Shabir Chohan: From Spice Roots to Banking Leadership and Societal Impact
- Ange Alderton
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Shabir Chohan, CEO of Al Baraka Bank, takes pride in his roots, tracing back to the family business, Chohan Spice, founded by his grandfather. Despite his early involvement in the spice trade, Shabir pursued his dream of becoming a chartered accountant, inspired by financial statements from his father's companies. Overcoming apartheid-era educational barriers, he excelled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, topping his class in 1986. After qualifying, Shabir joined Coopers and Lybrand, gaining invaluable international experience in London. Returning to South Africa, he transitioned to the Banco Group and later the Ithala Development Finance Corporation, where he became CEO, facing and overcoming significant challenges.
At Al Baraka Bank, Shabir is dedicated to strategic growth and societal good, aiming to make the bank accessible to all. His leadership transformed the bank through collaborative strategies and execution, focusing on progress over perfection. Shabir emphasizes teamwork, inspired by the Zulu proverb, "If you want to go far, go together," and draws inspiration from impactful figures like Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman. He envisions a prosperous future for KwaZulu-Natal, driven by its unique strengths, urging local citizens to actively shape it. Guided by the motto "It's not your aptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude," Shabir is committed to leaving a legacy of service and improvement for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
