< Back Mano Singh Next As Wealth Head for Standard Bank Group in KwaZulu-Natal, Mano Singh is accountable for four business units that contribute over R600 million to the provincial revenue As Wealth Head for Standard Bank Group in KwaZulu-Natal, Mano Singh is accountable for four business units that contribute over R600 million to the provincial revenue. "When I started out, the corporate culture was steeped in race," she recalls. "And I had to work hard to get permission to even participate, where you were consciously and deliberately side-lined even if you were the best candidate. I quickly learned that if I were to grow and succeed in that environment, formal education was key to validating me as a person firstly, while also keeping my mind focused on the future. Education gave me the confidence that I could take on new challenges as they arose. It also allowed me to quickly walk away from any situation that questioned my self-worth." Looking to beacons of hope Mano has always been inspired by the people who were beacons of hope. "There were so many people who were simply born in the wrong era and forced into serving when they really should have been leading." Her father was a big influence on her life, and she learnt from a young age that education was vital. "He taught me that education was the golden key to unlocking any door, and as long as I kept my mind active and learning, that would be the gift that would give me the hope and courage I'd need on my journey in the workspace." But education alone was not enough. He also taught her the value of humility and respect for all, and that when it came to integrity there was no room for compromise. Her mother was also a driving force in her life, bringing another dimension. "My mother was bold, audacious and confident and she made sure I learned that I should never give up, no matter the circumstances." Mano is also very grateful for the support she gets from her husband, and he too has helped define her character. "I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful man who inspires me to remain patient and calm, even when storms are brewing, and he has inspired me to take the lead and fulfil my life's ambition." Declaring work-life balance to be a myth, Mano admits that her journey has not always been easy. "I've had to juggle, trying to balance family and work responsibilities. I've also studied almost continually my whole life while climbing the ladder. I've relocated to further my career and often been pushed out of my comfort zone." Her willingness to take on challenges has been part of her growth, but it hasn't fostered balance. Women should invest in their networks Taking a somewhat controversial stand, she says that women have much to learn from men. "I'm not saying we need to do business in the same way as men," she says. "But leadership can be lonely, and I admire the tenacity with which men form networks that create a structure to carry them through their journey. This helps them maximise their success. As women we're not that good at investing in our networks. But this takes time, and there's no doubt we have greater demands on our time." Being driven and a perfectionist, Mano still looks to the future. "I have so much I still want to achieve," she says, "and I still have a lot to contribute. On a daily basis I see people struggling to navigate their life journey and career path, struggling to make decisions about the way forward, and the trade-offs they may need to make to achieve the success they want." Mano wants to make a contribution here and mentions that altruism gives one purpose in life. And as she relishes the opportunity to mentor a new generation of leaders, she thinks back on her early career. Asked what advice she would give her younger self, Mano is succinct: Be assertive. It's not always easy to stand up for your rights, but don't walk away from challenging situations. Never sacrifice your personal principles; be true to yourself and you will earn respect. Mano points out that when she was starting out, society schooled people to be submissive to partisan bosses. "But had I been more assertive, particularly when I felt that I was deliberately overlooked for senior positions, my journey would have been catalysed in different conditions." Knowledge and education are self-empowering "When I started, I was hungry to learn about leadership and strategy, and I read voraciously. I would buy a leadership book every single month when I was paid. Later on, while I was doing my MBA, I realised that everything I was searching for was encapsulated in my MBA syllabus. I just wish someone had taken me aside early on and pointed me in the right direction - it might have made a big difference in my choices and the trajectory of my career." She acknowledges that each adversity she faced prepared her for her personal journey, and takes pride in never compromising her principles and the respect she has earned in the industry. "And when times were tough, I studied harder. My father's voice in my head kept reminding me that the reward of knowledge and education is self-empowering." Previous Next

Beekman Group Up Home Up Latest News Beekman Group VISION Making Extraordinary Holidays THE Standard. Beekman Group aims to make holidays feel special for everyone. Whether it’s a simple family getaway, a self-catering break, a wellness escape or a more premium travel experience, the goal is to offer reliable, enjoyable stays that people can look forward to year after year. John Beekman, Wayne Beekman, Cindy Allan and Neville Beekman A LEADING PLAYER IN THE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND LEISURE SECTORS Some companies build resorts. Beekman Group has spent more than 55 years creating places where memories are made. From family holidays and milestone celebrations to peaceful weekends away and well-earned escapes, its destinations have become part of the stories people tell for generations. What began on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast as a family business has grown into one of Southern Africa’s leading leisure and hospitality companies. Today, Beekman Group develops and manages holiday, resort, residential, commercial and business travel spaces across beach, mountain, bush and urban destinations, while remaining true to the belief that extraordinary holidays should be within reach and every guest should feel genuinely welcome. Creating More Ways for People to Holiday, Travel and Belong Beekman Group’s strength lies in the many ways it opens the door to travel, serving families, owners, couples, business guests and members, giving people the freedom to holiday in the way that suits them best: Vacation Management Services (VMS): Overseeing operations of 30+ resorts, handling maintenance, guest services, rentals, owner and member support, and day-to-day operations. Beekman Holidays: Self-catering and hotel holiday rentals across Southern Africa, supported by convenient online booking. Beekman Managed Portfolio (BMP): Award-winning vacation ownership opportunities that bring quality holiday access within reach. Beekman Lifestyle Portfolio (BLP): Offering a traditional timeshare that unlocks exclusive holiday access. The Holiday Club: Africa’s largest vacation ownership points club, with access to 3 200+ destinations worldwide. iExchange: A flexible timeshare exchange platform with 130+ local and thousands of international holiday options. Private Residence Collection: A premium fractional ownership exchange programme for travellers seeking luxury and exclusivity. Ultiqa: Extending the Group’s expertise globally through its Australian leisure ventures. Body Bliss Day Spas: Bringing wellness and relaxation to select resorts nationwide. Family Leadership, Innovation and Long-Term Growth Family has always been at the heart of Beekman Group. Managing Director John Beekman, together with Wayne Beekman, Cindy Allan and Neville Beekman, continues to build on a legacy created over generations. While the world of travel has changed dramatically, the Group has remained true to the values that shaped it from the beginning: caring for people, thinking long term and never standing still. New ownership models, flexible exchange options, daily rentals and digital booking platforms have all been introduced with one goal in mind – making holidays easier, more accessible and more enjoyable. Holiday Experiences for Every Traveller Whether it’s a busy family holiday, a quiet midweek break, a wellness escape, a reunion, or a mix of business and leisure, Beekman Group offers something for different moments in life. This range keeps the Group grounded in what it does best – creating extraordinary holiday memories – while still keeping up with how people like to travel today. Growing Responsibly: People, Planet and Community Looking after destinations also means looking after the people and places that surround them. Through its “Our People, Our Planet” philosophy, Beekman Group invests in environmentally responsible resort operations, renewable energy initiatives and sustainable building practices, while supporting education, health, employment and community development in the regions where it operates. A Significant Tourism Contributor With 1 450+ employees, 30+ resorts across five countries and 80,000+ members and guests, Beekman Group plays a meaningful role in tourism and local economies. Its resorts also support nearby businesses, suppliers and communities. Recognised for a People-First Culture The people behind Beekman Group are a big part of what makes it work. It’s Beekman W.A.Y. culture, introduced in 2016, focuses on three simple ideas: Wow Our Customers, Always Evolving, and You Make the Difference. This approach has earned recognition, including consecutive Employee Wellness awards at the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, supported by a focus on wellbeing, growth and teamwork. Recognised Excellence Across the Group Beekman Group has received awards across different areas, including workplace culture, tourism and hospitality. It won the Employee Wellness category at the 2024 and 2025 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards, and has also earned recognition through the World Travel Awards, PMR.africa Business Excellence Awards and Sunday Times Best Places to Work, validating its position as a trusted leader in leisure, tourism and property development. Looking Ahead with 55 Years of Heart Behind It While much has changed over the past five decades, what matters most has not. Beekman Group will continue growing thoughtfully, embracing innovation where it improves the guest experience and creating destinations people look forward to returning to, generation after generation. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE - BEEKMAN HOUSE Physical Address: 3 Daly Street, Port Shepstone Tel: +27 (0)39 688 5000 | Fax: +27 (0)39 688 5005 E-mail: enquiries@beekmangroup.com Website: www.beekmangroup.com 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

< Back Next > Sugeshnee Naidoo Managing Director, Enermous Foam Tapes and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Sugeshnee Naidoo is managing director of Enermous Foam Tapes and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives. The company specialises in converting foam products and manufacturing pressure-sensitive adhesives used across various industries for insulation purposes. Her journey from a health crisis to becoming a thriving business woman is inspirational. “I got married at a very young age and started my family early,” Sugeshnee reflects. Juggling the responsibilities of being a wife, a mum, and a career woman working for a corporate company, she was also studying marketing. However, Sugeshnee’s life took a sharp turn when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. “To most people, that’s scary,” she admits. “For me, it was just one of those things. You have to deal with it.” The diagnosis forced Sugeshnee to leave her job, which presented both emotional and financial challenges. With only one income to rely on, she found herself at a crossroads. “I always wanted to own a business,” she explains. “I thought to myself, what do I do now?” Instead of succumbing to her health crisis, Sugeshnee saw this as an opportunity. Despite the difficulties of starting a business while managing her health and family life, she founded her company. Not only did Sugeshnee start the business, but she went on to do a business management course studying through the University of Cape Town. “It wasn’t easy being a mum, a wife, and starting a business while dealing with my health issues,” Sugeshnee confides, but she remained steadfast in her resolve. Over the next 18 years, despite her illness, she ran her business successfully, which opened many doors for her. Much of her journey was driven by the need to show her children that “a diagnosis isn’t a death sentence” and that they could still achieve their dreams. Sugeshnee believes that her dream materialised for her and that there’s a path for all of us. She added, “I’m so passionate about my business; it’s my baby.” Building a Dream Having an entrepreneurial spirit was deeply influenced by Sugeshnee’s family, particularly her father. “He was a businessman, and he got us involved in the family business from a very young age,” she shares. “That sparked my interest in owning a business, and it grew into a dream.” While her parents played a pivotal role in her life, Sugeshnee is keen to acknowledge her own self- motivation. “I always look at the positive side of every situation,” she says. “No matter what life throws at us, we have to come out of it.” Sugeshnee views her business as more than just a commercial venture. “It’s not just a business to me; it’s personal,” she affirms. “My communication skills, leadership, and the personal touch I bring to the business have been key to its success.” In addition to leading her company, Sugeshnee is committed to making a positive impact on her community. “I’ve received numerous awards,” she says, “but the biggest achievement for me is the impact I have on employment. Knowing that I’m helping someone raise their family is what really matters.” Her commitment to social responsibility goes beyond just providing jobs. Sugeshnee partners with small businesses, donating offcuts of raw materials for them to use in their production processes and mentoring them to help them grow. “It’s not just about being socially responsible; it’s about using my experience and being active in making them a success,” she states. To young women aspiring to become business leaders, Sugeshnee offers simple yet powerful advice: “Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid of hard work or taking risks.” Running a business comes with challenges, but Sugeshnee faced two major crises that could have ended her journey. “The hardest challenge was the July 2021 riots,” she recalls. “My entire business was burned to the ground.” After 15 years of commitment, Sugeshnee saw everything she had built reduced to ashes. “We were ready for our ISO accreditation; things were going well, and suddenly, it was all gone,” she says. Despite the devastation, Sugeshnee’s resolve remained intact. “My husband asked, ‘What are you going to do?’ and I said, ‘We don’t have an option. We’ve got people that are relying on me for a salary. And I’ve got customers that are relying on a product. We start the business again,’” she recalls. Within a week, they were back to supplying customers. Her efforts were recognised with several awards, including the Tenacity and Grit Award from the Durban Automotive Cluster and Champion Entrepreneur of the Year. As if the riots weren’t enough, Sugeshnee’s business was struck six months later by the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal. “The entire business was floating in water,” she shares. Yet again, she and her team managed to recover quickly and resumed operations within days. “Although it was a difficult patch, we made it, and we ended up buying our own premises. Out of all the bad that happens, there is good,” said Sugeshnee. “We had no outside assistance, so we had to rebuild everything on our own,” she explains. The experience, while challenging, strengthened her resolve. “It had a huge impact, but it’s grown us a hundredfold within ourselves and the business. We know we’re here to stay.” Looking Ahead Sugeshnee’s goals for the future are ambitious. “We have plans to double the employment levels at our factory in the near future,” she reveals. Her company is currently engaged in export programmes and is looking to expand globally. Despite her busy schedule, Sugeshnee finds ways to maintain balance in her life. “I love gardening, cooking, reading, horse riding and spending time with my family,” she says. Meditation also plays a key role in helping her manage stress and maintain focus. As Sugeshnee continues to grow her business, she remains dedicated to uplifting those around her, leaving an indelible mark on her community and the business world alike. < Previous Next >

< Back Serena Jagadasan

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Up Home Up Lyndall Moodley LYNDALL MOODLEY is a 42-year-old wife and mum of four. She was born and bred in Phoenix, Durban and currently resides in Umhlanga Rocks. Lyndall has a BCom Honours in Marketing and Business information Systems, which has held her in good stead for the business she now owns. After spending 15 years in corporate South Africa, Lyndall left ULSA as a marketing manager and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with the purchase of the Kids Emporium KwaZulu-Natal franchise. She started the Hannah Grace Maternity brand in 2014 when she noticed the great need in our country for affordable maternity wear. Lyndall says, “I believe businesses exist to solve consumer needs and I have found great fulfilment in providing quality products to expectant and new moms.” The brand is sold online on an e-commerce platform (www.hannahgrace.co.za ) as well as on six other local and international e-commerce platforms. During Covid, the decision was made to move manufacturing in house and all of their products are now manufactured in their Durban based factory. Hannah Grace was recognised in 2017 in the Standard Bank Mercedes Benz Business Accelerator programme called Threads. In 2022, the company had the honour of being shortlisted in the KZN Top Business Awards in the innovation category. MOTHERHOOD ACTIVISM As part of their corporate social responsibility, Hannah Grace donates a flat machine to one home-based machinist every two months. The company provides the materials to the machinist from the Hannah Grace factory and buys back the products from the machinist to sell on their e-commerce platforms. Hannah Grace are also a proud sponsor of one of the Gauteng based FLOURISH franchises, which supports disadvantaged LSM B and C mothers with antenatal and postnatal support. Lyndall is part of an activism movement called the Embrace Movement for Mothers, and she became a Mamandla fellow in 2022. The movement aims to empower women in their parenting journey through both social and policy change. In addition, Lyndall serves on the board of trustees at Khanyisa, which is a local Umhlanga based school for children who are differently abled. She is also the Kids Church Leader at Berea Church in Phoenix. A DREAM TO PURSUE Lyndall says, “I have always been inspired by my own parents who raised us on humble means. Their vision to provide their daughters with an education and a dream to pursue was fulfilled through my sisters and I. My dad was a dairy truck driver, and my mum would sell jackets, jerseys, and dresses door to door to provide for us. Through my dad, I learnt about having a consistent work ethic and my mom taught me perseverance and faith. In addition, I’ve always had a deep sense of community which compels me to give back.” A personal challenge faced as a female entrepreneur has been time management especially as a wife, mom, daughter, and business owner. “Over the years,” says Lyndall, “l have learnt to hand over control to trusted people in my circle and to focus on the most impactful tasks at hand.” A business challenge has been competing with cheaper imports on e-commerce platforms. “Being a responsible small business in South Africa means that you pay above minimum wage and make sure all your suppliers are local. It means supporting and building our local economy. I am confident in our vision and products that are comparable to other local quality brands. When you buy local you are building our country!” says Lyndall. As the e-commerce arena is just beginning to boom, Lyndall says that they have been privileged to bring on board the young dynamic local team from HASHUB, who handle their ecommerce and digital needs. Her future goal is firstly to create a legacy for her children, especially her daughters, to enter the e-commerce and manufacturing space. Secondly, as she regards her employees as her family, she desires that her employees achieve their dreams and goals for their families through their employment at Hannah Grace. Lyndall’s practical advice to young women would be to make sure that they have a nest egg to cover their expenses for three months or more when they step out into business because they are not likely to make money from the first day. She added, “Always be reading and learning, business can be lonely place, so you need to be responsible for your own personal development and network.” BREAKING BARRIERS Lyndall is married to Desmond Moodley who owns Plastipak and Timmemo – which are flexible plastic manufacturing and recycling plants based in Berea, Durban. She commented, “Apart from being a qualified electrical engineer, Desmond also holds various community leadership positions and much of my strength and knowledge is drawn from him.” Her eldest son, Erian Moodley (14 years old) has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. However, through grit and determination, Erian, who is a junior weightlifter, has attained the prestigious honour of World Fitness Federation brand ambassador in the 2022 WFF Champs. “We are very excited for what the future holds for him,” says Lyndall. “He has also taught us that perseverance pays, and we hope that he is able to make a difference in the world of sport for differently abled children and young adults.” She also has a 12-year-old daughter Evana, a 10-year-old son Emiel and 7-year-old daughter Elianne. When asked about what she does to relax, Lyndall says “I’m not a relaxed person naturally, I do enjoy the rush of a busy yet purposeful life. However, in order to maintain balance, I love long walks on the beach with my family.” In conclusion she says, “We hear so often that entrepreneurs should support one another. I believe that small businesses are the future of South Africa, and that we have to start at a micro level – my advice would be to support local as the FIRST option always.”

Next Back to Team Next Angela Alderton Business Development Angela drives business growth through strategic partnerships and high-level client engagement. An accomplished interviewer and content strategist for KZN Business Sense, she plays a pivotal role in showcasing regional excellence and orchestrating the premier events and initiatives that define our network. Mail Angela@kzntopbusiness.com Phone +27 662065654

< Back Next > Dr Nokuthula Shah Dr Nokuthula Buthelezi, Lacee’s Special School Dr Nokuthula Buthelezi, based in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, has built a life rich with experience and deep roots in her culture. At 47, she is a mother to two boys, aged 24 and 17, and a dedicated educator. Her passion for education is evident in Lacee’s Special School, the school she runs, which caters for learners from Grade R through to Grade 10. “It’s a place where children who are often overlooked by the mainstream system can find a space where they are understood and supported,” she explains. Nokuthula’s journey in education was influenced by her parents who were both teachers. She recalls, “I grew up with teaching in my blood. When I was in Grade 12 back in 1992, my father gave me his teaching collar as a gift. I didn’t understand its significance at first and even questioned where I would wear it.” At that time, Nokuthula had dreams of becoming a nurse, but she came to realise that her father’s gesture was a sign of encouragement and belief in her potential as a teacher. Her educational path was not a linear one; Nokuthula went on to earn her Junior Primary Teachers’ Diploma, followed by advanced studies in special needs education and a partial Honours degree from North- West University. She later completed her PhD in education, along with a qualification in philosophy from Africa University. “My father always encouraged me to push further,” she says, recounting how he once told her that despite her achievements, she still had more to learn and accomplish. Connection To Heritage Nokuthula’s upbringing was rooted in Zulu culture, which has shaped her worldview and educational philosophy. Growing up in a family of boys, she felt a connection to her heritage and found comfort in wearing traditional Zulu beads and embracing cultural practices. Her father also had an influence on her appreciation for music. “He was strict, but he loved playing Lucky Dube, Peter Tosh, and Amabutho on those big LP records. When I listened to those songs, I felt at ease,” Nokuthula recalls. This love for reggae music eventually led her to adopt the Rastafarian lifestyle. The decision wasn’t met with resistance at home; instead, her family accepted her choice. “One day, my father said, ‘Now we have a Rasta in the family.’ That moment made me feel acknowledged for who I was.” Being a Rastafarian has been a source of strength for Nokuthula that connects her to her African roots. “I find that teaching the little ones about their roots and where they come from is essential,” she explains. “In my classroom, the children know me as ‘Teacher Rasta.’ It’s not just a label; it’s a way of reminding them to embrace their culture and identity.” Nokuthula has always been vocal about the shortcomings in the South African education system, particularly when it comes to children with special needs. She argues that the system often fails these learners by not providing a curriculum that caters to their abilities from an early age. “Imagine a child who learns in their home language, Zulu, from Grade R up to Grade 3, only to be introduced to English as the main language of instruction in Grade 4,” she points out. “It’s like throwing them into a new world where everything is unfamiliar. This is where we see more children being labelled as ‘special needs’ when, in fact, the system has failed to support their transition.” “Starting these subjects from Grade R and building up in stages would create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment,” she says. Nokuthula is determined to see these changes come to life. “I want to ensure that we create a curriculum that reflects our African heritage and caters to the needs of our children. It’s not just about changing the syllabus; it’s about changing mindsets.” Her school, which has faced numerous challenges over the years, serves as a testament to her dedication. There have been times when financial difficulties and even theft threatened to close the school. “We had break-ins where they took computers, generators, and even doors,” she shares. “It was a tough period, but through the support of my family, we managed to rebuild and keep the school open.” Nokuthula’s father played a crucial role in helping her move forward. “He taught me to forgive those who had wronged us, and I even reemployed some of the same people who stole from us. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for the community’s sake.” Making Strides Despite these setbacks, Nokuthula has made strides in supporting learners and their families. Through partner- ships with organisations like SANCA, which assists with rehabilitation programmes for children struggling with substance abuse, she has been able to create a support system for her students. “The aim is to not just educate these children but to help them overcome all the barriers that stand in their way,” she explains. Nokuthula has ambitious plans for the future. She aims to establish an online platform for special needs education, providing a space where parents, teachers, and learners can interact and share resources. “Our children are already familiar with technology, and we need to use that to our advantage,” she says. Additionally, she hopes to open a third specialised school to further extend her reach and support more children in need. To young women aspiring to make a difference, Nokuthula’s advice is clear: “Follow your dreams, network, and work closely with your community. Never forget that you have a family and a life beyond your professional ambitions. And most importantly, have passion for what you do. If you lose sight of that, you lose sight of yourself.” Whether she is knitting, writing, or listening to reggae music, Nokuthula finds joy in the simplest things. “When I need to relax, I put on my reggae music and just let myself be,” she says. “It’s my way of connecting to my roots and finding peace amidst the chaos.” < Previous Next >

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