Ancel Draai Appointed as Managing Director of Applico Training

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 9 NOVEMBER 2023 – Applico Training, a leading player in the HR and payroll industry and also a Sage Training Centre in Western Cape, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ancel Draai as its new Managing Director. Ancel’s extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the field make him a valuable addition to the Applico team.


In his new role, Ancel Draai will play a pivotal role in driving Applico Training’s growth trajectory and further enhancing the HR and payroll sector of AWCape. This announcement comes at an exciting time as Applico Training continues to evolve, following its merger with Lescault and Walderman.


“We are thrilled to welcome Ancel Draai to the Applico family,” said Matthew Lescault, President for AWCape and Applico. “Ancel’s background in HR & Payroll, coupled with his impressive track record in sales, positions him perfectly to lead Applico to new heights. His expertise will not only benefit Applico but also contribute to the overall success of AWCape, a  leading Sage Business Partner.”

Ancel Draai is no stranger to the HR and payroll software industry, boasting over two decades of experience. His accomplishments include introducing various Sage products, such as Sage VIP Premier, Sage 300 People, Sage HR, and Sage One Payroll, to the market during his tenure in the Eastern Cape region.

“I am thrilled to be part of Applico and to lead the way in this exciting journey,” Ancel Draai commented. “My experience has undoubtedly prepared me well for this role, and I am committed to fostering the growth and success of Applico Training and AWCape. With our exceptional team, strong relationships with Sage, our esteemed global parent company, Lescault Walderman, and our valued customers, I am confident that we can reach new heights together.”

In addition to his impressive track record in sales, Ancel has transitioned into management roles, where he has excelled in mentoring senior sales consultants. His dedication to success and collaborative spirit have been key factors in his accomplishments.

Ancel Draai holds a BCom Degree from the University of Port Elizabeth and is a relentless advocate for continuous learning. His adaptability and deep understanding of diverse corporate environments make him a true expert in the industry.

“As one of Sage’s esteemed Platinum Business Partners in South Africa, we are thrilled by their strategic appointment, which signifies a significant leap forward for both AWCape, Applico, and our mutual business endeavours,” says PeterJohn Bishop, VP for Services at Sage Africa and Middle East. “We are confident that this appointment positions AWCape and Applico to provide enhanced value to our customers through exceptional training and professional development opportunities, further solidifying our commitment to excellence.”

Lescault added, “Working closely with Jeff Ryan, the MD for AWCape, I am confident that we will lead both companies to achieve significant success. Ancel’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to success will undoubtedly enrich our collective journey.”