The Strength of the Wolf is in the Pack: Reflections on Purposeful Networking at S-Group Durban
Updated: Aug 12
By Grant Adlam
I am sitting here at the Radisson Blu uMhlanga following today’s inaugural S-Group Business Networking Event in Durban, looking across the room, and I am powerfully reminded of why I am so passionate about our province's economic resilience.
Held under the theme "The Art of Networking: How to Build, Leverage and Unlock the Power of Your Network," today’s gathering brought to life a philosophy we champion every single day in our community: “The strength of the wolf is in the pack”. Brought to us in partnership with City Glass and Aluminium, and supported by Radisson Blu Umhlanga, Scan Global Logistics, Kgalagadi Holdings, and Edison Corporation, the afternoon created a trusted room where relationships could be built across regions, sectors, and industries.
As S-Group Co-Founder Tonderai Chavhanga rightly noted, "The right relationship, made in the right room, can open a door, unlock an opportunity and change the direction of a business".
On the Stage: The Hosts, Moderator, and Panelists
Tonderai Chavhanga: Former Springbok rugby player and Co-Founder of The S-Group, who hosted the afternoon and welcomed guests with a strong message on discipline, resilience, and relationship-led opportunity.
Teddy Khuzwayo: Founder of Alphabeta Capital, Chartered Accountant CA(SA), and founder of Mzansi Unicorns Podcasts, who served as the Master of Ceremonies and moderator for the panel discussion.
Rob Hersov: Founder and Chairman of The S-Group. Rob was a primary drawcard on stage, sharing unfiltered insights on how high-calibre networks, trust, and strategic access can unlock capital and partnerships across markets.
Vivian Reddy and Brian Mpono: Vivian Reddy is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation. A standout, lighthearted, yet deeply impactful moment of the programme came when Brian Mpono, CEO of Edison Group, stepped up to deliver the keynote on Vivian’s behalf. Welcoming everyone to his home at Oceans uMhlanga with comic warmth and executive poise, Brian represented the bold, transformative coastal vision of the Edison Power Group.
Lindiwe Rakharebe: Chief Executive Officer of the Durban International Convention Centre, who shared her institutional perspective on the power of convening and stakeholder relationships. It is wonderfully coincidental that we have previously given Lindiwe the honour of the mother of the house and a KZN Top Business Award, simply for being the remarkable leader that she is.
In the Audience: A Powerful KZN Top Business Presence
What was especially encouraging to see was the formidable KZN Top Business presence in the room, from our leading women in business to seasoned corporate heads and regional infrastructure pioneers. Looking around the tables, the continuity of KZN's leadership was on full display:
Terry Rosenberg: Sitting in the same ecosystem, you had Terry, whose relentless early vision and public-private partnership helped give birth to the Durban ICC, alongside Lindiwe operating it today as a global economic engine. That is living continuity of leadership.
Virosh Singh: A vital presence in the room representing Construction for Africa, showcasing agile, black-empowered building across KwaZulu-Natal.
Carl Henriksen: Head of Commercial Banking KZN at Standard Bank, representing the crucial financial backbone required to scale enterprise and turn regional infrastructure visions into commercial reality.
Dawn Dunn and Claudette Sigamoney: Outstanding community connectors and KZN Top Business ladies in the audience, who embody the spirit of bringing like-minded professionals together to champion local enterprise.
Grant Adlam’s Takeaway: The True Art of "How Can I Help You?"
If there is one overriding message I want everybody to take home from today’s networking process, and what "the strength of the pack" truly means, it comes down to intention.
True networking does not start with asking what you can get out of a transaction. It starts by opening a conversation with "How can I help you?"
When you step into a room, you have to genuinely want to help people succeed without immediately expecting something in return, with no demanding instant commissions, no waiting for a transactional backhand, and no strings attached. If you do not mean the offer of help genuinely from the heart, do not extend it in the first place.
We all know how the universe works. When you contribute selflessly to the pack and connect people with authenticity, the universe always balances the ledger and returns that positive energy in one way or another. However, you must never expect it upfront.
Closing Thoughts
This was a well-rounded, genuinely inspiring afternoon of high-value networking. A massive congratulations and thank you to Rob Hersov, Tonderai Chavhanga, Teddy Khuzwayo, and the entire S-Group team for having the foresight to host such positive, purposeful meetings for our business community.
KZN is open for business, built on trust, and driven by leaders who invest in each other's future. Here is to the power of the pack. 🚀📈
