Two call centers that are undergoing rapid growth in the province are Direct Channel and Conexus, she adds. Direct Channel's latest expansion in Randburg will bring its call center capacity to 1800 seats nationally, making it one of SA's largest contact centers. The newly built 600 seat state-of-the-art Randburg call center goes live this month.

Started in March 2004 as a tactical marketing company with a three permanent staff and three call center agents, Conexus has grown over the last 2,5 years, into a full service Customer Interactions Solutions company, providing one-to-one customer contact and relationship management solutions, using media such as call centers, e-mail, SMS, IVR and interactive Web-based solutions and thereby aiming to improve sales, retention, customer satisfaction, quality of information and CRM communication.

Conexus has three main call centers -- Rivonia comprising of 112 stations, Bedfordview comprising of 20 stations and Cape Town consisting of eight stations respectively. These call centers currently generate over 120 000 outbound calls per month, and serve more than 350 clients within the automotive, telecommunication and the financial services industry.

Nationally, Conexus manages 150 000 clients, and has expanded to meet their growing demands and to ensure that effective service level management is maintained to deliver exceptional customer service. 'The growth has been strong and steady off the back of a robust industry and buoyant economy. We endeavor to recruit and develop people who are passionate, enthusiastic and serious about our service,' says Jake Orphen, MD of Conexus.