< Back Marcina Majid Next MARCINA MAJID heads up SAS Cares which is a subsidiary of Southern African Shipyards. SAS Cares is a skills development, exposure and experience based non-profit organisation MARCINA MAJID heads up SAS Cares which is a subsidiary of Southern African Shipyards. SAS Cares is a skills development, exposure and experience based non-profit organisation. The organisation was founded on the premise that skills and education go hand in hand in developing individuals and communities. "We want to upskill people and also expose people to the possibilities of careers in the maritime industry," explained Marcina. "It is about getting everybody on the same level." Love for women's empowerment Her journey to establishing the foundation has been varied. "After I graduated, I was employed by a firm of chartered accountants. I was very fortunate in that this was at the time when the black economic empowerment (BEE) codes came out and I started a BEE verification company." Marcina said that she was in the privileged position of having her children and being able to run the company at the same time. However, she then had a two-year hiatus where she took time out of her working life and reflected on what she really wanted to do. She explains further, "It just so happened that I got into the health and fitness industry. I had two gyms that ran consecutively for about six years. During that time, I discovered my love for women's empowerment because I worked first-hand with women. I got to understand the needs and issues in their communities and in their lives as well as the socio-economic impact that they have in society or the lack thereof." These experiences gave Marcina insight into what she wished to accomplish in her own life. Unfortunately, a hip operation put everything on hold, and she had to stop working in the health and fitness industry. My purpose is to help others Consequently, Marcina made the decision to work at South African Shipyards which at that time had became part of the family business. "That is when I started working with my husband, Prasheen Maharaj, CEO of SA Shipyards. We worked side by side in making a success of the business, but I always felt that I worked better when working on CSI initiatives and playing a supporting role in that regard. From that insight arose SAS Cares and I feel that my purpose is to help others." In speaking of her sources of inspiration Marcina explained that she is inspired by women who are go-getters. "I don't like to glorify people as there is a lot of ebb and flow in everybody's lives. To put one woman up in high regard is doing a disservice to all the other women who don't have a platform or who are finding themselves. There are a lot of women who wake up at 4 am in the morning and slog through a hard day - getting their kids to school, getting to work on time, having a hard, honest day. Getting back home, cooking a meal and then getting ready for the next day. They don't get recognition and I am inspired by them." However, she added that she is also inspired by the women who are the chatterboxes; who are the disrupters. "I am inspired by women who are not defined by a box. By women who have a blank slate - the innovators, our local artists, our designers and our scientists. All those females who you come across every day in the media." A seat at the table Marcina believes that women need to approach business differently from men to be successful. "We are set up with so many disadvantages, there are so many things that we need to think about before we take those steps into business. Men have fraternity, they have a brotherhood and a comradery, which is about uplifting one another. With women, we have a small gap to contribute in and we are all fighting to be empowered. Michelle Obama said, 'You can have it all, you just can't have it right now'. It is about taking the time, fighting those causes and making sure that we can get up and have a seat at the table." "I am happy with what I have accomplished. As a person who does a lot of introspection on my life, I monitor what it is that I think and how I approach things. SAS Cares is a stepping-stone that can go further. This business is not about my recognition and ego. The recognition I want is for SAS Cares. I want other people to see the good that comes from this company and that this is going to allow us to take on other partners for our cause." Work-life balance Finding a work-life balance is very difficult for Marcina. "Fortunately, as I have been in the health industry, I try to exercise every day. I like to upskill myself so every year I take a recreational course. These learnings filter into my family life as whatever I have learnt I share." "We go through ebbs and flows where we feel like we are failing as a mom or as a businesswoman, but you do what you can to get through that period." In giving advice to her younger self, Marcina would say drown the noise and don't listen to all the fears that people project onto you. "I would also tell myself to take chances. Every failure is a learning opportunity. You don't ask why something is happening, ask, what are you going to learn from the situation." Previous Next

< Back Melanie Veness Next MELANIE VENESS has been the CEO of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, now the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB),since February 2011. She is the treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council and serves on the KZN Economic Council. Previously, Melanie was the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism. MELANIE VENESS has been the CEO of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, now the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB),since February 2011. She is the treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council and serves on the KZN Economic Council. Previously, Melanie was the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism. Melanie is exceedingly passionate about South Africa, which she describes as, "her beautiful country that she will defend to the last". She thinks this passion comes from being the daughter of a game ranger at Hluhluwe and growing up close to nature. Melanie says she is cause-driven rather than profit-driven, which is possibly due to her Irish upbringing. Unsure about what career to follow, Melanie worked for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a while before going to university. She loves the theatre, but her parents persuaded her not to follow acting as a career. Melanie explained that while numbers make sense to her, people fascinate her. She became the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism after gaining experience in the finance world where she worked for ten years. Melanie was persuaded to apply for the Pietermaritzburg Chamber CEO position which, "has just been a fantastic fit". She guesses that a range of opportunities, networking, and engaging with people, contributed to her landing where she is now. As part of her quest to grow, learn and better understand, Melanie has recently graduated with B Comm in Industrial & Organisational Psychology. "Which just goes to show that you are never too old to learn!" she commented. Advocate for business Melanie is a team player with plenty of passion, vision, and energy. She is a creative, hands-on organiser, with a flair for marketing and a 'can-do' attitude. She ensures that the PMCB is an effective voice of business addressing all issues, including those that businesses find hard to raise. "My job is to advocate for business and to help develop an easier business environment." PCMB offers networking and training opportunities, and Melanie is directly involved with skills deve-lopment. The development of business is key in alleviating poverty and addressing unemployment; in her capacity as CEO she plays an important role in this area. Leave the world a better place Currently, Moeletsi Mbeki who she considers a friend and mentor serves as a source of inspiration for her. Mbeki has helped her understand South Africa's history and where the country's people came from. She admires him for his willingness to debate any issue and question things held as truths. Something Mbeki said that she remembers is, "when entering a potentially explosive situation, be 100% prepared to be convinced of the other person's point of view. If after really listening and considering you are not convinced, then prepare yourself to convince". While Melanie has been nominated for several awards, there is much she still wants to achieve. "I am driven to make a difference in my country; leave the world a better place, starting in my city. I want to see real difference on the ground; greater equality. The inequality in the country is inexcusable." One of her dreams is greater access to decent schooling and more opportunities for everyone. She wants the diversity of the country to be acknowledged and the value thereof recognised. "I'm not capable of solving all those problems, but I can make a difference and try to bring people to make contributions around issues that are as meaningful as possible." Women bring a different heart to the table As a woman, Melanie can't state if men and women experience business differently but admits that perhaps women need to work harder to get the same credit. She believes that the perspectives of men and women are different, the one not necessarily better than the other. However, their diverse perspectives are needed for a 360-degree view. "Women bring a different heart to the table," she says. Research confirms women are good at things like networking, business relationships and negotiations. The advice she would give her younger self is to question her truths; not take anything as a given. "When your truths are faulty, your behaviour is not appropriate. Form your own opinions, develop your own view of the world. Don't just talk to like-minded people, talk to divergent people to get as many different perspectives as possible." Finding space for everything and everyone For Melanie, achieving a work-life balance involves fulfilling different roles and finding space for everything and everyone. She grew into her career and was there for her children during their foundational phases. Working made her children confident, capable, and independent, making Melanie proud of the people they have become. She adds that in some spheres of one's life you belong to others as someone's mother or wife, but it is important to grow in a space that belongs to yourself, filled with meaningful things. This makes you a better person for yourself and others. Melanie is grateful for the way things worked out for her. She concludes, "It is not only important to balance your work needs with your family needs, but you must also do things that are important to you, you have one life, you may as well enjoy the journey." For her, there is no end to her journey. "There is a vision and a dream so it will hopefully always be a process of continuous improvement for me." Previous Next

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

Michael Jackson Next Previous Michael Jackson is the senior partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys Michael Jackson is the senior partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys. Michael was born in the Eastern Cape and moved to KwaZulu-Natal at a fairly young age. After completing his schooling, he studied at the University of Durban where he completed a LLB, following which, he went to study overseas at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Before he went to Cambridge, Michael’s first job was lecturing to students which he undertook for about a year. He had also worked for his father in a wholesale company selling blankets and piece goods to trading stores – a very different experience, he commented. Michael started working at Cox Yeats in 1988 and has been employed at the firm ever since. ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES His purpose is to ensure that the firm achieves the objectives of the individuals within it. Importantly that purpose is focused on ensuring that the firm meets the expectations and the aspirations of all the very ambitious people who work within it. “And that’s often quite hard actually, because you’ve got young people who start at an organisation who have great ambitions for the future,” he says. Reflecting on his achievements, Michael explained, “I think something that I realised quite early on is that particularly in a people focused profession like law you have to try and maximise the abilities of all the people who work within an organisation.” Consequently, one of the achievements that Michael is most proud of is to successfully harness the abilities of the people who work within Cox Yeats. “There’s no point in trying to run people. People will run you. It’s really to try and guide them so that one achieves the most and allowing people to achieve their ambitions on a collective basis creates enormous success and power within an organisation,” elaborates Michael. CREATE TRUST Reflecting on the advice that he has received over the years; Michael says that the best advice is never to try and undermine people because there is huge strength in people. He expanded, “There is a temptation particularly in the leadership position, to dominate people, and if you dominate people, you actually stifle their ability to achieve things. I found that as soon as you take the lid off everything that people do, you get this incredible awakening of individual spirit and power. And if you can harness that in an organisation collectively, you can achieve enormous things.” Further to harnessing the team at Cox Yeats is the importance of motivation. For Michael, the most important thing is to create trust. “People have to trust you; they have to trust the system. And once they do that and you allow them to be individuals that usually creates a recipe to almost guarantee success. I’ve found that people solve problems, but you need to create the environment in which they are able to do that.” HUGE OPPORTUNITIES While Michael has faced many challenges over the years, the biggest one currently is that South Africa’s stagnant economy is problematic as people feel that it is very difficult to be successful in these circumstances. “People feel despair about their current conditions. To try to shift and turn that around so that that people feel positive and believe that this environment is one where they can succeed is the challenge. I think it’s quite an easy sell to be honest, because we have huge opportunities; to let people see those is probably the challenge.” As Michael is very positive about South Africa, he finds the people of our history inspiring. “I’m proud to be part of South Africa. I’m proud to look back on the people who have faced the challenges of South Africa and how they did that. Particularly people who were able to face things like Apartheid and discrimination and become world leaders in advancing people’s liberties. The heritage that we have is very rich and you don’t find it in other countries, so we are privileged.” Michael believes that we have a huge opportunity to make KwaZulu-Natal what it should be. His vision is that KwaZulu-Natal should achieve what it is entitled to. To ensure that this happens we need to unlock all the barriers that exist, which are not difficult things to unlock but are actually quite simple things that need to be done. He commented, “But, perhaps we need to unlock the spirit of the people a little and allow them to achieve and then KwaZulu-Natal will achieve.” KEEP LIFE SIMPLE Michael says that in life he does not strive to be anything particularly special but tries to live life in a simple way. He believes that if you are true to yourself and true to the people around you that you will be happy. He added that he has found that in life you should not become burdened by people and things that are negative; it’s important to try to be surrounded by people who are positive. In conclusion he remarked, “You want to feel at the end of the day that you’ve achieved something that is relatively good; if it’s not something that is too extraordinary then you can achieve it. So, keep life simple.” Previous Next

Henk Duys Next Previous Henk Duys is the chairman of the Duys Engineering Group Henk Duys, chairman of the Duys Engineering Group, reflects on his role with a mix of humour and dedication. “I’m only 78 years old,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m only 25% retired – maybe sometimes 50% retired – but I’m involved business-wise about 24/7. It’s not part of my life; it’s my life.” He shares a painful turning point from two years ago: “We had a tragedy when my son Pieter, who was chief executive of our engineering operations, passed away at just 46. He had a heart attack. He was fit, so we suspect it might have been Covid- related. His passing changed everything for me. I had to rethink the future of our group.” Henk describes his business, which he built up over decades, as “mainly divided into engineering and auto components manufacturing, with a bit of property which I manage.” He explained that the truck and bakkie components they supply gives the business stability. He also speaks warmly of the company’s evolution, highlighting investments in Richards Bay where large projects are now underway maintaining and repairing equipment. DEDICATION TO INNOVATION His dedication to innovation is evident. “I love production, especially when it’s efficient,” he says with enthusiasm. “Creating businesses and seeing people develop – that’s what gives me a kick. Engineering is an art; it’s like making music.” Although his origins were in economics Henk had to learn engineering very quickly. and made his fair share of mistakes. Reflecting on his start, he says, “My father should have fired me long ago.” However, pride shines through as he considers the longevity of the business which is 64 years. “If we’re still in business after all these years, that’s an accomplishment. I’ve seen so many competitors come and go, but our resilience has kept us here. It’s about being proud of your work and putting your name on it.” A proud milestone, according to Henk, has been their longstanding partnership with Toyota. “They’ve been cooperative and supportive without trying to take over. They’d come in and say, ‘Look, your costs are too high – how can we bring them down?’ They didn’t just want to cut us out; they wanted to build business with us.” Henk says, “We believe we’ve built credibility with our stakeholders because we’ve always been transparent and honest. We’ve had to ask for help – whether it was credit or other support – because cash flow has been an issue. But because of the friendships and relationships we’ve maintained, we’ve always managed to pull through.” He adds, “It’s easy to break friendships, but much harder to hold on to them. We’ve made it a point to honour our commitments, even if it sometimes took a while, and this approach has built lasting trust.” BEING ADAPTABLE Speaking of what motivates him he says, “Seeing development and seeing people put up equipment gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he says. He admires the success of other companies as well, noting, “There’s one engineering works in South Africa that I consider the best. Seeing their achievements inspires me.” Reflecting on his own company’s recent projects, he shares, “We completed two major contracts, converting 1,200 tonnes of steel in just six months. It was a challenge, but we delivered beyond the client’s expectations.” However, reflecting on challenges, Henk acknowledges, “We’ve been through umpteen ups and downs in 64 years. Many times, I didn’t know if we’d survive. But our family and some very loyal colleagues have been adaptable. Henk credits his father for teaching him to “separate the wood from the trees.” He adds, “My father was the hardest- working man I knew. He believed in sticking to what you’re good at and doing your best.” Henk remarks, “The apartheid years were incredibly difficult. There were times when I genuinely didn’t know if we would stay in business. I remember the workers singing and dancing in the change rooms instead of coming to work – those were uncertain times. But then, out of the blue, we received unexpected support in the form of a cheque from the Industrial Development Corporation. It wasn’t something we asked for, but it came just when we needed it.” He continues, “Labour relations have been one of the biggest ongoing challenges, and now we’re also dealing with equity partners and structured corporate management, which is a learning process for us.” Speaking on KZN’s future, Henk sees great potential in the Eastern Seaboard and emphasises the importance of strategic investment. “The world’s political and economic dynamics mean that large ships are increasingly navigating around Africa. Our ports – Durban and Richards Bay – need to prepare for this by focusing on ship repair, shipbuilding, and support for oil and gas bunkering. If we don’t seize this opportunity, it’s likely to shift to Maputo or other ports in Mozambique.” Henk is also inspired by his personal interests: “I play the piano and clarinet, although I play for myself rather than others. And I have three favourite things – my wife, my bike, and my Porsche, though the order depends on who you ask!” He’s mindful of family, especially his wife, who recently bought into a retirement village in Paarl. “She wants me to spend more time there, and I’ll have to make space for that. But even there, with my laptop, I can stay connected to the business. I can see that this coming year, I’ll be spending a lot more time down there.” Currently, Henk also sees his role focused on securing the business’s legacy. “We’ve got a future for my grandchildren’s grandchildren,” he says about their Richards Bay operations. In order to keep in touch with the business Henk keeps a spreadsheet for everything he needs to follow up on, both business and personal. My motto is, ‘Don’t expect, inspect’. My father also had one that I follow: ‘We don’t build monuments to our bad workmanship.’” He adds with a chuckle, “And as a cyclist, I say, if cycling starts interfering with your business, then it’s time to change your business.” Previous Next

I am dedicated to providing great service to my clients. I have really found that I can do this best by getting a holistic view of the business I am assisting < Back Nozuko Basson Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs Tronox South Africa Nozuko Basson’s role at Tronox, which is based in northern KZN, entails making sure that the mining company honours its responsibility of creating value for its stakeholders, of which, communities take centre stage. The most significant event in Nozuko’s life is, she says, when she became a mother. “I had my daughter when I was fairly young and from the moment she arrived in this world, I knew that the game had changed. It’s an ambition of mine, that when my daughter is asked who your role model is, she mentions my name.” In ensuring that she is an inspiration to her daughter, Nozuko constantly evaluates how she behaves, how she practices professionalism in the workplace, and how she treats other people. Nozuko believes that she has got to where she is today through hard work, dedication, a lot of praying and the support from many people who have crossed her path. “I’m somebody who is focused on her religion. I’m a Christian and I’ve always believed that everything that I do is enabled by my faith. I started my career as a journalist, but I realised that was not the life that I wanted to live. I’m not a social and out-there type of person, so I moved into public relations. I was fortunate to work for an agency where I had an amazing mentor who helped me in building the capability to understand how media relations works.” From there, Nozuko moved onto one of South Africa’s largest medical insurance organisations, Discovery. Here, Nozuko said, she had mentors who helped guide her through her career. “I’ve been fortunate that I had other people lifting me, guiding me, and making sure that I stayed on the right track. My journey has been difficult; it’s always good to be reminded by those who are ahead of you how to remain positive and confident in what you are doing.” Having courage Nozuko says that her decision to move to KwaZulu-Natal has been an amazing journey that has required her to really stretch herself. This meant going into areas where she thought she would never be able to venture. She added, “Just having the courage to really push myself and push the boundaries for my team members so that we all work towards one single vision. This requires that we stay close to the cause and really live our own personal values, as well as the values of the organisation in which I work right now.” In commenting on the challenges that she has faced, Nozuko says that as a young female professional, the first challenge that she would like to focus on, is the “pull her down syndrome”. “When you, as a female, start rising in your career there are times when other females do everything in their power to pull you down. I have a strong view that if one of us rise, we all rise. It’s hard enough being a young female, let alone being black in the workplace; we need to hold each other up and motivate each other.” The second challenge she has faced is working in the mining industry, which is a male dominated sector. Over that, working within the community, which is also a male led environment that still subscribes to traditional practices has brought a great deal of learning, that has come with its own difficulties. Currently, the third challenge has been dealing with unconventional community issues, that pose a serious risk to Tronox’s public reputation. “This is where the company’s values, procedures and policies need to guide you to deal with the challenges in a manner that does not compromise your role or its reputation,” said Nozuko. “Lastly, I have often found myself feeling not quite welcome around the ‘table’, as if I am a token BEE candidate,” says Nozuko. “I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t wait for somebody to offer me a seat at the table. If there’s no seat for a female in the workplace or in this industry, you bring your own, and that’s something that I have really started being vocal about.” Leaving behind a legacy In the future, Nozuko wants to leave behind a legacy that says, “When Nozuko Basson was in that community or was working in that organisation, she made a positive difference.” In terms of her career, she sees herself growing from strength to strength. Right now, she is focused on her work in South Africa, but soon, she wants to share her knowledge and skills with the rest of the world. Nozuko added that she is fortunate to work for an organisation that has the platform that will allow her to do so when the time is right. On the personal side, Nozuko wants to travel the world. “I want to touch other lives in my own personal space. I want to live my best life and it’s something that I’m making a deliberate effort in doing and I know that I’m on the right track.” In advising others, she says, “It’s important not to be side-tracked by other people’s opinions. It’s important to remain true to yourself. It’s important that when you venture out, you understand that not everybody will be cheering for you, so learn to be your own cheerleader and as you’re cheering yourself, cheer those around you because they may not know the power that they have within themselves.” Nozuko believes one needs to put their heart into everything that they do. “I always say to people, if you’re not going to give it your all, rather don’t start. I believe in dazzling people. One of Tronox’s values speaks to doing the right work, the right way in every aspect of our business and that’s really what I subscribe to. I don’t take short cuts; it’s about doing something right all the time. It’s behaving in an ethical way and ensuring that everything I touch, doesn’t only represent organisational integrity, but also my own personal integrity.”

< Back Palesa Phili Next DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region PALESA PHILI became the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) after a very successful corporate career. This included being in an executive role with a computer company looking after the organisation's services in the southern, eastern and central regions of Africa, being the executive head for Vodacom Business in KZN and then the regional head for MTN. DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region. The Durban Chamber identifies government policy relevant to organised business in Durban by amplifying core issues that impact on business with short, medium - and long-term perspectives. At the heart of this unit are industry-specific forums and area forums (Western, Northern, Southern, and Central) that engage on a monthly or bi-quarterly base. "Our forums provide the coal face of interaction between our members and the Durban Chamber. This is where we get city officials and provincial policy makers to interact with our members in terms of any plans that are being put in place as well as business opportunities that are available," says Palesa. Advocacy is central to the role the Chamber plays and partnership approaches to complex and problematic issues affecting business are promoted. The Chamber's extensive networks also connect members both with local and international organisations. Success is inspirational Palesa attributes her success and where she is today to her Christian faith, hard work, and dedication. Numerous people assisted her along the way and she has had a number of different mentors for different aspects of her career and life who have helped her. Success inspires Palesa. She adds, "One does not want to be around something that is negative or does not work." Successful people across the country and across the world attract her attention; what they are doing attracts and inspires her. "I try to see what I can do personally, in my own way, to add to the betterment of my city, my province, my country, and the world at large." Keep your eye on the ball, the rules for women are different "Women definitely need to approach business differently to men," says Palesa. And thinks the existence of "The Boy's Club out there" cannot be denied and that women cannot fit into the club. "As a woman, typically, as you grow in your career, as you go higher, you become more of a loner as there are very few women up there." Palesa adds that males are still in the majority at the top of the corporate world and that the rules for women are very different. "As a woman, you need to be clear about your objectives, why you are where you are and what it is that you want to achieve." Palesa says one of her mentors told her that one is at work to do work, not to make friends, and you need to make sure the job gets done. Her advice to women is, "When you encounter corporate politics, it is important to keep your eye on the ball, understand the rules are different for you as a woman, and then you should be fine." As she is a wife and the mother of two boys, achieving a work life balance is not easy for Palesa. She says she is too busy to attend social gatherings like "breakfasts for moms" and is too busy for tasks like personally dropping her boys off at school. This results in her not knowing many of the moms, but Palesa is fortunate that her husband helps with most of the parental tasks. Her support structure is important to her. "Without their assistance, I would not be able to do everything I need to do and achieve a work-life balance," she adds. Looking back at herself when she was younger, Palesa would advise herself not to take things at face value but to analyse these and ensure that she makes the right decisions. She explains that she would react spontaneously when she was young so she would tell herself to listen more before making decisions. There is much more to achieve Compared to what she would still like to accomplish, Palesa does not think that she has achieved much. If she looks back at her corporate background, Palesa says what she did was mostly target driven to make profits for an organisation. Her involvement with the Chamber does, however, give her a greater purpose and this enables her to achieve more of what she wants to achieve. It enables her to make a difference and impact on many people. Palesa explains, "I always had a thing in me, even when growing up, to give back. In everything I do I try and give back in my own small way. I would like to look back in five years from now and say this is the number of jobs I helped to create, and this is the number of entrepreneurs I have assisted to grow and get where they are." She adds she would like to see measurable growth, and only once she gets there would she be happy with what she has achieved. Previous Next

Terry Rosenberg Next Previous Terry Rosenberg is the Chairman of Oakbrook Investments and Oakbrook Holdings Terry Rosenberg is a long-time resident of Durban, with a wealth of experience in the business world. Originally from Johannesburg, he received his education at Marist Brothers and at the University of the Witwatersrand. Terry’s career began in computer consulting, where he joined a firm that he remained with for 16 years, ultimately becoming its leader. Following this time, he embarked on a leveraged buyout with a colleague, taking a company off the Stock Exchange and working to revitalise it. After successfully restoring the company, they merged with McCarthy’s, the largest car retailer in southern Africa. In the year 2000 Terry went into a family office, where he has worked ever since. Now in his 50th year in business, Terry remains enthusiastic about his work. “As long as I am spared, I’ll still be doing business because I really enjoy it,” he stated. His joy comes not only from the work itself but also from engaging with people and witnessing their growth. WORKING TIRELESSLY Among his achievements, Terry is particularly proud of his role in establishing Durban as a key convention hub in southern Africa. He reflected on an initiative that began about 23 years ago, alongside the late Gordon Hibbert and fellow businessman Andrzej Kiepiela. They envisioned making Durban the convention centre of southern Africa and worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. In order to make this vision a reality, a private public partnership called Operation Jumpstart was established. “After four years of ups and downs, we managed to install the convention centre in Durban,” Terry said. The project was initially nerve-wracking, with uncertainty over whether conferences would come. However, their efforts paid off, and today, the Durban International Convention Centre is firmly established, having over time, brought an estimated R30 billion into the city. Terry’s strong connection to KwaZulu-Natal continues and he is optimistic about the province’s future development. He believes that as improvements become evident, confidence will naturally return. Speaking from his vantage point at the Umhlanga Arch, a prominent building with a 360° view of Durban, he marvelled at the natural beauty of the region. He emphasises the region’s strengths, particularly its beautiful weather and diverse attractions, from the North Coast to the Midlands and beyond. “Wherever I can put in my two cents worth,” he explained, “I get involved in various things where hopefully we can help the business community really build this province into the place that it should be.” He noted that the business community is working closely with the government to address key areas of concern, including water, sewage, electricity, and the port. Despite past leadership challenges, Terry sees progress and is encouraged by the strong cooperation between the business community and local authorities. He remains committed to contributing towards making KwaZulu-Natal one of South Africa’s leading provinces. “I’m very enthusiastic. As long as we’ve got plans and people are working honestly towards those plans, it brings hope.” NEVER GIVE UP Terry finds immense joy in collaborating with his team, particularly in understanding the diverse personalities and motivations of his key executives. “People are very different, and it’s difficult to get everyone singing from the same sheet,” he explained. Success, for Terry, lies in knowing what makes each team member tick. He also highlighted the importance of knowing who he is dealing with around the board table. “You may have five people sitting there, all from different backgrounds with different views on life,” he said. Terry emphasised the importance of defining any problems clearly. “It’s up to you as a leader to take out of them what their problem is, rather than what they think their problem is.” By fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, Terry ensures that his team works together effectively, much like a rugby team where each player has a unique but essential role. In addition, he explained, “So many times, people in negotiations or complex situations attack the symptoms rather than the root of the issue.” One example from his own career involved a business division that was underperforming. Initially, the discussion centred on operations, but the real issue turned out to be the limited availability of transport that brought many of their customers to the store. “Once we knew what the problem was, we were able to make plans to fix it,” he said. While Terry does not have a specific motto, his attitude towards life is to never give up. “So many times when problems hit, people stand back and say, ‘This will never work.’ I’m very much against that,” he stated. For Terry, perseverance is key, especially when there is still hope in a situation. His approach is to keep trying different solutions, leveraging his network, and staying committed to the task at hand. SUPPORT AND GROWTH While Terry’s steadiness has ensured that most of his endeavours have been ‘smooth sailing’ he has also experienced some setbacks. In such circumstances, Terry’s faith has helped him rise above the disappointments. His favourite scripture reads: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Terry shared that the greatest personal challenge he has faced was the sudden loss of a child. He and his wife, Carol, were profoundly affected by the tragedy. “It really knocked us for a long period of time,” he admitted, adding that they eventually managed to move forward. This experience led to deeper connections with others who had faced similar losses, providing opportunities for mutual support and growth. “It’s not something I would recommend to anyone if they’re wanting to grow,” Terry remarked, reflecting on the difficulty of the situation. In summary, Terry is a steadfast and deeply motivated individual, driven by his passion for business, his faith, and his desire to see growth and success both in his personal life and in the community around him. Previous Next

< Back Next > Farah Goolam Investment Marketing, Invest Durban Farah Goolam, a professional in investment promotion, plays a pivotal role at Invest Durban, the business arm of the eThekwini Municipality. Her work focuses on attracting sustainable investments that can benefit all of Durban’s residents. “My business is business,” she says with conviction. “I give Durban a business face, and it’s a call to action.” Farah is passionate about contributing to the city’s long-term goals, which include the 2030 vision to make Durban the best place to live in Africa. Farah feels her path was always destined for something significant. “My parents named me after a Persian princess,” she reveals. “And I feel a certain duty to live up to that name.” Beyond her professional achievements, she is a proud mother of nine-year-old twin girls and a devoted wife. “I’ve known my husband for half my life,” she shares. “He has always supported my goals and ambitions, and for that, I’m grateful.” Farah’s journey in public service began two decades ago with an internship at the municipality. “I was one of three people chosen from over fifty applicants,” she recalls. “I delivered mail in heels and a pencil skirt, doing everything I could to stand out.” In the initial stages of her career, Farah was like a “sponge,” soaking up knowledge and being reactive to opportunities. Over time, she grew more proactive, seeking out opportunities for growth and learning. She became adept at navigating political environments, understanding ethics and corruption, mastering communication skills, and learning the importance of protocol and etiquette. Her determination drove her to complete a marketing degree and participate in internationally recognised investment promotion and facilitation programmes. Power of Collaboration At Invest Durban, Farah’s focus is on enhancing visibility and communication. “When you’re visible, it’s easier for people and organisations to reach out and have confidence in you,” she explains. “We are the first stop for businesses and potential investors looking at Durban.” Farah has participated in efforts to reach international markets through outbound missions, conferences, and other initiatives, creating a more attractive business landscape for the city. Reflecting on her career, Farah expresses appreciation that after twenty years of service she is trusted to represent the city on global stages. One particular moment of gratitude stands out for her: standing in 303 West Street, gazing out at the harbour and the city below. “You realise that you’re making a positive difference, and it’s a moment to step back and say thank you to the Almighty,” she reflects. Farah views her accomplishments as proof that ‘teamwork truly makes the dream work’. She believes in the power of collaboration and sees it as essential for achieving greater outcomes together. Throughout her career, Farah has witnessed both the growth and setbacks of Durban. “Durban’s trajectory is always in flux,” she acknowledges. “Globally, that’s how life is. What goes down must come up, and I believe we just have to have faith in that.” Despite challenges, she remains optimistic, believing in the city’s potential to thrive. One of her key goals is to build civic pride and encourage collective responsibility. “You wouldn’t burn down your own home,” she reasons. “Let’s join forces to shape a positive narrative for the city, as it belongs to all of us.” Her vision for Durban is a sustainable and thriving economy that not only prospers today but lays a strong foundation for future generations. Better Versions Farah’s inspiration comes from various sources. “I’m inspired by the people around me,” she says, “because they encourage us to strive to be better versions of ourselves.” She also finds motivation in South Africa’s history and the sacrifices made by past leaders. “We don’t take enough time to acknowledge those sacrifices and the benefits we enjoy today,” she asserts. Even meaningful sayings or memes, resonate with her. “The struggles you feel are not isolated; others have faced them and emerged stronger.” For Farah, self-care is not just an afterthought but a necessity, especially when dealing with the various personalities and challenges in her profession. “You can’t change the person or the project,” she advises. “You can only adapt yourself and your approach.” Her grandmother’s wisdom has always been a guiding light for her. “My gran was a farm lady who always took time for herself at 3 p.m. with a piece of sponge cake and a cup of tea, no matter what was happening around her,” she reminisces. This lesson became especially significant during a time when Farah experienced burnout. “It’s like the safety instructions on an aeroplane: put on your mask before helping others,” she explains. “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” To recharge and find her balance, Farah enjoys simple pleasures like cooking, listening to the sound of rain, reading, spending time with her family, and visiting the beach. “I’ve never put pressure on myself to have one big dream,” she explains. “I sustain myself with smaller dreams that are easier to achieve, and in catching these smaller dreams, I find better fulfilment.” This approach helps her maintain a more balanced life, appreciating the blessings that already exist around her. “You realise that you need not go hunting; you are already blessed,” she reflects. Focus on Your Goals In advising young women, Farah encourages them to “stand up, stand tall, and build sustainability in everything you do.” She believes in the importance of staying true to oneself amid the world’s many opinions. “Focus on your goals without being swayed,” she advises. She also warns against self-doubt, believing that it is often the biggest barrier to success. “We are our own biggest enemies,” she says. “Once we get this out the way, we need to place blinkers on and focus ahead.” Reflecting on her journey, she concludes, “Without discipline, drive, and accountability, you risk running in circles.” She often shares her personal motto: “Close your circle,” meaning to finish what you start with pride and integrity. “It’s been quite a journey and it’s not over yet.” < Previous Next >

It’s critical and pivotal that if you want to grow and aspire into leadership roles to have a fully rounded education and knowledge around critical aspects < Back Nozuko Basson Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs Tronox South Africa Nozuko Basson’s role at Tronox, which is based in northern KZN, entails making sure that the mining company honours its responsibility of creating value for its stakeholders, of which, communities take centre stage. The most significant event in Nozuko’s life is, she says, when she became a mother. “I had my daughter when I was fairly young and from the moment she arrived in this world, I knew that the game had changed. It’s an ambition of mine, that when my daughter is asked who your role model is, she mentions my name.” In ensuring that she is an inspiration to her daughter, Nozuko constantly evaluates how she behaves, how she practices professionalism in the workplace, and how she treats other people. Nozuko believes that she has got to where she is today through hard work, dedication, a lot of praying and the support from many people who have crossed her path. “I’m somebody who is focused on her religion. I’m a Christian and I’ve always believed that everything that I do is enabled by my faith. I started my career as a journalist, but I realised that was not the life that I wanted to live. I’m not a social and out-there type of person, so I moved into public relations. I was fortunate to work for an agency where I had an amazing mentor who helped me in building the capability to understand how media relations works.” From there, Nozuko moved onto one of South Africa’s largest medical insurance organisations, Discovery. Here, Nozuko said, she had mentors who helped guide her through her career. “I’ve been fortunate that I had other people lifting me, guiding me, and making sure that I stayed on the right track. My journey has been difficult; it’s always good to be reminded by those who are ahead of you how to remain positive and confident in what you are doing.” Having courage Nozuko says that her decision to move to KwaZulu-Natal has been an amazing journey that has required her to really stretch herself. This meant going into areas where she thought she would never be able to venture. She added, “Just having the courage to really push myself and push the boundaries for my team members so that we all work towards one single vision. This requires that we stay close to the cause and really live our own personal values, as well as the values of the organisation in which I work right now.” In commenting on the challenges that she has faced, Nozuko says that as a young female professional, the first challenge that she would like to focus on, is the “pull her down syndrome”. “When you, as a female, start rising in your career there are times when other females do everything in their power to pull you down. I have a strong view that if one of us rise, we all rise. It’s hard enough being a young female, let alone being black in the workplace; we need to hold each other up and motivate each other.” The second challenge she has faced is working in the mining industry, which is a male dominated sector. Over that, working within the community, which is also a male led environment that still subscribes to traditional practices has brought a great deal of learning, that has come with its own difficulties. Currently, the third challenge has been dealing with unconventional community issues, that pose a serious risk to Tronox’s public reputation. “This is where the company’s values, procedures and policies need to guide you to deal with the challenges in a manner that does not compromise your role or its reputation,” said Nozuko. “Lastly, I have often found myself feeling not quite welcome around the ‘table’, as if I am a token BEE candidate,” says Nozuko. “I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t wait for somebody to offer me a seat at the table. If there’s no seat for a female in the workplace or in this industry, you bring your own, and that’s something that I have really started being vocal about.” Leaving behind a legacy In the future, Nozuko wants to leave behind a legacy that says, “When Nozuko Basson was in that community or was working in that organisation, she made a positive difference.” In terms of her career, she sees herself growing from strength to strength. Right now, she is focused on her work in South Africa, but soon, she wants to share her knowledge and skills with the rest of the world. Nozuko added that she is fortunate to work for an organisation that has the platform that will allow her to do so when the time is right. On the personal side, Nozuko wants to travel the world. “I want to touch other lives in my own personal space. I want to live my best life and it’s something that I’m making a deliberate effort in doing and I know that I’m on the right track.” In advising others, she says, “It’s important not to be side-tracked by other people’s opinions. It’s important to remain true to yourself. It’s important that when you venture out, you understand that not everybody will be cheering for you, so learn to be your own cheerleader and as you’re cheering yourself, cheer those around you because they may not know the power that they have within themselves.” Nozuko believes one needs to put their heart into everything that they do. “I always say to people, if you’re not going to give it your all, rather don’t start. I believe in dazzling people. One of Tronox’s values speaks to doing the right work, the right way in every aspect of our business and that’s really what I subscribe to. I don’t take short cuts; it’s about doing something right all the time. It’s behaving in an ethical way and ensuring that everything I touch, doesn’t only represent organisational integrity, but also my own personal integrity.”