< Back Marlene Powell

< Back Dr Lungile Mhlongo

KZN Top Business Woman 2025

< Back Khethiwe Zulu

Next Back to Team Next Grant Adlam Chief Executive Officer I am currently the driving force behind KZN Top Business and have been in the marketing/ publishing sector for over 35 years Much of this time has been involved in promoting the businesses -brands and people of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. KZN Business Sense, KZN Top business , KZN leaders, KZN Brand DNA, KZN Women in business Being born in Pietermaritzburg ensures that this is province that I am passionate about seeing succeed. As an influencer my team and I create content or co-create content to support brands, endorse product and services with the intent to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Influencing is about connecting and we use a variety of social media platforms to communicate- Facebook , Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest and Vimeo When I am not networking with clients I’m likely to be swimming, running or cycling or watching sports on television and relaxing with my family and dogs. Mail grant@kzntopbusiness.com Phone +27 0832628529

You might know you need to turn up your digital marketing game. And your question (naturally) might be, “how?” One really good answer: think in terms of campaigns. THe Press Room 1. Content managment 2. Social Media Content managment 3. Off-Page SEO Campaign 4. Email Campaigns Content managment 5. businesschannel Content managment 6.Print Content managment If your target market is specifically business in KZN give me a call and I'll be more than happy to share my knowledge on how to marry the two mediums in marketing your business, services or products. KZN Business Sense Price Duration Free consultancy 30 minutes Application < Back About the memberships and subscriptions KZN Business Sense Press Room KZN Business Sense is unique in that we use a variety of communication tools to promote companies in a holistic manner - print, website, social media, video and through targeted email campaigns. The distribution of the printed tabloid copies includes King Shaka International Airport, business chamber office distribution, business partners and some selected coffee shops. The electronic copy is emailed to an extensive database of over 50 000 businesspeople. Each article is emailed four times to the database over the campaign period. KZN Business Sense articles are available on the website and are shared and promoted on a range of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and republished on a range of platforms including Google and LinkedIn. Let's connect Grant Adlam Now can you imagine the power of the KZN Masterclass We linked this back to been a KZN Top Business Gurus, to been a specialist. Now make use of KZN Top Business Press room The content The webinar The YouTube The blog The articles The network of our Business Community Set up an appointment and let's expanded on the KZN Masterclass and it and how ultimately how this all links back to dynamics of the KZN Top Business & Leaders Portfolio

< Back Next > Hantie Plomp Founder and Managing Director, Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Hantie Plomp, the founder and managing director of Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions, established her company in October 2011. She explained, “We specialise in solving environmental challenges and assisting businesses and communities to improve environmental performance in a sustainable way.” Hantie detailed further: “When faced with a client’s challenge or objective to improve their environmental performance, we strive to find a balanced solution between the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the project or business.” Hantie added that the company’s services relate to water, waste, air quality, biodiversity management, sustainability reporting, and management systems, as well as compliance matters. Hantie shared, “I grew up in a small mining community in North West. I was in a boarding school in Potchefstroom for high school and went on to the University of Pretoria, where I completed a degree in human physiology and microbiology.” Reflecting on her early work experience, she said, “During the holidays, I worked at the local mine’s chemical laboratory, where analyses on water, gold, and uranium were conducted. On completion of my degree, I worked at the laboratory and obtained a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.” However, Hantie soon discovered that routine work was not her calling. “I was really grateful when I was transferred to the mine’s environmental department. Within two weeks, I realised that I had found my passion and calling in life,” she recalled. Her passion led her to complete a master’s degree while working, and after more than 30 years in the field, she still loves her work. “As a child, I was loved and cared for, and I had a few daydreams,” Hantie reminisced. “I dreamt of staying by the sea, and I was born with a caring nature. I also wanted my own business someday.” She explained how these dreams came together. “Triplo4 is the realisation of my love for the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, my love for environmental management and sustainability, and my care for the environment, business, and people.” “Everything I have learned and experienced, the good and the bad, the challenges and victories as well as my relationship with God have all played a role in bringing me to where I am today,” Hantie reflected. She emphasised the importance of continuous learning, hard work, and building a strong team and relationships with stakeholders. “It really takes communities and consistent attention to your current situation and desired position throughout one’s lifetime to take you to where you are today and wish to be tomorrow.” Innovative Solutions “I strongly believe that my love for people and entrepreneurship developed due to my parents’ diligent and ethical approach to life and my early childhood exposure to entrepreneurship,” Hantie shared. She said she sees today’s environmental challenges as an opportunity for innovative solutions and remains deeply passionate about her work. “My responsibility is to ensure the development of strategy, establishment and maintenance of a competent team, and the implementation of all processes and systems,” Hantie explained. She highlighted the importance of creating a company culture based on quality, respect, and excellence. “We measure our impact on the feedback we receive, such as ‘Triplo4 has an aptitude for problem-solving and innovative solutions’ and ‘Amazing service - You were awesome’.” Hantie takes pride in the company’s commitment to empowerment and transformation. Triplo4 is 100% women-owned, with 53% black and youth shareholding, and is certified as a Level 1 B-BBEE company. Over the years, the company has employed more than 36 interns, primarily women, preparing them for careers in environmental management. “We have also been ISO 14001 and 9001 certified for environmental management and quality for over seven years,” she added. In terms of awards, Hantie mentioned winning the National Business Awards – Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019 and the 2021 Standard Bank Top Women Award for biodiversity, conservation, and environmental management. Triplo4’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the company’s operations. “We financially support NGOs that ensure environmental, wildlife, and animal care, such as SANCCOB, CROW, and the SPCA,” Hantie ex plained. She also mentioned the company’s community contributions, including an e-waste initiative with Hirsch’s stores. Hantie recalled how environmental management was once seen as “bunny hugging” and misunderstood. Although progress has been made, there remains friction between business needs and environmental protection. “The only way is to find integrated, project-specific solutions that are time and cost-sensitive while ensuring long-term sustainability,” she asserted. From a business perspective, the last six years have been challenging, with company structure changes, Covid-19, riots, and labour turnover. “We overcame the challenges with tenacity, a positive outlook, and a solutions-based approach,” she said, adding that the company became 100% women-owned and opened a new office in Pietermaritzburg during this time. “All things are possible with God, who gives wisdom and strength.” Hantie offered this advice to young women: “Once you have done your due diligence, believe in yourself. Do not consent to limiting views or self-entitlement attitudes and give your chosen goal your full commitment.” She encouraged young women not to give up when challenges arise, adding, “A positive mindset, a tenacious belief that you can do it, and persistent efforts supported with good knowledge, judgement, and ethics should result in good outcomes.” “I am still living my dream, which is still unfolding,” Hantie shared. Her long-term goals include expanding Triplo4’s footprint nationally and internationally, establishing seven national offices, and eventually listing the company on the JSE. “All successful large businesses started with an idea that was cultivated and nurtured to greatness,” she noted. Hantie values her time with her husband, with whom she has shared a 37-year marriage. “We talk daily about anything and everything. He makes me laugh and appreciates how blessed we are,” she said. She also enjoys building puzzles, reading on natural healing and leadership and growing her relationship with the Lord. < Previous Next >

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< Back Next > Michelle Isaac Founder and Director, MGM HR Services Michelle Isaac, founder and director of MGM HR Services, has built a successful career in human resources and compliance, specialising in B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment), employment equity, and skills development. From retail to ICT, construction to manufacturing, MGM HR Services operates across diverse sectors, making an impact in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Through her business, Michelle has facilitated large-scale initiatives in skills development and small medium and micro enterprise support, helping companies meet their compliance targets while uplifting individuals and communities. While Michelle’s biggest dream was to have a career, be independent and have financial stability, her path to success wasn’t without challenges. From a university dropout to an entrepreneur, Michelle’s story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the pursuit of growth. Michelle’s journey began with uncertainty. After matriculating in 2000, she struggled to find her footing in university, dropping out after two years due to a lack of focus. “I just couldn’t discipline myself to study,” she reflects. Feeling lost, she took a retail job that quickly made her realise it wasn’t where she wanted to be. “It took just one year for me to realise that wasn’t the life I wanted.” With her family’s support, Michelle returned to her studies, enrolling in human resources (HR) at Durban University of Technology. Determined to succeed, she juggled day and night classes, completing her diploma and a BTech in HR Management. This decision set the foundation for her success, landing her an internship at the Spar Distribution Centre in KwaZulu-Natal. It was here that her human resources career began. “I started as an HR intern at Spar Distribution Centre and through that opportunity I was able to move on to other companies working my way up to HR officer, case management officer, HR business partner, and eventually HR manager,” she recalls. The experience was invaluable, though not without its difficulties. “It was tough seeing people get fired and handling disciplinary hearings, but I learned to manage it. That’s the nature of HR—policy, procedure, and following the rules.” After several years as an HR manager, Michelle found herself at a crossroads. “I was no longer enjoying what I was doing, and I needed a change. Luckily, with my husband’s support, we agreed that I could try consulting.” Significant Risk It wasn’t a planned move, she admits. “I always thought I’d be employed by someone, but I didn’t realise my perfect employer would be myself!” Starting her consultancy was a significant risk. “I had no contacts, nothing. I resigned, took a few steps back, and started from scratch.” Despite the challenges, Michelle discovered her passion for being in business, serving clients, and building an effective team. “Once I started hiring staff, the business took off. It’s been an amazing journey. What I really enjoy now is providing excellent service to clients and seeing my team grow and develop.” With Michelle at the helm, MGM HR Services has grown rapidly. Her background in HR, payroll, and labour relations has been a valuable asset in providing value- added services to clients, many of whom have come to rely on her expertise and dedication. Michelle added, “There’s always something changing in B-BBEE, skills development and equity. It’s a constantly shifting environment. We partner with the right people and build good relationships so that we’re able to help each other which is something I find comfort in — being able to create a close network.” Michelle’s achievements are numerous, but she remains grounded, always striving for more. “Since 2017, we’ve grown exponentially without needing to advertise. It’s all been word-of-mouth; thanks to the service we provide. In Michelle’s words, “We’ve facilitated R343 million in skills development expenditure and directed R69 million towards small businesses. We’ve placed over 4,800 learners into learnership programmes and 197 youth into the Yes Youth programme, helping them gain the work experience they need to start their careers. We’ve been able to direct R25 million towards causes like school fees, bursaries, crèches and rural development to help previously disadvantaged individuals.” MGM HR Services ensures that their clients meet their objectives, and that expenditure is safeguarded in terms of compliance. Michelle’s commitment to personal growth is reflected in how she approaches her business. “I’ve always been focused on building processes and systems, which has made it easier to manage the workload as the business grew. My team appreciates that everything is streamlined, which allows us to provide top-tier service to our clients.” Michelle also credits her success to business figures such as Margaret Hirsch and Vivian Reddy, who have inspired her with their straightforward approaches and willingness to share their knowledge. “I love learning about the experiences of successful people. It helps me when I’m struggling. I think back to how they overcame their challenges.” When asked about the advice she would give to young women, Michelle stresses the importance of self- investment and perseverance. “If you don’t know what you want to do, at least know what you don’t want to do, and start there. Invest in yourself — your education, your skills. That investment will bring you many rewards.” Looking to the Future While Michelle has achieved much, she remains open to whatever the future holds. “I never planned to be in business, so now I just wake up, show up, and do my best. I support my team, and I stay open to new opportunities and challenges.” For Michelle, growth never stops. “I always remind myself not to get stuck in a comfort zone. Comfort kills growth, so I’m always pushing myself and my team to do better.” In her spare time, Michelle finds balance by spending time at the beach with her husband and son or relaxing at home. “We’re homebodies, but we love the beach. I also enjoy reading, yoga and walking to stay active. Health is important to me,” she concludes. < Previous Next >

It is important to keep gender equality going between males and femalesPremi Subramany < Back Premi Subramany Owner and Managing Director of Chemsol (SA) Adhesives Premi Subramany is the owner and managing director of Chemsol (South African) Adhesives, which is based in Durban. The company manufactures chemicals and adhesives used for paper and packaging. The company’s focus and strengths are specialised waterborne adhesives for paper and packaging. Premi started off her career as an accountant and has worked for many corporate companies over the years. After qualifying, she moved to a manufacturing business where she played the role of management accountant. Thereafter, she moved on to a corporate company where she was the financial director of the business. In 2005, said Premi, “I decided it was time to move on my own. Let me try and take on the risks of owning my own business.” The company Chemsol Adhesives CC was sold to her, and she commented that she had to take on the company and grow it to another level. Premi explained, “It was incredibly challenging, but I made it work. We started off making solvent adhesives for the footwear industry. In 2013, South African Adhesives was founded, and thereafter, we started manufacturing waterborne adhesives. Know your product Reflecting on the numerous challenges in the manufacturing environment, Premi said that she thinks firstly knowing your product before you go out to market the product is essential. “I was highly successful in getting to know my product. The challenge was getting out there and meeting people on the floor to introduce my product and getting them to understand what I actually do. And if I say falling in love with my product that I could supply.” “In addition, I needed to work with ground staff, getting them to know the product, how it performs, and its ability to give them their results that are required and that was a great challenge. I think achieving that and knowing how their machinery would work with my product was very satisfying.” The manufacturing sector is also a male dominated environment and particularly challenging for women. “Just getting them to believe in me, that yes, the product can work and make their job easier was challenging. At the end of the day they have to achieve results and ensure that there is less downtime and that their end products are excellent.” However, says Premi, “I am passionate about what I do, I think my customers motivate me more when they come with a new development and I take on the product and ensure that I achieve the required result with my team and their technical expertise. There is much satisfaction when the product works. There are a lots of trials and there are many steps in ensuring that the product is what the customer really needs and that’s what they will sign off at the end of the day.” In addition, says Premi the new developments within the changing environment and ‘going bio and green’ is making manufacturing chemical products more exciting nowadays. “Lots of avenues have been opened up for me in supplying biodegradable products, biodegradable adhesives, and biodegradable HDP polymers for our plastic division – they are our go-getters at the moment. We’re looking forward to providing our customers green products to ensure that the environment is safe. We’ve got to ensure we sustain both the environment and our business.” Future goals While Premi has several projects on hand at the moment, she also has future goals. “Looking at my business as a whole, we need customers, we need to go green, and we need to be sustainable. However, there’s a lot of training and development happening currently. There is a focus on the youth in our business to get them to enjoy what we are doing. We have lots of technical expertise in the business and we’re trying to pass that on to our graduates. My goal is to ensure they are trained, that they know what’s happening and they understand what they are doing.” Gender equality While Premi is conscious of the need to empower women in the workplace, she has a 50/50 split of male and female employees. She explained that it is important to keep gender equality going between males and females as this adds value to the business and is enabling. “The interlink is important because the ideas that are discussed between a male and female achieve the results required,” Premi explained. However, 50% of the company’s women employees are in management roles. “We have empowered our younger women, who we have brought in as young graduates, to take on senior roles and to become involved in decision making processes within the business as well.” Reflecting on the impacts that she has made in her field, Premi says that she uses both her business environment and her family environment to empower the people around her. “I ensure and give them confidence to believe in me that I can lead my team members. That’s what gives us excellent results in the business, and I see that right through my business. I think that what I enjoy most in my business is my staff, and my family around me. My staff and my family members work together as a team, which gives me much satisfaction.” Never give up In advising younger people, Premi says that her advice is to never give up. She explains, “Work can be very challenging, and it can also be very uncomfortable in different environments. But again, it’s how you will allow yourself to accept rejection. I think that’s important. If you’re rejected, do not give up, just continue. Just see how you could improve on rejection, and it happens almost all the time. You will be rejected, guaranteed, but it’s what you do. Just take it as a challenge, go sit down, think about it, and see how you can better it and never give up.” In order to have time out, Premi explains that she shuts off at 6 p.m. every day when she goes home. In addition, her focus on the weekends is for herself and her family who are extremely important to her. “So,” she says, “the weekends are for me. I love my cooking, I love my naps, I read, and I enjoy documentaries. So that’s how I relax.”