.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa: Poor South African Households Can't Afford Nutritious FoodAnalysis - Food insecurity is a feature of life for millions of South Africans. Food insecurity refers to a lack of regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for average growth and development and an active and healthy life. This may be due to unavailability of food or a lack of resources to buy it.
Read more »
A billion-dollar South African tech empire built from R100With a R100 in his pocket and lucrative reseller agreements with Vodacom and MTN, a South African built a multi-national technology empire.
Read more »
Predictions that the South African economy will start growing again are proving correctHas the tide finally turned on the economy? While early days, it seems that a new business-friendly coalition government has wrested back control of economic policy from the suffocating clutches of Luthuli House. Investors are cautiously optimistic.
Read more »
Fourth Annual South African Social Media AwardsCelebrating digital excellence and honouring digital pioneers
Read more »
Physical Education to make a comeback in South African schoolsSports, Arts, and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has announced plans to reinstate Physical Education (PE) as a full subject in schools.
Read more »
ANC eyes Tshwane and good news for South African railHere are 5 important things happening in South Africa today (20 August 2024).
Read more »