Andrew Kruger Next Previous Andrew Kruger is a director at DRG Outsourcing Andrew Kruger is currently a director at DRG Outsourcing and plays a significant role in BusinessFit, a company within the DRG Group. He elaborated, “BusinessFit is focused on helping and mentoring entrepreneurs through a scientific approach to business.” This dual role allows Andrew to leverage his expertise to support the growth and success of other businesses. “I’m very involved with entrepreneurs, assisting them in their journeys and helping them become successful,” he noted. Reflecting on his early years, he shared, “I was born in Port Elizabeth, and I grew up there until I was 12, attending Grey Junior School.” His family’s move to Durban came when his father received a promotion. “At 12, we moved to Durban, and I continued my education at Westville Boys’ High School,” he recalled. This change marked a significant chapter in his upbringing and education. For his higher education, Andrew attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which was both close to home and his university of choice. “I pursued my BCom and then completed my honours to qualify as a chartered accountant,” he explained. This laid the foundation for his career in finance and business. After qualifying, Andrew stepped straight into the practical world through his articles, securing a position with Deloitte. Starting as a first-year clerk, Andrew embraced the responsibilities of entry- level tasks. “I did all the menial activities that first- year clerks do and gradually moved up through the ranks,” he shared. By his third year, he was responsible for leading audits. “Once my articles were completed, I officially qualified as a chartered accountant,” he said. STRATEGIC GUIDANCE Andrew’s motivation is rooted in both financial and strategic purposes. “Finance is important to me as a chartered accountant,” he explained. His main priority is ensuring the financial health of his business. “If a business is not doing well financially, it’s not sustainable,” he asserted. To him, the sustainability of a business means it can contribute positively to society and support its employees. He also expressed his passion for assisting small and medium enterprises: “I enjoy helping small businesses understand the difference between profit and cash flow.” By guiding them, he enables entrepreneurs to achieve greater financial and strategic stability. “I find joy in seeing businesses grow and succeed through strategic guidance and sound financial practices,” he said. Andrew is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. “KZN is unique, especially after what we’ve been through in the past two years,” he noted, referring to the community’s resilience. He believes that the collaborative spirit in KZN will fuel growth. “The community here is very close- knit, and this collaboration is key to business success,” he explained. With a focus on attracting local and foreign investment, Andrew sees KZN flourishing. “I am excited to be part of that growth,” he said, noting the enthusiasm and determination of local entrepreneurs. Motivating a team, according to Andrew, involves ensuring that everyone understands their role and its significance. “If staff know how their work contributes to the business as a whole, they’re more motivated,” he explained. Encouraging pride in their contributions is key: “I want them to be proud of their work and ensure that when it’s passed on, it’s in the best condition possible.” Additionally, he believes in empowering his team by allowing them to make decisions and learn from their experiences. “Even if they make the wrong decision, it’s a learning opportunity that prepares them for the future,” he said. AN INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT When asked about his proudest achievement, Andrew didn’t focus on career accolades but instead on family. “My biggest accomplishment is my family. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful daughters,” he stated with pride. “Just watching them grow and develop into independent individuals is an incredible achievement for me.” His eldest daughter’s successful transition to university life is a particular point of pride: “Seeing her leave home, manage her own life, and thrive is immensely rewarding.” Reflecting on his greatest personal challenge, Andrew shared, “The biggest challenge I faced was when my eldest daughter was diagnosed with a serious heart condition when she was a nine-year- old.” He described the difficulty of being unable to take direct action during her treatment: “There was nothing I could do. She was in the hands of the doctors, and I had to learn to rely on faith.” This period tested his resilience and taught him valuable lessons about acceptance and trust. “The hardest part was recognising that some things are out of your control,” he said. Andrew finds inspiration in a timeless piece of advice: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He explained, “Sometimes, when facing a daunting task, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But starting with that single step makes all the difference.” This approach has shaped his life, helping him tackle challenges methodically. “Once you’ve taken that first step, the path ahead becomes clearer,” he said. This advice has encouraged him to push through challenges without being paralysed by the enormity of tasks. Andrew credits much of his inspiration to his parents and a high school teacher. “I grew up in a stable home with parents who were always supportive,” he recalled. Their involvement and encouragement were invaluable. “My parents have been married for over 50 years, which is inspirational on its own,” he added. He also mentioned his high school accountancy teacher. “He inspired many students to pursue accountancy and made a significant impact,” Andrew said. Andrew says that his guiding principle comes from scripture. “When I was a boy, I had a verse on my wall from Proverbs 3:6: ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will guide your paths,’” he shared. This verse has been a cornerstone of his life and a message he has passed on to his children. “It’s important to me to use God as my guide and mentor, and I truly believe He has led my path,” Andrew concluded. Previous Next

Hantie Plomp Next Previous Hantie Plomp is the founder and director of Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Hantie Plomp is the founder and director of Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions. Hantie’s professional studies began at the University of Pretoria, where she completed Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and physiology. Her first employment was in AngloGold Ashanti’s chemical laboratory. During that time, she completed a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry on a part-time basis. In 1996, an opportunity arose for her to move to the environmental sector of AngloGold Ashanti. After two weeks, Hantie realised that environmental management was where she wanted to work for the rest of her life. She then graduated cum laude from the University of the Orange Free State with a Master’s degree in Environmental Management. After working through the ranks of AngloGold Ashanti, Hantie relocated to KwaZulu-Natal in 2007 to start up an environmental division of an engineering company. In 2010 she founded her own company, Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions. CARING ABOUT PEOPLE However, Hantie added that another part to her life is caring about people. Throughout her working life she has studied theology as well as natural health and has assisted people with their well-being through counselling, healing sessions and prayers. “Triplo4 really brings together my passion for the environment as well as my passion for people. And this is why this company assists me to live my potential and also my divine purpose,” Hantie explains. Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions’ purpose is to solve environ- mental challenges and to help companies to improve their environmental performance in a sustainable way. “We look at all issues or challenges that there can be to try and help people find an approach where the components of social, economic, and environmental matters are balanced. We help those individuals or companies to find a solution that is sustainable and profitable without impacting on future generations.” While Hantie has had many accomplishments, she is particularly proud of winning the National Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019. “I was really proud of that award because it honoured the effort that I have made throughout the years. The recognition also acknowledged what my team has done for Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions as well as the role my parents played, “says Hantie. “My career aspirations began early, between the age of three and five years. Often when driving with my mother between the towns of Orkney and Klerksdorp, she would want to know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I replied with a child’s dream and ambition: to own a cafe so that I can eat as many chocolates as I wanted. I believe that my entrepreneurial spirit recognised that ownership would present the ability to make decisions and influence direction.” Consequently, throughout her career, Hantie has worked towards opportunities for entrepreneurship. She added that her parents had shown her the importance of working hard and undoubtedly influenced her to be an entrepreneur. “I do believe that my parents played a significant role in my life because the first job that I had was working for them. They had a mini golf putting course which my dad had built, and we worked there over weekends and holidays. From early on we learned that you need to be creative, go the extra mile, and we worked hard.” Working at the course taught Hantie how to engage with people and to care about their needs. “We learnt to understand what’s important for people, it was not just looking after yourself and what you would like to have as a child. This is the reason I care about people and am passionate about entrepreneurship.” STAND TOGETHER Speaking of who inspires her, Hantie first turns to God. In terms of Triplo4, she feels inspired by her employees as they stand together and go through challenging times as a team. She added that her husband has always been there for her. “Together with God, my parents, my husband, and the team, I’m always inspired to do my best for Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions.” In line with obtaining inspiration from her team, Hantie believes in keeping the members well motivated. “One needs to set an example; one needs to do your best and show your team how to work in a positive and a constructive way to find solutions,” she said. Hantie also guides her team through training and development while encouraging them to be creative, show initiative and help themselves in terms of their careers. The best advice that Hantie has received was from a previous manager who said that not all people will think or feel the same as you do, and that they don’t necessarily share the same values or ethics. This has helped her in the environmental field as she often deals with stakeholders who have different requirements, needs and agendas. The biggest challenge that Hantie has faced was when she felt that both her competence as well as her ethics were challenged during a major project. “Keep in mind that when I started my career, I said this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I have dedicated 30 years of my career towards environmental management and the profession,” explained Hantie. DO THE RIGHT THINGS Hantie’s vision for KwaZulu-Natal is that considering we have the infrastructure in terms of ports and airports as well an environment that provides open spaces to support conservation, we should become a powerhouse in the country. “My vision is that we will strive towards sustainable development and excellence where there’s no corruption and every person and municipality is empowered to deliver the best for their community.” The motto that Hantie lives by is that you should ‘do the right things right’. Hantie has tried to live by this motto her whole life. She recently found a new aspect to add when she read that one should ‘do the right things right at the right time’. In conclusion, Hantie says that there’s another motto that she lives by in terms of Triplo4. This is that a leader is only as good as the team and the team is only as good as the leader. “Together, the two need to work together to make the best of the opportunities and the value that can be created.” Previous Next

Lindiwe Rakharebe Next Previous Lindiwe Rakharebe is the chief executive officer of the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) Lindiwe Rakharebe has been the chief executive officer of the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) since 1 April 2015. Her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu-Natal economy as well as her strong background in corporate management has helped to continue to propel the forward momentum of the organisation. She lives by the motto: “I am driven to achieve excellence in every way in my duty and delegation.” Lindiwe’s roots are in KwaZulu-Natal. She was born and raised in Chesterville. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as a diploma in management development and a number of professional development programmes. Prior to assuming the position as CEO at the Durban ICC, she served as the regional executive for Absa KwaZulu-Natal where she oversaw the strategic leadership of the organisation and facilitated the growth of the Absa/Barclays Africa Group’s footprint in the province. She has served in a management capacity for all four of South Africa’s major banking institutions. A MASSIVE CONTRIBUTION The Durban ICC makes a massive contribution to both the local and national economies and significantly complements the job creation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal. The Durban ICC’s contribution to government taxes is projected at R397.7 million for the last fiscal. The primary impact for the City of Durban stems from the wealth generated through delegate expenditures while attending events secured by the Durban ICC and its strategic partners. The Centre contributed a remarkable R6,3 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 2023/24 fiscal year. Additionally, the Centre contributed R4.7 billion to the Gross Geographic Product (GGP) of KwaZulu-Natal and R3.5 billion to eThekwini’s GGP in the same period. The activities of the Durban ICC are estimated to have created and/or sustained 11 387 annualised jobs in the South African economy during the 2023/24 financial year, comprising 6 818 direct jobs and 4 569 indirect jobs. In the KwaZulu-Natal economy, the Durban ICC’s operations created and/ or sustained approximately 8 382 annualised jobs, including 5,210 direct jobs and 3,172 indirect jobs in the 2023/24 financial year. “Our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This coupled with diligent management and sound financial controls at all levels of the organisation help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC,” explained Lindiwe. A WINNING STREAK Durban ICC has again clinched the baton and has been voted Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2024. The Durban ICC also received this illustrious industry accolade last year when it was chosen the continent’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2023. The iconic meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) venue, which was opened by former President Nelson Mandela in 1997 has been crowned Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for at least 20 years in its 27 years of existence. Between 2010 to 2018, the Durban ICC was crowned Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for nine years in a row before being placed after Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, which took first prize. Now the Durban ICC is again on a winning streak, taking top position for the second year in a row, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. The Durban ICC’s dedication to providing world-class services and facilities for meetings and conferences has made it a repeat recipient of this prestigious title. Lindiwe expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are immensely proud and humbled to be named ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre’ in the 2024 World Travel Awards. This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of our team and our unwavering commitment to providing a world-class platform for meetings and events.” INSTILLING CONFIDENCE Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the male dominated world of business. Lindiwe said: “As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural life-giver and whatever you give life to, will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it’s leading a company or propelling a cause. A woman influences everything she touches.” Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Lindiwe’s daily activities. “I have an ability to get the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My leadership style is characterised by love, respect and open communication, and I place a premium on the importance of work-life balance. I also impress upon my team that despite all the obstacles that we might face, the delegates come first. I also ensure that the execution of our employment policies and practices are aimed at developing a multi-cultural and diverse workforce that is non-racist, non-sexist, and non-discriminatory.” “The most important thing in remaining Africa’s Leading Convention Centre is that we exceed our clients’ expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host.” The Centre has been focusing on the development of their high-tech virtual event solutions. Having invested in the latest, innovative meeting technology, the Durban ICC is re-inventing itself as the continent’s leading high-tech convention centre. “Without moving away from our existing market positioning, we are adding this competitive edge and aiming to also be recognised as ‘Africa’s Smartest Convention Centre’,” explained Lindiwe. Playing a positive role in society and investing in community development programmes remains an integral part of the Durban ICC. “The culture of giving back is part of our DNA as a Centre, whether it’s by partnering with non-profit organisations to help those less fortunate or volunteering our time and resources for a worthy cause,” concluded Lindiwe. Previous Next

Mayor: Cllr ZD Nxumalo KZN Top Business Subscribe Harry Gwala District Municipality Harry Gwala District Municipality includes the southernmost part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park adjacent to Lesotho and borders the Eastern Cape Province in the west. Unique And Attractive Resources Harry Gwala District Municipality is situated in southern KwaZulu-Natal. The district includes the southernmost part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park adjacent to Lesotho and borders the Eastern Cape Province. Harry Gwala comprises four local municipalities: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Umzimkhulu, Greater Kokstad and Ubuhlebezwe. Ingonyama Trust land makes up a large proportion of the municipality and includes several tribal authorities areas of administration. The district has an abundance of high quality soils, a high altitude, much water, and experiences climatic extremes. Commercial farms and commercial plantations form the bedrock of the economy of the region. A significant portion of dairy consumed in KwaZulu-Natal is produced here. There is potential for the development of agriculture and tourism. Service Centre and Commercial Hub The town of Kokstad in the Greater Kokstad Municipality is strategically located on the N2 Development Corridor, the main transport arterial linking KwaZuluNatal and the Eastern Cape. The local municipality has an abundance of unique and attractive natural, cultural resources and open space amenities that could be used to enhance the local economy. Well Located Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality is well located between Pietermaritzburg, Kokstad and the Eastern Cape. The seat of the Harry Gwala District Council is the town of Ixopo, which is approximately 85km south east of Pietermaritzburg, capital of KwaZulu-Natal. Ixopo plays an important role in terms of the possible location for industry, commerce and other economic activity. The town is a major education and health centre and assists in the diffusion of new ideas and technologies to the rural areas. Many government departments and essential service providers are based here. Largest Local Municipality Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality is the largest municipality within the district, constituting 35% of the area. Much of the municipal area consists of tribal lands, which dominate the area. The municipality is known for the World Heritage Site of uKhahlamba, which brings local and foreign tourists to this mountainous area. The relatively unspoilt natural environment has high eco-tourism and adventure tourism potential. Greater tourism diversity could be achieved through a wider range of facilities and attractions including historical, cultural events and ecotourism adventures. Subsistence Living Umzimkhulu Local Municipality neighbours Ugu District in the east, Msunduzi in the north, Lesotho in the east and the Eastern Cape in the south. Of the population, about 90,8% reside in rural areas, while the remaining 9,2% are urban based. While development projects are centred on infrastructure and service delivery, backlogs remain vast with respect to water, sanitation and electricity provision. Currently agriculture comprises cattle (red meat and dairy), poultry, wool, maize, sugar cane, citrus, vegetables and timber. Much of the farming operations are at subsistence level, despite the potential for commercial-scale ventures. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 40 Main Street, Ixopo, 3276 Postal Address: Private Bag X501, Ixopo, 3276 Tel: +27 (0)39 834 8600/ 8700 Fax: +27 (0)39 834 1750 Website: www.harrygwaladm.gov.za Back

When employees are emotionally stable, they are more productive, and everyone wins.Nonkululeko Mkhize < Back Nonkululeko Mkhize CEO of NHM Wellnet Nonkululeko Mkhize, a young businesswoman in KwaZulu-Natal, is the founder and CEO of NHM Wellnet. The business provides wellness services to individuals, companies and to the public at large. NHM Wellnet specialises in providing on-site counselling in the workplace, to both employers and employees, with a focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing mental health. In addition to counselling, NHM Wellnet offers supervisor training and the option of hosting wellness days to create awareness about mental health. Nonkululeko had worked as a social worker for a long time, before she decided to step out on her own and offer on- site services, thus saving clients’ time, and quickly found it a more efficient way to practice. Her business grew and she realised that there was room to take the business to greater heights to meet the needs of the corporate sector. Her dream and passion, said Nonkululeko, is to help people understand the importance of mental well-being and to silence the negativity attached to mental wellness. Her motivation, says Nonkululeko, comes from working with people, and from her daughter, who is her life. She was also motivated by the fact that at all the companies and the NGOs where she had worked, there was never a professional on site who she could just go and speak to. “I had to either take time off work or I just had to swallow whatever I was going through at that time,” she commented. Nonkululeko is self-driven and very ambitious, and she said her passion is to provide a tailor made affordable services to small businesses as well, as she thrives on doing something she loves on a daily basis. Her journey has been challenging. She said that trying to enter the corporate space, especially with the kind of work that she does, has been a very difficult journey. As the concept of employee wellness in corporate is still a fairly new field in South Africa, approaching companies has not been easy for Nonkululeko. She has found it tough to constantly infiltrate corporates and motivate why these kinds of services are vital, and how much they impact productivity. “When employees are emotionally stable, they are more productive, and everyone wins. When employees do not prioritise mental health and wellness, it is difficult to make a difference, and break through perceived biases,” she explained. In addition, her services are perceived as work that should be done in a private or a personal space. “Bringing that into the workplace where I’m asking employees to be vulnerable has been challenging,” added Nonkululeko. As Nonkululeko has worked in her predominantly black community, she has found great opposition to the idea of mental wellness. The idea that mental health and counselling, therapists or therapy is negative, and means that one is labeled weak, is a constant battle. The misconception is that someone who cannot deal with personal issues is somehow failing.The importance of spreading the message that mental health is not just something for those who have a mental issue, and should be seen as intrinsic to wellness, cannot be understated. Nonkululeko’s message is clear: “Your mental health is important. You are holistic beings, the ultimate goal is holistic wellness, starting at the core of your emotions and working your way out to external factors.” One of the main areas that she has targeted for her pro- bono services are the sports and recreation fields where she lives. Nonkululeko has identified that the provision of mental health as a service is not readily available in sporting clubs. However, she has found opposition to the idea of mental health services as among many of the soccer clubs, tennis clubs etc. these services are frowned upon. Nonkululeko has had to work tirelessly to encourage sports people to grasp the importance of this vital service. However, she has been successful and now works with soccer teams around her community where she offers these services to the youngsters for free as a way of giving back to the community. Nonkululeko’s biggest goal is to have a fully versatile wellness clinic in South Africa incorporating the services of mental health, spirituality, finances, and health, in a one-stop centre. “In a nutshell, wellness is a holistic endeavour, always interlinked. One cannot put it in a box, or isolate it as a single issue to treat,” she says, “A complex situation may require multiple services such as that of a therapist, a doctor, financial advisor, or spiritual insight for instance, and having these services separated makes it unlikely that these people will get the help they need.” Ultimately wellness comprises of these pillars. Using the vehicle of her business, Nonkululeko puts herself out there for other individuals to learn from her journey. It is her hope she would inspire others to realise that they too can start from humble beginnings and succeed. She believes that anyone can succeed regardless of their circumstances. Nonkululeko’s advice to young women who may be scared to start, or who would want to follow her path is to just do it anyway and make a start. Nonkululeko emphasizes, “The important thing is to just start the ball rolling.”recoup Relaxing after a busy day is important to Nonkululeko. As a social worker by profession, she is a listener at heart, so listening is a big part of her life. Consequently, listening to a variety of podcasts helps her to relax while keeping her informed. She also enjoys gym and aerobics in particular. Nonkululeko’s daughter is still a toddler, so she says with a smile, she gets a good workout at home. She also enjoys being outside, to meditate and reflect while watching nature. When asked what it means to her to be a part of the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women initiative Nonkululeko says, “The opportunity to showcase my business and passion is indeed a privilege. It means that I’m able to put myself out there and that other people can learn from my journey to know that they can start their businesses from a perspective of passion.”

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Mzuvele Mthethwa Next Previous Mzuvele Mthethwa is the managing director of East Coast Radio Previous Next

< Back Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry 15 minutes Assesment About While the Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry is autonomous to the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation, the Foundation community park continues to provide a home for its associated organisations. The Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry continues to enjoy a close relationship with the Foundation while Business Against Crime no longer reports to the Foundation. The Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry continues to grow with increased membership and during 2009 the Chamber Executive Committee had 19 sub committees reporting to it.At the Executive Committee meeting held on the 8th August 2007 under the chairmanship of Mr Garth McCartney, the Chamber took the decision to become affiliated with SACCI (South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry, formally known as SACOB). Previous Next

Johan van Deventer Next Previous Johan van Deventer is the regional manager for LabourNet in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Johan van Deventer is the regional manager for LabourNet in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). He began his academic pursuits at Birchleigh Hoërskool in Kempton Park, matriculating in 1993. Johan continued his education at Technikon Pretoria, which has since been renamed Tswane University of Technology, where he earned qualifications in human resource and public personnel management. Additionally, he obtained an advanced diploma in labour law from Rand Afrikaans University, now known as the University of Johannesburg. Johan embarked on his professional career as a labour law consultant at Manpower Labour Consultants, located in Centurion. In this role, he provided consulting services to clients, focusing on labour relations issues. His capabilities led to a new role within the company as a facilitator of labour relations programmes for a subsidiary, a position he held for approximately four years. Following his tenure at Manpower Labour Consultants, Johan ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Kazini Consulting, a firm he managed for three years. His entrepreneurial journey shifted when he encountered an opportunity with LabourNet, prompting a strategic career move to join the organisation. Approximately six months after joining LabourNet, Johan relocated from Johannesburg to KZN to lead the Durban office, that was situated in Pinetown at the stage. His leadership has been integral to the office’s operations and development. In February 2024, Johan marked a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of service with LabourNet, highlighting his commitment and substantial contributions to the company’s growth and success in the region. CHANGING THE WORLD OF WORK Johan embodies his own purpose through LabourNet’s and embraces the concept of ‘Changing the World of Work’. He aims to provide employees with compelling reasons to engage with their work beyond financial compensation. By fostering a work culture that resonates with employees’ values and aspirations, Johan believes that employees will be more satisfied and will deliver their highest quality of work out of genuine enthusiasm and alignment with the organisation’s objectives. This, in turn, enhances team synergy and effectiveness in realising the shared vision, thereby deepening client relationships, and ensuring sustained loyalty. Expanding on this concept, Johan emphasizes the strategic partnership role that LabourNet undertakes with businesses. He explains, “The goal is not merely ensuring compliance with employment laws but also equipping these enterprises with the tools to secure a competitive advantage in an ever-evolving business environment. By helping businesses excel and achieve high performance, LabourNet plays a crucial role in job creation and bolstering the overall economy.” Reflecting on his 20-year tenure, Johan views all achievements as cumulative milestones that collectively contribute to the current success of his endeavours. “Each small daily achievement is a step towards broader goals, and I prefer to celebrate the cumulative impact of these efforts rather than individual accolades,” he shares. Johan acknowledges that the most valuable advice he has received pertains to the distinction between being a manager and a leader. He emphasizes, “While managers may elicit compliance through directives, true leadership inspires voluntary commitment from teams who share the leader’s values and vision.” Furthermore, Johan highlights the significance of recognising one’s limitations and leveraging the collective strengths of a team to achieve shared goals. He underscores the importance of being open to input from team members, as their diverse perspectives often contribute to successful outcomes. Transitioning from a managerial mindset to that of a leader has been an ongoing journey for Johan, characterised by continuous learning and development. He actively seeks to enhance his leadership skills through reading books and watching videos on the subject. Johan commented on the value of drawing insights from various sources, “as no single resource can encompass all aspects of effective leadership”. He views this process as a means of accumulating a wealth knowledge and leadership principles that can be customised and applied to achieve success in business and beyond. Johan expresses gratitude for LabourNet’s embracing leadership strategies such as higher-level servant leadership and situational leadership. These frame- works align with his ethos of empowering and serving others while adapting leadership approaches to suit different employees, contexts, and challenges within the business landscape. A DIVERSE CULTURE LabourNet recognises the value of fostering a diverse corporate culture, understanding that it brings forth many perspectives crucial for addressing challenges and obstacles. Embracing the philosophy that “the answer is in the room”, LabourNet encourages inclusivity, leveraging the collective wisdom and experiences of its diverse workforce to devise innovative solutions. As a leader within the organisation, Johan prioritises transparency and open communication to effectively manage conflicts and obstacles. By fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to voice their concerns and ideas, Johan ensures that issues are addressed promptly and collaboratively. He stresses the importance of setting realistic goals and clarifying roles to overcome obstacles. Johan firmly believes in leading by example and instilling confidence in his team members. He underscores the importance of flexibility in adapting strategies to navigate unpredictable circumstances, recognising the dynamic nature of the business environment. Additionally, Johan advocates for promoting work-life balance to prevent employee burnout, understanding its role in sustaining motivation and productivity within the team. Johan finds inspiration in the success stories of South African entrepreneurs, recognising their resilience and fighting spirit as a source of motivation. In his vision for business in KZN, Johan advocates for an approach that prioritises the empowerment of emerging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. He envisions LabourNet assisting the local economy and generating employment opportunities by optimising HR processes for SMEs and providing guidance on navigating legislative and compliance complexities. In conclusion, Johan’s motto is to “arrive with a purpose and to leave with a sense of achievement”, which applies to all aspects of his life. Previous Next