Pria Hassan

Pria Hassan is the founder and group executive chairperson of Women of Africa. She sits as an advocate on various Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed entities and on numerous boards. Founded in 2003, Women of Africa spans sectors such as energy, logistics, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, and construction.

Pria hails from Overport in KwaZulu-Natal and grew up in a household where her father, an entrepreneur, and her mother, a traditional woman with strong values and discipline, set the stage for her ambitions. She recalls, “My upbringing was influenced by living with my grandmother and uncle in Reservoir Hills, which I believe is where I developed my militant behaviour. I’m a tough leader, and my schooling at Howard College Law School, followed by further education at the University of Pretoria, played a role in shaping that.”

Over time, Pria’s aspirations have evolved. “I began with dreams of becoming a high-powered lawyer, then shifted towards wanting to be a Bollywood or Hollywood actress,” she admits with a chuckle. “However, my path led me to focus on transforming business and revolutionising sectors, particularly in energy. It wasn’t just about profitability; it was about breaking down barriers and transferring my skillset to women eager to enter industries from which we’ve been traditionally marginalised.” She is proud of her efforts to challenge stereotypes, using her platform to inspire other women and leave a lasting legacy. “The common belief is that women have arrived, given the special laws that grant us entry into the market, but the truth is we are still waiting at the door for a seat at the table. I want to teach women to build their own tables,” she asserts. Pria encourages young women to believe in themselves, celebrate their uniqueness, and take risks. “Each failure is just a new opportunity,” she advises.

Bringing Heart
Pria’s journey has taken her across South Africa and beyond. “I lived in Johannesburg, working as chief legal counsel for a major organisation. But after a traumatic incident where my home was broken into and my nanny murdered, I reached rock bottom,” she shares. “I realised then that despite the adrenaline rush of Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal was where my heart lay. I needed to come home, not only to be nurtured by my family but to establish a brand that would resonate with my roots.” This realisation led to the birth of Women of Africa, which began as an investment in logistics and energy and later expanded into multiple sectors.

Her mother played a crucial role in motivating her during tough times. “When you hit rock bottom, no one can pick you up like your mother. She gives you that push that really shakes you and makes you get your act together,” Pria says. Her inspirations extend to international figures, particularly Indra Nooyi. “I admire Indra because she’s pragmatic, empathetic, and brings heart into business. She resonates with me, and she’s taught me to be a confident leader who uses influence to impact the lives of others,” she adds.

Under Pria’s leadership, the Women of Africa group has evolved but has remained true to its core values. “We’ve changed in terms of the sectors we operate in, but I’ve stuck to the principle of adding intrinsic value,” she explains. “I don’t just look at the chaos in the market; I focus on how I can add value in my sphere, with a long-term vision that spans decades rather than just seeking quick returns.”

Navigating the oil and petroleum industry as a woman has been no easy feat. “The glass ceiling is tough, with alpha male stereotypes that limit entry,” Pria explains. “But with the support of male leaders who believed in transformation, I managed to overcome those early challenges.” Leadership issues persist, particularly in an environment as culturally diverse as KwaZulu-Natal. “We have a certain ego that influences how we operate, but I’ve worked to restructure that, welcoming more women into executive roles. The resilience of the team has been key,” she says.

“Maintaining a healthy balance sheet in the midst of chaos is an achievement I’m proud of, and I owe it to a great team of women,” Pria says. The group’s recognition as trailblazers, including winning the Platts Global Energy Women of the Year award and the Bharat Gaurav Award for Women CEOs making a difference, are testaments to their efforts. “I’m proud of how we’ve accelerated in our business and fostered good governance practices, transparency, and a culture of mentorship for other women entrepreneurs,” she remarks.

Change the Mindset
Community involvement is another pillar of Pria’s ethos. “We’re engaged in various projects, especially in sports like soccer, netball, and volleyball, supporting children who lack the resources to showcase their talents,” she says. “Our focus extends to teaching women not just to seek funding but to uplift their communities. As part of the Midlands Entrepreneurship School, we aimed to change the mindset of young people towards entrepreneurship. Changing the economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal is a priority for me,” she adds.

Reflecting on South Africa’s challenges, including natural disasters, she urges others to invest in personal well-being and education. “I’m in my 50s, but I’m not ready to retire. Instead, I’ve launched a foundation dedicated to supporting communities affected by disasters, as well as advocating for gender-based violence awareness,” she shares.

Pria’s philanthropic vision extends to addressing broader issues. “I want to focus on male empowerment, particularly concerning mental health and suicide rates, and support young boys. Creating an ethos of future philanthropy is my goal,” she says. Plans to write an autobiography and embrace her new role as a grandmother are also on the horizon.

Pria’s focus now is on continuous learning and self- improvement, with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-care. “It took therapy and coaching to give myself permission to relax. As a woman in business, there’s no time to pause, but now I meditate for mental clarity, read, and travel. I enjoy simple pleasures like walking and spending time with my husband,” Pria concludes.