Isaac Mbatha Next Previous Isaac Mbatha is the founder and CEO of Sky Tents Isaac Mbatha is the founder and CEO of Sky Tents. Isaac grew up in Newlands East and attended Barracuda Primary School. His schooling continued at a number of high schools, but he ended up at a school in Sydenham called Bechet Secondary School. Following the completion of his schooling, Issac immediately started working. Commenting on his business career, Isaac said, “My first job was actually a taxi conductor. Obviously, you aspire to be a taxi driver. A few years later I got my license, I became a taxi driver and after that I became a taxi owner as well.” Entering the tent industry was not something that Isaac intended. He was involved in washing and cleaning tents, but he never considered being a manufacturer as he was a middleman. However, he was regularly asked by clients to repair a tent if there was a tear from a windy event or to make an extra side wall, an extra window or extra roof if something went missing. “As I was trusted by my clients, I was often asked to make something and then the curiosity started building of how do I make it? What do I need? And Sky Tents was born in 2015,” explained Isaac. The company started in a very small scale making old fashioned peg and pole tents, which were either blue and white or red and white. From these beginnings the company’s range of products has grown to include stretch, frame, and dome tents, for a wide range of applications. In addition, Sky Tents services include the supply of tables and chairs, draping, mobile toilets, and mobile chillers. The company has also ventured into injection moulding. CREATE AND GROW Isaac said, “I think my purpose now in life is to create and grow an incredible company. I would like to become a better leader for my staff, clients, and suppliers. I would like to encourage people and show that it is possible to achieve in life. People say it’s hard or you need capital or whatever, but you’ve got to start somewhere. My purpose is forcibly pushing on, making people grow and looking for a better future.” While Isaac’s accomplishments say much about his career success, he believes that they also say very little. He explained, “Every level is a new ball game, a new figure. I feel like currently where I am, I’m just touching the surface of manufacturing and what can be done. I still underplay myself quite a lot.” While people around Isaac are extremely proud of what he has achieved and tell him how much he has grown, he still feels like there is so much more than he can do. “I really can’t put a point to to say that I’m extremely proud now. Maybe in a few years…” WISE WORDS Speaking of the best advice he has received, Isaac said that his father had always inspired him and was a man of wise words. “He always made sure that he drilled into my head that when you want something you’ve got to go for it no matter what. You’ve got to just keep knocking on the door. Eventually that door is going to break down. He said consistency is the only way forward. I think that’s what I keep doing. And that’s also a part of Sky Tents’ journey of what makes us different from the rest as well.” Isaac’s biggest challenge is growth. “You know growth is your blessing in disguise because the minute you feel like everything is crumbling down, you just become resilient, and you just keep going forward.” While Isaac says that his biggest challenge is overcoming setbacks, he has learned to manage these occasions by being consistent in what he wants to achieve and pushing forward. A COMPETITIVE APPROACH In order to keep his staff motivated, Isaac uses a competitive approach. He explains that as in sport, his various teams want to come out on top. “I just keep asking them, who won this week? Which department is pushing out a proper quality or faster product or has found even better ways of innovating? For example, a team may say that they have discovered that if we turn the processes around, this saves us 15 minutes on manufacturing time. So, while there is always teamwork, competition is always better at providing motivation.” Isaac’s vision for the future of his company is sustained growth. Currently Sky Tents has opened quite a few branches around South Africa. The company has started to penetrate into Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions around South Africa. “So, I’m hopeful that in the next five years that we would be dominating Africa and the globe,” he explained. “My motto is always, ‘tired rhymes with fired’. You know when you get tired you are going to get fired,” explained Isaac. “You have to keep just going always.” However, he added that consistency is always a key element that comes to mind. “There’s not one day that you can come into work and you can put your guard down. It’s just business and having that energy to always be confident and go for what you want,” Isaac concluded. Previous Next

< Back Nashikta Authar Angadh Next NASHIKTA AUTHAR ANGADH is a Partner in KPMG and heads up the Business Resilience and Continuity Services unit of South Africa NASHIKTA AUTHAR ANGADH is a Partner in KPMG and heads up the Business Resilience and Continuity Services unit of South Africa. Her function can be summarised as preparing clients for planned and unplanned disasters. She involves herself with organisations at a deep level to understand their critical processes and the potential risks they face to develop a "fit for purpose recovery strategy" to be used in the event of a disaster. When Nashikta was thrown into the deep end to take the reins in leading Business Resilience for KPMG she began by "rolling up her sleeves, embracing the books, and soaking up and entrenching herself in the information". Along the way, she gained critical insights into client practices. A mentor, "her North Star" offered valuable support and advice. She also learned from her team that supported her. Ultimately, things came together, and she became recognised as a leading expert in her field, progressing in the firm to where she is today. An inspiration Nashikta finds inspiration in books, videos and in various people, including her selfless and elegant mom. Her dad is, however, her main source of inspiration. He did not finish school and his limited financial means made starting a business difficult. Additionally, he had serious health issues, but he overcame the odds and made a success of life. "Looking past his business success, he is an amazing soul," she says, one who changed many people's lives. His belief, "service to man is service to God" became her belief too, allowing her to balance her accomplishments with remembering who she is and where she comes from. Deal with internal barriers To demonstrate the difference between men and women in business, Nashikta uses a recent event. She was in a boardroom with "powerful men and women from across SA". The tea lady walked in and placed a tea tray on the table between a gentleman and a lady. The lady glared at the tray in a way that suggested she thought serving tea would reduce her power in the room. However, the gentleman got up and cheerfully served the tea. This incident made Nashikta realise that: "as women, we need to deal with the internal barriers we create for ourselves that prevent us from being what we can be and doing what we need to do. Women need to be bold enough to make the tea without worrying what everyone thinks and what their opinions are." Historically, there were many challenges between men and women, however businesses have progressed and created numerous platforms for women, which should be embraced. A work-life balance requires structure Nashikta has an excellent support structure which contributes hugely to her work-life balance; both her mother and mother-in-law look after her son when she is travelling, allowing her to focus on work. The KPMG work environment is very flexible, making it easier to get things done anywhere and at any time. She makes sure not to diddle-daddle and focuses on business during business hours, so work in her personal time is unnecessary. Nashikta is grateful for her wonderful husband who takes charge with chores around the house and is a hands on Dad. He has been her pillar of strength and encourages her to grab on to opportunities, even if it results in added pressure on himself. She quips, "If all else fails, just pray for energy, tolerance, patience, and guidance to be a good parent, because that is the most important aspect of a work-life balance." Practical spirituality Her spiritual background is very important to Nashikta. She belongs to the Sri Sathya Sai organisation which is based on five human values: "truth, love, nonviolence, right conduct, and peace". She tries to live by these in everything she does. Nashikta sustained serious injuries in a vehicle accident during 2013. Spinal surgery prevented permanent paralysis, but she was confined to her bed for three months and had to learn to regain movement and walk during a long, difficult recovery. She says her spirituality carried her during this tough time and made her appreciate life. When KPMG experienced difficulties in recent years she felt alarmed but did not leave and tried to demonstrate the five values as a leader. She believes leadership is tested during challenging circumstances, not when everything seems good. Authentic self She is happy with what she has achieved and proud of winning the Business Continuity Institute's 2019 award for "Business Continuity Institute, Africa, Resilience and Continuity Specialist". She is hoping for further success in the global category. Being involved in developing continuity strategies for businesses and government departments, Nashikta says the "philanthropist in her" wants to take this a step further and develop a strategy for South Africa. She explains: "If the country is faced with something similar to a 9/11 attack or escalated xenophobic attacks, SA has to be ready and I want to make sure that we are." The advice Nashikta would give her younger self is not to shy away from shining and be confident in her strengths. Being diligent and assiduous, she stood out at primary school, making her unpopular with some kids. She then held back to avoid attracting attention during high school. But at university and with her career, Nashikta says, "I decided to just be my authentic self. This allowed me to excel and get to where I am." Previous Next

Jacquie Bhana Next Previous Jacquie Bhana is the owner of Jacquie Bhana Consulting Jacquie Bhana, the owner of Jacquie Bhana Consulting, is an accredited high-performance coach, mentor, and counsellor. Jacquie was born into a very close-knit family who lived in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Of her early years she says, “I was born, during the years that it was taboo, into an interracial marriage to the most fantastic parents, which was an absolutely amazing experience that taught me to have an open mind around religion and race.” This upbringing has provided a solid base for Jacquie who relates well to people of all backgrounds. Following attendance at a local township school, Jacquie completed an undergraduate degree majoring in psychology, a postgraduate degree focusing on industrial relations, a masters in industrial sociology and an executive and leader- ship coaching qualification at UCT. Jacquie’s successful career in the corporate world has spanned over 30 years. Her first ‘proper’ job was at Volkswagen South Africa where Jacquie started off in training and development. “The then CEO Peter Searle was a true leader of his time. What I really loved about VW is that you learned about the importance of vision, mission, culture, and values in bringing people together in an organisation.” BUILD CAPACITY After much thought her current position is something that Jacquie dreamed of for a long time. “I really wanted to have my own business and for the work that I do to make a difference, the basic competencies are those that I acquired at VW.” Jacquie’s main focus is on development, helping diverse teams build their capacity, and helping people to find and speak their voice. She enjoys coaching executives and says that the kind of mental blocks they create for themselves are incredible. By walking alongside her clients, Jacquie helps to free these blocks so they may be the best person that they can be. Mental or emotional wellness is a key area of interest for her; especially the mentoring of executives experiencing loneliness or anxiety in new positions. In addition, says Jacquie, “I absolutely enjoy working with graduates or people newly out of school and getting them socialised into the business environment. They don’t always understand that it takes more than a degree or a diploma to be successful in business. The value that I am able to bring to their lives and to each business is a revelation.” The other area Jacquie works in is human resource consulting for small businesses, often focusing on talent and succession planning. She helps to build structures and mechanisms to ensure that things are done the right way to cultivate growth. “Small and medium enterprises have enormous potential, have an appetite for risk, and are hungry for success. They work really hard and have great ideas, however, they often need a sounding board to help them succeed. My purpose is to help them make a difference in business, in their world, and to the economy.” Without a doubt Jacquie’s proudest accomplishment, as well as her biggest challenge, has been moving out of the corporate sector to open up her business. “I had a stable job at a senior level with a steady income; to jump outside of that environment and start from scratch has been very challenging.” Her uncertainty was firstly to believe in herself; that she could survive without the support of a massive corporation and move beyond her corporate title. Apart from skills such as administration and information technology, one of the challenges has been in marketing herself and getting her business ‘out there’. Jacquie is proud that her venture is impactful and that she is able to work with various people with immense success. Reflecting on her journey she says, “In order to stay motivated you can’t work in a vacuum, you have to wake up to your purpose. You’ve got to have a master plan, you’ve got to plan around daily, weekly, and monthly goals and then relentlessly pursue them.” A BETTER PLACE The best advice Jacquie has ever received is not to expect anything from anybody. “If you do something for somebody, do it because it’s making the world a better place, it’s making the person a better person. Don’t expect anything in return. It helps with managing your expectations and helps with not experiencing disappointment. Just learning and applying this lesson has really helped me not to expect anything from people, which is simple but profound.” “However, I think South Africa has awesome and resilient people who inspire me,” says Jaquie. “In addition, there are universal guiding lights such as Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani advocate for education for girls who was shot. That she could stand up to a force so violent just speaks volumes of her. The other person that I truly admire is politician Angela Merkel, who was the German Chancellor. She is the epitome of leadership; she showed us the humanness of being a leader.” Jacquie works very closely with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serving on the board as the first vice president. “I work with CEO Palesi Phili, who is authentic, courageous, and able to work with real issues on a daily basis. I have a great admiration for her level of ethics and ability to get things done.” The motto of the Chamber, ‘In business for a better world’, resonates well with her purpose. Jacquie’s vision is to work with her clients to help them become better leaders. “I would like to build ethical, high performing thinking leaders who in turn will help KwaZulu-Natal to become a better province, so that we can take this province to the next level and create a better world. And importantly, to help our youth, to get them to help build this province to make this a better place, so that they leave a legacy of greatness for the upcoming generations.” “I always think, ‘If I am not afraid what will I do’ which is great motivation to achieve in what has been a great journey so far,” concluded Jacquie. Previous Next

Wade Howard Next Previous Wade Howard is the CEO (Owner & Senior Photographer) of Ocean Driven Media, an international media production company based in Durban, South Africa. Wade Howard is the director and senior photographer at OD Media (Pty) Ltd. His creativity and curiosity were born on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, where as a youth he enjoyed a lifestyle surrounded by friends and places like forests, sugarcane fields, local streets, and the beach. Those early years were shaped by independence and trust. “My parents were incredible as we were only expected home once it was getting dark and they even let us camp on our own down at the local beach when we were about 12 years old,” Wade says. “We lived at the beach during the holidays and even ate mussels cooked on an open fire so that we didn’t have to go home to have lunch.” That carefree start laid the foundation for his grounded approach to both life and business. His earliest jobs were no less formative. “My first job was either washing car windscreens at the local garage whilst people put in petrol or it was being a caddy at the local golf course,” he recalls with a laugh.After completing National Service, Wade explored a few local jobs before qualifying as an electrician at Sappi Saiccor. “I then worked in the United Kingdom for over two years where the love for photography started,” he explains. “Travelling around the world with my wife, I wanted to document beautiful places, so I attended a local college in the UK and learnt the basics of photography as well as learnt from a magazine called the Practical Photographer.” When Wade returned to South Africa, he knew one thing for certain, he wasn’t going to pursue being an electrician. A friend suggested he take a stall at the Essenwood Market in Durban, a decision that would change his career path. “I did that every Saturday for seven years. I interacted with people as they walked past and picked up photography work from family portraits to weddings and to corporate work. People would laugh at that way of marketing today, but probably nothing beats talking face to face with a potential client,” he explained. BUILDING A BUSINESS After a decade of working for himself, Wade joined forces with another talented photographer, Mike van Heerden, to start a company. Today, Wade works alongside his business partner, Matthew Swart. “My why is to lead and grow the company and to make sure that it remains one of the best in Durban,” he says with conviction. “My role is to make sure that we maintain our core values, which are to always deliver on our promises, never over promise just to get the job, and to always be honest nd work in a Godly way.” “There have been many proud moments throughout our journey such as mentoring young photographers and seeing them go out on their own and become very successful in their own journey,” he reflects. “I think the fact that we are still in business after 15 years is probably the proudest moment, especially in these uncertain times.”Much of Wade’s business philosophy stems from the advice and mentorship he received from his first business partner. He says, “Mike taught me that business is business and it mustn’t get mixed up with your personal life. Sometimes you must make hard decisions and to make them as a businessman and not in a personal capacity.” “He showed me when pitching in large or small meetings you have to be honest and make it clear on what you can deliver and never to agree to something for the sake of landing the contract.”No business journey is without obstacles, and for Wade, the most difficult period was Covid. “We had about 25% of our annual turnover cancelled within one week as well as then having to face the reality that all our customers were at home and that we could not do any work.” Despite the uncertainty, OD Media found ways to adapt. “We all stayed at home and did some small jobs online as well as a few videos promoting safety and centred around Covid,” he explains. “We survived by taking out a loan as well as the government aid so that we could pay our staff some form of a salary each month. We also started doing live streams that generated income and still does to this day.” Leadership, Wade believes, is as much about empathy as it is about vision. “It is difficult to keep everyone motivated all the time as a lot of anyone’s motivation is related to their personal life and especially family life,” he admits. “I try to connect with the staff and regularly discuss any issues that they may have, it is entirely up to them how much they want to share, and I think just sharing helps.” He adds, “On the work side it can be very challenging when work is scarce. The only way is to share ideas and try come up with plans to turn things around and once everyone gets on board it helps lift the morale. Sharing small victories during these times can be helpful.” FAITH, INSPIRATION For Wade, inspiration comes from faith and the natural world. “My inspiration daily comes from God and especially being out in His creation,” he says. “I still get it wrong and still have challenges but it gets better all the time.”Wade sees great promise in the province he calls home. He says, “KZN has a lot to offer and can become a major contributor to South Africa and the continent. In addition, KZN is the most resilient province, and we can accomplish anything if we can harness its amazing spirit. And if the leaders can make the right decisions, we will become unstoppable.”Wade’s philosophy remains simple yet profound. “My motto is to smile and laugh as much as possible each and every day, as nothing is better than a big smile or a good laugh for you and those around you. Previous Next

Your attitude determines your altitude. Be a sponge. Be prepared to learn at all times. Don’t work with a job description because it limits your growth < 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.”

Lubin Ozoux Next Previous Lubin Ozoux is the chief executive officer of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa Lubin Ozoux is the chief executive officer of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa. The company is well known for making Dunlop tyres that are supplied to 47 countries in Africa. The biggest country being South Africa, which also has a manufacturing facility in uMnambithi (Ladysmith). Originally from Reunion Island, a French island with a population of about 800 000 located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, Lubin moved to South Africa in the 90s. He commented, “My parents were a big fan of South Africa, when the change happened at the end of the apartheid area, they wanted us to be part of history.” He attended high school in Durban and then university in Pietermaritzburg. Lubin’s first official job, while studying at university, was a barman at Scottsville Racecourse. During the completion of his postgraduate studies, he lectured in the financial aspects of marketing at Varsity College. “That was a great experience, which was of real value to me. I actually got the love of learning from that job because as a lecturer you have to not only know the material, but you have to understand it, so you can pass on the meaning and answer questions,” he shares. A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION As CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Lubin has now found his purpose in leading a company that fits with his own ‘why’ which is about consciousness, doing what is right and making a positive contribution. Sumitomo Rubber is striving to create a future of joy and well- being for all, wherein the employees can support each other and contribute effectively to the company. In creating the space to create that joy, Sumitomo Rubber strives to set up the structures, culture and environment to give people the means to perform and maintain jobs in South Africa. Lubin explains further, “The company makes sure we don’t take the easiest routes, but we take the right route for the long-term success of the company, the employees, and all stakeholders. We focus on what we can control and strive to get that right.” Although Sumitomo Rubber initially drove a top- down approach to culture, they are now seeing a bottom-up trend. This trend is apparent in the great initiatives been sustainably driven by employees at all levels who are demonstrate a willingness to contribute positively in their roles. Lubin says that this culture is key to the company’s future. PURSUES OPPORTUNITIES Lubin, as well as his brothers, have received much guidance from their father who always said, ‘It doesn’t matter what you do. If you’re the best at what you do, you’re going to be very successful’. Aligned to this, Lubin constantly pursues opportunities and finds the means to engage in learning to improve his skills and knowledge. “I think that ethos really drives me personally, as well as how we drive our business. We encourage people to always be a bit better. If every day you get a bit better, and it doesn’t matter what industry or what position you’re in, you will be successful.” In addition to his father, Lubin had a great mentor, Bruno Beck, who ‘led from the front’ and was hugely influential in his life. “It’s not about what he said, it’s about what he did in terms of living a culture and its values. I’ve never experienced that anywhere else. You just can’t help then to follow that lead and to get that energy. I strive to do as much as I can by leading from the front. I think action is larger than words,” says Lubin. Over the last four- or five-years, South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal have not been short of challenges. Lubin explains that with every challenge comes an opportunity and that these drive the company, as there are many lessons to be learnt to make your business more robust and your team better. “That’s what we strive to do. Challenges are about mindset and the willingness to turn them, as quickly as possible, into opportunity, and to take the people on the journey with you.” “I often talk to the team and say when you go back home, will you be proud of what you’ve done today? Have you done the maximum you can do? Have you behaved in line with our values or your values? If we’ve done that, every day, then we are on the right track,” explained Lubin. BUILDING TRUST In terms of work, part of Sumitomo Rubber’s culture is to build and enhance trust with their employees. To enable that process all employees are encouraged to share their life journeys with each other. “Whenever I do that with any employees, you’re always amazed about the journey that people have taken, some of the hardships that people have gone through,” says Lubin. “Helping them to go a step or two further is very inspiring, and South Africa has really amazing people with much resilience.” For the future, Sumitomo believes that there are vast opportunities in their industry. The company often talks about where they are in their life cycle in relation to the maturity of a teenager. Lubin commented that they work very hard at having that teenager mindset, which is about taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible. “As a teenager, you also know you’re going to make some mistakes. But the key is how quickly can you learn to mature? In the next few years, it’s about how we use these opportunities to help us mature and help us get stronger.” Lubin’s motto is that as a leader, ‘you need to be vulnerable’. In conclusion he explained that they have three words that assist in driving Sumitomo Rubber on a daily basis which are, “intent, ambition and impact’. In terms of intent, he says we need to learn from each other and to understand each other. Ambition is about not getting stuck in easy paths but to really be ambitious and to take risks. Impact is about everyday actions. Are these making an impact and are they as a company taking a step forward? Previous Next

Arvind Magan Next Previous Arvind Magan is the chief executive officer of Arvind Magan and Associates Arvind Magan is the chief executive officer of Arvind Magan and Associates incorporated, a firm of accountants, auditors, tax advisors, and business consultants based in Umhlanga, Durban. Arvind’s journey began in Durban, South Africa, where he was born and raised. As a first-generation South African, Arvind was brought up in significant hardship. “My dad was part of the last tranche of individuals who came over from India,” Arvind explains. “We lived in a communal home which housed five families.” His father’s initial work involved collecting and delivering laundry on a bicycle, a job that highlighted the sacrifices his parents made to provide for the family. “They always believed that education was a priority in our community. I saw firsthand the struggles and the resilience it took for my parents to give us a better life,” he recalls. Despite these challenges, Arvind was fortunate to attend Gandhi Desai High School in the central business district of Durban. “After completing Grade 12, I went on to the then University of Durban-Westville, where I obtained a bachelor of accounting degree,” Arvind recounts. He continued his education part-time, completing his honours degree at UNISA while starting his first job. In 1992, Arvind qualified as a chartered accountant and auditor, marking the beginning of his professional career. “Those early experiences instilled in me the importance of perseverance and education as tools for empowerment,” he adds. Arvind’s first job was as a trainee accountant at Ernst & Whinney (now EY) in Durban. “The starting salary for a trainee accountant back then was R374 a month,” Arvind recalls with a smile. “It was a modest start, but it laid the groundwork for everything that followed,” he reflects. Arvind proudly highlights the growth of his firm over the years. “From starting with a single client, we’ve expanded our services and now serve some of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest and leading companies,” he adds. CREATING A LEGACY OF TRUST Arvind holds personal and professional ethics in high regard. “We’ve embraced and upheld high standards of professional ethics, honesty, and integrity, with a commitment to excellence,” he explains. For Arvind, this is not just a corporate mission but a personal one as well. “This should permeate our society,” he believes. “Our purpose is about creating a legacy of trust and excellence that extends beyond our immediate business,” Arvind says. Starting Arvind Magan and Associates 21 years ago with just one client stands out as one of Arvind’s proudest achievements. “When I began, I only had one client,” Arvind shares. Over the years, through dedication and hard work, the firm has grown significantly. “Today, we count some of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest and leading companies among our clients,” Arvind says, reflecting on the progress made since those early days. “This journey has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of building strong relationships,” he adds. The best advice Arvind received came from his father: “Always maintain a standard of integrity. Whatever you do, maintain a good name.” This advice has been a guiding principle throughout Arvind’s professional journey. “It’s so important to have a good reputation,” Arvind says, noting that this has helped him build trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and his team. “Your name is your most valuable asset,” he reflects. Starting and growing his own business was the biggest challenge Arvind faced. “Stepping out from a working environment and into your own business is daunting,” he admits. The key to overcoming this challenge was staying focused, diligent, and maintaining a high standard of integrity. “I made a decision to remain focused and uphold a good reputation,” Arvind explains. This commitment has been instrumental in the success and growth of his business. “It’s been a journey of constant learning and adapting,” he adds, noting that challenges have only strengthened his resolve. Arvind recognises the importance of valuing both clients and employees. “We ensure that we foster open communication, recognise efforts, and provide continuous professional development opportunities,” he says. Arvind’s approach to leadership is more about mentorship than management. “My door is always open for discussion,” he emphasises. Understanding and supporting his team, especially during challenging times, is crucial. “Engagement is critical because sometimes we don’t know what our team is going through,” Arvind notes. By being empathetic and offering guidance, Arvind helps his team navigate obstacles and remain motivated. “A supportive environment leads to greater success for everyone involved,” he believes. Arvind’s vision for KwaZulu-Natal is a thriving economy driven by innovation, sustainability, and job creation. “Small businesses are vital for any economic growth,” Arvind asserts. He is passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and plays an active role in this area as the chairman of the Joseph Business School in Durban. “Our goal is to raise up entrepreneurs because they are key to South Africa’s economic future,” he says. Arvind is committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of business leaders in the region. “In five years, I see KwaZulu-Natal as a hub of innovation and opportunity,” he envisions. A HIGHER PURPOSE Arvind finds inspiration in his faith, which gives him a sense of higher purpose. “Faith motivates me to strive for more than just financial success,” he explains. For Arvind, it’s about making a positive impact in the community and society at large. This belief drives him to use his success to benefit others and contribute to the greater good. Arvind’s motto is: “Have faith in God in all areas of my life.” This belief has been his guiding light through the years and will continue to do so in the years to come. “Faith is the foundation upon which everything else is built,” he concludes. Previous Next

The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements is to create an enabling environment based on a coordinated, integrated and intersectoral approach to support human settlement infrastructure development. The Department's strategic goals are to overhaul provincial human settlement services, with the expected outcomes of improved access, equity, efficiency, effectiveness and utilisation of human settlements, and improved governance and management; improve the efficiency and quality of human settlements services, with the expected outcomes of accreditation of municipalities, improved sector/stakeholder capacity, and improved human settlements outcomes and upgrading of households in informal houses; and paradigm shift subsuming integrated development, intersectoral approaches and well-coordinated project management. Subscribe Subscribe Human Settlements and Public Works MEC: Nkululeko Ntuthuko Mahlaba Physical: 203 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 Postal: Private Bag X9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Tel: 033 392 6400 Fax: 033 845 6454 Web: www.kzndhs.gov.za The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements is to create an enabling environment based on a coordinated, integrated and intersectoral approach to support human settlement infrastructure development. The Department's strategic goals are to overhaul provincial human settlement services, with the expected outcomes of improved access, equity, efficiency, effectiveness and utilisation of human settlements, and improved governance and management; improve the efficiency and quality of human settlements services, with the expected outcomes of accreditation of municipalities, improved sector/stakeholder capacity, and improved human settlements outcomes and upgrading of households in informal houses; and paradigm shift subsuming integrated development, intersectoral approaches and well-coordinated project management. Back to government departments

Pravina Coombs Next Previous Pravina Coombs is the managing member of ThoughtFIRE Pravina Coombs, the managing member of ThoughtFIRE, an event company, describes her story as starting “a very long time ago”. Growing up in Durban, she faced the challenges of a divorced family – something that was considered “absolutely taboo” within the Indian community. She attended Durban Indian Girls High, but financial constraints prevented her from pursuing further studies, and at that time, there were few options for degrees or diplomas in her desired field. Despite these obstacles, Pravina persevered, opting for public relations courses since event management programmes were limited. Growing up in a financially constrained environment, she acknowledged, shaped her work ethic. “I made a pact with myself: I never wanted to be poor again. This wasn’t about being materialistic; it was about challenging myself to do better.” After finishing school, she married at an early age and found her first proper job at Sparkport Pharmacy in Overport. “It was a good starting point,” she believes. “I’m a firm believer that all jobs need public relations (PR). Whether you’re a doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant, PR sets the tone for what we do.” When asked about her purpose, Pravina stated, “Providing the best service to my existing client base is paramount. Event planning can be daunting for many; however, I don’t focus on personal events like parties or weddings. I’ve found my niche in international and national conferences, for corporates and non-governmental organisations, which allows me to make a meaningful impact.” Her passion for creating concepts and bringing them to life is evident in her work. She continues, “I strive to be indispensable to my clients; they rely on me, and their returning business is a testament to the trust we’ve built.” This loyalty reflects the quality of her events and her commitment to client satisfaction. “I ensure that our clients can concentrate on their product and service while we think outside the box for them.” For Pravina, delivering a successful event is akin to creating a masterpiece. “The client gets their return on investment, and that’s crucial for me.” PROUD ACCOMPLISHMENTS Pravina has organised high-profile events throughout her career, which she considers significant achievements. “Knowing that clients return to me after many years speaks volumes about the quality of my work. I’ve had the privilege of organising events for King Goodwill Zwelithini and Nelson Mandela. I’ve also worked with Chief Buthelezi and collaborated with the AIDS Foundation, which included celebrities like Santana and Samuel L. Jackson. These experiences are remarkable milestones for me.” Reflecting on the best piece of advice she has received, Pravina shares, “In everything that you attempt, do it to the best of your ability, or do not do it at all.” This principle has guided her throughout her career. Additionally, she believes in seizing the day: “Do today what you can do. Don’t leave things for tomorrow because you never know what tomorrow will bring. This rings particularly true in our industry, where no two days are the same. The excitement keeps me going.” Pravina has encountered numerous challenges throughout her career. “One of the biggest is when clients don’t take us seriously or fail to appreciate our worth. Many people view event management as glamorous, overlooking the hard work involved. “Everything is deadline driven. An event can’t be postponed,” she stresses. “When clients don’t understand that or provide necessary resources, it can be quite stressful. We manage multiple events simultaneously, which adds to the complexity.” She noted the rapid changes in technology and industry trends, emphasising the need to adapt. “Covid was another challenge we’d rather forget, but it forced me to rethink my business model. The restructuring helped me streamline operations and work smarter, which has positively impacted my focus and productivity. I’m still able to deliver what I deliver, not only in South Africa but internationally,” she notes proudly. COLLABORATION IS ESSENTIAL Creating a positive work environment is crucial for Pravina and she emphasises effective communication. Event planning is stressful; a survey once identified event management as one of the most stressful jobs, alongside air traffic control and trauma surgery. “I think it takes guts, nerve and steel to deliver. Despite this stress, we try to maintain a sense of fun,” she commented. Finding a dedicated team is a challenge that Pravina faces regularly. “It’s hard to come by,” she admits. “We need to make our industry sexy again, so people want to do it.” She expresses concern about the future of event management as experienced professionals retire and new talent struggles to enter the field. Inspiration plays a crucial role in Pravina’s life. “I love learning and creating, and I’m surrounded by driven and successful individuals. Listening to their stories and understanding their journeys motivates me. I think it’s crucial to reach out for advice; just hearing another perspective can reaffirm what you already know,” she said. “Being surrounded by incredible people makes my life easier and better.” Pravina also emphasised the importance of empowering women in business. "I love networking and helping women find opportunities. Collaboration is essential, especially among women. We should be sharing our knowledge and skills instead of holding on to everything for ourselves. The misjudging of people is so unfair,” she reflects, highlighting the importance of understanding the challenges that others face. VISION FOR THE FUTURE Looking ahead, Pravina has a clear vision for business in KwaZulu-Natal over the next five years. “I think there’s so much potential," she observes. Her personal goal is to continue providing exceptional service to her existing clients while maintaining her business’s reputation for reliability. “Most importantly, I aim to find balance after many years in this demanding field. I work smart and play hard, and I believe that’s the key to a fulfilling career.” Recognising the importance of enjoyment alongside demanding work, she has made a pact with herself: “You’re going to work hard, but you will enjoy your life.” Pravina concluded with her guiding principles: “Keep our industry alive and well, empower the youth, and remain honest and true to myself.” Previous Next

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