< Back Mariska Grace James

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David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up David White David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." The true value of any organisation is its sustainability, and at the heart of sustainability is good people relationships. DAVID WHITE is an authentic leader with a passion for people development. A highly accomplished businessman, David took a start-up company he founded in 1996, to a listing on the Johannesburg stock exchange in 1998. The company is DRG, and although it delisted shortly after the dotcom era, the company has become an essential service provider in human resource management reporting and compliance services in South Africa. DRG has also become a valuable contact for many foreign companies coming into South Africa, who need the support of a human resource management company to help them set up a solid human resource platform for their business. David further extended his passion for people into co-creating the DRG Leadership Programme. This programme came about after many years in helping companies meet employer HR reporting and compliance responsibilities. David said, "We understood that as much as two thirds of people do not like their jobs nor work environment, and in general companies are as little as 40% productive". This prompted David and his co-director Charles Henzi into action, and now three years later, the DRG leadership model is a highly sought-after programme, bringing purpose into the workplace - the outcome being improved "productivity through people". David's vision and leadership extended further into an organisation called BusinessFit, which provides entrepreneur development services. BusinessFit started in 2012 and is regarded as a leading contributor to entrepreneurial development in South Africa. BusinessFit has mentored approximately 250 entrepreneurs, many of whom have created successful companies. David involves his colleagues and networks in his vision and passions, and has a huge following of entrepreneurs, business leaders and community leaders, who enjoy his desire to help to make the world of business a better place for all. David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." David is inspired by working with authentic business leaders, who create energy and commitment within their teams. "In my view, the true value of any organisation is its sustainability, and at the heart of sustainability is good people relationships. The best companies, the companies that thrive in all business climates, are those with engaged staff and work teams. These companies have people working together, governed by shared values, understanding and identifying with the business model, striving for common goals and outcomes. Seeing employees within the business treat the company as if they were the owners - and holding themselves accountable for results is the reward." David believes that his success has been based on a single-minded approach to his work. "I have learned that what is important in our line of work is to develop long-term strategic partnerships with our clients. We like to work side by side with our clients, sharing our knowledge, and enjoying the successes they achieve. We keep up to date with industry best practice, have absolute integrity, and share our knowledge and expertise." David is a non-executive director of THINK, a nonprofit company established in 2013. Through DRG he provides essential HR services, allowing THINK's founder to focus on conducting research to improve the lives of those affected by TB and HIV. THINK is now a renowned force for government and public health funders to count on, making a difference in policy making and health service delivery locally and internationally. David's expertise within HR policy making and business development has provided the executive team of THINK with mentorship that has enabled the organisation to impact the lives of thousands of people affected by TB and HIV.

Enterprise iLembe is an Economic Development Agency of the iLembe District Municipality mandated to drive economic development and promote trade and investment in the regionEnterprise iLembeLinda MncubeEnterprise iLembe is an Economic Development Agency of the iLembe District Municipality mandated to drive economic development and promote trade and investment in the region. The agency is a registered company in terms of Company’s Act of 1978 and established in terms of the Municipal Systems Act (Section 86C) and is accordingly restricted to act as a municipal entity (Systems Act: Chapter 8A & MFMA Chapter 10 & 11). The philosophy that drives Enterprise iLembe is built on global best practice principles in local economic development. “Local economic development is a participatory process where local people from all sectors work together to stimulate local commercial activity, resulting in a resilient and sustainable economy. It is a tool to help create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for everyone, including the poor and marginalised.” iLembe District is located on the KZN North Coast and is one of the eleven district municipalities of the KwaZulu-Natal province and is also the smallest district municipality in the province, with a total population of approximately 606 000. “Being strategically located between the two major South African harbours of Durban and Richards Bay, iLembe District is located on the primary development corridor in the province of KZN. The close proximity to King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort also connects the district directly to both national and international markets,” said Linda Mncube, Chief Executive Officer at Enterprise iLembe Development Agency. The iLembe District Municipality covers approximately 3 260 square kilometres and is divided into four local municipalities. • KwaDukuza Local Municipality • Ndwedwe Local Municipality • Mandeni Local Municipality • Maphumulo Local Municipality Economic Sectors Notwithstanding the third wave of Covid-19 infections and the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, Enterprise iLembe is upbeat about its potential to draw significant economic investment into the iLembe District region. iLembe District is well-known as a fast-developing premier lifestyle destination and as the home of innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups in tourism, agriculture, property, construction, manufacturing sectors. Renewable energy is an emerging sector that is showing great promise. The District has seen the emergence of new economic drivers in the information and communications technology sector, which creates further opportunities for inclusive growth and job creation. “We have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the opportunities presented by digital technologies, especially in a global economy that is becoming increasingly digital,” commented Mncube. “We are mindful that we also have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the opportunities presented by all sectors, including tourism. We will, therefore, need to find ways to grow the tourism sector in a manner that creates business and employment opportunities across the district with future projects such as the KwaShuShu Hotspring project in Maphumulo, the Nokukhanya Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza and the Sibudu Caves project in Ndwedwe,” Mncube said. He said potential travellers are urged to explore the exquisite and tranquil KZN North Coast with fun and affordable things to do. “Visitors can explore different traditional cultural experiences, animal and reptile farms, nature reserves, walking paths, beach walks and scuba diving, as well as museums, art galleries and art and craft markets.” Business Incubator Facility Enterprise iLembe has a Business Incubator Facility aimed at providing assistance for the start-up and growth stages of entrepreneurs or SMMEs in the district, assisting them with access to technical and business-related skills, necessary for the business growth process. The incubation project has the potential to enhance the viability of small businesses and strengthen local economic development, including youth-focused projects that have the potential to reduce unemployment in the iLembe District. “It is essentially the one-stop shop for all business-related information, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations and facilitating access to funding for SMMEs within the district,” said Mncube. Partnerships Mncube said Enterprise iLembe is grateful to the various sector departments as well as the iLembe family of municipalities for the support received to make the investor experience a seamless and hassle free one. “Enterprise iLembe has the critical mandate of driving and facilitating economic development and growth in the iLembe District. This mandate cannot be executed in isolation and it is, therefore, important that partnerships are developed and maintained with all players, including local municipalities, the private sector, government departments, the local community and international organisations. “We welcome local, national and international support to our iLembe District and look forward to building more collaborative partnerships with other business investors to sustain economic growth and to create business and employment opportunities,” said Mncube. Full Name of Company: iLembe Management Development Agency T/A Enterprise iLembe Nature of Business: Economic Development Agency Date Established: 2006 No. of Employees: 27 VISION To be a leading economic development agency that enables the iLembe district to be a destination of choice for investment, business and tourism. MISSION Working with business, communities and government to drive economic development in the iLembe District to ensure inclusive economic growth and job creation KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Linda Mncube Manager: Tourism, Marketing & Investment Promotion: Cheryl Peters Chief Financial Officer: Sinegugu Mthembu CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Corner Ballito Drive & Link Rd, Ballito Postal Address: P.O. Box 593, Ballito, 4420, KZN Tel: +27 (0)32 946 1256 Fax: +27 (0)32 946 3515 E-mail: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za Website: www.enterpriseilembe.co.za Linda Mncube Best Practice in Local Economic Development Enterprise iLembe is an Economic Development Agency of the iLembe District Municipality mandated to drive economic development and promote trade and investment in the region. The agency is a registered company in terms of Company’s Act of 1978 and established in terms of the Municipal Systems Act (Section 86C) and is accordingly restricted to act as a municipal entity (Systems Act: Chapter 8A & MFMA Chapter 10 & 11). The philosophy that drives Enterprise iLembe is built on global best practice principles in local economic development. “Local economic development is a participatory process where local people from all sectors work together to stimulate local commercial activity, resulting in a resilient and sustainable economy. It is a tool to help create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for everyone, including the poor and marginalised.” iLembe District is located on the KZN North Coast and is one of the eleven district municipalities of the KwaZulu-Natal province and is also the smallest district municipality in the province, with a total population of approximately 606 000. “Being strategically located between the two major South African harbours of Durban and Richards Bay, iLembe District is located on the primary development corridor in the province of KZN. The close proximity to King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort also connects the district directly to both national and international markets,” said Linda Mncube, Chief Executive Officer at Enterprise iLembe Development Agency. The iLembe District Municipality covers approximately 3 260 square kilometres and is divided into four local municipalities. • KwaDukuza Local Municipality • Ndwedwe Local Municipality • Mandeni Local Municipality • Maphumulo Local Municipality Economic Sectors Notwithstanding the third wave of Covid-19 infections and the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, Enterprise iLembe is upbeat about its potential to draw significant economic investment into the iLembe District region. iLembe District is well-known as a fast-developing premier lifestyle destination and as the home of innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups in tourism, agriculture, property, construction, manufacturing sectors. Renewable energy is an emerging sector that is showing great promise. The District has seen the emergence of new economic drivers in the information and communications technology sector, which creates further opportunities for inclusive growth and job creation. “We have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the opportunities presented by digital technologies, especially in a global economy that is becoming increasingly digital,” commented Mncube. “We are mindful that we also have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the opportunities presented by all sectors, including tourism. We will, therefore, need to find ways to grow the tourism sector in a manner that creates business and employment opportunities across the district with future projects such as the KwaShuShu Hotspring project in Maphumulo, the Nokukhanya Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza and the Sibudu Caves project in Ndwedwe,” Mncube said. He said potential travellers are urged to explore the exquisite and tranquil KZN North Coast with fun and affordable things to do. “Visitors can explore different traditional cultural experiences, animal and reptile farms, nature reserves, walking paths, beach walks and scuba diving, as well as museums, art galleries and art and craft markets.” Business Incubator Facility Enterprise iLembe has a Business Incubator Facility aimed at providing assistance for the start-up and growth stages of entrepreneurs or SMMEs in the district, assisting them with access to technical and business-related skills, necessary for the business growth process. The incubation project has the potential to enhance the viability of small businesses and strengthen local economic development, including youth-focused projects that have the potential to reduce unemployment in the iLembe District. “It is essentially the one-stop shop for all business-related information, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations and facilitating access to funding for SMMEs within the district,” said Mncube. Partnerships Mncube said Enterprise iLembe is grateful to the various sector departments as well as the iLembe family of municipalities for the support received to make the investor experience a seamless and hassle free one. “Enterprise iLembe has the critical mandate of driving and facilitating economic development and growth in the iLembe District. This mandate cannot be executed in isolation and it is, therefore, important that partnerships are developed and maintained with all players, including local municipalities, the private sector, government departments, the local community and international organisations. “We welcome local, national and international support to our iLembe District and look forward to building more collaborative partnerships with other business investors to sustain economic growth and to create business and employment opportunities,” said Mncube. Full Name of Company: iLembe Management Development Agency T/A Enterprise iLembe Nature of Business: Economic Development Agency Date Established: 2006 No. of Employees: 27 VISION To be a leading economic development agency that enables the iLembe district to be a destination of choice for investment, business and tourism. MISSION Working with business, communities and government to drive economic development in the iLembe District to ensure inclusive economic growth and job creation KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Linda Mncube Manager: Tourism, Marketing & Investment Promotion: Cheryl Peters Chief Financial Officer: Sinegugu Mthembu CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Corner Ballito Drive & Link Rd, Ballito Postal Address: P.O. Box 593, Ballito, 4420, KZN Tel: +27 (0)32 946 1256 Fax: +27 (0)32 946 3515 E-mail: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za Website: www.enterpriseilembe.co.za Enterprise iLembe Enterprise iLembe is an Economic Development Agency of the iLembe District Municipality mandated to drive economic development and promote trade and investment in the region

Invest Durban delivers a world-class Metro based investor support service, encompassing our four part business mandate, namely investment promotion and marketing; foreign investment identification, attraction and facilitation; FDI aftercare and expansion, plus investment advocacyInvest DurbanInvest Durban was recommended by the Durban City Council and organised private business as the First Stop Shop to stimulate new investment in the Durban metropolis. We act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, and aftercare services between all investment stakeholders. Invest Durban delivers a world-class Metro based investor support service, encompassing our four part business mandate, namely investment promotion and marketing; foreign investment identification, attraction and facilitation; FDI aftercare and expansion, plus investment advocacy. Invest Durban works together with organisations such as the Department of Trade & Industry including Invest SA, Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN), the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the KZN Growth Coalition, and State-Owned Enterprises such as Dube TradePort, the DBSA, IDC, Eskom, ACSA and others. Categories The thrust of Durban’s proposition to attract investors can be put into three broad categories: • Premium Destination; a business and lifestyle environment most conducive to profitable, sustainable, with ample land available • Catalytic Projects, which have the potential to shift the socio-economic landscape and trigger a series of investments across several sectors • Priority Sectors, which receive the focus of planners in a variety of ways, including the creation of clusters and the development of value chains to promote new ventures and investment opportunities. Catalytic Projects Durban is working on a number of large-scale projects that have the potential to make a regional impact. The location of these projects is vital. They must either be on national trade routes or they should help to break down the old apartheid living/working dynamics. Projects are selected for their scale in terms of job creation, investment size and potential revenue creation. Ideally, the projects should include a combination of uses (retail, commercial and housing, for example) and they should fit in with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Point Waterfront Development, for example, fits very well into the category of a catalytic project. Some projections put the potential investment value at R40-billion and the number of permanent jobs to be created at 6 750. It is an ambitious plan that is already linking the city’s beach promenade and the harbour. The Point Waterfront Development offers a property use mix of office space, retail shops, residential dwellings and leisure options. The 55 ha site has already seen significant investment. The new cruise line terminal in the harbour, backing on to the Point, dovetails well with the new atmosphere of the precinct. Other major projects, amongst others, include the: • GO!Durban Transport Oriented Development, which has already received major road upgrades and will be an even greater enabler of trade • Centrum Government Precinct which would formalise the relationship between buildings such as the International Convention Centre (and extensions) and a related hotel, the library, council chambers and the redevelopment of Gugu Dlamini Park • Cornubia integrated human settlement development north of Durban, on 1 300 ha, a partnership between Tongaat Hulett Development, the human settlement departments at national and provincial level and eThekwini municipality • Dube TradePort, the multi-modal facility at King Shaka International Airport Cluster Initiatives Durban has a very diverse economic landscape, within which there are some large-scale enterprises. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is formalised by the large number of cluster initiatives which aim to draw to together experience and expertise from commerce and industry, labour organisations, government and academia. Under manufacturing, the following clusters or programmes are active: • KZN Clothing and Textile Cluster (KZN CTC) • Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) • Durban Chemical Cluster (DCC) • eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) • KZN Furniture Incubator • Agro-processing development programmes Research aims to find out how best to grow particular economic sectors, and in-depth discussions are held about how to develop and grow value chains. The wealth of KwaZulu-Natal is mostly consumed or exported in its raw state - much more could be done to add value through processing. The priority sectors are: • Automotive and allied industries • Logistics and logistics management • ICT and BPS (Information & communication’s technology, plus business process services) • Agri-processing • Life sciences (including pharmaceuticals, medical device manufacturing, plus health facilities) • Tourism asset development Some of these initiatives play to the existing strengths of the regional economy, some seek to exploit newer avenues as in the emphasis on the environment and a growing interest in the oceans’ economy. A variety of projects link tourism, renewable energy generation, recycling and job creation. There are various other broader programmes which have their own goals, but there will be positive spin- offs for the targeted sectors. These schemes include the drive to increase local content, boosting metal fabrication across sectors, the promotion of black industrialists, promoting exports and the over- arching eThekwini Industrial Development Policy Action Plan. Companies operating in these key sectors are invited to contact Invest Durban and benefit from these initiatives! Name of Company: Invest Durban Nature of Business: Investment promotion for eThekwini Municipality Services / Products: “First Stop Shop” to attract, retain, expand and facilitate foreign direct investment into the Durban Metro. We provide marketing support, free investment advisory services, project management assistance, opportunity identification, and regulatory process facilitation to foreign investors, plus local empowerment partners. Date Established: 2001 KEY PERSONNEL Acting Deputy City Manager: Mr. Lihle Phewa HOD: Russell Curtis CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, 11th Floor, Durban, 4001 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1203, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 311 4227 E-mail: invest@durban.gov.za Website: www.invest.durban www.durban.gov.za First Stop Shop Invest Durban was recommended by the Durban City Council and organised private business as the First Stop Shop to stimulate new investment in the Durban metropolis. We act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, and aftercare services between all investment stakeholders. Invest Durban delivers a world-class Metro based investor support service, encompassing our four part business mandate, namely investment promotion and marketing; foreign investment identification, attraction and facilitation; FDI aftercare and expansion, plus investment advocacy. Invest Durban works together with organisations such as the Department of Trade & Industry including Invest SA, Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN), the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the KZN Growth Coalition, and State-Owned Enterprises such as Dube TradePort, the DBSA, IDC, Eskom, ACSA and others. Categories The thrust of Durban’s proposition to attract investors can be put into three broad categories: • Premium Destination; a business and lifestyle environment most conducive to profitable, sustainable, with ample land available • Catalytic Projects, which have the potential to shift the socio-economic landscape and trigger a series of investments across several sectors • Priority Sectors, which receive the focus of planners in a variety of ways, including the creation of clusters and the development of value chains to promote new ventures and investment opportunities. Catalytic Projects Durban is working on a number of large-scale projects that have the potential to make a regional impact. The location of these projects is vital. They must either be on national trade routes or they should help to break down the old apartheid living/working dynamics. Projects are selected for their scale in terms of job creation, investment size and potential revenue creation. Ideally, the projects should include a combination of uses (retail, commercial and housing, for example) and they should fit in with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Point Waterfront Development, for example, fits very well into the category of a catalytic project. Some projections put the potential investment value at R40-billion and the number of permanent jobs to be created at 6 750. It is an ambitious plan that is already linking the city’s beach promenade and the harbour. The Point Waterfront Development offers a property use mix of office space, retail shops, residential dwellings and leisure options. The 55 ha site has already seen significant investment. The new cruise line terminal in the harbour, backing on to the Point, dovetails well with the new atmosphere of the precinct. Other major projects, amongst others, include the: • GO!Durban Transport Oriented Development, which has already received major road upgrades and will be an even greater enabler of trade • Centrum Government Precinct which would formalise the relationship between buildings such as the International Convention Centre (and extensions) and a related hotel, the library, council chambers and the redevelopment of Gugu Dlamini Park • Cornubia integrated human settlement development north of Durban, on 1 300 ha, a partnership between Tongaat Hulett Development, the human settlement departments at national and provincial level and eThekwini municipality • Dube TradePort, the multi-modal facility at King Shaka International Airport Cluster Initiatives Durban has a very diverse economic landscape, within which there are some large-scale enterprises. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is formalised by the large number of cluster initiatives which aim to draw to together experience and expertise from commerce and industry, labour organisations, government and academia. Under manufacturing, the following clusters or programmes are active: • KZN Clothing and Textile Cluster (KZN CTC) • Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) • Durban Chemical Cluster (DCC) • eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) • KZN Furniture Incubator • Agro-processing development programmes Research aims to find out how best to grow particular economic sectors, and in-depth discussions are held about how to develop and grow value chains. The wealth of KwaZulu-Natal is mostly consumed or exported in its raw state - much more could be done to add value through processing. The priority sectors are: • Automotive and allied industries • Logistics and logistics management • ICT and BPS (Information & communication’s technology, plus business process services) • Agri-processing • Life sciences (including pharmaceuticals, medical device manufacturing, plus health facilities) • Tourism asset development Some of these initiatives play to the existing strengths of the regional economy, some seek to exploit newer avenues as in the emphasis on the environment and a growing interest in the oceans’ economy. A variety of projects link tourism, renewable energy generation, recycling and job creation. There are various other broader programmes which have their own goals, but there will be positive spin- offs for the targeted sectors. These schemes include the drive to increase local content, boosting metal fabrication across sectors, the promotion of black industrialists, promoting exports and the over- arching eThekwini Industrial Development Policy Action Plan. Companies operating in these key sectors are invited to contact Invest Durban and benefit from these initiatives! Name of Company: Invest Durban Nature of Business: Investment promotion for eThekwini Municipality Services / Products: “First Stop Shop” to attract, retain, expand and facilitate foreign direct investment into the Durban Metro. We provide marketing support, free investment advisory services, project management assistance, opportunity identification, and regulatory process facilitation to foreign investors, plus local empowerment partners. Date Established: 2001 KEY PERSONNEL Acting Deputy City Manager: Mr. Lihle Phewa HOD: Russell Curtis CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, 11th Floor, Durban, 4001 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1203, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 311 4227 E-mail: invest@durban.gov.za Website: www.invest.durban www.durban.gov.za Invest Durban Invest Durban delivers a world-class Metro based investor support service, encompassing our four part business mandate, namely investment promotion and marketing; foreign investment identification, attraction and facilitation; FDI aftercare and expansion, plus investment advocacy

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Catherine Clark Owner and Founder of The Harvest Table “My journey started twenty years ago when I realised that what I put into my body was what I got out,” she explained. “Together with diet, exercise, keeping stress at bay, laughing every day and having people in my life that I love and respect, keeps me healthy.” Catherine’s story started when she was in matric and started struggling with feeling really tired all the time to the extent that she could not complete a school day. “This was a really tough time for myself and my family as I was driven to do well at school. Despite numerous visits to doctors and specialists, no cause could be found. After been told that it was all in my mind, I started to research and looked for alternative treatments,” explained Catherine. Her research led to Dulcie Krige and the raw food diet in which she saw potential benefits. “After starting this eating programme, I improved daily. However, 18 months later, towards the end of my second year at university, I discovered an enlarged lymph node in my neck which led to the diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.” Catherine believes that this diagnosis had been the cause of her tiredness and that the diet that she had followed helped her to recover quickly. She explained, “After a course of radiation, I was completely cured but I was left with the effects on my thyroid and had intense muscle scarring. However, I believe that the lymphoma was a gift from God and allowed me to determine what was important in my life as well as to question what legacy I wanted to leave behind. I have explored and researched the topic of healthy food and now that I am married with two children, I wish to educate them as well.” Whole and nutritional products Catherine discovered that many of the products that are beneficial to one’s health were not available in South Africa in the form that she required them, which included no additives, preservatives or gluten. “We initially started making our own bone broth, which is an important part of many diets across the world. Then we discovered organic powered products and that is where our Harvest Table story began. We wanted to bring people along with us on this journey and the harvest table symbolises something that we can bring friends around and celebrate these ‘first fruits’. We have beautiful products that are whole and nutritional.” A beautiful expression In reflecting on her role as a woman in business, Catherine says that women have unique challenges. “Women do have more roles and responsibilities – school pickups, swimming galas, ballet lessons and extra Afrikaans … However, I have not let being a woman hold me back in any way. I have learnt to accept that this is my journey and that I can play it out in the way I want to. I would like to go to bed at night knowing that I have served my business and community and done well by my children.” That The Harvest Table is able to employ women fulltime is for Catherine, “a beautiful expression of her story.” Through employing women, she believes that it is possible to shift their lives by providing a salary and educating them on the importance of health and wellness for themselves and their families’ benefit. However, says Catherine, achieving a work life balance is probably her biggest challenge. Her journey has required her to undertake all the roles in the company from marketing to finance. “Every day I ask God for wisdom. I have also had to learn to say no along the way to strike a balance where necessary. I do ensure that I carve out time in my day for my children and we include them in everything that we do, including business decisions.” The best version of ourselves As an entrepreneur, Catherine says that she always has ideas running through her mind but needs to remain focused on ensuring that there is enough stock in the factory. “My number one priority is our customers and the daily feedback that I get from them is really important to me and keeps me motivated. We believe that our products can change people’s lives; we believe that diet is pivotal in terms of good health and wellness, which is the foundation of everything that we do.” Catherine commented that the company has grown substantially over the past year. In particular, Covid 19 has sparked an interest in health and wellness, which has positively impacted the growth of The Harvest Table. Before lockdown, the company had five employees and now has close to 50, having grown ten to twelve times. “This pandemic has interrupted our ability to be the best version of ourselves, but we cannot allow uncertainty, anxiety and stress to consume us. We need to take charge of our lives by being more intentional about coping with our current reality and create a life to look forward to,” says Catherine. “I have learnt to be brave; I have a strong team of women around me and I have learnt to walk to my own beat. While we may not have much control over the things around us, the good news is that we can still take care of ourselves. Taking control of your life will not only improve your overall wellness but will also give you a greater sense of hope for the future,” she concluded.