A Day of Connection, Conversation and Women in Business
Updated: Sep 22
By Chelsea Morford
The first KZN Top Business Women photoshoot and interview day got the 2026 cohort off to a vibrant start, bringing together 14 accomplished women from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds.
Hosted at the beautiful Coastlands Skye Hotel in Umhlanga, the day was about far more than portraits and interviews. Between professional photographs and insightful conversations, there was plenty of opportunity for connection, collaboration and getting to know the women behind some of KwaZulu-Natal’s inspiring businesses and organisations. Good food, lively conversation and plenty of energy made for a memorable first day.
The diversity of expertise represented was particularly striking, with women leading and contributing to sectors ranging from luxury fashion, healthcare and property to construction, finance, law, engineering, agriculture and media….
The first-day participants were:
Sita Hiralal | Amor Couture – Founder and Creative Director, bringing creativity and individuality to luxury fashion and styling.
Dietlyn Bekker | RE/MAX Panache – Sales Associate with a strong connection to the North Coast property market.
Sharika Sukhu | Platinum Funeral Group – Financial Director, combining financial expertise with strategic and empathetic leadership.
Thobekile Ndlovu | Thobethulani Trading – Managing Director and Founder, with more than two decades of experience across construction, building and infrastructure development.
Verusha Govender | OSR Projects & Consulting – CEO and Co-Founder, working across construction, property development and innovative digital solutions.
Sithembile Mdlalose | Quems Consulting – Founder and CEO, specialising in strategic business transformation and organisational development.
Prakashnie Govender | Kingdom Slots – General Manager and Chartered Accountant, bringing financial acumen and people-centred leadership to the gaming and entertainment industry.
Dr Bhavna Jugadoe | Ribumed Medical Care, – Specialist Ophthalmologist & Lead Practitioner striving for accessible, patient-centred healthcare.
Elzani Broughton | Serfontein & Richards – Attorney and Director representing the professional services sector with confidence and expertise.
Tanya Visser | The Gardener – Editor of The Gardener and Die Tuinier magazines and TV host of The Gardener & various other shows.
Cathy Ngobeni | KHOM & MAKH Testing Solutions – Founder and Managing Director, specializing in petroleum and effluent water testing.
Caitlin Slade | Cox Yeats – Associate in construction and insurance litigation.
Arashnee Ramjuguth | Refresha Trading Enterprises – Founder and CEO, building a successful custom-branded hydration business while creating local opportunities and promoting environmental awareness.
Bernice Faure | Health with Bernice – Founder and Lead Practitioner, focused on personalised health coaching, nutrition and sustainable wellness.
Each woman brought her own story, perspective and personality to the day, making the sessions as engaging behind the scenes as they were in front of the camera.
The photographs and editorial profiles captured during these sessions will form part of the 2026 KZN Top Business Women coffee-table book, celebrating the achievements, experiences and journeys of all 40 women in this year’s cohort.
With the first day setting such a positive tone, we’re looking forward to welcoming the next group of women to Coastlands Skye Hotel tomorrow.
The journey to the KZN Top Business Women evening on 19 November 2026 has officially begun − and we can’t wait to celebrate these remarkable women together.
Visit our socials to follow with the journey:
