Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal This is a great place to add a tagline. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Being mindful to others stands you in good stead. Rather ask questions and listen to those responses < Back Monique Labat Founder of Monique Labat Consulting Monique Labat was born in Mauritius, and she holds dual citizenship – Mauritian and South African. Her family moved to South Africa when she was five years old. Monique reflects that it is advantageous to speak more than one language. French is her home language, she did German at school, and has enjoyed a basic isiZulu course. The reason she says is that it’s always wonderful to greet people in their home language. To this day, French has stood her in good stead as her company, Monique Labat Consulting engages with companies in Mauritius, Reunion Island and in France. She established Monique Labat Consulting in August 2011 to provide valuable specialist skills to both public and private sector clients. Monique consults to local and international clients on market linkages and business to business opportunities, co-ordinates detailed programmes and itineraries for international trade, investment and inward buying delegations and compiles market intelligence reports for multiple industry sectors. A learnt skill Her career has spanned the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the City of Durban’s Investment Promotion Agency as well as Tradepoint South Africa Durban. These roles have meant extensive international and local travel promoting Durban as an investment location and presenting at Durban’s Sister Cities abroad and at the global World Trade Point Federation conferences. “My business in community achievements means being able to communicate both with small and corporate companies. It’s a learnt skill which I picked up at the Durban Chamber of Commerce early on in my career. One of my team’s best achievements is that the Chamber was fielding over 60 000 business enquiries. What that meant, was that those Chamber members were able to use the research that we had compiled for them to grow their businesses in order to retain their staff, and to grow their export opportunities.” Monique says that she got to where she is today thanks to her love of working at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s senior management were instrumental in mentoring and teaching her about business processes and the role of effective lobbying to ensure retention of member companies for the Chamber. “The Chamber senior management, motivated and encouraged us to grow our own networks within the organisation and with the member companies. The reason I was inspired was that they gave us the time, the energy and the support needed to grow ourselves within the organisation. To this day, I’m particularly grateful to my senior manager, Nadia Thomson who played a wonderful role at the Chamber for many years.” Being mindful to others One of the challenges Monique has found is that in South Africa, people are quick to jump to conclusions and have pre-conceived ideas. In response, she finds that listening and being mindful to others stands you in good stead. “Rather ask questions and listen to those responses. That way you will learn far more, and you will gain a greater empathetic understanding of the colleagues that you work with, the clients that engage with you, as well friends and family,” says Monique. An active Rotarian, Monique volunteers her time and resources to assist communities within the greater Durban area. Her core values are in line with Rotary’s motto, ‘Service above self ’. Her future goals are to continue learning, and to continue volunteering through her Rotary club. “My husband and I look forward to leaving behind an education legacy through Rotary, which is the creation of an ambassadorial and peace scholarship. We are actively engaging with the youth on a new project at the moment, with my business associate, where we are looking at training youth to become drone pilots in various industry sectors.” One of Monique’s passions is to support young women in Durban during August, which is Women’s Month. “It’s not difficult to put together business opportunities in a box for young women, so that they can start-up their own small business. That small business could be a greetings card business, it could be a start-up baking business from home, it could be sewing, it could be a knitting project. Buy a table for them at the eThekwini small business fair, it doesn’t cost a lot. Train them on what they can expect when they have people popping into visit them at their stands and see how they will grow themselves as entrepreneurs; thanks to that opportunity you have afforded to them.” When asked how she strives to make a difference in her business or community, Monique says that is easy for her to answer. “By providing pro bono advice and assistance to small, medium, and micro enterprises throughout KwaZulu-Natal. By connecting those businesses to the larger corporates and demonstrating to them that opportunities exist and that they are not to be discouraged and rather to grab the opportunities with open hands and open minds. In this regard, Monique says that the advice that she would give to any young women, is to give back to the community within which you live and work, volunteer your time, and assist others where possible. Even if you don’t have employment at the outset, ask those that you are volunteering for, to write a letter of reference for you explaining how you’ve helped them and what you did.” Living her dream A foodie at heart, Monique lived her dream and 10 years ago, spent three months at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland. Monique’s first cookbook comprising 100 recipes and full colour photographs was self-published. Monique gives presentations and food demos all over the country and has spoken at many Rotary Clubs and business organisations. One of Monique’s favourite presentations is entitled “Mauritius: Two Centuries of Cuisine”, a nod to her birthplace in the Indian Ocean. For each cookbook sold, Monique donates R10 to Rotary Foundation’s #EndPolioNow Campaign.

Keep knocking on those doors, always be polite, even when it’s tough.Joudalle Govender < Back Joudalle Govender Director and co-owner, Argento Trading 117cc Joudalle Govender is the director and co-owner of Argento Trading 117cc in Isithebe, which manufactures clothing for both corporate and retail clients. Joudalle is a remarkable businesswoman whose journey to becoming a prominent figure in the world of clothing manufacturingisinspiring. Herstoryisoneofdetermination, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the women of her community. Argento Trading 117cc, under Joudalle’s visionary leadership, has evolved into a thriving company. With a predominantly female workforce of 70 employees, she has created a workplace that prioritises inclusivity and collaboration. For Joudalle, achieving is quite a big word. She says, ‘I don’t know how you would describe achieving, but for me every day is an achievement. Every little thing is an achievement. We have a culture of continuous improvement. So, it’s easy to achieve things on a daily basis.” One of her most significant achievements, she believes, is fostering a culture of stability within her company, where inclusivity and collaboration are the driving forces. “It’s no easy feat when you have to get 70 ladies to all be in agreement at any one time,” says Joudalle with a laugh. This dedication to creating a harmonious and empowering workplace has led Argento Trading 117cc to be recognised as the fastest-growing small medium enterprise through the SME Accelerator programme in 2023. However, Joudalle says that her biggest achievement, and Argento’s as well, has been opening a training school for 18 young women from rural areas. She commented, ‘I think the training school was a highlight for me as a leader, which goes far beyond just monetary value, as leaving a legacy behind is important.” Although Joudalle came from a corporate background which she enjoyed, her journey into entrepreneurship began five years ago when her retired husband entrusted her with a building, igniting the spark for their business venture. Joudalle was motivated to make a positive contribution to their community. “It was a dream to do something good in this bad world, to establish something that would make a positive impact.” Her aim was not initially to be a manufacturing company, in fact, they started as an industrial tool company. However, driven by a deep sense of purpose, Joudalle chose clothing manufacturing as her avenue to create a lasting impact. She said with a smile, “After all, what lady doesn’t like clothing?” In addition, Joudalle had witnessed the decline of the manufacturing hub in Isithebe and felt compelled to address the need for support in this sector. What started with buying and selling clothing for a company that gave her a chance, then being chosen by that company to incubate after winning a request for a quote, transformed into a thriving manufacturing business. The growth of Argento Trading 117cc has been nothing short of remarkable. Beginning with just four employees and ten second-hand machines the business has now expanded to include 150 machines. However, says Joudalle her primary inspiration to succeed is her dedicated workforce, many of whom are single mothers. Their unwavering commitment to their jobs despite facing significant personal challenges of their own, where they wake up at 4 a.m., walk long distances in a rural area to catch a taxi at 5 a.m. to get to work, and 90% haven’t even finished school, is what continually motivates her. “I think the inspiration came from the fact that they give so much and that’s what I’m giving back in return,” shares Joudalle. Joudalle maintains a personal connection with her employees, influenced by her Indian culture, her upbringing, and her spirituality as a child of God, believing in God’s grace. While Joudalle acknowledges her successes, she also says that struggles come with running a business. “It has been quite a journey,” says Joudelle, “and certainly one not without many challenges.” One of the biggest challenges they faced, was finances; starting a business from zero with no bank balance, just a name and a building, required much perseverance and tenacity. Further challenges encountered were meeting the deadlines of large corporate customers when they didn’t have the skills to support them, not having transportation to deliver the goods, and having to train people at the same time. All of which would be a daunting challenge for any entrepreneur juggling all those balls at once. Joudalle attributes much of the success of the business to her husband’s inspiration and trust, which allowed her the freedom to lead the business as she saw fit. She commented, “Challenges are always there, but I think that from every challenge we have learnt something, we got stronger and are looking forward to the next challenge.” Her future goals revolve around leaving a legacy in Isithebe that makes a meaningful difference in her community. She would like to have a company that can sustain the next generation of young women seeking employment and empowerment, where localisation plays a large part. As a successful businesswoman, Joudalle is passionate about encouraging young women to be bold, resilient, and persistent in pursuing their goals. She believes that hard work and determination are the keys to achieving success. “Keep knocking on those doors, always be polite, even when it’s tough,” encourages Joudelle. “There’s no free lunch for anybody in this world, no matter what anybody tells you.” In her rare moments of relaxation, Joudalle cherishes spending time with her five children and occasionally engages in meditation to rejuvenate her spirit. Being recognised as a KZN Top Business Woman is a significant achievement for Joudalle. She views this accolade as a platform that motivates her to work even harder. It serves as recognition of her company’s core values of integrity and respect, while simultaneously inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She sees her nomination as a well-deserved pat on her back, which propels her to continue her journey with even greater dedication and passion.

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The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Nozuko Basson Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs Tronox South Africa Just having the courage to really push myself and push the boundaries for my team members so that we all work towards one single vision Nozuko Basson

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Umgeni Water is a state-owned business enterprise that was established in 1974 to supply drinking water in bulk to the municipalities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg and to consumers in the corridor of these cities. The organisation has grown over the years to become the largest bulk potable water provision entity in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the second-largest water utility in South AfricaUmgeni WaterThami HlongwaUmgeni Water is a state-owned business enterprise that was established in 1974 to supply drinking water in bulk to the municipalities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg and to consumers in the corridor of these cities. The organisation has grown over the years to become the largest bulk potable water provision entity in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the second-largest water utility in South Africa. Umgeni Water, the group, currently has a total of 1 231 personnel at its various sites. Most of them are involved in all of the functional areas of Umgeni Water: finance, asset management, planning of projects, project management, water quality, water resource management and environmental science and management. Expansion The service area of Umgeni Water was extended in December 2015 to cover the entire Province of KwaZulu-Natal, amounting to 94 359 square kilometres. There are 54 municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, 43 of which are local municipalities, ten are district municipalities and one is a metro. Fourteen of these municipalities are Water Services Authorities, as determined by the Water Services Act. Of these Water Services Authorities, seven are customers of Umgeni Water. They are eThekwini Metro, Msunduzi Local Municipality, iLembe District Municipality, Ugu District Municipality, Harry Gwala District Municipality, uMgungundlovu District Municipality and uThukela District Municipality. Umgeni Water’s involvement in uThukela District now means the organisation will cover 44% of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, from its original 32%, and the water it treats and supplies will ultimately reach 73% of the Province’s population of 11.1 million people, or 29 million households. Core Functions The key activities of Umgeni Water, as defined in the Water Services Act (Section 29), are to provide water services (bulk potable/drinking water and sanitation services) to water services authorities (municipalities). The mandate of Umgeni Water designates to it the functions of a Water Services Provider. Section 30 of the Water Services Act allows Umgeni Water to undertake other activities, provided these do not impact negatively on the organisation's ability to undertake its primary function. In order to conduct its business activities, the organisation uses the following assets, which are either owned by it or managed on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation and some municipalities: • Approximately 897 kilometres of pipelines • Approximately 53 kilometres of tunnels • 14 impoundments, six of which are managed on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation and two on behalf of Ugu District Municipality • 12 wastewater treatment works • 17 water treatment works Umgeni Water continues to receive full co-operation from its stakeholders, illustrating again that the organisation's objective of achieving stakeholder understanding and support has indeed been fulfilled. As May 2019 drew to a close, there were significant changes to the institutionalised water and sanitation sectors that accompanied the realignment of government departments and appointment of a new Cabinet by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa. Water and sanitation have now been incorporated under the umbrella of the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, headed by a new minister and two deputy ministers. The Road Ahead Stewardship of the organisation is the responsibility of the chief executive and a strong executive team who will continue to ensure that the organisation remains both stable and sustainable. Excellence in service delivery continues to be maintained, along with an affordable bulk potable water tariff. These are key ingredients for accelerated socio-economic development which illustrate Umgeni Water's commitment to contribute to reduction of the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Umgeni Water remains committed to the National Government's institutional realignment vision and will continue to provide expert advice when called upon to do so. In line with Umgeni Water's strategic focus on Enabled and Innovative Growth, personnel will intensify efforts to expand coverage in KwaZulu-Natal through provision of services and products to municipalities that are facing service delivery challenges, or when requested by the Provincial Government or the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation to intervene as implementing agent. Retention and growth and further penetration of current markets; and development, on demand, of new markets will also be actively pursued. Full Name of Company: Umgeni Water Nature of Business: Water management and the largest bulk water supplier Date Established: 1974 Ownership: State-owned business VISION To be the leading water utility that enhances value in the provision of bulk water and sanitation services. MISSION Provide innovative sustainable, effective and affordable bulk water and sanitation services. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chief Executive: Thami Hlongwa Executive in charge of Operations: Msizi Cele Executive in charge of Infrastructure Development: Sibusiso Mjwara Executive in charge of Scientific Services: Manu Pillay Executive in charge of Finance: Lungi Mkhize Company Secretary: Sibusiso Madonsela CONTACT DETAILS Head Office Physical Address: 310 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Postal Address: P.O. Box 9, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)33 341 1111 Fax: +27 (0)33 341 1116 E-mail: info@umgeni.co.za Website: www.umgeni.co.za Thami Hlongwa Enabled And Innovative Growth Umgeni Water is a state-owned business enterprise that was established in 1974 to supply drinking water in bulk to the municipalities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg and to consumers in the corridor of these cities. The organisation has grown over the years to become the largest bulk potable water provision entity in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the second-largest water utility in South Africa. Umgeni Water, the group, currently has a total of 1 231 personnel at its various sites. Most of them are involved in all of the functional areas of Umgeni Water: finance, asset management, planning of projects, project management, water quality, water resource management and environmental science and management. Expansion The service area of Umgeni Water was extended in December 2015 to cover the entire Province of KwaZulu-Natal, amounting to 94 359 square kilometres. There are 54 municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, 43 of which are local municipalities, ten are district municipalities and one is a metro. Fourteen of these municipalities are Water Services Authorities, as determined by the Water Services Act. Of these Water Services Authorities, seven are customers of Umgeni Water. They are eThekwini Metro, Msunduzi Local Municipality, iLembe District Municipality, Ugu District Municipality, Harry Gwala District Municipality, uMgungundlovu District Municipality and uThukela District Municipality. Umgeni Water’s involvement in uThukela District now means the organisation will cover 44% of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, from its original 32%, and the water it treats and supplies will ultimately reach 73% of the Province’s population of 11.1 million people, or 29 million households. Core Functions The key activities of Umgeni Water, as defined in the Water Services Act (Section 29), are to provide water services (bulk potable/drinking water and sanitation services) to water services authorities (municipalities). The mandate of Umgeni Water designates to it the functions of a Water Services Provider. Section 30 of the Water Services Act allows Umgeni Water to undertake other activities, provided these do not impact negatively on the organisation's ability to undertake its primary function. In order to conduct its business activities, the organisation uses the following assets, which are either owned by it or managed on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation and some municipalities: • Approximately 897 kilometres of pipelines • Approximately 53 kilometres of tunnels • 14 impoundments, six of which are managed on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation and two on behalf of Ugu District Municipality • 12 wastewater treatment works • 17 water treatment works Umgeni Water continues to receive full co-operation from its stakeholders, illustrating again that the organisation's objective of achieving stakeholder understanding and support has indeed been fulfilled. As May 2019 drew to a close, there were significant changes to the institutionalised water and sanitation sectors that accompanied the realignment of government departments and appointment of a new Cabinet by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa. Water and sanitation have now been incorporated under the umbrella of the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, headed by a new minister and two deputy ministers. The Road Ahead Stewardship of the organisation is the responsibility of the chief executive and a strong executive team who will continue to ensure that the organisation remains both stable and sustainable. Excellence in service delivery continues to be maintained, along with an affordable bulk potable water tariff. These are key ingredients for accelerated socio-economic development which illustrate Umgeni Water's commitment to contribute to reduction of the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Umgeni Water remains committed to the National Government's institutional realignment vision and will continue to provide expert advice when called upon to do so. In line with Umgeni Water's strategic focus on Enabled and Innovative Growth, personnel will intensify efforts to expand coverage in KwaZulu-Natal through provision of services and products to municipalities that are facing service delivery challenges, or when requested by the Provincial Government or the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation to intervene as implementing agent. Retention and growth and further penetration of current markets; and development, on demand, of new markets will also be actively pursued. Full Name of Company: Umgeni Water Nature of Business: Water management and the largest bulk water supplier Date Established: 1974 Ownership: State-owned business VISION To be the leading water utility that enhances value in the provision of bulk water and sanitation services. MISSION Provide innovative sustainable, effective and affordable bulk water and sanitation services. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chief Executive: Thami Hlongwa Executive in charge of Operations: Msizi Cele Executive in charge of Infrastructure Development: Sibusiso Mjwara Executive in charge of Scientific Services: Manu Pillay Executive in charge of Finance: Lungi Mkhize Company Secretary: Sibusiso Madonsela CONTACT DETAILS Head Office Physical Address: 310 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Postal Address: P.O. Box 9, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)33 341 1111 Fax: +27 (0)33 341 1116 E-mail: info@umgeni.co.za Website: www.umgeni.co.za Umgeni Water Umgeni Water is a state-owned business enterprise that was established in 1974 to supply drinking water in bulk to the municipalities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg and to consumers in the corridor of these cities. The organisation has grown over the years to become the largest bulk potable water provision entity in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the second-largest water utility in South Africa