Rajesh Lutchman

Steeped in the entrepreneurial spirit of South Africa’s East Coast, Rajesh Lutchman has spent over three decades leading with vision, determination, and a relentless work ethic. As chief executive officer of Siyaka, Rajesh has grown the business from a small, dedicated team into a thriving, multi-site enterprise with operations in Durban, Johannesburg, Mauritius, and strategic representation in all major hubs primarily servicing southern Africa and East Africa.

Siyaka is a trusted name in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, providing high-quality printed packaging solutions. From snack packets to detergents and beverages, products with Siyaka’s packaging line the shelves of retail stores across southern Africa – many consumers have likely held a Siyaka-printed item in their hands without even realising it.

“I started with a small team,” Rajesh recalls, “many of whom are still with the company today. Honesty and integrity have shaped our culture. We’ve built a family, bound by a common vision: delivering value-engineered packaging with purpose.”

CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT
Rajesh’s drive for perfection was evident from an early age. For him, printing artwork on paper was never enough – he envisioned packaging that combined consistency, durability, and artisan-like quality at scale. That philosophy remains at the heart of Siyaka’s operations.

Navigating the complexities of the manufacturing world requires more than operational excellence. It calls for foresight, adaptability, and the ability to mitigate risks and remove roadblocks. “You need to see the end at the beginning,” Rajesh says, “and map the path with precision.”

Change is the only constant in the packaging and printing industry – a reality that has led Rajesh on a global journey across Europe and the Americas in pursuit of innovative solutions and cuttingedge technologies. His goal? To enhance the lives of consumers while creating sustainable, wasteefficient packaging that contributes to a healthier planet.

Rajesh is driven not only by curiosity for processes, but by a deep respect for the people behind them. “My passion has always been in developing teams – nurturing a culture where individuals are empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully to continuous improvement.”

Siyaka remains grounded in the same core principles it held at inception: alignment among stakeholders, collaborative problem-solving, and a culture where the best ideas win. Rajesh fosters an environment of psychological safety, co-creation, and shared accountability.

LEAVING A LEGACY
Beyond Siyaka, Rajesh now sits on the board of various industries, including a property development and management portfolio and an investment entity. But for him, success has never been about the numbers. “The greatest investment you can make,” he reflects, “is in something that outlasts you. For me, it’s about leaving a legacy – one that improves the lives of employees, families, suppliers, customers, and consumers alike.”

At Siyaka, succession and leadership development are not taken lightly. “As part of our family tradition, each of our children is encouraged to first gain experience in the open market following their tertiary qualification. Only thereafter, should they express the desire to join the business, do we have that conversation,” explained Rajesh. Following this principle, his two elder sons, Mikhail Lutchman and Luan Lutchman, have both joined the organisation– Luan most recently, following his tenure at Investec.

Grooming tomorrow’s leadership is a profound responsibility. “In passing on what we refer to as the ‘holy grail’, we place strong emphasis on continual improvement (CI) – a principle we uphold alongside innovation, accountability, and strategic thinking.”

SOUL OF A FAMILY BUSINESS
While the organisation is structured and mirrors the operational discipline of a corporate entity, Siyaka proudly retain the agility and soul of a family business. Swift, decisive action on emerging opportunities has long been one of its key differentiators.

Family remains a central pillar. “Every quarter, we retreat as a family to a remote destination – a tradition that serves as a reset, fostering harmony and alignment across both personal and professional spheres,” explains Rajesh.

“Our business endeavours are united by a shared vision and long-term commitment. We remain optimistic, guided by a clear five-year outlook and a focus on delivering lasting impact in emerging markets. Challenges persist, but so do opportunities – and there is much to be done by the next generation of industry leaders.”
Over the years, Rajesh and his team have been honoured with numerous accolades, a testament to their dedication and excellence, and the values we stand for.

He comments, “We remain driven by purpose, united in our mission, and committed to excellence –today, and for the future.”

In conclusion Rajesh says that his business philosophy is guided by his mantra which is:
“Question the status quo. Dare to change it.”