Philips South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
195 Main Road Martindale 2092 Johannesburg, South Africa

Philips Electronics N.V. first established a presence in South Africa in 1929. Specifically:

• The first Philips company was established in South Africa in 1929, initially selling imported radio sets and parts.
• The company started by importing and selling radio equipment, then began radio assembly operations in South Africa in 1938.
• During World War II (1939-1945), Philips supported South Africa's war effort by manufacturing strategic items like aircraft battery chargers.
• The 1950s saw an expansion of Philips' radio manufacturing in South Africa, along with the introduction of other consumer products.
• Major expansion of Philips' operations in South Africa occurred in the 1960s, including the opening of a large radio and lamp factory near Johannesburg in 1965.
• In 1979, South African Philips celebrated its 50th anniversary, indicating that its presence in the country dates back to 1929.

• Philips continued its operations in South Africa during the 1980s, despite international pressure and sanctions against the apartheid regime.

Today Philips South Africa offers a range of consumer products, including personal care items, home appliances, and healthcare solutions. They position themselves as a company that supports everyday heroes and improves lives. Their website emphasizes their commitment to innovation, quality, and convenience. While specific details about their corporate structure and social responsibility initiatives are limited, Philips South Africa appears to align with the global company's values.

A Detailed History of Philips South Africa

Early Years and Expansion (1929-1970s)
Philips' presence in South Africa dates back to 1929 when the first company was established. Initially, the focus was on importing and selling radio sets and parts. However, by 1938, Philips had begun assembling radios locally. The company contributed to the South African war effort during World War II by manufacturing strategic items such as aircraft battery chargers.

The 1950s witnessed a significant expansion of Philips' operations in South Africa, with increased radio manufacturing and the introduction of new consumer products. This growth continued into the 1960s, culminating in the opening a large radio and lamp factory near Johannesburg in 1965.

Diversification and Challenges (1970s-1980s)

In the 1970s, Philips further diversified its operations in South Africa. Television manufacturing commenced in 1974, and the company expanded its involvement in the lighting industry through participation in local lamp factories and the establishment of its plant in Rosslyn. However, the Rosslyn plant faced challenges due to its location in a "border area" under the apartheid government's Bantustan policy. Despite its intended purpose of creating jobs for black Bantustan labour, the plant struggled and was eventually closed in 1978.

Telecommunications and Military Equipment (1970s-1980s)

Philips Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd, a strategic plant fully owned by the Philips group, became a significant player in South Africa's telecommunications industry. It produced PABX private telephone exchanges, mobile radio systems, and security systems. In 1979, the company acquired Pye Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd, further strengthening its position in the telecommunications market. Both companies were major suppliers to the South African police.

Philips also engaged in military and police equipment supply. The company provided strategic electronic components for military use, including image intensifier tubes, microwave components, radar components, and electronic warfare components. Philips also supplied police radio equipment to South African security forces, contributing to the apartheid regime's capabilities.

Trading Activities and Strategic Importance (1970s-1980s)

In addition to manufacturing, Philips engaged in various trading activities in South Africa. Philips Data Systems (Pty) Ltd was established to market small computers, peripheral equipment, and computer services. The Professional Products Division imported and marketed a wide range of scientific and industrial equipment, collaborating with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Philips' operations in South Africa were strategically important. The company served consumer markets, industry, science, and government organizations. However, as a strategic industry, Philips faced pressure from the Pretoria administration to sell a significant portion of its share capital to South African businesses. Philips and other foreign multinationals resisted this, arguing that it would cut South Africa off from valuable know-how and reduce their incentive to support their South African operations.

1980: Established Presence

Philips continued its operations in South Africa during the 1980s, despite international pressure and sanctions against the apartheid regime.

By 1980, Philips had a significant presence in South Africa through its subsidiary South African Philips (Pty) Ltd, with the following characteristics:

• Sales of 225 million rand
• A workforce of 4,500 employees
• 7 manufacturing plants
• Head office in Johannesburg
• Regional offices in Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth

Conclusion

Philips' history in South Africa spans decades and encompasses a wide range of activities, from consumer electronics to military equipment. The company played a significant role in the country's economic and technological development, while also facing challenges related to apartheid and international sanctions. Philips' involvement in military and police equipment supply has been a subject of controversy, highlighting the complex relationship between multinational corporations and politically sensitive regimes. The above describes the history of Philips until 1980.  [1]

Philips' operations in South Africa from the 1980s to the present day require further research. Their current website states Philips South Africa offers a diverse range of consumer products and healthcare solutions, including personal care items, home appliances, and healthcare technology. They position themselves as a company that supports everyday heroes and improves lives. They emphasis innovation, quality, and convenience, targeting middle to upper-income consumers. [2] While not explicitly detailed, Philips South Africa likely aligns with the global company's commitment to social responsibility. To accurately describe the company's history in South Africa during this period, additional research would be necessary.

[1] The Philips Connection, military electronics for South Africa, Sami Faltas Netherlands Anti-Apartheid Movement 1980.
[2] Philips South Africa Website, accessed August 2024.