< Back Next > Raksha Laghari Director, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer, AML Group Raksha Laghari, director, co-founder, and CEO of AML Group, has built a thriving business empire. With ventures ranging from cement distribution to mining and logistics, her story is one of hard work, vision, and an unyielding commitment to growth. Raksha’s journey with AML started off as a cement wholesaling and distribution company dealing with local giants like Afrisam and PPC. But she explains, “We quickly branched off into other locally produced hardware and construction materials.” This expansion included collaborations with brands such as Marley Roofing, Etex Building Systems, and Corobrik. Over time, AML diversified its portfolio to include a logistics division. What began with just two trucks has grown into a premium fleet of over 50. “Today, our logistics division is extremely crucial to our core business because you can’t get materials to customers without a truck,” she states proudly. The expansion didn’t stop there. AML also entered the mining industry, with a focus on dolerite production in Northern Natal, supplying construction projects across the region. Raksha beams with pride as she describes their success: “We are one of the few suppliers of dolerite in the area.” AML has further diversified into the ready- mix concrete business, a sector where they have earned a reputation for premium quality. Testament to Growth Perhaps the most significant testament to AML’s growth is its venture into construction and real estate. The company has firmly established itself across multiple sectors, with Raksha at the helm, guiding the business through its various stages of development. Raksha’s academic background has played a pivotal role in her business success. With a BA Law degree from the University of Natal and further studies in Dublin, where she qualified as a legal executive, she attributes much of her journey to the skills gained from her education. “I have this firm belief that if you can read and comprehend, you can do anything,” she says. “As long as you can understand what is before you in an educated manner, you will probably be able to equip yourself with the skill set required for any endeavour.” This philosophy has guided her through the many challenges of building a business from scratch. Raksha is quick to point out that she didn’t come from a privileged financial position. “We didn’t start with money behind us,” she explains. “The journey has been about finding a vision, realising our goals, and adapting our strategies to forge ahead. In the beginning, I didn’t have the vision I see myself living today,” she admits. “But once one vision was accomplished, a new one emerged, and with it, new challenges. That’s how AML has grown.” For Raksha, AML is not just a business. “I don’t see AML as just a company,” she explains. “I often talk about my AML family because I’m highly motivated by them. I want to keep them all employed, growing, and happy.” Her leadership style is rooted in the belief that success comes from empowering the people around her, a lesson she credits to her first employer, Niall Sharon. “Niall taught me to grow the people around you and make them feel important,” she recalls. This sense of responsibility also stems from her relationship with her father, who was her first role model. “He never held me back from asking questions,” Raksha reflects. “We would often talk about bank documents and legal jargon when I was just 10 years old. Watching him overcome challenges inspired me to follow in his footsteps.” Raksha’s determination to leave a legacy behind has always been at the forefront of her mind. “Whether it’s a small or big legacy, I wasn’t sure at the outset,” she confesses. “But as the business grew, the legacy grew with it.” Operating in male-dominated industries like construction, logistics, and mining, Raksha has faced her share of challenges. “There are very few women in these sectors in South Africa,” she acknowledges. “In the early days, it was harder to be taken seriously. But with time, perseverance, and knowledge, you make inroads.” Raksha’s commitment to understanding every aspect of her business has been a key factor in overcoming these challenges. “Elon Musk once said you don’t need to know everything to build a business — you just need to employ people who do. But I’ve never agreed with that statement,” she asserts. “You need to have the fundamental knowledge to operate your business, and once you understand that you can bring in professionals to help you grow.” One of her greatest achievements, she believes, is becoming one of the few female miners in South Africa. “The mining industry was completely new to me two years ago,” she admits. “But I’ve learned every aspect of that business — from managing the workforce to the machinery we use. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned from them.” The Next Vision Looking to the future, Raksha asks, “Why do we need to import nails from China when we have the resources to produce them locally?” My next vision is to support South African companies and invest in local production to reduce our reliance on imports.” Raksha’s advice to young women entering the business world is grounded in realism. “Be prepared for hard work, sleepless nights, and equipping yourself with new skills,” she advises. “It’s all about you in the beginning days, and no matter how much effort you put in, you’ll probably feel like it’s never enough. But if you persevere, you will eventually see the fruits of your labour.” She encourages women to embrace failure as part of the journey. “The people who stand forward in this race are the ones who understand that one failure is just a stepping stone to another success.” Raksha’s journey with AML is not over. “I feel like I’m just getting started,” she admits. “There’s so much more I want to do in South Africa, for South Africa.” With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to her family, community, and business, Raksha is undoubtedly shaping a lasting legacy. < Previous Next >

I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. Durban Film Office I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. Durban Film Office Durban Film Office This is a great place to add a tagline. I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

< Back Melinda Cookson Next Melinda's major role is to drive the business forward and to ensure that standards and customer service continues to be fulfilled and exceeded. "We view ourselves as the experts in our field. We align ourselves with our clients' staffing needs, tailoring our services offerings to meet their diverse operational requirements MELINDA COOKSON, the CEO of Futurelink, a national staffing solutions company, is unwaveringly passionate about the diverse industry she works in. In 1995, Melinda entered the staffing industry as a business development manager for a national staffing company. Five years later, armed with fantastic training and work experience, she took a huge leap of faith and started her own recruitment agency. "I started without any capital, however I was filled with loads of passion and tenacity to see this dream realised. I was fortunate to be given a small corner in a business friend's office to work from. I put my head down and worked very hard. All my planning took place at night and during the day I made sure that every productive minute was spent sitting in front of the right clients." Since those humble beginnings, Futurelink has grown to have a footprint in most of the major regions in South Africa. Experts in our field Melinda's major role is to drive the business forward and to ensure that standards and customer service continues to be fulfilled and exceeded. "We view ourselves as the experts in our field. We align ourselves with our clients' staffing needs, tailoring our services offerings to meet their diverse operational requirements." Futurelink places skilled people in various positions across a range of industries. "Our Flexible Staffing Division allows our clients to operate their businesses profitably through the peaks and troughs of their production cycles by allowing us to place bulk temps throughout these seasons." Futurelink enjoys a buoyant and well-staffed Industrial Relations (IR) Division wherein they have access to over 30 IR consultants as well as labour lawyers and attorneys around the country to assist clients with matters that may end up at the CCMA or Labour Court. Their Cleaning and Hygiene Division boasts well trained staff to ensure they keep their clients premises and factories spotlessly clean and hygienic. Futurelink's Payroll Division offers an efficient and accurate payroll service to their clients. "Futurelink's success to date has been based on service. As a business owner, I have made it my priority to ensure that exceptional staff are interacting with and supporting our clients. I remain passionate about the industry I operate in and my hands on approach to ensuring that my staff go over and beyond to ensure client satisfaction will remain an integral part of Futurelink's ethos." Inspired by ordinary people Melinda says that she is inspired by ordinary people who have faced adversity and have overcome challenges. These are the people we should be applauding. "Helping my clients, inspires and motivates me by offering workable and profitable solutions to sustain their businesses. For many of our clients, we have contributed to their success by placing good, productive people in their businesses. We have watched companies transition through all sorts of changes in the economy and are now running very successful and profitable businesses." Manage people upwards In addition, Melinda recognises that her company's success can be attributed to the great team with whom she has surrounded herself. "A business is only as good as the people it employs. Over time I have built an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst my staff, all of whom operate in an environment of integrity. I manage people upwards to make sure that they are doing their jobs properly and really encourage my staff to take ownership of their responsibilities, get involved and make the right decisions." A level of excellence Reflecting on the role of women, Melinda says that she does not believe that women should have a different approach to business to men. "I deal with a lot of men in business and I have never felt inferior or that they are treating me differently because I am a woman. I have always enjoyed a mutually respectful and professional relationship with my male clients. That said, make sure you deliver regardless of the gender of your client or customer." "We operate at a level of excellence that sets us apart in the marketplace. I am steadfast when it comes to following procedures and 'doing things properly', and nothing is too much trouble for our clients. The staffing industry is highly competitive, and you need to out-perform your competitors at every opportunity. We have done this time and time again. I am happy and grateful for what I have accomplished but there is still a lot I have to do." Uplifting others Melinda believes that it is essential for businesses to get involved and give back to communities. She was an active member of the Ukuthula Trust, which is an NPO based in Chesterville near Durban. She has also since formed the Futurelink Empowerment Trust which focuses on developing young people through educational support and career guidance. Melinda says that her family is a huge part of her life and in her leisure time she enjoys the outdoors and wildlife. "To my younger self I would say trust and enjoy your journey in this life. All the ups and downs, failures and successes, bad and good times. These all help to develop you, to teach you, to build great tenacity within you which will equip you for great things." she concluded. Previous Next

Kushela Naidoo Next Previous Managing Director of Wallace and Green Previous Next

< Back Cannect Digital Terry Flack is a seasoned digital marketing and business growth leader based in Durban, South Africa, best known for his role as Business Success Leader and Managing Director at Cannect Digital, a performance-focused digital marketing agency. With years of hands-on experience in digital strategy, lead generation, and online brand growth, Terry has built a reputation for helping businesses turn their digital presence into measurable commercial results Cannect Digital The BLOG Read all about it READ MORE

THE PRINT SHOP Up Home Up Latest News THE PRINT SHOP Yasheen Panday THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICAN PRINT Founded in 2014 in Durban North, The Print Shop has become one of South Africa’s top design and print companies. What began with just two printers, a single desk, and a few pieces of worn furniture has transformed into a thriving enterprise serving more than 20,000 customers. In those early days, the shop’s simplicity was striking. The space was so sparsely furnished that customers had to walk some distance just to reach the counter. With characteristic humour, founder Yasheen “Yash” Panday often recalls that many clients placed orders simply because after the long walk in, they felt compelled to. That light-hearted outlook, paired with an ambitious vision, has since propelled The Print Shop to national and international recognition. Today, the business operates across a 1,200-square-metre corporate office, while its retail division has expanded to occupy half of the ground floor of its original site. Orders are shipped daily across South Africa, with international deliveries becoming increasingly common. The Vision of Yash Panday At the heart of this remarkable journey is Yash Panday, whose passion for innovation and dedication to customer service have defined The Print Shop’s culture. 211 Recognising the immense potential of the printing and branding industry, Yash envisioned a one-stop platform that combined affordability, convenience, and the latest technology. From the outset, his mantra was simple: “Think Big, Act Big, Eventually you will be Big.” Yash is widely known for his technological curiosity and ability to think outside the box. Many clients describe him as the “go-to” person for developing unique products from scratch, even under the tightest deadlines. His drive to embrace new technology has earned him the nickname “the Elon Musk of print.” This relentless focus on innovation has positioned The Print Shop as a trusted partner for both corporate and individual clients. Scaling Up and Staying Ahead The company’s growth has not been without challenges. Like many businesses transitioning from small to medium size into the corporate sphere, scaling operations required careful planning and constant reinvestment. Yet, Yash and his team have consistently risen to the challenge by investing in new systems, improving workflows, and recruiting skilled professionals. A major milestone in the company’s evolution was the launch of its online platform, www.theprintshop.co.za This was South Africa’s very first online printing platform and remains one of the most visited printing websites in the country. Its user-friendly design enables customers to place and repeat orders quickly, removing the complexity traditionally associated with printing. The upcoming integration of artificial intelligence into the website and back-end systems promises even greater efficiency, paving the way for further growth. A Diverse Client Base The Print Shop serves an impressive range of clients, from large corporates and training colleges to schools, architects, and individuals. This diversity reflects the breadth of services on offer. Large-scale branding projects for conferences and exhibitions are handled with the same care as custom photo books and personal stationery. By catering to both businesses and individuals, The Print Shop ensures that every customer finds a solution tailored to their needs. This adaptability has been central to the company’s reputation for reliability and creativity. A Comprehensive Suite of Services The company’s expansion over the past decade has resulted in a wide-ranging product and service offering. Customers can now choose from: Logo design Business cards Flyers, brochures, and booklets Custom signage and wallpaper Vehicle branding Promotional gifts Display boards and rubber stamps Web design and social media marketing This comprehensive suite ensures that clients have access to a complete branding solution under one roof, supported by expert design and top-quality production. Recognition and Awards The Print Shop’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. For three consecutive years, the company has been honoured with the “Best of Durban” award for Best Branding & Signage Company (2023, 2024, and 2025). Such recognition highlights both the quality of the work produced and the high level of customer satisfaction achieved. The company’s reputation was further strengthened by its inclusion in the ECR Future 50, a platform showcasing businesses driving innovation and growth in KwaZulu-Natal. These accolades affirm The Print Shop’s position as a leader in the South African print and signage industry Looking Ahead The future promises even greater possibilities for The Print Shop. The move to a larger factory will allow for faster service, an expanded product range, and an enhanced customer experience. Plans are also in motion to establish physical hubs in major South African cities, bringing services closer to customers nationwide. The long-term vision extends beyond national borders, with ambitions to expand across the African continent. By combining technology-driven solutions with a strong commitment to customer service, The Print Shop is well-positioned to achieve this. A Legacy of Excellence From modest beginnings with two printers to becoming an award-winning leader in design and print, The Print Shop’s story is one of vision, innovation, and perseverance. Under the leadership of Yash Panday, the company continues to break new ground while remaining steadfast in its promise to deliver top-quality products and excellent customer service. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 53 Adelaide Tambo Drive, Durban North, Durban 4051 Tel: + 27 (0)86 117 7468 Whatsapp: + 27 (0)76 601 62185 E-mail: info@theprintshop.co.za Website: www.theprintshop.co.za Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link