Absolute Containers was founded in 2008 when our directors pooled 30 years of combined industry experience to acquire and grow an established shipping container business. We serve multiple industries, including the mining, construction, commercial, and NGO sectors, throughout Southern Africa. As the leading container solutions company in South Africa, we offer sales, rentals, custom conversions, in-house panel manufacturing, full project delivery, and compliance certifications, along with a 12-month workmanship warranty.
Our Team
Manco
Service Call
Operations Team
Transport Team
Transport Team
OUR STORY
Our company’s inception is a captivating tale that unfolds with a touch of nostalgia and destiny. Walter Bastard, our visionary Managing Director, spent his formative years immersed in the container business. Nurturing a deep desire to return to the industry. Upon his return to Gauteng in late 2007, the quest for a business opportunity began, driven by a determination to shape his own destiny.
In early 2008, Walter found himself in his hometown of Kokstad for a Bastard family reunion. Amidst the festivities, fate had something extraordinary in store. Walter’s cousin, Roger Newman, became the catalyst for a new chapter in their lives. Over a few shared moments and conversations, a seed was planted for a business venture that would surpass their wildest expectations.
What started as casual discussions during the family gathering soon developed into a tangible vision for the future. The relationship felt serendipitous, and on June 2nd, 2008, Absolute Containers was born − a date that held special significance as it coincided with the birthday of Walter’s late father, John Bastard.
The story continued to unfold with the active involvement of Walter’s wife, Rosalind Bastard, who played a crucial role in the initial start-up phase as the Financial Manager for the first two years of Absolute’s existence. A few years later, an opportunity arose for Roger’s father (Walter’s uncle), Peter Newman, to invest in the business, and his involvement added tremendously to this closely held family business.
Our team exists of a dynamic group of individuals with various skillsets consisting of supply chain management, architecture, construction, engineering, interior decorating, alternative energy and an array of peripheral skills, which allows us to give our clients 100% satisfaction with any shipping container purchased.
At Absolute Containers we pride ourselves on our good core values such as immediate attention to your needs. Being the experts in our field, flexibility and reliability time after time while delivering quality and friendly service to our customers, to ensure their mobile solution requirements are met.
As time passed, the family bond deepened, and the legacy grew stronger. All three of Walter’s children joined the ranks, bringing their unique skills and perspectives to further fortify the family business. Together, they formed a cohesive team, contributing to the ongoing success and progression of Absolute. The spirit of familial dedication and collaboration remains at the heart of our company, shaping its journey and ensuring a lasting legacy.
As Absolute Containers continued to flourish with the united efforts of the family, it became evident that amidst all the milestones and achievements, the most important person at Absolute is, and always will be, the customer. We cherish the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the satisfaction we deliver. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and exceeding customer expectations is at the core of our values. As we continue to grow and develop, our focus on customer-centricity remains unwavering, ensuring that every experience with Absolute Containers is not just a transaction but a testament to our dedication to those who entrust us with their business.
Our Team
To realise our customers' vision, every project is managed by a team whose collective skill set is broader than you would expect from a container solutions company in South Africa — and that breadth is deliberate.
Transport & Service Call Team
- Over 18 years with Absolute Containers, starting as a driver and promoted to Team Leader in 2018.
- Specialist in delivering and offloading 6m and 12m containers, holding a Code EC licence and PDP certification.
- Leads the transport team with a focus on safe, efficient delivery and client satisfaction.
- Widely recognised for his professionalism and calm approach under pressure, consistently praised by customers for going the extra mile.
- Trusted and relied upon to deliver work to the highest standard, often surprising customers with his remarkable offloading skills.
- Over 17 years with Absolute Containers, specialising in the delivery of container rentals and conversions throughout Gauteng and surrounding regions.
- Experienced in offloading 6m and 12m containers, holding a Code EC licence and PDP certification.
- Plays a vital role in the transport team, ensuring safe, efficient deliveries that meet customer timelines.
- Known for his professionalism and dedication to service excellence, consistently building trust with customers through dependable, on-time deliveries.
- A skilled and responsible driver who strives to perform at his best, someone the team and customers can always count on.
- Over 13 years with Absolute Containers, specialising in the safe delivery of container rentals and conversions throughout Gauteng and neighbouring regions.
- Skilled in offloading 6m and 12m containers, holding a Code EC licence and PDP certification.
- Plays an essential role in the transport team, ensuring efficient, on-time deliveries that support effortless customer operations.
- Recognised for his adaptability, positive attitude, and respectful approach, qualities that are essential in the logistics business.
- Consistently praised for his professionalism and customer-focused service, making him a reliable partner for our customers.
- Over 11 years with Absolute Containers, bringing extensive experience in the delivery of container rentals and conversions across Gauteng and surrounding provinces.
- Holds a Code EC licence and PDP certification, with proven expertise in offloading 6m and 12m containers safely and efficiently.
- Known for his steady reliability and deep knowledge of client sites, ensuring smooth operations even in challenging delivery environments.
- Valued for his dependable service and approachable manner, helping customers feel confident during every stage of delivery.
- A professional driver who remains consistent and trustworthy, always representing Absolute Containers with integrity.
- Over 8 years with Absolute Containers, trusted with the delivery of container rentals and conversions throughout Gauteng and neighbouring provinces.
- Holds a Code EC licence and PDP certification, with proven skill in complex offloading of 6m and 12m containers on diverse sites.
- Brings a strong focus on precision and safety, ensuring containers are positioned exactly to customer requirements.
- Valued for his dedication, professionalism, and administrative skills, he is a standout contributor within the transport team.
- Recognised for his approachable manner and commitment to doing his best, consistently supporting customer confidence.
- Over 3 years with Absolute Containers, trusted with the delivery of container rentals and conversions throughout Gauteng and neighbouring provinces.
- Holds a Code EC licence and PDP certification, with proven skill in offloading 6m and 12m containers on diverse sites.
- Began his career with Absolute Containers, then relocated to another province, and rejoined the team upon returning to Gauteng, bringing renewed commitment and valuable external experience.
- Known for his precision and safety-first approach, ensuring containers are positioned exactly to customer requirements.
- Dependable, trustworthy, and self-disciplined, Valley is a respected member of the transport team who can always be counted on.
- With over 9 years with Absolute Containers, Sirano is dedicated to supporting rental customers throughout Gauteng with fast, reliable service.
- Always ready with his service bakkie, ensuring quick response times to keep rental units fully operational.
- Focuses on maintenance and continuity, assisting customers with on-site issues to minimise downtime (excluding customer-caused damages).
- Recognised for his speed, professionalism, and customer-first approach, helping rental customers stay up and running with confidence.
- A true team player whose commitment to customer satisfaction and doing work to the best of his ability makes him invaluable to the rental service team.
Sales Team
- Over 11 years of experience in sales and administration, delivering efficient service and building strong customer relationships.
- Specialises in supporting Absolute Containers' panel customers, with a strong focus on speed, accuracy, and quality service, while assisting across the full product range.
- Plays a vital role in processing enquiries and sales requirements, ensuring customers receive timely and effective solutions.
- Recognised for her professionalism and customer-first approach, making her a trusted partner committed to outstanding customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Over 8 years of experience in sales and customer administration, delivering responsive service and building strong customer relationships.
- Specialises in container rentals and outright sales solutions, confidently assisting customers across the full Absolute Containers product range.
- Plays a pivotal role in managing enquiries, identifying tailored solutions, and ensuring a smooth customer journey from first contact through to delivery.
- Recognised for her professionalism and approachable style, making her a trusted advisor who encourages long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Brings over 8 years of experience in sales administration, providing efficient support and exceptional service to customers across multiple industries.
- Passionate about the full Absolute Containers product range, with a particular strength in the technical aspects of container conversion solutions.
- Guides customers through every stage of their project, ensuring requirements are understood and matched with the right product and conversion specifications.
- Known for her energetic personality and reliability, consistently delivering service excellence and building confidence with both customers and colleagues.
Operations Team
- One of Absolute Containers' longest-serving employees, with over 17 years of service, playing an integral role in the growth of the operations department.
- Leads the yard with extensive technical knowledge of container handling, workflow coordination, and daily operational activities.
- Acts as the central point of coordination between yard, production, transport, and management, ensuring work flows efficiently and safely.
- Renowned for his exceptional memory, technical expertise, and attention to detail, making him a trusted source of knowledge and a dependable mentor.
- Affectionately known as “Longman” due to his towering height, Newten's larger-than-life presence is matched by humility, experience, and a willingness to help others.
- Brings a strong background in construction, site management, and operational coordination, making a significant impact during his first three years with Absolute Containers.
- Plays an essential role in maintaining yard operations, safety compliance, security improvements, facility management, site management, and operational planning.
- Has successfully overseen numerous improvement projects, including office upgrades, yard organisation, staff safety systems, and off-site operational support.
- Recognised for his calm, mature, and solutions-focused approach, providing stability and leadership in a fast-paced environment.
- Away from work, Jacques is a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, reflecting his appreciation for precision, engineering, and craftsmanship in the pride he takes in his work.
- A highly experienced production leader responsible for the day-to-day management of Absolute Containers' panel manufacturing operations.
- Oversees production planning, SAP reporting, quality control, technical support, and workflow coordination to ensure efficient and consistent performance.
- Plays an instrumental role in supporting operations, assisting customers with technical information and quotations, and providing accurate production reporting to management.
- Known for his organisation, clear communication, and proactive leadership style, ensuring production targets are consistently achieved.
- John's discipline, consistency, and professionalism set a standard that inspires those around him.
- Brings valuable leadership, management, and teaching experience to the Rentals and Operations Department, strengthening both customer service and internal processes.
- Oversees the rental fleet, coordinating customer requirements, scheduling, repairs, and operational planning to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Quickly established herself as an important member of the Operations team, introducing structure, organisation, and a proactive approach to rental management.
- Known for her enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to build strong working relationships across departments.
- Bianca's patience, empathy, and caring nature are evident in every interaction, encouraging positive relationships with colleagues and customers alike.
Management Committee (MANCO)
Our Management Committee provides strategic oversight and governance, ensuring Absolute Containers operates with integrity, compliance, and financial discipline.
Walter Bastard
Managing Director & Founder
18 years of service
Jemma Jansen van Vuuren
Chief Operating Officer & Director
18 years of service
Dean Rutherford
Chief Technical Officer
13 years of service
Rory Smith
Operations Manager
12 years of service
Niche Da Silva
Leasing & Logistics Officer
8 years of service
Natasha Mulder
Head of Financial Operations
5 years of service
Claudia Shatkovsky
Sales & Marketing Manager
4 years of service
Our Long-Serving Yard Team
Our Yard Team is the backbone of daily operations — preparing, maintaining, and dispatching containers with precision. Many team members have served for over a decade, ensuring continuity, quality, and customer confidence.
15 Years of Service and More
Lovy Mushavi18 yrs
Dorah Mtau18 yrs
Michael Mdidimba18 yrs
John Ndhlovu18 yrs
Isaac Fhathuwani18 yrs
Gideon Kgonothi17 yrs
Newten Dzingai17 yrs
Johannes Koto17 yrs
Paul Dangirwa17 yrs
Norman Davhana16 yrs
10–14 Years of Service
Eric Ratabane14 yrs
Melitah Raphetane14 yrs
Johannes Djiane14 yrs
Mthobisi Douglas Nkonde14 yrs
Joel Motshabi14 yrs
Stanley Davhana14 yrs
Joseph Raganya13 yrs
Morris Chuene13 yrs
Ntai Samuel Ledingwana12 yrs
Handsome Ngwenya11 yrs
Sirano Manwere10 yrs
We look forward to proudly celebrating their 20-year milestones in 2028 — a testament to the loyalty and strength of our Yard Team.
Our Centurion Facility
We offer a fully equipped, in-house conversion facility at our Centurion premises. Not only do we modify containers and manufacture prefabricated structures according to customer specifications, but we also produce Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) on-site, giving us direct control over quality, lead times, and customisation. One of our highly specialised and high-end product offerings is the A-SIP building system, an advanced construction technology engineered to meet the requirements of the South African National Standards (SANS) and the National Building Code. Performance specifications include:
- Compliant with SANS 10400 (National Building Code)
- 30-minute fire rating for wall assemblies
- Insulation rating of R2.2
- Sound reduction of 45dB
We supply construction materials based on the customer's detailed material schedule, ensuring that all supplied materials meet the project specifications.
Contact Our TeamCompliance and Certification
At Absolute Containers, compliance is a core commitment to our customers and the communities in which our structures are used.
- Agrément Approval: Our A-SIP Building Systems have been independently tested and approved by Agrément South Africa under certificate number 2016/517.
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC): Where required, a CoC is issued for electrical and related installations.
- CSC Certificate: Shipping-worthy containers that need to be exported can be issued with a CSC (Container Safety Convention) certificate on request.
- 12-Month Workmanship Warranty: Every conversion and prefabricated structure delivered by us is backed by a 12-month workmanship warranty, reflecting our confidence in the quality of our manufacturing and installation processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will find us at 18 Sesmylspruit Street, Sunderland Ridge in Centurion. While our manufacturing and operations are based in Gauteng, we deliver throughout Southern Africa.
We have actively been in the container industry since 2008. Our directors have brought an additional 30 years of combined prior expertise when they established the company, meaning the knowledge base behind Absolute Containers runs considerably deeper than our founding date alone suggests.
No. Almost no shipping containers are manufactured in South Africa any longer. We therefore source our containers either as new (one-trip) units brought into the country or as quality second-hand units from established suppliers. What we manufacture in-house, at our Centurion facility, are our Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and prefabricated structures, and we carry out every container conversion and modification ourselves. This gives us direct control over the quality, lead times, and customisation of everything we build, while the containers themselves come from trusted, verified sources.
We are a registered, compliant business operating from a fixed commercial address in Pretoria. You can verify our legitimacy by contacting us directly on our landline 012 940 0090 or visiting our physical premises at 18 Sesmylspruit Street, Sunderland Ridge, Centurion.
When visiting, please report to reception on arrival, where a member of our team will assist you. Our sales executives meet customers on the premises rather than outside the property, which helps ensure that you are dealing directly with an authorised representative of our company.
Our Clients’ Experiences
“Nesa Engineering (Pty) Ltd and Nesa Power (Pty) Ltd have rented containers from Absolute Containers for many years, and we continue to value their excellent speed and service. Whether we require rental storage, containers for hire or high-quality converted containers for specialised projects, Absolute Containers has always delivered promptly and professionally. Their reliability, attention to detail, and ability to provide both standard rental units and custom converted containers make them our trusted partner in container solutions”.
Jean van der Schyf
“Absolute Containers has been supplying container solutions to the Bright Kid Foundation for over ten years. During this time, they have consistently provided reliable service and quality products that have supported our work. We value our long-standing relationship with Absolute Containers and are pleased to recommend them. Their professionalism and commitment have made them a trusted partner to our organisation”.
Nicholas Jaff, CEO
“If I could rate them 6 stars, I absolutely would. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to hire or purchase a container. You won’t be disappointed! From sales, viewing, and selecting our container, the service was absolutely outstanding. Every step was handled with professionalism and care. The delivery team was just as impressive, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. We received our container within 48 hours of making the payment! That level of efficiency is rare and truly appreciated. Their service is phenomenal!”
Leandri Kotze
