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Mayor: CLLR NNP Mkhulisi KZN Top Business Subscribe King Cetshwayo District Municipality King Cetshwayo District has a good climate and an abundance of natural resources. The arable land is suitable for large-scale agricultural initiatives, like the present sugar and forestry as well as agricultural opportunities including natural oils and fruits cultivation Boundless Potential King Cetshwayo District Municipality is in the north eastern region of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The district stretches from the town of Gingindlovu in the south, to the uMfolozi River in the north and inland to rural Nkandla. The N2 highway links the district to other economic centres such as Durban and Johannesburg, offering a direct route to Maputo in Mozambique. King Cetshwayo District has a good climate and an abundance of natural resources. The arable land is suitable for large-scale agricultural initiatives, like the present sugar and forestry as well as agricultural opportunities including natural oils and fruits cultivation. The beauty and cultural heritage of the area enhances the opportunities for tourism. The King Cetshwayo District Municipality comprises the local municipalities of City of uMhlathuze, uMfolozi, Mthonjaneni, Nkandla, and uMlalazi. The district is characterised by low levels of urbanisation; approximately 80% of the people live in the rural areas. The district is further characterised by large infrastructure backlogs, particularly in respect of water and sanitation mainly in the rural areas. The City of uMhlathuze comprises the economic powerhouse of Richards Bay and Empangeni, and its supporting areas of Esikhawini, Ngwelezane, Nseleni, Felixton, Vulindlela, and rural areas. The City of uMhlathuze is the commercial and economic hub in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, and a key centre and driver of growth in South Africa. The municipality has the benefit of about 45km of coastline of which about 80% is in its natural state. Linked to its coastal locality is the Richards Bay deepwater port that has been instrumental in the spatial development of the area in the past and will impact on the area’s future development. The development of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone is boosting economic activity and attracting international investors. The uMfolozi Municipality is located close to the St Lucia Estuary, a world heritage site, and to the popular fishing spot of Mapelane as well as the world-famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserves. KwaMbonambi, with its abundance of land has been as identified as a primary development node. There is potential for residential and an industrial development, as well as the expansion of its timber industry. Mthonjaneni is one of the smallest municipalities in South Africa, but it has the distinction of being regarded as one of the healthiest places to live in this country. Melmoth is a commercial centre for the surrounding rural areas and is one of the administrative centres of economic significance in the district. Cultivated land and forestry forms the backbone of the rural economy, situated mostly on both sides of the N2 with large forestry areas evident. The Municipality of uMlalazi covers one of the largest geographical areas of all municipalities in South Africa, with a total area of some 2300km2. The municipal area includes a coastline on the Indian Ocean of some 18km together with a considerable rural hinterland. Eshowe, ˜the place of cool breezes”, has been chosen throughout history for its climate and is now the sub-regional centre and has the most diversified economy. Eshowe is situated near King Shaka’s famous KwaBulawayo kraal. Nkandla is situated in a remote area of mountainous beauty, which consists mainly of tribal lands and state-owned land. The area has a wealth of forests, which boast many indigenous species. Nkandla has a claim to be the cradle of Zulu history. Nkandla town is the only urban area in Nkandla Municipality which offers the full array of urban development, albeit at a smaller scale compared to most towns in KwaZulu-Natal, are found. This includes low density residential, schools, commercial areas, service industries, churches, offices, government buildings and services, and financial services. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: King Cetshwayo House, Kruger Rand, Richards Bay, 3900 Postal Address: Private Bag X1025, Richards Bay, 3900 Tel: +27 (0)35 799 2500 E-mail: sceo@kingcetshwayo.gov.za Website: www.kingcetshwayo.gov.za Back

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Fawzia Peer Former Deputy Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, the Vice President of Minara Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chairperson of Minara Business and Professional Women Women are so powerful when we stand together; we are invincible together Fawzia Peer

< Back Labournet Johan van Deventer is the KZN regional manager at . He is energetic and committed, with a strong understanding of human resources, which is all about managing people in a workplace. Johan knows how organisations work - their systems and rules - and uses this knowledge to help businesses succeed. He values the importance of building good relationships in a professional setting, believing that these connections are crucial for business growth. In simple terms, Johan helps companies get better at what they do by understanding both the people and the processes involved. Labournet The BLOG Read all about it READ MORE

Next Back to Team Next Tracy Engelbrecht Support Specialist Tracy is an integral part of the KZN Top Business team, dedicated to client success and operational excellence. By managing core client portfolios and providing critical executive support, she ensures our networking initiatives and media platforms consistently deliver value to the KwaZulu-Natal business community. Mail Tracy@BusinessSense.co.za Phone +27 84 902 5357

Up Up Michelle Gregory < Back MICHELLE GREGORY is the co-founder of Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG), a diversified logistics group, providing transport, fuel storage, distribution, and supply chain services nationally and in neighbouring countries. She is the systems director responsible for all procedures and systems including telecommunications, information technology, and software development. Michelle started off as a teacher before getting married and then worked in the computer industry for three years. Michelle and her husband James got an opportunity to move to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where they ran a thriving trading store. When Engen invited tenders for a fuel depot, she and her husband made a joint bid. James had fuel industry training and experience and Michelle had accounting and IT experience. She says, "We were fortunate to be the right people at the right place at the right time" and their bid was successful. They opened a fuel depot in the tiny town of Creighton with a truck, two drivers and a clerk. Despite major setbacks, through perseverance, hard work and building good relationships, the business succeeded and expanded. WBG now boasts a modern infrastructure nationally with more than 200 employees. Michelle says, "To get here today has been a long process, 26 years of hard work, almost like the process of a river from start to end." Say what is relevant and produce results Good and bad life experiences have moulded her, making her a graduate of the University of Life. Michelle is inspired by men and women who have bounced back from hardship and hard times. "Resilient people are able to adapt to change, become stronger and become dynamic leaders in the business world." Michelle believes specific incidents don't make you, rather it is relationships and being able to change as life moulds you that matters. People are very important to her and so good relationships between them are necessary. She feels fortunate to have a support system of family and friends who have been with her all the way. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry meant Michelle had to learn the hard way to stand up for herself. Being the only woman around a table with men set in their ways requires bringing an art to negotiations. As Michelle likes to produce something tangible quickly and efficiently, she found it is better to say less, be clear and only say what was relevant to produce results. "Working in a man's world is tough for a woman," she says, "you have to learn to read men, and then you have to use the advantages for your benefit." Leave work behind Balancing work and family life have been important, but not a problem for Michelle. "I am very clear that when I leave the work premises, I leave work behind. It's my saving grace," she says. When Michelle and James started the business, they had three toddlers and Michelle's time had to be divided. She believes, "Being a mom is the most humbling and precious gift that a woman can have in life". Motherhood grounds her and gives her purpose. It gives her balance in the work and life scenario says Michelle. Be patient, humble, and bold If Michelle could give her younger self advice, she would say three things. Firstly "Be patient, slowly-slowly catch the monkey" as she had been impulsive and wanted to get things done very quickly. "Set your goals and know that you will get there eventually if you are resilient. Success does not happen overnight unless you win a jackpot." Secondly, she would tell herself to be humble. "Life throws curve balls at us, so enjoy the good times and be grateful for them, because they can be taken from you in an instant." She relates that there were times at WBG where they had to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get back in the saddle. "Being humble is about knowing you are never so good that nothing will go wrong." Lastly, she would say "Be bold". As a young mom she battled to express herself, "but years later I can sit around any boardroom table, rely on my gut feeling and with integrity say what I need to say." This is important, she thinks, as young people tend to hold back and not say what needs to be said. The best is yet to come Michelle is not content with what she has achieved and says that her best is yet to come. She has been privileged to be part of WBG and aims to leave it a sustainable, well-oiled machine that can function without her. She believes in giving back and through WBG assists schools, supports an orphanage and gets involved in social projects. Though modern technology, WBG offices are becoming green. Now she would like to start something on her own and says that it's never too late to start something new, she is ready for a challenge. Michelle has a passion for women in business and wants to create a business network run by women who own their own businesses. Michelle is poised to do so right now, but "Even baby eagles need a push to fly!" she concludes. Home

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Judging Criteria | KZN Top Business Women KZN Top Business Woman 2026 Criteria KZN Top Business Women 2026 Criteria to Enter Nominate Individuals nominated for recognition as a KZN Top Business Women must: Have owned/ co-owned (50% shareholding) their own business/ initiative for a minimum of three years. Or Be in a senior position in a company structure We are open to any business type from sole trader to large companies across all business categories as well as NGOs. Requirements Please supply a/an: Current, two-page CV Company write-up (50 to 100 words) 800 to 1 000 written submission or a two-minute video outlining your achievements and motivation to be recognised in this initiative. Process Qualifying women will be interviewed on line before proceeding to the formal video and photographic session as well as participation in the webinars. This is about sharing stories of success with our panel; the triumphs, the challenges, and the achievements. Each year only 40 women are selected. Gala Dinner The programme culminates in a gala dinner to recognise and celebrate all selected participants. They will each receive a framed photo and commemorative coffee table book. We continue to promote and support our participants long after the ceremony through our social media community and networking opportunities. Business partnerships, collaborations and friendships have all formed through KZN Top Business Women. This is a community of outstanding businesswomen, which continues to grow each year.

Mayor: CLLR Thulasizwe Buthelezi KZN Top Business Subscribe Zululand District Municipality Zululand District Municipality borders on the Kingdom of Swaziland, a trading partner of South Africa. The district’s local municipalities comprise eDumbe, uPhongolo, AbaQulusi, Nongoma and Ulundi An Extraordinary Experience Zululand District Municipality borders on the Kingdom of Swaziland, a trading partner of South Africa. The district’s local municipalities comprise eDumbe, uPhongolo, AbaQulusi, Nongoma and Ulundi. The major towns of Vryheid and Ulundi are both well located in relation to the national road and rail networks. Approximately half of the area is under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities, while the remainder is divided between commercially owned farms and conservation areas. Zululand’s rich wildlife attracts many tourists, both international and local. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the largest reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, is a popular destination for big five sightings, and its rhino conservation programme is well known. The Ithala Game Reserve offers an extraordinary experience of geological diversity as the rock formations found here date back 3 000 million years. Zululand is also home to the second oldest reserve in the world, the Pongola Game Reserve. Approximately half the Ulundi Municipal area consists of commercial farms and the area supports a substantial agricultural community. Ulundi town represents the only urban area in the municipal area and therefore plays an important role in the provision of social and economic facilities to the total population of Ulundi. Ulundi lies at the hub of the old Zulu Kingdom and has many cultural resources which are not being capitalised on. The tourism attractions include game reserves, historical and cultural sites, cultural events and guest lodges. The KwaZulu Cultural Museum houses interesting displays relating to Zulu history and archaeology. The beehive huts and the layout of the original Zulu village have been reproduced. The eMakhosini Conservancy (Valley of the Zulu Kings), birthplace of King Shaka, is a public private sector project that aims to preserve the culture and history of the Zulu people. Nongoma Municipality shares its name with the town of Nongoma, the seat of the municipality. The municipality is the home of King Goodwill Zwelithini, the leader of the Zulu nation, and his royal palaces are among the tourist attractions in the region. EDumbe Municipality is situated in the north western part of KwaZulu-Natal. Most of population live in the rural hinterland of the municipality and lack basic services and facilities. Forestry and agriculture are the two key economic activities. There is a small manufacturing sector in Paulpietersburg/eDumbe and an informal sector providing a convenience service to the public. Agriculture and tourism form the basis for the uPhongolo Municipality’s economy. Located around Pongola and the Pongola River, the municipality contains areas of commercial agriculture. While much of the agricultural activities consist of sugar cane farming, smaller areas are under citrus and crop planting. The uPhongolo Municipality has within its area of jurisdiction two key tourism attractions; the Ithala Game Reserve and the Pongolapoort Dam. These attractions are complemented by many private game farms and game reserves on which several lodges and other tourism related facilities are located. AbaQulusi is a largely rural community with low income levels endowed with various resources, which have not yet been fully developed. AbaQulusi’s tourism potential lies in its well-developed infrastructure, links with the Battlefields Route, its conference potential, eco-tourism and outdoor adventure events. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: B400 uGagane Street, Ulundi, 3838 Postal Address: Private Bag X76, Ulundi, 3838 Tel: +27 (0)35 874 5500 E-mail: info@zululand.org.za Website: www.zululand.org.za Back