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< Back Next Yogan Naidoo Yogan Naidoo is the CEO and founder of Business Solutions Africa and Black City Records Yogan Naidoo is the CEO and founder of two distinct businesses: Business Solutions Africa and Black City Records. His journey began in the small town of Isipingo, near the South Coast of Durban, before moving to Chatsworth, which he considers more formative to his upbringing. Chatsworth, according to Yogan, was a “vibrant, gregarious, and socially active” environment, despite being a working-class district. He recalls his time at Apollo High School in Chatsworth, where he was expelled for student activism along with about 30 others in his matric year. Despite this setback, Yogan and his fellow activists were able to write their matric exams at another school, earning exemptions that allowed them to continue their education. Yogan went on to study industrial psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand and subsequently won the Wits Business School New Venture Creation Award. In the early 2000s, he was awarded the prestigious Nelson Mandela Scholarship, which took him to London to complete his MBA. “I met Madiba twice, once at the Dorchester Hotel in London, and secondly at his foundation in Houghton. It was just magical,” he recalls. Reflecting on this experience, he notes, “That was a turning point in my life in terms of taking business a lot more seriously.” He now looks forward to pursuing a PhD, though balancing life, business, and studies presents its own challenges. Yogan’s first job was as a bellhop at the Malibu Hotel on Durban’s promenade during the December holiday season. He recalls this experience with a sense of irony, given his slight frame at the time. “If you think I’m thin now, I was super skinny then, and I was having to lug all this luggage all the way up to all those rooms,” he says, highlighting the physical demands of the job. A PASSION PROJECT Currently, Yogan’s two businesses are as different as they are complementary. Business Solutions Africa is a project management and consulting firm that has been operating for around 20 years. The company focuses on interrogating the business cases for both public and private sector projects. Yogan attributes his success in this field to his “analytical mindset and structured approach to business,” which has enabled him to articulate business cases effectively and deliberate the viability of various ventures. Black City Records, on the other hand, is a passion project that Yogan founded to fulfil a long-held dream of working in the music industry. “My first choice of a career would have been a musician, but you just couldn’t create a healthy income to support a family,” he explains. The Black City Records team focuses on producing world-class music for both national and international audiences. Yogan is the principal songwriter and works closely with a co- producer, and the label has already seen success with two number-one hits on East Coast Radio. “That’s an achievement I’m particularly proud of because I felt a bit vindicated in the sense that we are on the right path,” he says. All of this comes together with a phenomenally talented team of committed individuals. Despite his achievements in music, Yogan recognises that he’s “too old now to be hanging around in clubs at midnight.” Instead, the company focuses on nurturing young talent, writing and producing music, and helping artists like Gwyn, who he describes as “inspirational” due to her work ethic and vision. TRIUMPH AND DISASTER The best advice Yogan has ever received is to “take the emotion out of it.” He elaborates, “Don’t take things personally... the people that succeed are the people that remain calm.” This advice has helped him maintain a level-headed approach to business, especially in challenging situations. He references a line from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.” For Yogan, understanding that both triumph and disaster are part of the same journey has been key to his success. One of the toughest challenges Yogan faced was when he and his wife bought a coffee shop in Montclair Mall. Initially, they believed it to be a thriving business, but soon realised they had “bought a lemon.” Yogan recalls sitting at home on the 25th of the month, with no money in the bank and numerous bills to pay. This experience taught him “the power of negotiation” and the importance of resilience and discipline. Despite the initial setbacks, they managed to run the business for seven more years before selling it and taking a well- deserved nine-month holiday. Yogan believes in reminding his teams of their purpose, especially when facing challenges. “Why are we doing this? Why are we here?” are questions he frequently asks his team. He emphasises the importance of the impact their work has on communities, particularly in creating jobs in a country with a 64% youth unemployment rate. “There’s nothing better than calling somebody and telling them, ‘You’re now employed,’” he says. BE KIND The youth he works with, particularly their dreams, aspirations, and optimism despite challenging circumstances, provide Yogan with much inspiration. “There’s a narrative about our youth that is sometimes misleading, but that’s not the case with the majority of the youth that we’ve met,” he asserts. He is also inspired by the resilience of people in his community, who “wake up every day, no matter how overwhelming those circumstances are, to get up, go look for a job or start a business.” Looking ahead, Yogan is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. He is inspired by the “political maturity” he sees in the province and the renewed sense of energy in the business community. “I’m particularly inspired by the Government of Provincial Unity,” he says, noting that despite the challenges, the investment into the province is “just exponential.” Yogan’s motto is simple: “Be kind.” He explains, “You have no idea what anybody is going through in their lives and what they bring to the workplace.” For Yogan, kindness is not just a personal value but a guiding principle in his approach to business and life. ‘Life is short,’ he concluded. Previous Next

Our global network of member firms operating in 152 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countriesKPMG South AfricaOur global network of member firms operating in 152 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countriesNature of business Our global network of member fi rms operating in 143 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countries. KPMG South Africa operates out of four hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. South Africa Leadership Policy Board: includes 4 Non executives Executive Committee (Exco) CEO in South Africa: Ignatius Sehoole KZN Managing Director: Ugen Moodley Globally Connected, Locally Relevant for over 120 years The origins of KPMG South Africa go back to 1895 and through organic growth and strategic mergers, we have grown into one of the largest Audit, Tax and Advisory fi rms in the region, offering a wide range of services to clients in the private and public sectors. KPMG South Africa combines our multi disciplinary approach with deep, practical industry knowledge to help clients meet challenges and respond to opportunities. Our People Having appropriately skilled and motivated people, who share our renewed sense of purpose and our commitment to acting with integrity and the highest ethical standards, is key to our business continuity and our ambition to the form the most trusted and trustworthy professional service fi rm. Our primary strategic objectives • Demonstrating the highest level of integrity • Achieving the highest level of quality • Becoming a genuinely transformed fi rm • Being relevant to our market (by delivering dynamic solutions as integrated, multidisciplinary agile fi rm) KPMG Values Our Values are our core beliefs, guiding our actions and behaviours. They are important because it’s not just what we do that matters, but also how we do it. Our Values are at the heart of what it means to work for, and with, KPMG, shaping our decisions and defining our culture. Our Values are: • Integrity – We do what is right • Excellence – We never stop learning and improving • Courage – We think and act boldly • Together – We respect each other and draw strength from our difference • For Better – We do what matters Corporate Citizenship Caring about the communities and the environment in which we live and work is one of the cornerstones of KPMG South Africa. • R38.4m spent on initiatives supporting the communities in which we work. Transformation We believe that meaningful, genuine transformation is an organic process that requires more than statutory compliance. Ultimately, transforming our fi rm required embracing diversity in all its forms not just racial, but also differently abled, gender and sexual orientation related and in appreciating the advantages an inclusive, diverse community of colleagues offers. Intellectual Capital Our intellectual capital includes our collective knowledge within our organisation as well as the significant software assets we are investing in. Brand Promise With passion and purpose, we work shoulder to shoulder with our clients, integrating innovative approaches and deep expertise to deliver real results. In serving the public interest, we aim to be the most trusted and trustworthy professional services fi rm in our industry. For more information on the fi rm reported in our latest Integrated Report, visit www.kpmg.co.za.Full Name of Company: KPMG South Africa Nature of Business: Our global network of member firms operating in 152 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countries. Key Personnel Policy Board: includes 4 Non-executives Executive Committee (Exco) CEO: Ignatius Sehoole KZN Managing Partner: Ugen Moodley Contact Details Durban Pran Boulevard, 6 Nokwe Avenue Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga 4320 PO Box 1496, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 327 6000 Fax: +27 (0)31 337 1157UGEN MOODLEY, KPMG's managing director in KwaZulu-Natal is a dynamic, experienced chartered accountant who has progressed through the leadership ranks of KPMG having been appointed as a partner in 2005. He is also the Head of Advisory - KwaZulu-Natal and his areas of specialism include governance, risk management, internal audit and overseeing the provision of audit, tax and advisory services in complex public and private sector environments. Moodley commented that he is excited about the future of the profession and he looks forward to leading KPMG's continued growth in KwaZulu-Natal. He added, "My career has been driven by the opportunities that my long association with KPMG has provided. The journey has not always been an easy one; at times it has been tough. I started off in 1997 as a young and inexperienced clerk, from a disadvantaged background, and I had to fight to prove myself." Moodley said that his wife, Kogie, and his mother have played very supportive roles while he was learning to find his feet in the business world. In addition, the ability to persevere and strive for success saw Moodley through these early challenges. The journey with KPMG also included many firsts. These experiences include his first local flight, his first international flight and his first international experience, which was a three month project in the United Kingdom. This international experience was later followed by a month in Saudi Arabia where he set up a new internal audit function in that region. Other highlights of his career include participating in partner development programmes in Spain, Italy and Cuba. Moodley said, "These were fantastic experiences, which have enabled me to grow into the person that I am today." Moodley has an inclusive leadership style and enjoys adding value to clients and 'bringing people to the table'. He added that he is nurturing of his team and encourages them to focus on the areas that they are good at, to provide opportunities to succeed. He endeavours to surround himself with the best people who can deliver high quality services. In addition to his strong technical and leadership skills, he says, "my major strengths are that I am very approachable and get on well with people." "KPMG in KZN is a thriving practice and we have invested in multi-disciplinary teams who can pool their skills to the benefit of our clients. We employ people who have experience and expertise in both the public and private sectors and in diverse industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, IT, mining, petroleum, agriculture, tourism and gaming to name a few. The team also comprises engineers, a medical doctor, a systems architect, major capital project specialists and lawyers amongst others. We differentiate ourselves from our competitors who are not able to have these skills readily available in KZN." The KPMG team works on significant projects in listed companies, state owned companies, government departments and municipalities. The fact that these projects have an impact on the economy as well as on the lives of many people through job creation gives Moodley much satisfaction. Moodley believes that South Africa requires more innovative responses in order to address the challenges that face the country. "We can't keep doing the same thing, we need to do things differently. You must be the change that you want to see in the world." He added that KPMG South Africa plays an important role in driving the innovation and digital space. "One can see the true might of the firm; that KPMG SA can play in this space is wonderful." Moodley is happily married and has a close-knit family, so much so that he struggles to spend time away. He is delighted that he is able to give his two sons the opportunities his family could not afford when he was growing up. He is passionate about football, playing twice a week, and is an avid golfer.Full Name of Company: KPMG South Africa Nature of Business: Our global network of member firms operating in 152 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countries. Key Personnel Policy Board: includes 4 Non-executives Executive Committee (Exco) CEO: Ignatius Sehoole KZN Managing Partner: Ugen Moodley Contact Details Durban Pran Boulevard, 6 Nokwe Avenue Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga 4320 PO Box 1496, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 327 6000 Fax: +27 (0)31 337 1157 Up Home Up Ugen Moodley Latest News More About Leaders Nature of business Our global network of member fi rms operating in 143 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countries. KPMG South Africa operates out of four hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. South Africa Leadership Policy Board: includes 4 Non executives Executive Committee (Exco) CEO in South Africa: Ignatius Sehoole KZN Managing Director: Ugen Moodley Globally Connected, Locally Relevant for over 120 years The origins of KPMG South Africa go back to 1895 and through organic growth and strategic mergers, we have grown into one of the largest Audit, Tax and Advisory fi rms in the region, offering a wide range of services to clients in the private and public sectors. KPMG South Africa combines our multi disciplinary approach with deep, practical industry knowledge to help clients meet challenges and respond to opportunities. Our People Having appropriately skilled and motivated people, who share our renewed sense of purpose and our commitment to acting with integrity and the highest ethical standards, is key to our business continuity and our ambition to the form the most trusted and trustworthy professional service fi rm. Our primary strategic objectives • Demonstrating the highest level of integrity • Achieving the highest level of quality • Becoming a genuinely transformed fi rm • Being relevant to our market (by delivering dynamic solutions as integrated, multidisciplinary agile fi rm) KPMG Values Our Values are our core beliefs, guiding our actions and behaviours. They are important because it’s not just what we do that matters, but also how we do it. Our Values are at the heart of what it means to work for, and with, KPMG, shaping our decisions and defining our culture. Our Values are: • Integrity – We do what is right • Excellence – We never stop learning and improving • Courage – We think and act boldly • Together – We respect each other and draw strength from our difference • For Better – We do what matters Corporate Citizenship Caring about the communities and the environment in which we live and work is one of the cornerstones of KPMG South Africa. • R38.4m spent on initiatives supporting the communities in which we work. Transformation We believe that meaningful, genuine transformation is an organic process that requires more than statutory compliance. Ultimately, transforming our fi rm required embracing diversity in all its forms not just racial, but also differently abled, gender and sexual orientation related and in appreciating the advantages an inclusive, diverse community of colleagues offers. Intellectual Capital Our intellectual capital includes our collective knowledge within our organisation as well as the significant software assets we are investing in. Brand Promise With passion and purpose, we work shoulder to shoulder with our clients, integrating innovative approaches and deep expertise to deliver real results. In serving the public interest, we aim to be the most trusted and trustworthy professional services fi rm in our industry. For more information on the fi rm reported in our latest Integrated Report, visit www.kpmg.co.za . Full Name of Company: KPMG South Africa Nature of Business: Our global network of member firms operating in 152 countries enhances the mobility of skills and knowledge we offer. Our African footprint has 29 practices servicing 54 countries. Key Personnel Policy Board: includes 4 Non-executives Executive Committee (Exco) CEO: Ignatius Sehoole KZN Managing Partner: Ugen Moodley Contact Details Durban Pran Boulevard, 6 Nokwe Avenue Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga 4320 PO Box 1496, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 327 6000 Fax: +27 (0)31 337 1157 Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

With 25 retail outlets ‘Your Family Butcher’ can be found on your way to work or coming back homeBluff Meat Supply (PTY) LTD With 25 retail outlets ‘Your Family Butcher’ can be found on your way to work or coming back homeThe Bluff Meat Supply/Mndeni Meat Group was founded in 1960 as a family run business. The business has grown into an entity that has consistently been KwaZulu-Natal's favourite family butcher since its earliest days. From humble beginnings on the Bluff in 1960 and Mndeni Meats outlets started in 1986, the group has grown into a multi-faceted meat group, encompassing both retail and manufacturing entities. These consist of the following: ■ 20 Bluff Meat Supply retail outlets ■ 7 Bluff Meat Supply/ Mndeni Meats retail outlets ■ 25 Bluff Braai & Grill Takeaways With 27 retail outlets 'Your Family Butcher' can be found on your way to work or coming back home. As professional master butchers, they source the best quality ingredients from reputable local and international suppliers, which guarantee the freshest meat and meat products at your nearest Bluff Meat Supply. They always have a wide variety of all these products in stock freshly cut and prepared or made to order. Just like the ever-changing dynamics within the South African market, Bluff Meat Supply and Mndeni Meats have adapted to the needs of the South African consumer. They are strategically located across the KwaZulu-Natal region with their stores firmly placed as the provider of choice for the middle to lower income groups. Highest Standards At Bluff Meat Supply/Mndeni Meat our dedication as professional master butchers means that they can be relied on to consistently deliver quality product at affordable prices, earning them a reputation they are proud of: they can be trusted to help grow healthy families. Families are at the heart of each and every South African and Bluff Meat Supply and Mndeni Meats, are no different. Their high-quality standards and competition beating prices have resulted in an ever-increasing demand for their products, which are available to the public at all Bluff Meat Supply and Mndeni Meats stores. In 2024, their products received Aurora Award Accolades; Double Gold - Salami, Streaky Bacon, Gold - Back Bacon and Silver for their Pork Ribs. (https:// aurorachallenge.com/) They have been voted KZN's favourite butchery for the past 14 years running, by the Daily News (http:// yourchoicekzn.co.za/) The stores have also won 28 Cleaver Awards, as voted best butchery in KZN by the Red Meat Association of South Africa. In 2024, were been named the Best Business Cleaver Legend - a recognition that celebrates our dedication not only to butchery but to being South Africa's consumer favourite. Their Brand Through their BMS brand, Bluff Meat Supply specialises in supplying local and export markets with leading meat products to the food service and retail industries. Bluff Meat Supply supplies the full range of meat cuts and carcasses into the meat industry, including food manufacture, butchery, retail, pet food and other channels. The BMS/Mndeni brand provides the same quality product while focussing on the strategic price points to facilitate retail outlets that can service the greater community. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 1399 Chris Hani Road, Durban North, KZN Tel: +27 (0)31 350 4440 E-mail: feedback@bluffmeatsupply.co.za Website: www.bluffmeatsupply.co.za HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 1399 Chris Hani Road, Durban North, KZN Tel: +27 (0)31 350 4440 E-mail: feedback@bluffmeatsupply.co.za Website: www.bluffmeatsupply.co.za Up Home Up Mark Bielovich Latest News More About Leaders The Bluff Meat Supply/Mndeni Meat Group was founded in 1960 as a family run business. The business has grown into an entity that has consistently been KwaZulu-Natal's favourite family butcher since its earliest days. From humble beginnings on the Bluff in 1960 and Mndeni Meats outlets started in 1986, the group has grown into a multi-faceted meat group, encompassing both retail and manufacturing entities. These consist of the following: ■ 20 Bluff Meat Supply retail outlets ■ 7 Bluff Meat Supply/ Mndeni Meats retail outlets ■ 25 Bluff Braai & Grill Takeaways With 27 retail outlets 'Your Family Butcher' can be found on your way to work or coming back home. As professional master butchers, they source the best quality ingredients from reputable local and international suppliers, which guarantee the freshest meat and meat products at your nearest Bluff Meat Supply. They always have a wide variety of all these products in stock freshly cut and prepared or made to order. Just like the ever-changing dynamics within the South African market, Bluff Meat Supply and Mndeni Meats have adapted to the needs of the South African consumer. They are strategically located across the KwaZulu-Natal region with their stores firmly placed as the provider of choice for the middle to lower income groups. Highest Standards At Bluff Meat Supply/Mndeni Meat our dedication as professional master butchers means that they can be relied on to consistently deliver quality product at affordable prices, earning them a reputation they are proud of: they can be trusted to help grow healthy families. Families are at the heart of each and every South African and Bluff Meat Supply and Mndeni Meats, are no different. Their high-quality standards and competition beating prices have resulted in an ever-increasing demand for their products, which are available to the public at all Bluff Meat Supply and Mndeni Meats stores. In 2024, their products received Aurora Award Accolades; Double Gold - Salami, Streaky Bacon, Gold - Back Bacon and Silver for their Pork Ribs. (https:// aurorachallenge.com/) They have been voted KZN's favourite butchery for the past 14 years running, by the Daily News (http:// yourchoicekzn.co.za/) The stores have also won 28 Cleaver Awards, as voted best butchery in KZN by the Red Meat Association of South Africa. In 2024, were been named the Best Business Cleaver Legend - a recognition that celebrates our dedication not only to butchery but to being South Africa's consumer favourite. Their Brand Through their BMS brand, Bluff Meat Supply specialises in supplying local and export markets with leading meat products to the food service and retail industries. Bluff Meat Supply supplies the full range of meat cuts and carcasses into the meat industry, including food manufacture, butchery, retail, pet food and other channels. The BMS/Mndeni brand provides the same quality product while focussing on the strategic price points to facilitate retail outlets that can service the greater community. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 1399 Chris Hani Road, Durban North, KZN Tel: +27 (0)31 350 4440 E-mail: feedback@bluffmeatsupply.co.za Website: www.bluffmeatsupply.co.za Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Next Belinda Putterill Belinda Putterill is the managing director of Use- it Waste Beneficiation Belinda Putterill, the managing director of Use- it Waste Beneficiation, a non-profit company operating within the waste value chain, reflects on her origins with a sense of nostalgia. “My story began in a small town,” she shares. Born in Pietermaritzburg, Belinda grew up in Bergville and spent her childhood in Colenso, a town that shaped much of her early life. “I attended Estcourt High School for a while and then matriculated from Ladysmith High School,” she says. Growing up in an era where “we got up to mischief because it was the normal thing to do,” Belinda developed a strong sense of community and resilience that would define her professional journey. Belinda’s entry into the professional world was swift. “My first job was actually three days after completing matric,” she recalls. Having just finished her final exam, Belinda embarked on her career as a legal secretary for an attorney in Ladysmith. “It was quite an experience,” she notes. A DIVERSE BACKGROUND However, Belinda’s journey into the waste industry was not a direct one. “I have a diverse background, not specifically in the waste industry, but it’s always been environmentally focused,” she explains. Her path led her to Use-it nearly a decade ago, where she discovered her true passion. “Waste is so holistic,” she states. “You might think it’s just rubbish on the street, but when you look at the impact it has on our environment in its entirety, it’s a global problem.” Initially, the magnitude of the waste issue seemed overwhelming. “It was almost too big for me,” she admits. However, she soon realised that by making even a small impact, she could contribute to a larger change. “If I could only just do one thing that could have an impact, it would snowball,” she says. At Use-it, Belinda finds purpose in addressing waste management challenges and making a tangible difference in communities. “We sit above the value chain of waste, identifying where the problematic waste streams are and what the roadblocks are,” she explains. But what drives her the most is the social responsibility aspect of the work. “We work with communities on the ground, and it gives me purpose every day to wake up and do more because of the impact change has on the beneficiaries with whom we work.” Balancing a demanding career with personal responsibilities is no small feat, and Belinda is particularly proud of her ability to do so as a single mother. “Being a single mum for 16 years and a full- time working mum at that, while managing this all-encompassing job, has been challenging,” she acknowledges. “I’m proud to say that I’ve raised two amazing children who are both now in the final years of their studies. Hopefully, Mum will get a break soon,” she adds with a chuckle. A LASTING IMPACT The wisdom passed down from Belinda’s mother has played a significant role in shaping her outlook on life and work. “The best advice always comes from your mum,” she asserts, noting that it’s often a generational thing. One piece of advice, in particular, has had a lasting impact on her. “My mum told me not to look back on your past mistakes and see them as failures,” she shares. Instead, she was encouraged to view them as lessons from which to grow. “You can’t change what’s happened in the past, but you can definitely use the lessons learned to do better in the future,” Belinda explains. In a field dominated by highly qualified academics, one of the biggest challenges that Belinda faced, she admits, has been that of self-doubt. Surrounded by peers with PhDs and extensive academic credentials, she found it difficult to see herself as their equal. “It’s intimidating,” she confesses. However, over time, Belinda has earned the respect of her colleagues and peers, which has significantly boosted her confidence. “I’m happy to say that my peers see me as their equal, which has really been amazing for me,” she says. Belinda describes the team at Use-it as a family, with all the complexities that such a dynamic entails. “Use-it has a mantra: it’s the Use-it family,” she explains. “Sometimes we don’t like each other very much, but we’re stuck with each other, and we kind of stick together,” she says. “Our team, does have conflicts, but we resolve them in-house,” she notes. “We need to understand each other as individuals with different cultures and what our circumstances are at home to be able to support each other in the workplace.” The non-profit environment, with its inherent funding challenges, adds another layer of difficulty. “Being in the non-profit environment, it’s not conducive to job security because we’re so funding dependent,” Belinda explains. SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION Belinda draws inspiration from her faith. “I will be honest, God, my faith, it’s a daily affirmation for me,” she says. This spiritual foundation provides her with strength and guidance in both her personal and professional life. Reflecting on the past five years, Belinda acknowledges the challenges that the region has faced. “The past five years have been tough,” she says, noting the loss of significant industry in Durban and the resulting job losses. However, she sees hope on the horizon, particularly with the development of the Dube TradePort. “I think that is going to have a significant impact on Durban and Hammarsdale specifically,” she predicts. Belinda also notes a shift in local government’s approach to the green economy. “Our local government has become more invested in the green economy,” she observes. This increased focus on environmental impact, combined with efforts to keep Durban’s River systems healthy and its beaches clean, gives her optimism for the future. “I think Durban is going to go a long way in the next five years,” she says with confidence. Belinda’s personal motto reflects her innovative and open-minded approach to challenges. “My motto has always been: Don’t break out of the box; there is no box, anything is possible,” she shares. Previous Next

< Back Next Mandisa Pepeta Mandisa Pepeta is the founder of Qhakaza Africa Consulting Mandisa Pepeta, founder of Qhakaza Africa Consulting, shares her journey into the world of architecture and property development. Her company provides architectural services and property development solutions, catering to a range of clients, including individual homeowners, property developers, government entities, and corporates. Mandisa explains, “Part of our service involves taking a brief from a client who wants to build a particular facility. We assess the site’s suitability, consider the zoning constraints according to the municipality, and ensure that the site is appropriate for their intended project.” Once the feasibility is established, Qhakaza Africa Consulting designs the project, submits it for municipal approval, and remains involved in the construction management process. Mandisa adds, “We ensure that whatever is planned and designed is built to quality, within budget, and on time. We are always on the client’s side, making sure the builder constructs the facility according to the plans.” Originally from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Mandisa pursued her schooling there before attending the former ML Sultan Technikon, where she qualified in architecture. She admits that architecture was not her initial career choice, explaining, “I initially wanted to study drama, but I wasn’t audible enough, and my English wasn’t very good, so I couldn’t get in. It was a blessing in disguise, as it led me to architecture.” She had been uncertain about her career path after the setback in drama and even considered studying computers before friends suggested architecture or town planning due to her artistic flair. “In the first weeks of studying architecture, we had orientation to understand what the field was about, and I was hooked from then on,” she recalls. Mandisa’s interest in drama was driven by the influence she associated with being on TV, but she found a different form of influence through her work in architecture. “Although I didn’t end up in the media space, I’ve achieved the influence I sought because architecture is also about impacting people’s lives,” she reflects. WORKING INDEPENDENTLY After qualifying, she worked for various architects, primarily serving higher-income clients, but noticed a gap in services for low-income and township communities. “Some clients would approach me after hours and on weekends for services that my employer did not provide,” she explains. Faced with a decision to stay employed or be in business on her own, Mandisa chose to pursue her business. “I wasn’t exposed to the full spectrum of architectural services in my employed role, but working independently allowed me to offer much more.” It was a bold step, she admits: “When I ventured out on my own, I didn’t tell my mother or friends, as I wasn’t ready for anyone to discourage me. I had no experience running a business and was taking a risk, but it has paid off.” In terms of professional inspiration, Mandisa draws motivation from those who pursue quality. “I have met many people who approach their work with competence and excellence. That always inspires me to do my best,” she says. A significant part of Mandisa’s work involves educating clients about architectural processes. “Most people aren’t familiar with architectural services. They may not understand how their homes came to be or what is required for other projects,” she explains. She often educates clients about environmental factors, zoning regulations, and site limitations, such as floodplains or areas where building a crèche is prohibited due to traffic and noise concerns. “The educational aspect of my work is what I enjoy the most,” she adds. Mandisa is a strong advocate for addressing injustices in the industry, representing those without a seat at the table. Her advocacy work has led her to become involved in various professional bodies, including the architectural community within the eThekwini region and the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, where she serves as a board member. “I got there because of my advocacy,” she says. “There are many people who don’t get the same opportunities, and I aim to be the voice for them.” She recognises that individuals from certain backgrounds may feel timid in professional settings, and she is committed to amplifying their voices. Reflecting on her challenges, Mandisa recounts her struggle with language as a Xhosa speaker entering an English-dominated field. “I could write English but struggled to speak it. I had to read a lot, watch TV, and practice. There was a time when my children asked why I didn’t speak much Xhosa with them. I felt guilty, but I told them it was because I was busy learning English,” she explains. Running a business was another challenge, as she had architectural training but no formal business skills. “I had to learn about the financial side of business through training, workshops, and mentorships,” she says. The support from more experienced professionals was crucial to overcoming these hurdles. LEARN CONTINUOUSLY For young women starting out, Mandisa advises, “You must learn continuously and seek out mentors – people who have walked the path before you. Competence brings confidence, the more you know, the more confident you become in your work.” She stresses the importance of refining skills and maintaining a commitment to learning. Looking ahead, Mandisa’s aspirations are centred around influence within the architectural and property development sectors. “I’ve realised that the people who can make significant changes are those in decision making positions. I am always seeking opportunities to have a seat at the table,” she states. Her goal is to be more involved in decision-making processes, particularly those that can address industry challenges. Outside of her professional life, Mandisa is a mother. “I spend a lot of time with my children, which helps me relax. I used to work long hours, but now I make sure to reserve time for my family,” she says. She enjoys playing tennis and jogging when possible, prioritising a balanced life. Mandisa’s story is one of determination, with a focus on education, advocacy, and continuous growth. Her journey illustrates the power of taking risks, embracing learning, and striving for excellence in every endeavour. Previous Next

< Back Next David Warmback David Warmback is an equity partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys David Warmback, an equity partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, was born in Durban and grew up in Kloof. “I went to Kloof Junior School and then Kloof Senior Primary School,” he recalls. “We then moved to Westville, and I completed my high school at Westville Boys’ High from 1972 to 1978.” After high school, David attended the then University of Natal, where he initially enrolled for a bachelor of arts in subjects with a focus on a teaching degree. However, towards the end of his BA, David felt teaching was not for him. “I had a teaching loan, which was useful, but I realised I could pay it back by working and could use that to sponsor legal studies instead,” he explains. He decided to pursue a bachelor of laws. “Because I hadn’t done any law credits in my BA, I had to enrol in a three-year LLB programme, on top of the two years already completed. "His final years at university were marked by personal tragedy. “My dad died unexpectedly at the age of 50,” he shares, “which put quite a strain on the family.” However, David managed to finish his studies in five years, and after national service, he began looking for a position in law. However, David’s first job wasn’t in law. “If you’re looking at informal jobs, my first job was at age 16 as a cashier at Checkers in Overport City,” he re- counts, “I was keen to start earning some pocket money.” He did this job, which he said was quite hard work, for some time before moving into his formal legal career. David began his career at Shepstone & Wylie in 1987. “I started as what was then called an articled clerk,” he explains. Over time, David progressed through the ranks and is now one of the two senior equity partners in the corporate and commercial department. “We have a team of eleven professionals, including one who practises remotely in Johannesburg.” A FULFILLING ROLE David describes his current role as providing corporate and commercial legal services to the firm’s clients. “I give advice, seek solutions, negotiate and draft various commercial agreements,” he explains. These include mergers and acquisitions, sales and lease agreements, shareholder agreements, property sales, joint ventures, and more. “My specialty is property-related commercial work,” he notes, adding that he spent about 12 years in the firm’s property services and conveyancing department before moving to the commercial department in 1999. His responsibilities also include providing leadership input, marketing, and training for junior staff. “It’s a varied role, but one that I find very fulfilling,” he says. David’s proudest accomplishment is not directly related to his legal career, although he has been involved in several notable projects during his 37 years in law. He was appointed as the Honorary British Consul for KwaZulu-Natal 13 years ago, a position that he has held alongside his legal work, which he has found rewarding. “At the end of last year, I was featured in King Charles III 2024 New Year’s Honours list and awarded an MBE for my services assisting British nationals in South Africa. Receiving the honour was definitely a highlight,” he says. He is still to receive the award formally, having been given a few dates during the coming winter season, but is waiting to receive further dates for Spring and Summer of 2025 for the investiture. “It is quite exciting,” he adds. David believes the best advice he has ever received is to ‘never stop learning’. He emphasises that this is particularly important in his profession. “The law is always changing, not just through new legislation, but through court judgments that create new legal precedents,” he advises. “You have to keep up with these changes and also learn about the business of different clients to properly draft commercial agreements.” He stresses the importance of learning about people and how to interact with them effectively. “You’re always learning about human nature and relationships,” he says. David is inspired by Roger Federer. “He is a fabulous sportsman with an unbelievably long career, an incredible record of achievements, a great work ethic, and a role model to so many,” he says. “And, above all, he is a really nice person.” POSITIVE FEEDBACK David reflects on the challenges he has faced, noting that no specific event stands out, but he identifies time management as one of the most difficult aspects of his profession including making provision for home time. “In a busy legal practice, you’re dealing with many clients and many matters at once. There are often tight deadlines, large transactions that need to be closed quickly, and multiple parties involved.” He acknowledges that managing client expectations and workflow is an ongoing challenge. “It’s not something you can fully overcome; it’s just an ongoing problem not only in the legal field but in any business,” he says. David believes in recognising performance and providing positive feedback to keep his team motivated. “Communication is key,” he asserts. “You need to encourage teamwork and ensure that everyone is working towards common goals.” He emphasises the importance of promoting well- performing staff and continuously looking for new opportunities. “We are always targeting new clients and maintaining our marketing efforts,” he adds. TAKE SMALL STEPS David acknowledges the tough times that businesses in KwaZulu-Natal have faced over the past few years. “We’ve had Covid-19, floods, political unrest, infrastructure challenges, and low growth rates,” he says. However, he remains hopeful. “Following the recent election, there is hope that political will can create a business- and investor- friendly environment in the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.” He thinks that addressing these challenges can help the business environment to become more positive, enabling the economy to recover and creating the jobs that are so needed. “For most people, things don’t happen overnight,” he says. “You’ve got to keep going, keep pushing, and over time, with perseverance, you will achieve your goals and dreams.” Previous Next

< Back Next Michael Keats Michael Keats is the KwaZulu-Natal regional director of the Goscor Truck Company Michael Keats is the KwaZulu-Natal regional director of the Goscor Truck Company. Michael was born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal and is a Northwood High School old boy who matriculated in 1992. Following matric, he studied business at the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM). The first job he took was a bank teller at Absa in Durban where he worked for a couple of years. As Michael saw an opportunity in sales, he decided that he wanted to change direction and go into this field. He started out by supplying goods through newspaper adverts and by selling houseware goods out of a catalogue on the street. He commented, “Believe it or not, I quite enjoyed sales. It was tough, but I cut my teeth there.” An advert in the newspaper for a forklift salesperson caught his attention, and he successfully applied for the position. Michael joined Goscor Truck Company as a junior salesperson when he was 22 years old. He added that he has enjoyed the years he has spent at the company, which have allowed him much opportunity for growth in his career and seen him progress through the ranks to become regional director for the business. Michael has now been with the company for over 25 years. PEOPLE-CENTRIC Michael is strongly people-centric and exerts his influence within the company by serving the people that he works with as well as Goscor’s customers. He says that he believes that he is in a position where he can influence other people’s lives in a positive manner. “When you have a certain amount of influence, whether it be in business or in whatever sphere of your life, if you can exert some of that influence and make other people’s lives better, then, I am all for it.” The greatest accomplishment for himself as a business leader in KwaZulu-Natal was to get through the Covid-19 pandemic, which he says was extremely challenging for the company, for their staff and for their customers. He added that to navigate through the Covid pandemic without any casualties and in a way in which they were able to support their clients and that they ‘didn’t drop the ball was a big feather in mine and in the team’s cap’. “Covid taught us how to stick together and how to navigate difficult times,” said Michael. ALL-INCLUSIVE CULTURE This was not the only challenge faced by Michael and his team as other examples from KwaZulu- Natal include the looting that followed Covid and the floods, which caused much upheaval to the business. “In fact,” added Michael, “I found that the floods were the most damaging to the local economy of all the challenges.” Having to continue to face difficulties was extremely challenging, demoralising, as well as demotivating for a lot of the staff. However, the business was able to get through these times successfully. “To be able to keep everybody’s heads up high and to navigate through as a team and produce decent results, was testament to a good business and a strong team,” explained Michael. To motivate his team, Michael operates on the basis of an all-inclusive culture in the business. All employees are part of one team, and everybody has a role to play. “There’s no hierarchy and as a result when the chips are down, if things are difficult, we’re in the trenches together. We motivate one another and we give one another a sense of security especially when you have to dig deeper in tough times.” PEOPLE WITH INTEGRITY Commenting on the best advice he has ever received Michael said that was just ‘to be honest and to be humble’. He explained, “In life and in the service industry I’m not negotiable on those qualities. If you’re honest, you’re humble and you work hard, the rest really falls into place and I think everybody that one interacts with, whether it be a staff member or customer, deserves at least that from others. So that’s what drives me incredibly hard.” “I’m inspired by honest people with integrity. People that work hard from a personal perspective. That’s very important to me. People with family values are of vital importance and I respect them. I also am inspired quite a bit by innovation; forward thinking and preparing yourself for the distant future from a business perspective.” GO-TO PARTNER Michael’s vision for the Goscor Truck Company is to grow a bigger footprint in KwaZulu-Natal. Over the next five years the company needs to expand its product range in order to cater for most of their customers’ growing needs. Artificial intelligence and automation play key roles in the company’s space and in order to grow their support base for their customers and to keep them ahead of the times, they need to expand in these areas. However, said Michael, “The goal is not market leadership. The goal is to be the preferred and chosen supplier and go-to partner in the market.” Michael’s motto to live by can be found hanging on a wall in his office. It’s a quote by Nelson Mandela which states: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’. “I am firm believer in never quitting. You’ve just got to keep going until you get the result that needs to be got,” he concluded. Previous Next

Invest Durban delivers a world-class Metro based investor support serviceInvest Durban Invest Durban delivers a world-class Metro based investor support serviceInvest Durban, established by the Durban City Council in collaboration with the private sector, serves as the city’s premier “First Stop Shop” for promoting and facilitating new investment in the Durban metropolis. As a dynamic partnership between the Metro City Council and the private sector, Invest Durban offers a comprehensive range of investor services including advisory support, promotion, facilitation, and aftercare, all free of charge to stakeholders involved in investment activities. As a world-class metropolitan-based investor support service, Invest Durban operates under a fourfold business mandate. This includes investment promotion and marketing, identifying, attracting, and facilitating foreign investments, providing aftercare and expansion support for foreign direct investment (FDI), and advocating for policies that foster a favourable investment climate. Invest Durban collaborates with various organisations to further its mission, including the Department of Trade and Industry (through 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, DBSA, IDC, Eskom, and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). The broader mission of the organisation is to source, unlock, and leverage accelerated investment growth for the benefit of all, in a globally connected, sustainable, and flawless manner. Invest Durban’s efforts to attract investors can be grouped into three main categories: 1. Premium Destination: Durban offers a business and lifestyle environment conducive to profitable, sustainable ventures, with ample land available for development. 2. Catalytic Projects: These are large-scale projects with the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape, triggering a series of investments across several sectors. 3. Priority Sectors: Key sectors receive strategic focus, such as the creation of industry clusters and the development of value chains to promote new ventures and investment opportunities. Renewed Optimism and Future Growth The city is on the verge of a new era of growth and prosperity, driven by a shift in business confidence and a robust pipeline of private sector investments. This new confidence is fuelled by a substantial pipeline of flagship investments, estimated at approximately R250 billion in private sector commitments. International investors have already established a significant presence in Durban, particularly in the manufacturing, transport, logistics, and distribution sectors. Companies like PepsiCo and Kerry Foods have expanded into Durban, along with new FDI from top shipping and logistics groups, such as CMA-CGM. Additionally, South Africa has been rated as the best place on the planet for contact centres for the last five years with Durban leading in several aspects, including opportunities in legal process outsourcing, digital animation and film processing, digital health diagnostics, and consumer protection technology. Catalytic Projects Driving Regional Impact Several large-scale projects are underway in Durban, poised to make a regional impact by stimulating the economy and creating employment opportunities. These developments are strategically positioned on national trade routes or designed to help break down old apartheid-era living and working dynamics. Among these projects are: ƒ The Whetstone development in the north Aerotropolis has attracted R2.5 billion in privatesector investment, in addition to the approximately R500 million already invested by the industrial park developer. ƒ The R1.9 billion Giba Business Estate is being developed by Sultex Holdings, a black-owned company with a level one BBBEE score. The project aims to rejuvenate Giba Business Park, support the eco-tourism appeal of Giba Gorge, and impact the local informal community, creating jobs and business opportunities in light commercial, logistics, and warehousing sectors. ƒ Dube TradeZone 2 has attracted R1.8 billion in private-sector investment, with expectations of creating 600 jobs within the next five years. Targeting investors in manufacturing, assembly, logistics, and the automotive sectors. ƒ Westown, led by the Fundamentum Property Group, is one of Durban’s most significant infrastructural investments. With support from all three spheres of government, Westown is set to generate around R15 billion in investment over the next 10-15 years. The first phase opened in 2025 with construction on the residential component underway. ƒ On the KZN North coast, Club Med South Africa is proudly being developed by KZN company Collins Residential, with the French headquartered Club Med taking the helm as hotel operators. Club Med South Africa is expected to generate over 800 direct jobs and an additional 1 500 indirect jobs, stimulating the local economy and empowering individuals and families with new opportunities. Building the Future Together While Durban has faced challenges, particularly in energy, industrial logistics, and water, these issues are now receiving the fullest attention they deserve at both national and local levels. Initiatives like the Business for South Africa (B4SA) programme, led by national business bodies such as Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), as well as provincial private-public partnership facilitation through the KZN Growth Coalition and the Presidential eThekwini Working Groups at the Metro level, are showing progress. By fostering these partnerships and addressing key challenges, Durban is poised to become a leading destination for investment, offering opportunities for all and serving as a model for sustainable development in Africa.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.zaName 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 Up Home Up Latest News More About Leaders Invest Durban, established by the Durban City Council in collaboration with the private sector, serves as the city’s premier “First Stop Shop” for promoting and facilitating new investment in the Durban metropolis. As a dynamic partnership between the Metro City Council and the private sector, Invest Durban offers a comprehensive range of investor services including advisory support, promotion, facilitation, and aftercare, all free of charge to stakeholders involved in investment activities. As a world-class metropolitan-based investor support service, Invest Durban operates under a fourfold business mandate. This includes investment promotion and marketing, identifying, attracting, and facilitating foreign investments, providing aftercare and expansion support for foreign direct investment (FDI), and advocating for policies that foster a favourable investment climate. Invest Durban collaborates with various organisations to further its mission, including the Department of Trade and Industry (through 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, DBSA, IDC, Eskom, and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). The broader mission of the organisation is to source, unlock, and leverage accelerated investment growth for the benefit of all, in a globally connected, sustainable, and flawless manner. Invest Durban’s efforts to attract investors can be grouped into three main categories: 1. Premium Destination: Durban offers a business and lifestyle environment conducive to profitable, sustainable ventures, with ample land available for development. 2. Catalytic Projects: These are large-scale projects with the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape, triggering a series of investments across several sectors. 3. Priority Sectors: Key sectors receive strategic focus, such as the creation of industry clusters and the development of value chains to promote new ventures and investment opportunities. Renewed Optimism and Future Growth The city is on the verge of a new era of growth and prosperity, driven by a shift in business confidence and a robust pipeline of private sector investments. This new confidence is fuelled by a substantial pipeline of flagship investments, estimated at approximately R250 billion in private sector commitments. International investors have already established a significant presence in Durban, particularly in the manufacturing, transport, logistics, and distribution sectors. Companies like PepsiCo and Kerry Foods have expanded into Durban, along with new FDI from top shipping and logistics groups, such as CMA-CGM. Additionally, South Africa has been rated as the best place on the planet for contact centres for the last five years with Durban leading in several aspects, including opportunities in legal process outsourcing, digital animation and film processing, digital health diagnostics, and consumer protection technology. Catalytic Projects Driving Regional Impact Several large-scale projects are underway in Durban, poised to make a regional impact by stimulating the economy and creating employment opportunities. These developments are strategically positioned on national trade routes or designed to help break down old apartheid-era living and working dynamics. Among these projects are: ƒ The Whetstone development in the north Aerotropolis has attracted R2.5 billion in privatesector investment, in addition to the approximately R500 million already invested by the industrial park developer. ƒ The R1.9 billion Giba Business Estate is being developed by Sultex Holdings, a black-owned company with a level one BBBEE score. The project aims to rejuvenate Giba Business Park, support the eco-tourism appeal of Giba Gorge, and impact the local informal community, creating jobs and business opportunities in light commercial, logistics, and warehousing sectors. ƒ Dube TradeZone 2 has attracted R1.8 billion in private-sector investment, with expectations of creating 600 jobs within the next five years. Targeting investors in manufacturing, assembly, logistics, and the automotive sectors. ƒ Westown, led by the Fundamentum Property Group, is one of Durban’s most significant infrastructural investments. With support from all three spheres of government, Westown is set to generate around R15 billion in investment over the next 10-15 years. The first phase opened in 2025 with construction on the residential component underway. ƒ On the KZN North coast, Club Med South Africa is proudly being developed by KZN company Collins Residential, with the French headquartered Club Med taking the helm as hotel operators. Club Med South Africa is expected to generate over 800 direct jobs and an additional 1 500 indirect jobs, stimulating the local economy and empowering individuals and families with new opportunities. Building the Future Together While Durban has faced challenges, particularly in energy, industrial logistics, and water, these issues are now receiving the fullest attention they deserve at both national and local levels. Initiatives like the Business for South Africa (B4SA) programme, led by national business bodies such as Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), as well as provincial private-public partnership facilitation through the KZN Growth Coalition and the Presidential eThekwini Working Groups at the Metro level, are showing progress. By fostering these partnerships and addressing key challenges, Durban is poised to become a leading destination for investment, offering opportunities for all and serving as a model for sustainable development in Africa. 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 Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Next Andrew Barnes Andrew Barnes is the owner of Barnes Properties Andrew Barnes, the owner of Barnes Properties, specialises in residential and retail property development in and around the Pietermaritzburg area in KwaZulu-Natal. Andrew was schooled in Pietermaritzburg and initially followed in his parents’ footsteps into conservation. His first job, at 18 years old, involved running an anti-poaching unit, but Andrew quickly realised that his passion lay elsewhere. “Animals don’t speak back, and I enjoy working with people,” he reflected. This marked the beginning of his journey into the property industry, a field he entered “by absolute default” over 30 years ago. His early mentors played a crucial role in his development, particularly his parents, who were government employees. One of his first employees was his mother, a situation that added some pressure to his early career. “If I didn’t pay her salary, she’d probably kick me out!” he quipped. SPORT AS A FOUNDATION Andrew’s passion for sport has influenced his business approach. Over the years, he has participated in numerous events, including half a dozen Duzi canoe races, nonstop Duzis, the Comrades Marathon, mountain bike races, and has climbed some of the highest mountains in the world. “Things that I’ve learned from sport are probably some of the greatest lessons that I’ve learned outside of the business world,” he said. “Things like tenacity and making a plan; because to a large degree, as with sport, the business environment requires absolute zest and a need to come out on top. That doesn’t mean you need to get one over anybody else. It means that you’ve got to work with people.” This belief extends to his leadership style. Andrew emphasises the importance of leading by example and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. “You’ve got to constantly look for a balance between big decisions and careful thought,” he noted. His approach recognises that people are motivated by a variety of factors, and that as a leader, you must be willing to take risks, make difficult decisions, and remain humble in the process. “Working hard and being prepared to do anything that you ask people to do creates a strong foundation for trust and respect,” he explained. NAVIGATING CHALLENGES Andrew’s involvement in the community extends beyond property. When his children started school, he became involved in education, initially serving on the board of Cowan House, a local independent school, and later the regional committee of South Africa’s Independent Schools’ Association. A challenge Andrew faced was during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The first confirmed case of the virus in South Africa was linked to Hilton, a neighbouring town, and the infected individual’s children attended Cowan House. This situation placed Andrew at the centre of a crisis that required action. “Engaging with various ministers, the community, and the media was probably one of the most trying times in my life,” he recalled. “I think I navigated the crisis well for my community of people. A lot of my upbringing has been one of engaging with people and sorting out problems off the front foot, and that’s what I’ve tried to do constantly.” Andrew’s believes that success is not just about personal achievements but about contributing positively to society. “My why is that I think that you owe it to society and to yourself to be the very best at whatever you do every minute of the day,” he explained. “I deliver on my mandate, for all those people that I work with.” His approach to business and life is shaped by a genuine love for people. “I believe that I have the ability to deal with a plethora of people from different backgrounds, from captains of industry to bricklayers and plasterers, who need to be heard and understood,” he said. “The best advice I’ve ever received is to face things head on... And in life, you need to love people for where they are at and laugh. I think that’s incredibly important. These three things have helped keep me real, kept me grounded and enabled me to work with different people constantly.” A CRITICAL SKILL Andrew’s leadership style is also characterised by his emphasis on listening. He believes that truly hearing what others are saying, as well as what they are not saying, is a critical skill. “The ability to listen is probably the greatest, most undervalued skill,” he emphasized. “It’s something I’ve learned and I don’t always get right, but I work at it every day.” In the challenging environment of first-generation property development in South Africa, Andrew has faced significant obstacles, particularly when competing with larger, more established players. “There’s a lot of really deep pockets, and you are often on the outside looking in,” he admitted. “But the best way to combat that is to work hard, work honestly, and face challenges head-on.” Andrew works at keeping up his team’s morale by understanding that you need to be human because people don’t follow robots. “That means you need to be humble, caring, conscientious and genuine. If you apply those traits, the right people will follow you. And people will put themselves on the line for you.” Andrew is inspired by people who have built businesses from the ground up. “Anybody can buy an asset; not everybody can create one,” he stated. He holds a deep respect for simple, hardworking individuals who often must overcome significant life challenges. “You can learn an exceptional amount from simple people,” he says. Looking ahead, Andrew is optimistic about the future of business in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands, which he believes has significant potential for growth, especially with the rise of the middle class over the past few decades. He sees opportunities for those willing to work hard and collaborate with others. “You’ve got to decide whether you’re a half-empty glass or half-full glass kind of person,” he said. “And I’d like to think that I’m the latter.” Andrew’s motto, “Pitch up at the start line and put your ears back,” captures his approach to life and business. He advocates giving your best effort in every situation, regardless of the competition. Previous Next

We are passionate home finance specialists who offer competitive products and Amazing Service to make it easier for our clients to achieve their homeownership goals.SA Home Loans We are passionate home finance specialists who offer competitive products and Amazing Service to make it easier for our clients to achieve their homeownership goals.Nationally Prominent Business With Deep KZN Roots Headquartered in Umhlanga, SA Home Loans exemplifies how KZN businesses can achieve national prominence while maintaining strong provincial roots. The company has grown into an Employer of Choice for financial services professionals, offering careers spanning retail lending, insurance and investment banking. With over 900 employees across sales, marketing, administration and specialist functions, including credit, IT, legal, finance, treasury, HR and insurance, SA Home Loans demonstrates the depth of talent and opportunity available in KwaZulu-Natal. This makes it a desirable workplace to those who see the province as providing a lifestyle of choice. An Innovative But Focussed Product Offering The company’s innovative spirit extends beyond its funding platform. It remains a distinguishing feature of its consumer facing products over the years. As the largest specialist home loan provider in the market SA Home Loans offers a range of home loan product options which suit the life stage and financial needs of its clients, be it: A standard amortising loan with an LTV of up to 100% ƒ Varying Loan Terms Of Up To 30 Years ƒ A specialised product such as the ‘Edge’ offering, allowing clients an option to pay only the interest on a loan for the first three years before the full instalment commences, providing cashflow relief in the early years of a new home with all the associated costs. ƒ The option to switch an existing home loan to consolidate more expensive debt or to access cash Top Brand in KZN In the prestigious Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, SA Home Loans clinched the Top Brand in KZN award. These achievements further validate the company’s unwavering commitment to putting their clients first in everything they do. Through excellence and innovation, they are doing to make a meaningful difference in the communities around them, which has become such an important part of the amazing culture they have built. Proudly Committed To South Africans SA Home Loans has a proud track record over 26 years of working with more than 300 000 clients across all income and home value segments to make the homeownership journey easier. As they look to the future their commitment to that purpose has not waivered. They believe in the potential of our province and our country and remain committed to doing their part by enabling homeownership for more hardworking South Africans. They will continue to invest in communities by supporting the poverty alleviation, education, youth and enterprise development initiatives through our SA Home Loans Foundation.Full Name of Company: SA Home Loans (Pty) Ltd Nature of Business: Financial Services Specialising in Home Loans Services / Products: Home Loans, Insurance, Personal Lending, Further Lending, Life Insurance Date Established: Founded in 1999 Customer Base: Hard working South African families No. of Employees: 904 B-BBEE Status: Level 1 VISION To be SA’s most trusted home loan provider by putting our clients first and providing an amazing experience in their home ownership journey. OUR OFFERING We are passionate home finance specialists that offer competitive products and an amazing experience to make it easier for our clients to achieve their home ownership goals. KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Rob Kelso COO: Zakheni Dlamini CFO: Matthew Mutch Head of Sales & Distribution: Mike Rees Senior Manager Marketing: Carmen Hockey CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 2 Milkwood Crescent, Milkwood Park, La Lucia, 4051 Tel: +27 31 576 5901 (Switchboard) 0860 2 4 6 8 10 (Contact Centre) E-mail: marketing@sahomeloans.com Website: www.sahomeloans.com Full Name of Company: SA Home Loans (Pty) Ltd Nature of Business: Financial Services Specialising in Home Loans Services / Products: Home Loans, Insurance, Personal Lending, Further Lending, Life Insurance Date Established: Founded in 1999 Customer Base: Hard working South African families No. of Employees: 904 B-BBEE Status: Level 1 VISION To be SA’s most trusted home loan provider by putting our clients first and providing an amazing experience in their home ownership journey. OUR OFFERING We are passionate home finance specialists that offer competitive products and an amazing experience to make it easier for our clients to achieve their home ownership goals. KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Rob Kelso COO: Zakheni Dlamini CFO: Matthew Mutch Head of Sales & Distribution: Mike Rees Senior Manager Marketing: Carmen Hockey CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 2 Milkwood Crescent, Milkwood Park, La Lucia, 4051 Tel: +27 31 576 5901 (Switchboard) 0860 2 4 6 8 10 (Contact Centre) E-mail: marketing@sahomeloans.com Website: www.sahomeloans.com Up Home Up Rob Kelso Latest News More About Leaders Nationally Prominent Business With Deep KZN Roots Headquartered in Umhlanga, SA Home Loans exemplifies how KZN businesses can achieve national prominence while maintaining strong provincial roots. The company has grown into an Employer of Choice for financial services professionals, offering careers spanning retail lending, insurance and investment banking. With over 900 employees across sales, marketing, administration and specialist functions, including credit, IT, legal, finance, treasury, HR and insurance, SA Home Loans demonstrates the depth of talent and opportunity available in KwaZulu-Natal. This makes it a desirable workplace to those who see the province as providing a lifestyle of choice. An Innovative But Focussed Product Offering The company’s innovative spirit extends beyond its funding platform. It remains a distinguishing feature of its consumer facing products over the years. As the largest specialist home loan provider in the market SA Home Loans offers a range of home loan product options which suit the life stage and financial needs of its clients, be it: A standard amortising loan with an LTV of up to 100% ƒ Varying Loan Terms Of Up To 30 Years ƒ A specialised product such as the ‘Edge’ offering, allowing clients an option to pay only the interest on a loan for the first three years before the full instalment commences, providing cashflow relief in the early years of a new home with all the associated costs. ƒ The option to switch an existing home loan to consolidate more expensive debt or to access cash Top Brand in KZN In the prestigious Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, SA Home Loans clinched the Top Brand in KZN award. These achievements further validate the company’s unwavering commitment to putting their clients first in everything they do. Through excellence and innovation, they are doing to make a meaningful difference in the communities around them, which has become such an important part of the amazing culture they have built. Proudly Committed To South Africans SA Home Loans has a proud track record over 26 years of working with more than 300 000 clients across all income and home value segments to make the homeownership journey easier. As they look to the future their commitment to that purpose has not waivered. They believe in the potential of our province and our country and remain committed to doing their part by enabling homeownership for more hardworking South Africans. They will continue to invest in communities by supporting the poverty alleviation, education, youth and enterprise development initiatives through our SA Home Loans Foundation. Full Name of Company: SA Home Loans (Pty) Ltd Nature of Business: Financial Services Specialising in Home Loans Services / Products: Home Loans, Insurance, Personal Lending, Further Lending, Life Insurance Date Established: Founded in 1999 Customer Base: Hard working South African families No. of Employees: 904 B-BBEE Status: Level 1 VISION To be SA’s most trusted home loan provider by putting our clients first and providing an amazing experience in their home ownership journey. OUR OFFERING We are passionate home finance specialists that offer competitive products and an amazing experience to make it easier for our clients to achieve their home ownership goals. KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Rob Kelso COO: Zakheni Dlamini CFO: Matthew Mutch Head of Sales & Distribution: Mike Rees Senior Manager Marketing: Carmen Hockey CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 2 Milkwood Crescent, Milkwood Park, La Lucia, 4051 Tel: +27 31 576 5901 (Switchboard) 0860 2 4 6 8 10 (Contact Centre) E-mail: marketing@sahomeloans.com Website: www.sahomeloans.com Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link