Seshni Moodley Next Previous Founder and Managing Director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated Seshni Moodley is a legal visionary whose career is driven by purpose, resilience and an unwavering belief in empowerment. As the founder and managing director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated, a women owned and women led legal practice established in 2024, she brings a powerful blend of strategic foresight, legal expertise and a deep commitment to social justice. “I oversee the strategic, operational and legal direction of the firm,” she explains. “I am building an institution that reflects strength, empathy and empowerment, a legacy firm that inspires the next generation of female attorneys to lead fearlessly.” LEADERSHIP AND PURPOSE Seshni’s educational path began at the University of the Free State, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB), followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights Law at UNISA. Her academic journey did not stop there. She continues to pursue excellence through her PhD, focusing on the effectiveness of national human rights institutions in protecting vulnerable groups. Her motivation is clear. “My education has always been more than an academic pursuit. It has been a mission to merge law, justice and human rights into tangible change.” Entrepreneurial ambition emerged early in her career. In 2017, while still at university, she established Seshni Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Reflecting on this experience she says, “This was my first taste of the entrepreneurial world. It taught me various skills that I apply to my law firm today.” With the support of her parents, she embraced entrepreneurship with courage and curiosity. Her consulting venture became the foundation for something far greater. In 2024, she founded Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated, fulfilling a purpose deeply rooted in her desire for impact. “My why is rooted in empowerment, access and legacy. I founded this firm not only to provide excellent legal services, but to shatter the glass ceiling that still limits women in leadership within the profession.” She is determined to build something that extends beyond her name. “My purpose is to ensure that when my name is one day no longer on the door, the firm stands as a symbol of integrity, empowerment and excellence, a true legacy to pass on.” RESILIENCE AND MENTORSHIP Establishing a thriving legal practice as a young woman in a traditionally male dominated field is a significant achievement. “The proudest accomplishment of my career has been building Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated from the ground up, with vision, courage and conviction.” She acknowledges the obstacles she has faced along the way. “My biggest challenge was navigating the early years of my career in a system not built for young women to lead. Opportunities were limited, and representation was scarce.” Rather than wait for permission, she created her own path. “I overcame these barriers by creating my own opportunities, studying relentlessly, pursuing international research positions in New York and Washington DC, and ultimately opening my own firm. Every setback became a stepping stone toward the empire I am building, one defined by persistence, not permission.” One piece of advice transformed her leadership style and direction. “You do not have to wait to be invited to the table, build your own.” She adds, “It taught me that power is not given, it is created through vision and resilience.” This mindset shapes how she leads, grows and mentors others. Her leadership philosophy is shaped around empathy and excellence. “I keep my team motivated through transparency, recognition and shared purpose. Every person in my firm understands that they are part of something greater than a job. They are part of a movement to redefine what a woman led firm can achieve.” When challenges arise, she believes in resolution through empowerment. “When conflict emerges, I address it through mentorship and open dialogue, always anchoring the conversation in growth and respect.” She strongly believes in leading with both intellect and heart. “I am inspired by women who create spaces instead of competing for them.” Her own journey also fuels her inspiration. “From being a young Indian woman navigating law school, to representing clients in high stakes litigation, to now leading an independent law firm, my journey continues to inspire me.” She remains motivated by the broader reality of women in professional spaces. “I am inspired by the countless women who still face barriers in law, business and leadership. Their struggle fuels my determination to make the climb easier for those who come after me.” FUTURE VISION Looking ahead, Seshni has an ambitious and future focused vision. “My vision is for KwaZulu-Natal to be a hub of legal and business innovation, led by ethical, inclusive and technology driven enterprises. I see a future where women owned firms collaborate rather than compete, where mentorship replaces gatekeeping.” “I want to see more women in boardrooms, at negotiation tables and leading high impact businesses that uplift their communities.” For her own firm, expansion is next. “The vision is expansion, building an enduring legal empire with branches across South Africa and partnerships globally.” Her life motto captures her purpose and ambition. “Break barriers. Build empires. Leave legacies.” It is a guiding principle that shapes every decision she makes. “It is a reminder that success means more than achievement. It means impact. Every court appearance, every case and every mentorship opportunity is a step toward building not just a firm, but a legacy of empowerment that will endure long after me.” Seshni Moodley stands as an inspiring and purpose led leader whose journey reflects determination, intellectual strength and transformative leadership. From creating her first business as a student to establishing a thriving legal firm, she continues to challenge convention, uplift others and pave the way for future generations. Her vision extends far beyond her own success. It is rooted in empowerment, access and enduring legacy. Previous Next

< Back Brigitte Turner Next BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business. BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business. Having thrived in the male dominated property development industry, Brigitte doesn't believe that women need to take a different approach to men to their careers. "Yes, women are still frequently discriminated against, particularly when it comes to salaries in corporates, but women have more opportunities that ever before. Instead of being daunted by your situation," she says, "you need to trust in yourself, believe that there are opportunities because you have something to offer, and be yourself." She credits her talented and committed team for their huge contribution, and takes guidance from Richard Branson, her "ultimate entrepreneur", in setting high targets for herself. Branson says he never sets a target unless it really frustrates him, and Brigitte agrees that without aiming high, you'll never reach great heights. Making business success meaningful "I'm definitely proud of what I've achieved, but I'm certainly not at the end of my career yet," she points out. "There's so much to be done - and not enough time to do it." Inspired by Branson's philanthropic commitment as well as his business acumen, and by Mother Theresa's service to her community, Brigitte knows that everyone can make a difference. "I only wish I could be even half as selfless as Mother Theresa," she laughs. Business success has allowed Brigette to make a greater contribution to society. As a business, Harvey World Travel Highway supports community events and helps with fundraising projects, but Brigitte feels that this is only part of it. Over the years she's served on the boards of several charities and gives of her time and business skills too. She's particularly committed to her church's social transformation project and headed a business forum to develop business skills for emerging entrepreneurs. "The business forum started as a workshop for three or four entrepreneurs each meeting, and rapidly grew to over 150 people every week, with formal training courses." But Brigitte didn't just set up the business forum, she trained entrepreneurs herself, spending many a Monday evening in Kwadabeka and Lamontville. She's particularly fulfilled by the real success stories that started in these workshops, and one in particular made a real mark. "Mandisa Sithole, who owns the craft shop at King Shaka International Airport, had a small beading business and a big dream. And I'm so honoured to have been a small part of her journey." Brigitte has recently joined Rotary, and notes that, like everything else in life, the more you give, the more you get back. Living a well-rounded life With running a demanding business, her family commitments and community work, it can't be easy to do it all, but Brigitte is adamant that you need balance. "My circle of life includes family, friends, spirituality, career, finances, health and love life, and everything needs to be in balance for my life to work," she says. "If one element is out of balance, I feel it across all aspects of my life. And I need my community work as much as I need my exercise." Needless to say, life is not always perfect, and Brigitte points out that a difficult divorce a few years ago took its toll and she felt she was in a slump across every element. But true to her belief that our time on earth is limited and we need to use it well, she soon got herself back on track. "Whenever I feel things aren't going as well as they should, I take a good look at my wheel of life, pray to God for guidance, and figure out which area I need to deal with. And it works for me." Be kind When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Brigitte says it's the same advice she gives her three children today. "Be kind and be generous, stick to your values, pray often and remember that ethics matter. If you follow this simple dictum, it will stand you in good stead, and you'll always be able to look people in the eye." Previous Next

Yogan Naidoo Next Previous Yogan Naidoo is the CEO and founder of Business Solutions Africa and Black City Records Yogan Naidoo is the CEO and founder of two distinct businesses: Business Solutions Africa and Black City Records. His journey began in the small town of Isipingo, near the South Coast of Durban, before moving to Chatsworth, which he considers more formative to his upbringing. Chatsworth, according to Yogan, was a “vibrant, gregarious, and socially active” environment, despite being a working-class district. He recalls his time at Apollo High School in Chatsworth, where he was expelled for student activism along with about 30 others in his matric year. Despite this setback, Yogan and his fellow activists were able to write their matric exams at another school, earning exemptions that allowed them to continue their education. Yogan went on to study industrial psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand and subsequently won the Wits Business School New Venture Creation Award. In the early 2000s, he was awarded the prestigious Nelson Mandela Scholarship, which took him to London to complete his MBA. “I met Madiba twice, once at the Dorchester Hotel in London, and secondly at his foundation in Houghton. It was just magical,” he recalls. Reflecting on this experience, he notes, “That was a turning point in my life in terms of taking business a lot more seriously.” He now looks forward to pursuing a PhD, though balancing life, business, and studies presents its own challenges. Yogan’s first job was as a bellhop at the Malibu Hotel on Durban’s promenade during the December holiday season. He recalls this experience with a sense of irony, given his slight frame at the time. “If you think I’m thin now, I was super skinny then, and I was having to lug all this luggage all the way up to all those rooms,” he says, highlighting the physical demands of the job. A PASSION PROJECT Currently, Yogan’s two businesses are as different as they are complementary. Business Solutions Africa is a project management and consulting firm that has been operating for around 20 years. The company focuses on interrogating the business cases for both public and private sector projects. Yogan attributes his success in this field to his “analytical mindset and structured approach to business,” which has enabled him to articulate business cases effectively and deliberate the viability of various ventures. Black City Records, on the other hand, is a passion project that Yogan founded to fulfil a long-held dream of working in the music industry. “My first choice of a career would have been a musician, but you just couldn’t create a healthy income to support a family,” he explains. The Black City Records team focuses on producing world-class music for both national and international audiences. Yogan is the principal songwriter and works closely with a co- producer, and the label has already seen success with two number-one hits on East Coast Radio. “That’s an achievement I’m particularly proud of because I felt a bit vindicated in the sense that we are on the right path,” he says. All of this comes together with a phenomenally talented team of committed individuals. Despite his achievements in music, Yogan recognises that he’s “too old now to be hanging around in clubs at midnight.” Instead, the company focuses on nurturing young talent, writing and producing music, and helping artists like Gwyn, who he describes as “inspirational” due to her work ethic and vision. TRIUMPH AND DISASTER The best advice Yogan has ever received is to “take the emotion out of it.” He elaborates, “Don’t take things personally... the people that succeed are the people that remain calm.” This advice has helped him maintain a level-headed approach to business, especially in challenging situations. He references a line from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.” For Yogan, understanding that both triumph and disaster are part of the same journey has been key to his success. One of the toughest challenges Yogan faced was when he and his wife bought a coffee shop in Montclair Mall. Initially, they believed it to be a thriving business, but soon realised they had “bought a lemon.” Yogan recalls sitting at home on the 25th of the month, with no money in the bank and numerous bills to pay. This experience taught him “the power of negotiation” and the importance of resilience and discipline. Despite the initial setbacks, they managed to run the business for seven more years before selling it and taking a well- deserved nine-month holiday. Yogan believes in reminding his teams of their purpose, especially when facing challenges. “Why are we doing this? Why are we here?” are questions he frequently asks his team. He emphasises the importance of the impact their work has on communities, particularly in creating jobs in a country with a 64% youth unemployment rate. “There’s nothing better than calling somebody and telling them, ‘You’re now employed,’” he says. BE KIND The youth he works with, particularly their dreams, aspirations, and optimism despite challenging circumstances, provide Yogan with much inspiration. “There’s a narrative about our youth that is sometimes misleading, but that’s not the case with the majority of the youth that we’ve met,” he asserts. He is also inspired by the resilience of people in his community, who “wake up every day, no matter how overwhelming those circumstances are, to get up, go look for a job or start a business.” Looking ahead, Yogan is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. He is inspired by the “political maturity” he sees in the province and the renewed sense of energy in the business community. “I’m particularly inspired by the Government of Provincial Unity,” he says, noting that despite the challenges, the investment into the province is “just exponential.” Yogan’s motto is simple: “Be kind.” He explains, “You have no idea what anybody is going through in their lives and what they bring to the workplace.” For Yogan, kindness is not just a personal value but a guiding principle in his approach to business and life. ‘Life is short,’ he concluded. Previous Next

< Back Kirsty Fonzari Next KIRSTY FONZARI heads the marketing team for Expand a Sign International and Uzwelo Bags as well as ExpandaBrand USA and supports several Expand a Sign agencies globally in marketing. Kirsty's energy is never ending, and she will be opening a 360 turnkey agency called The Buro next year. There was a gap in the market to help Expand a Sign customers with various marketing disciplines KIRSTY FONZARI heads the marketing team for Expand a Sign International and Uzwelo Bags as well as ExpandaBrand USA and supports several Expand a Sign agencies globally in marketing. Kirsty's energy is never ending, and she will be opening a 360 turnkey agency called The Buro next year. There was a gap in the market to help Expand a Sign customers with various marketing disciplines. Kirsty has founded a networking group called brand Cult that has been successfully running for three years. "I think one of the biggest gifts in business is being able to share knowledge and encourage collaborative partnerships," she said. She also has a passion for coaching young women in business. "I want to share what I've achieved with others and to remind women that business models are changing. They need to be open minded and explore all avenues of creativity to follow their dreams and to continue to challenge the norm." Kirsty is all about understanding customers and their needs and believes if you focus on your intention and you are specific with your communication amazing things happen. She admits to climbing the corporate ladder quickly, working her way up from operations manager of various restaurant management groups to director of operations for a group of healthy restaurant's in the United Kingdom (UK). Kirsty has successfully opened over 40 bars and restaurants in the UK and won the London "Time Out Bar of the Year", as well as Best Concept and Best Design, before returning to South Africa. Learning from mistakes She attributes her success to two things: making mistakes - "You can only progress by making mistakes and learning from those mistakes," she laughs; and her work ethic. "I'm not afraid to work hard with my team, communicate the vision clearly and get stuck in and get my hands dirty - that's a big part of the reason I am where I am today." Kirsty's inspiration has been Anna Wintour, chief editor of Vogue in the US. "What I really love about her is that she says: Don't be apologetic about decisions that you make. Make your decisions and know they're the right decisions. Hold your head up high, and just go with it." That resonates with Kirsty who describes herself as a risktaker. "Rules are meant to be broken", she jokes, and then more seriously, "I'd rather be a leader, than someone who follows", something she believes is evident in her marketing plan for Expand a Sign. Kirsty is confident that women have a different approach than men do in achieving success in business. "Women are edgy and risk takers who know how to get a lot of things done in one go." Kirsty is driven to giving women wings. Owning her achievements, Kirsty is happy with what she's accomplished in business. "My whole life has been around business...I'm into achieving things, I'm really pleased with where I am today, but I'd be a fool to think I'm just going to stop here; there's so much more I want to achieve." Kirsty's insights into achieving a work-life balance are that there can be costs too, attached to success. "For me, it's one of the most difficult things to achieve - if it's about a project, everything about that project will consume me, and I learned a really difficult lesson where I had to slow down a bit... it's something I have to continuously work on, something I have to remind myself of. I also know from experience that when you're exhausted, you're no good to anybody, so it's important to have those times when you can just sit back and relax and take in the view." Kirsty's advice to her younger self, knowing that women put themselves under pressure to be perfect because of our inherently critical society, is: "Don't take other people's opinions on board...it's okay to make mistakes and don't sweat the small stuff. Just enjoy life, because tomorrow's going to be another day." An Incredible Journey Talking about her background, Kirsty admits that where she is today comes with a story around her use and abuse of alcohol and drugs while designing bars and restaurants in London. She talks of juggling two balls, 'the addict alcoholic' and 'the work person', until it all came crashing down around her. "My addiction could potentially have crippled me...there were a few occasions when I could have been dead today." "And so," she concludes, "my journey has been that I want to start adding value. I've been clean and sober for quite a few years now... I have the freedom to be myself; to carry a message of hope, courage and strength; to not be ashamed of who I am as a woman today. I have the freedom to talk to people openly about it...It's been an incredible journey and so, in order to be completely authentic, I need to be able to share my story, and so that's kind of where I am today." Previous Next

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Camilla Jones Content Manager This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

Embrace change as an opportunity to learn, to improve, to make a difference in others’ lives as well as in your own and to grow < 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 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

Rajesh Lutchman Next Previous chief executive officer of Siyaka Steeped in the entrepreneurial spirit of South Africa’s East Coast, Rajesh Lutchman has spent over three decades leading with vision, determination, and a relentless work ethic. As chief executive officer of Siyaka, Rajesh has grown the business from a small, dedicated team into a thriving, multi-site enterprise with operations in Durban, Johannesburg, Mauritius, and strategic representation in all major hubs primarily servicing southern Africa and East Africa. Siyaka is a trusted name in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, providing high-quality printed packaging solutions. From snack packets to detergents and beverages, products with Siyaka’s packaging line the shelves of retail stores across southern Africa – many consumers have likely held a Siyaka-printed item in their hands without even realising it. “I started with a small team,” Rajesh recalls, “many of whom are still with the company today. Honesty and integrity have shaped our culture. We’ve built a family, bound by a common vision: delivering value-engineered packaging with purpose.” CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT Rajesh’s drive for perfection was evident from an early age. For him, printing artwork on paper was never enough – he envisioned packaging that combined consistency, durability, and artisan-like quality at scale. That philosophy remains at the heart of Siyaka’s operations. Navigating the complexities of the manufacturing world requires more than operational excellence. It calls for foresight, adaptability, and the ability to mitigate risks and remove roadblocks. “You need to see the end at the beginning,” Rajesh says, “and map the path with precision.” Change is the only constant in the packaging and printing industry – a reality that has led Rajesh on a global journey across Europe and the Americas in pursuit of innovative solutions and cuttingedge technologies. His goal? To enhance the lives of consumers while creating sustainable, wasteefficient packaging that contributes to a healthier planet. Rajesh is driven not only by curiosity for processes, but by a deep respect for the people behind them. “My passion has always been in developing teams – nurturing a culture where individuals are empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully to continuous improvement.” Siyaka remains grounded in the same core principles it held at inception: alignment among stakeholders, collaborative problem-solving, and a culture where the best ideas win. Rajesh fosters an environment of psychological safety, co-creation, and shared accountability. LEAVING A LEGACY Beyond Siyaka, Rajesh now sits on the board of various industries, including a property development and management portfolio and an investment entity. But for him, success has never been about the numbers. “The greatest investment you can make,” he reflects, “is in something that outlasts you. For me, it’s about leaving a legacy – one that improves the lives of employees, families, suppliers, customers, and consumers alike.” At Siyaka, succession and leadership development are not taken lightly. “As part of our family tradition, each of our children is encouraged to first gain experience in the open market following their tertiary qualification. Only thereafter, should they express the desire to join the business, do we have that conversation,” explained Rajesh. Following this principle, his two elder sons, Mikhail Lutchman and Luan Lutchman, have both joined the organisation– Luan most recently, following his tenure at Investec. Grooming tomorrow’s leadership is a profound responsibility. “In passing on what we refer to as the ‘holy grail’, we place strong emphasis on continual improvement (CI) – a principle we uphold alongside innovation, accountability, and strategic thinking.” SOUL OF A FAMILY BUSINESS While the organisation is structured and mirrors the operational discipline of a corporate entity, Siyaka proudly retain the agility and soul of a family business. Swift, decisive action on emerging opportunities has long been one of its key differentiators. Family remains a central pillar. “Every quarter, we retreat as a family to a remote destination – a tradition that serves as a reset, fostering harmony and alignment across both personal and professional spheres,” explains Rajesh. “Our business endeavours are united by a shared vision and long-term commitment. We remain optimistic, guided by a clear five-year outlook and a focus on delivering lasting impact in emerging markets. Challenges persist, but so do opportunities – and there is much to be done by the next generation of industry leaders.” Over the years, Rajesh and his team have been honoured with numerous accolades, a testament to their dedication and excellence, and the values we stand for. He comments, “We remain driven by purpose, united in our mission, and committed to excellence –today, and for the future.” In conclusion Rajesh says that his business philosophy is guided by his mantra which is: “Question the status quo. Dare to change it.” Previous Next

The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is to advance sound agricultural practices that stimulates comprehensive economic growth, food security and advancement of rural communities. The Department's strategic objectives are: To provide agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. To provide veterinary services to clients in order to ensure healthy animals, safe animal products and welfare of people of South Africa. Subscribe Subscribe Agriculture and Rural Development MEC: Bongi Sithole-Moloi Contact details Physical: 1 Cedara Road, Cedara Postal: Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Tel: 033 355 9100 Fax: 033 355 9122 Web: www.kzndard.gov.za The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is to advance sound agricultural practices that stimulates comprehensive economic growth, food security and advancement of rural communities. The Department's strategic objectives are: To provide agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. To provide veterinary services to clients in order to ensure healthy animals, safe animal products and welfare of people of South Africa. Back to government departments

< 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