Nine Women, Nine Stories, One Remarkable Cohort
By Chelsea Morford
By the second KZN Top Business Women photoshoot and interview day, the 2026 cohort was beginning to feel like more than a collection of accomplished individuals. It was becoming a community of women with different experiences, industries and perspectives, but plenty of shared ambition and purpose.
This past Thursday, we welcomed our second group of women to the Coastlands Skye Hotel in Umhlanga for a day of professional portraits, interviews and, just as importantly, conversation.
From the boardroom to the racetrack, from healthcare and property to construction, sustainability, human resources, law and professional training, the women who joined us represented an impressive cross-section of KwaZulu-Natal’s professional landscape.
Dr Anuschka Coovadia brought an exceptional breadth of experience to the day. Alongside her role as Managing Partner of Usizo Advisory Solutions, she serves on the Busamed Clinical Advisory Committee, is a Board Member of Durban Girls’ College and Dis-Chem Pharmacies, sits on the CAPRISA Investment Committee, and is Chairperson of the Board of the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital Trust. Her career reflects the impact that thoughtful leadership and governance can have across multiple sectors.
In the property space, Tracy Maharaj, Director, Chas Everitt PMC & Izinga joined us to share her experience and perspective on an industry where strong relationships, strategic thinking and long-term vision are essential.
The sporting world was represented by Annie Batchelder, Race Director of the Amashova National Classic. Her role extends beyond organising a major cycling event; she is part of the team helping to preserve and grow one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most recognisable sporting traditions.
Adv. Anastasia Mashobane, Founder and CEO of Mashobane Advisory Services, brought her expertise in legal, governance, compliance and advisory services to the conversation. Through her work, as well as the Mashobane Training and Mentorship Academy, she is also passionate about developing people and creating opportunities for others to grow.
From professional services to the construction sector, Nothando Trace Khowa, Managing Director of Umbilo Express Plant Hire, shared her experience of leading a business that provides plant and equipment hire, delivery, collection and maintenance services to keep construction and infrastructure projects moving.
Sustainability was another important part of the day's diverse representation. Belinda Putterill, Managing Director of USE-IT, works at the intersection of waste beneficiation, economic development and the circular economy, demonstrating how environmental challenges can also create opportunities for innovation and growth.
Wendy Thembeka Dlomo, Managing Director of The Living Collective, brought her own experience and perspective to the group, adding another distinctive voice to the conversations taking place throughout the day.
People and organisational development were also strongly represented. Lorrel Shaik Mahomed, Managing Director of LM HR Consultants, has more than 24 years of HR leadership experience across industries including education, healthcare, construction and agriculture, with expertise spanning HR compliance, workforce development, strategic hiring and talent acquisition.
Rounding out the group was Kholeka Mtolo, Founder and Managing Director of Basadi Training SA. Founded in 2017, the Durban-based, 100% black woman-owned business provides training in areas including occupational health and safety, first aid and fire-fighting. With 17 years of experience in the training industry, Kholeka has built her work around equipping people with practical skills and meaningful opportunities for development.
While the professional achievements of the nine women are undoubtedly impressive, it was the conversations between the formal sessions that really brought the day to life.
There was laughter, plenty of personality, shared experiences and the opportunity to discover the stories behind the titles and businesses. Women from completely different industries found common ground, exchanged ideas and made new connections − a reminder that some of the most valuable moments at a business event happen away from the formal programme.
And, of course, the cameras were working throughout the day. Alongside the professional portraits that will feature in the coffee-table book, the interviews gave each woman an opportunity to reflect on her journey, achievements, challenges and aspirations.
The photographs and editorial profiles from the photoshoots will form part of the 2026 KZN Top Business Women coffee-table book, creating a lasting record of the 40 women who make up this year's cohort.
Two photoshoot days down, and there is already a wonderful sense of anticipation building.
We have more inspiring women to meet, more stories to hear and plenty more conversations to be had before we bring the full cohort together for the KZN Top Business Women evening on 19 November 2026.
For now, we’re simply grateful for another day filled with good food, great energy, meaningful conversations, and remarkable women.
