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- Tanya Price-Carr
< Back Tanya Price-Carr
- Education
The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is to provide equitable access to quality education for the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The Department's strategic goals are to broaden access to education and provide resources; improve schools' functionality and educational outcomes at all levels; develop human resource and organisational capacity and enhance skills; develop schools into centres of community focus, care and support; ensure good corporate governance, management and an efficient administration; and promote national identity and social cohesion. Subscribe Subscribe Education MEC: Mbali Frazer Contact details Physical: Anton Muziwakhe Lembede Building, 3rd Floor, 247 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg Postal: Private Bag X9137, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Tel: 033 846 5000 Fax: 033 355 1213 Web: www.kzneducation.gov.za The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is to provide equitable access to quality education for the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The Department's strategic goals are to broaden access to education and provide resources; improve schools' functionality and educational outcomes at all levels; develop human resource and organisational capacity and enhance skills; develop schools into centres of community focus, care and support; ensure good corporate governance, management and an efficient administration; and promote national identity and social cohesion. Back to government departments
- Mavis Naidoo | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back Mavis Naidoo Next DR MAVIS NAIDOO is the principal of the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, which is based in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal. The school takes in children with a hearing loss from the age of 3 to 20, from the poorest communities in rural areas all over KZN DR MAVIS NAIDOO is the principal of the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, which is based in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal. The school takes in children with a hearing loss from the age of 3 to 20, from the poorest communities in rural areas all over KZN. KwaThintwa offers full boarding and follows the mainstream CAPS curriculum. The school was established by Archbishop Dennis Hurley. While he on a visit to Thintwa (meaning touched), he was touched on his cloak by an 11 year old boy. On questioning why the child was not at school, he discovered that there were limited opportunities for Deaf children. KwaThintwa was opened in February 1981 with 40 Deaf learners. Mavis reflected that Archbishop Hurley had been someone she always had a deep admiration for as he had stood up for social justice and actively campaigned against apartheid. She said, "I couldn't believe that he was the chairperson of the interview committee when I applied for the job." Subsequently, Archbishop Hurley became a mentor to her in her various management roles within the school. "When I applied for the position, I had no ambition other than the need to make a difference. There is never a day when I am not touched by working at the school, I often have goose bumps when I drive into the school grounds." She explained that she had a steep learning curve when she joined the school and went from a level one to a level three post in a very patriarchal school. She was a young Indian female who had no understanding of Zulu culture, no knowledge of Zulu language and no Sign Language. "I really believed that my appointment was the will of God and I trusted that his Grace would keep me," she says. The person in the principal's office Her experiences at KwaThintwa informed the content of her PHD dissertation, which was an auto ethnographic study entitled, "The Person in the Principal's Office". Mavis was awarded her PHD in 2013, which she completed studying part-time in two years and eight months. She explains that she had been inspired to study further by her mother who had studied continuously throughout her life and uncalculated in her a love for education. Mavis juggles many balls and plays a pivotal role in Deaf education. Over and above managing the 361 learners who are full time boarders and the 120 staff complement, she is the deputy president of Deaf Education Principals Association - South Africa (DEPASA) and has served as deputy president of South African National Association for Special Schools (SANASA). In addition, Mavis has been chancellor for the National Institute for the Deaf (NID) and has publications in international journals. Her passion for the school is apparent in the active fundraising campaigns that she has undertaken since most the learners are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds resulting in minimal payment of fees. Mavis has secured millions of rands in funding, which has resulted in the building of classrooms, a library as well as a road to the school among other much needed facilities. "South African businessmen are very generous, especially when they can see tangible results," she says. Running the school has required that Mavis acquire business skills and she is grateful for the support that she has received. "As a professional person, I was not prepared for a management role, however, my friend the late Hanu Singh, showed me the ropes and inspired me for the first five to six years on how to run the school as a business." A place of excellence Being goal orientated, Mavis sets the bar for herself, as well as the school, high, which she sees as a place of excellence. "I have a strong belief that the Deaf are not different to their hearing counterparts. They often suffer from low self-esteem, as the hearing community often puts a ceiling on their potential. However, I believe that they can achieve as well if not better than typically hearing children. Deaf education is fast changing, and this rapid change inspires me to do more." Over the past eight years, the school has had a 100% matric pass rate including learners obtaining distinctions. The learners take South African Sign Language (SASL) as their Home Language and English First Additional Language (FAL). South Africa is the first country in the world to have Sign Language as a school subject. The schools 2018 Dux, Thabile Qondani, was placed second in South Africa for SASL Home Language and is the first Deaf individual to study law in KZN. Other learners have gone on to become chefs, teachers, and work in IT. A heart for the marginalised "I have proved that a marginalised child can achieve against all odds by creating an environment that is conducive for learning with committed staff. The children at KwaThintwa are living testaments to this. Mavis also reflected that she is very proud of the achievements of her two sons - who she says are successful role models that have a heart for the marginalised in South Africa. If she could give advice to her younger self, Mavis would say, "Some things can be left undone. I am an overachiever and I don't need to do everything at once." "I am very happy and content with what I have achieved. If I could turn back the clock, I would do this all again. KwaThintwa is the legacy that I leave behind," she concluded. Previous Next
- Nomfundo Mcoyi | KZN Top Business Nexus
Nomfundo Mcoyi Next Previous Nomfundo Mcoyi is the founder and CEO of Icebolethu Group, chairperson of the KZN South African Funeral Practitioners Association and is a shareholder at Scribante Labour Consultants as well as Blacksuits Nomfundo Mcoyi is a multi-skilled entrepreneur and passionate community builder who is based in KwaZulu-Natal. She has come a long way from township girl to teacher, to founder and chief executive officer of the Icebolethu Group. While the core business of the Icebolethu Group is funerals, the various companies under the Group’s umbrella include funeral policies, memorial parks, tombstones, catering, and loans. Nomfundo is the chairperson of the KZN South African Funeral Practitioners Association and is a shareholder at Scribante Labour Consultants as well as Blacksuits. When Nomfundo started her business, she had no financial resources, not even a loan, but she had a big dream. In addition, she had no experience in the funeral business, and no mentor to guide her. Instead, she looked to her opposition – the major funeral companies. She said, “I never looked at the small companies. I always knew exactly what I wanted to achieve: I wanted to own a very big company, so I measured myself against the biggest and the best. It’s been a long journey. It wasn’t easy and it took perseverance, focus and determination. I’d never even buried anyone – but I did my research and focused on my vision.” Fifteen years later the Icebolethu Group boasts over 120 branches in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as a branch in Johannesburg and one in London. Nomfundo said, “The brand is really doing so well in the funeral industry. We’ve grown through hard work, dedication, and passion and through having a very great team that supports me and my entire vision. I am very grateful for the growth we have seen over the past years. My future goals are to see Icebolethu grow globally, including throughout Africa. We would like to have more partners in offering our services.” Nomfundo says that the growth of her business is motivated by creating jobs for people. When the company started it consisted of five people, now Icebolethu employs over 1500 people. “That means that there are 1500 families that get to have food at the end of the day because of the vision that I had when I started Icebolethu. That makes me very happy.” She added that she would like to continue to create more jobs. “We cannot rely on government and need to grow sustainable businesses that will support and give back to all the communities.” One of the major challenges that Nomfundo has experienced has been entering into the male dominated funeral industry, which has been tough. “I remember when I started, I was on a committee where there were 11 males, and I was the only female. Everything I said I had to say twice. They did not believe in me and said that I would fail. I decided not to listen to them and continue with my journey. I am a person of excellence and continued to apply that excellence in the business – look at where it is today.” Nomfundo’s charity, the Icebolethu Foundation, is particularly close to her heart. The Foundation has several active projects, but she is particularly proud of the Rhoda Girls project. The foundation has ‘adopted’ 50 girls to mentor for a five-year period. These girls attend courses and camps, and the foundation pays their school fees. Nomfundo is personally involved in the mentoring, and as she puts it, “We’re trying create fifty more Nomfundos of the future; girls who have the skills and the confidence to go out and create businesses and employment for others.” Other projects include an agricultural programme where seedlings are provided for gardens in different communities so that people can grow their own food. The foundation also builds houses for the poor. The next project will be the establishment of computer centres for the youth to access, which speaks to 4IR and the digital world that we are moving in to. Nomfundo relates how her grandmother was also a very giving women, who went out of her way to care for people in her community. “My late grandmother was a remarkable woman and a great entrepreneur for her time. She was fierce, focused and determined, and she ran my grandfather’s business when I was a child. I always wanted to be like her. My foundation was inspired by her and giving back to the community is my way of paying respect to the example she set for me.” The advice that she would give to other people following in her footsteps is not to do things for money but to follow a career because they love it and are good at it. She added that women must also understand that will not just get things because they are women, but because they deserve them and work hard. “You must just be excellent at what you do. Focus on your goals and your vision and don’t take shortcuts, they’re not the answer. Work hard, be professional and do things the right way, and for the right reasons. Just be excellent; that’s the key.” Finding a balance in life does not come easy to Nomfundo. However, she says, “I do find time for family and friends, that’s very important. I love to travel, usually with my family; it’s a great way to grow your knowledge, broaden your mind and see new opportunities.” Nomfundo, who positions herself as a cooking enthusiast, rather than a cooking expert, has recently published a cook book ‘Boardroom To The Kitchen.’ The book offers readers a behind- the-scenes look into her life as a businesswoman and how the kitchen has been an integral part of her family life. Filled with her personal antidotes and essays, this cookbook relates the story of her humble beginnings and how Nomfundo turned her dream into reality. Previous Next
- Ashok Sewnarain | KZN Top Business Nexus
Ashok Sewnarain Next Previous Ashok Sewnarain is the chairman of IBV International Vaults Group Ashok Sewnarain serves as the chairman of IBV International Vaults Group, a global leader in exclusive vault services. Born in Mayville and educated at Burnwood High School in Sydenham, Ashok’s journey to entrepreneurship began early. His first job was working alongside his father in the family’s real estate business. While doing this, Ashok attended university at night to pursue a bachelor of accounting degree. However, after six months, balancing work, studies, and his relationship with his girlfriend proved too challenging, and he made the difficult decision to leave university. “I had to choose between continuing university, working for my dad, or breaking up with my girlfriend. I chose the easiest option,” Ashok explained. Despite leaving school, his time spent learning from his father provided him with valuable insights into the property business. However, Ashok’s ambitions extended beyond the family business, and he soon set out to create his own path, launching Randall’s Finance Brokers which was a small operation with just one desk and three chairs. Here, he offered financial services to businesses and private property developers, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. BUSINESS ACUMEN AND GROWTH Reflecting on his career, Ashok recalls starting Randall’s Finance Brokers at just 24 years old. From there, he moved into some property development and later expanded into the hotel industry, launching the Bayside Hotels group. His business drive eventually led him to establish IBV International Vaults in 2004, inspired by the long waitlist for Standard Bank vault services. “I identified a gap in the market where people needed secure, high-end vaults, and banks weren’t meeting that demand,” Ashok explained. Since then, IBV has grown into an international brand with nine branches, including the most exclusive vaults in London and Dubai. “It’s been 20 years, and the business continues to grow by filling a market need and offering exceptional services,” he added. LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS Among his many career milestones, Ashok cites negotiating with Barclays Bank to acquire half of their branch in Mayfair, London, to develop a vault as a particularly significant achievement. “Securing a vault in Mayfair, the most prestigious location in London, was a huge challenge, but one of the most rewarding,” he recalled. Another notable accomplishment was IBV being recognised by the Guinness World Records for hosting the IBV Supercar Club Charity Parade. Yet for Ashok, every small victory is just as important. “Business is a constant challenge, but with each challenge comes achievement,” he emphasised. His father’s advice to be courageous and to keep business simple has remained a guiding principle throughout his journey. AN ONGOING JOURNEY OF LEADERSHIP Ashok believes that the constant challenge of business growth and development is one of the biggest hurdles any entrepreneur faces. “Challenges come at you constantly, but the key is resilience and the ability to learn and grow from setbacks,” he said. His approach to business involves not just focusing on wins but also finding value in losses and using those experiences to become stronger. Leadership is central to Ashok’s philosophy, and he highlights the importance of clear communication with his team. “Any team needs leadership, direction, and a shared vision. It’s vital to keep the team motivated by ensuring they understand the destination,” he said. By fostering a sense of purpose and unity, Ashok ensures his team stays aligned and driven toward success. VISION FOR THE FUTURE Ashok’s family is his greatest source of inspiration. “My wife, children, and grandson motivate me every day,” he shared. He believes that health, family, and spirituality are the cornerstones of life, while business remains a project. This mindset keeps him grounded and focused on what truly matters, despite his professional success. Looking ahead, Ashok is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. “The opportunities here are incredible, and despite the economic challenges, I believe that with the right approach, businesses in KwaZulu-Natal have a bright future,” he said. He views the region as a land of opportunity and is excited about the potential for growth and development. Ashok’s personal motto, “Fear no one, respect everyone”, reflects his approach to life and business. It underscores his belief in the importance of courage, humility, and respect as essential qualities for success. Previous Next
- Natasha Naidoo
< Back Natasha Naidoo
- Ingwe Property ,
Ingwe Property Up Home Up Latest News Ingwe Property VISION At Ingwe Property Group, our vision is to grow a people-centered real estate brand where technology and innovation serve the greater good. We aim to uplift communities, empower our team as a united collective, and place our clients at the heart of every decision. Through compassion, connection, and purpose-driven growth, we’re building more than properties – we’re shaping a future where everyone belongs and thrives. MISSION At Ingwe Property Group, our mission is to empower individuals and communities by delivering exceptional real estate solutions with integrity, professionalism, and a passion for service. We are committed to creating longterm value for our clients, partners, and stakeholders through innovative marketing, trusted relationships, and deep local expertise. Our goal is to transform the property journey into a seamless, rewarding experience – whether you’re buying, selling, letting, or investing. Noeleen Naidoo A LEGACY OF TRUST AND TRANSFORMATION Founded in the heart of Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, in October 2000, Ingwe Property Group began with a bold vision: to transform the real estate landscape through integrity, empathy, and innovation. The name Ingwe, meaning “leopard” in isiZulu, reflects the qualities that define the company – agility, strength, and focus. These traits have been central to its approach from the outset. Initially a boutique real estate office, Ingwe quickly evolved into a respected brand, known for its clientfocused ethos, deep local insight, and unwavering commitment to service excellence. Over the past two decades, the company has expanded beyond residential property into commercial and industrial sectors, becoming a trusted name in the region’s property market. Leadership and Team At the helm of the company is founder and managing director Noeleen Naidoo, a dynamic entrepreneur whose leadership has shaped Ingwe into a powerhouse in the industry. With more than twenty years’ experience in real estate, Noeleen is widely respected for her passion for people, dedication to mentoring young talent, and ability to adapt to shifting market conditions. Supporting her is a team of experienced property professionals who share her values of service, transparency, and community upliftment. This collaborative, values-driven culture ensures that every client engagement reflects the company’s high standards. Services and Expertise Ingwe Property Group offers a comprehensive range of real estate services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. These include residential sales and letting, commercial and industrial sales and leasing, property management, and real estate consulting. The company is also preparing to launch franchise opportunities, expanding its brand footprint across South Africa. In each service area, Ingwe prioritises client needs, delivering a seamless, supportive, and resultsdriven experience. By embracing technology, the company enhances property marketing, accelerates transactions, and ensures clients benefit from innovative solutions. What Sets Ingwe Apart Ingwe’s reputation rests on its people-first approach, local expertise, and forward-thinking strategies. The company continually invests in digital innovation, market research, and training to remain ahead of industry trends. This commitment has helped Ingwe build a strong referral network and foster deep community connections. Ethical leadership and consistent delivery have earned the trust of first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, commercial developers, and corporate relocation clients alike. Clientele Ingwe’s diverse client base ranges from families taking their first step onto the property ladder to large corporates requiring relocation services. The company also works with property owners, developers, and tenants seeking reliable rental management. Regardless of client profile, each transaction is handled with the same care, diligence, and personal attention. Achievements Ingwe Property Group has consistently achieved top sales performance in multiple KwaZulu-Natal neighbourhoods and has received recognition in regional real estate awards for service excellence. The company’s mentorship programmes have helped many aspiring agents launch successful careers, while its proprietary digital marketing strategy has doubled listing visibility. Recent milestones include the development of a franchise model designed to expand the brand nationally. Looking Ahead The future of Ingwe is defined by ambitious goals. Plans include a nationwide rollout of its franchise model, the establishment of a Real Estate Academy to train future industry leaders, and continued investment in PropTech to improve client experiences. The company is also committed to deepening its community impact through youth mentorship, local initiatives, and housing education programmes. For Ingwe Property Group, real estate is not just about property – it is about people, relationships, and building a lasting legacy in every community it serves. www.Ingwe.co.za CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 34 Glenugie Road, Pinetown Tel: +27 (0)31 701 9898 E-mail: reception@ingwe.co.za Website: www.Ingwe.co.za BRANCHES Pinetown, Umhlanga, Upper Highway Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link
- Burgette Yarlett | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back Burgette Yarlett Next BURGETTE YARLETT is the founder and owner of Beyond Visible Belief. She is a Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, life coach and motivational speaker providing one-on-one coaching, couples coaching and group workshop facilitation BURGETTE YARLETT is the founder and owner of Beyond Visible Belief. She is a Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, life coach and motivational speaker providing one-on-one coaching, couples coaching and group workshop facilitation. Her business is her calling to positively transform people's lives and make a positive impact on the world. "I inspire and empower people by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in life," says Burgette. "I get people to go within and realise they already have all the resources they need inside of them, they are sometimes just disconnected from them." From Broken Bones To Breaking Barriers To get where she is today has been quite a journey. She says it could be summarised as "coming from broken bones to breaking barriers." At the age of 21 she had a successful modelling career. Unfortunately, she had a horrific car accident which she miraculously survived, but was left disfigured, "almost without a face". She had a gaping hole where her nose used to be, one eye socket and her cheekbones were crushed, her jaw broken and palate split in half. Burgette does not dwell on the physical rehabilitation process, which included major reconstructive surgery. She admits times were daunting after the accident, having lost her career, confidence and self-belief. She felt depressed but realised she would stay stuck unless she changed herself. She made a decision not to be beaten by the accident and pulled herself out of a dark hole. She studied, read self-help books, and started to learn to dig into her inner strength, potential, and power. She embarked on a career in the corporate world and was successful, but felt unfulfilled. She says, "I lacked direction, I self-sabotaged relationships, and never felt quite good enough. I started to slip back into depression." Nevertheless, she continued to do research and became fascinated by the possibilities of rewiring and reprogramming the brain. Things came into alignment when she met an NLP coach and trainer. Discovering NLP changed her world. Thanks to the trainer and NLP, Burgette had a personal breakthrough and realised helping others though NLP was her calling. She adds, "I started to understand that everything I had gone through was necessary to get where I am today - inspiring, encouraging, helping and empowering others is what I always wanted to do." She studied to become a certified NLP coach and trainer. This was costly, but worth every cent she says. Burgette says every person she coaches inspires her because they have decided to take action and make positive changes. Her mom, who had Burgette when she was just 17, was her first inspiration. She says the beautiful thing about her mom is her amazing tenacity and strength to find joy and positivity in any situation. Self- Belief Is Key According to Burgette, women don't need a different approach to business to men. She believes it just comes down to the individual's self-belief; it does not matter what age or gender you are. When you believe in yourself, you can tap into your potential, take big actions and create big results. Then results lead to more self-belief and more results. Burgette says that she is very happy with what she has accomplished and where she is. She says we can measure success by the amount of joy we get every day. She has so much joy in her life she sometimes thinks she needs to pinch herself. She is very grateful for her amazing husband and other people that support her. "We cause good and bad things in our lives. There is a principle that there is no failure in life, only feedback on how to do things better next time. It is about learning, growing, and doing it better. If you think about how much there is to be grateful for, you can experience joy every day and do amazing things." The growth of her business has been a blessing, and she is excited about what she will still accomplish and where the business will go into the future. She would like to do more work in schools, instilling better thinking and more empowering thoughts in young people. Burgette remarks that life and work balance comes easy for her. Quality time with her husband, friends and family is important, but she also makes time for herself. She does modern dancing, plays the guitar, and makes sure she finds joy in whatever she does. She says it feels wonderful to do her work. After working and seeing people grow and transform, she feels energised as her work is an extension of who she is. The advice Burgette would give her younger self is simply to believe in herself. She says there are no unresourceful people, only unresourceful states of mind. She says she used to be a people pleaser, and she would tell her younger self to open her eyes to who she really is. Burgette says her journey was phenomenal, but she'd do it all over again. It enabled her to do what she loves, "transforming lives and making a positive impact on the world". Previous Next
- Aurelia Albert | KZN Top Business Nexus
Aurelia Albert Next Previous Aurelia Albert is the chief executive officer of Innovate Durban Aurelia Albert is the chief executive officer of Innovate Durban. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in economics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she completed an honours degree with a double major in economics through UNISA. Although this degree is not what Aurelia set out to do, the subjects have contributed to her career to date. Making a difference in people’s lives has always been a source of motivation for Aurelia. “I’m doing that within Innovate Durban. I’m able to impact by helping people to upskill themselves, supporting them to identify their own career paths, unlocking opportunities for themselves within business and really changing people’s quality of life,” she explains. In addition, Aurelia says, “I’m really passionate about Durban, which has experienced a lot of challenges over the last years. We want to serve a purpose for good and invest in the people and their lives here.” INTO THE FOREFRONT Aurelia worked for the eThekwini Municipality for nine years as a researcher and then managed an innovation programme within the city. She then successfully applied for the job as programme manager for innovation, following which Innovate Durban was founded as a nonprofit company. Establishing and growing Innovate Durban is the career accomplishment that Aurelia is most proud of. She was part of growing the nonprofit company over six years into a successful and financially sustainable entity. “I had zero business or executive management experience,” she says. “So Innovate Durban is the accomplishment within my career that really stands out and that has pushed me into the forefront within the innovation space.” Due to the fact that her experience was limited, Aurelia had much on the job learning and took advice from other executives who had been in similar roles. “Mentorship played a huge role in my career. Just leaning on people who were willing to impart their knowledge helped guide me in the process of setting up Innovate Durban. I’m very grateful to those who did mentor me,” she commented. As a researcher in the eThekwini municipality, Aurelia always worked on projects and events behind the scenes. Recalling the best advice she had received along her path, Aurelia said it was a manager telling her that she needed to step out, stop standing behind a desk and be in the front of the room interacting with various stakeholders. Her first presentation at the launch of a major project was a pivotal point in her career. Aurelia reflected, “It was the moment that I got noticed and my confidence grew, and because of my confidence growing, I was able to achieve so much more. That is definitely something that I impart to those who are working with me at Innovate Durban, especially the young interns.” GENDER DISPARITY The biggest challenge Aurelia has had to overcome is gender disparity. She says, “Oftentimes when you walk into a room as a woman in business, the expectation is the CEO is going to be a man. I remember walking into a room, but the person that I was meeting was looking behind me for the CEO of Innovate Durban. It has been a bit difficult navigating that. But I’ve also found much joy in rising above and breaking those glass ceilings.” One of Aurelia’s main learnings in her journey is that communication is key. In addition, Innovate Durban focuses on employee wellness, especially post Covid. Consequently, frequent wellness and team building sessions are hosted that ensure that the team comes together, learns about each other and is motivated. Within Innovate Durban, celebrating the wins of each other as well as the teams within the organisation is part of their values and culture, which they do frequently. GOOD EXAMPLES Speaking of who has inspired her along the way Aurelia looks to her parents. She explains, “I look at their examples of how far they’ve come and how hard they’ve worked, the various things that they’ve done, not only in business but also in the family. I know there’s a saying ‘work smart and not hard’. I disagree as I do believe that in order for you to get to where you are, you need to do a bit of both. They’ve set really good examples for the way in which I live and work including my ethics and the integrity that comes through in the work that I do.” Aurelia’s faith also plays a significant role in her life. A further inspiration is in the stories relating to the work that she does. Aurelia expands, “I’m able to see the results and the work that’s been put in and the success at the end of the day.” In the future Innovate Durban is transitioning. “Being a nonprofit company that is agile, we are able to do that relatively quickly. I’m quite excited,” commented Aurelia. “Innovate Durban runs several programmes and projects, one of which is an accelerator. “I’m looking at transforming Innovate Durban into a pure accelerator. We are also looking at setting up an academy for the company as well as advisory services. So really transforming the way in which we are doing business. I see us expanding beyond KZN, if there is a need, as whatever we do is needs based.” In addition, Aurelia plans to continue to keep her team motivated and to put all their energy and focus into the projects and programmes that they run. She commented, “Businesses in KZN are so resilient and we need to support smaller businesses as they are engines for growth. Promoting small business development, increases employment, reduces un- employment within our city, and enables people to have a better quality of life.” In conclusion, Aurelia says that in life it is really important to be authentic and be yourself. Previous Next
- Nerusha Maharaj
< Back Nerusha Maharaj










