< Back Aldine Dallas Next Her passion and determination is unmistakable. "So many people are wounded or completely broken; perhaps from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or being dismissed as worthless or unimportant, often from as far back as childhood ALDINE DALLAS is living her best life. Three months shy of 50, she has risen above adversity to achieve significant success, and is devoted to helping others transform their lives from the inside out, her motto: Turning hearts not heads. Her passion and determination is unmistakable. "So many people are wounded or completely broken; perhaps from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or being dismissed as worthless or unimportant, often from as far back as childhood. They don't recognise their value and find it hard to have a positive view of themselves or their lives, bringing negativity into their personal and professional relationships. It's my vision to help these people heal their lives and build wholesome, happy and respectful connections. And it starts with building a healthy relationship with themselves." From the outside Aldine's life looked amazing. By the time she'd finished primary school she was a seasoned television performer, having danced on a show for eight years and starred in numerous commercials and had generated an income from modelling from the age of six. She was also an academic, head prefect and a top sports achiever. She studied public relations and found a great job in advertising straight out of college. Her career blossomed across operations and new business development and she landed her first directorship and shareholding at 28. "But I was an over-achiever and had never dealt with my childhood brokenness, and I had taken on too much too quickly." With life and work pressure escalating, depression set in. Her marriage ended after only two years and a downward spiral ensued. After 10 years and many poor judgement calls, she found herself stuck in a violent relationship and hit rock bottom. But she didn't give up. She walked away from her career, moved to Durban from Johannesburg and went into a rehabilitation facility to start the inward journey of healing, and began a new chapter of her life. The best you Aldine explains: "I finally built a healthy, nurturing relationship with myself. Through self-exploration, learning from counsellors and coaches and connecting with God, my transformation was dramatic. I realised I could make a difference and in 2008 my journey to help others began. My vision was to take what I'd learnt about brokenness; the importance of forgiveness and being accountable, to encourage people who are hurting to stand up with boldness and courage and step into healing and wholeness." One of her projects was a workshop for female inmates at Westville Prison. "I have a special passion for broken women, as I can identify easily with them." Aldine points out that there are many reasons that women end up in prison, but that childhood trauma, a lack of self-respect and unhealthy relationships like co-dependency are often a common thread. Aldine has run her digital marketing agency for many years and is also a qualified life coach. "I help clients become their best selves, and my deep desire was to do this on a bigger scale." She launched her production company and developed, Over 40 and Fabulous, a reality TV show as a platform to help others nationally and potentially, even globally. "My vision for Over 40 and Fabulous is to neutralise gender, cultural and racial tension. Our commitment is to turn hearts, not heads. We have a team of experts to help our participants holistically to overcome issues that have held them back. We'll guide them into wholeness and help them establish a strong identity, and an authenticity in how they present themselves, so they can pursue healthy relationships. And if they're single we'll even help match them with potential partners, who will be coached as well. I want to uplift and change South Africa one person at a time!" Inspired by Oprah Winfrey and Steve Harvey, Aldine describes how they overcame poverty and childhood abuse and chose not to buy into negativity. "They rose above adversity and went on to become two of the most powerful people in the media world. They have given a voice to the broken and underprivileged, investing emotionally, spiritually and financially into the lives of others. My mission is to invest love and time, and whatever resources I can amass, into the lives of South Africans." Finding the balance Unconvinced by the concept of work-life balance, Aldine points out that work is an important part of life, not a separate entity. "You need to find a balance in your life, and for me that includes attending to my digital marketing clients, consulting with my lifecoaching mentees, working on the production of Over 40 and Fabulous, exercising, salsa dancing, writing books and relaxing with friends and family. Balance is important, but I don't compartmentalise my life, I prefer to take a holistic approach." She mentions her 2007 book. "I highlighted that if life is a rocket ship, then every engine has to be equally and consistently fuelled." Referring to areas such as finance, health and fitness, family and parenting, nutrition, emotions, personal character, spirituality, love, career, intellect and education, social, quality of life and life vision, she advises, "Focus energy in each of these areas and your rocket ship will soar to incredible heights!" Hang in there Asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Aldine is positive. "Well done on hanging in so magnificently. You got up each time you were knocked down and I am so incredibly proud of you. Never be ashamed of your past - there's way more to you than that, you are defined by who you have become. Be resilient and always remember that adversity doesn't have to hold you back, in fact it strengthens and propels you onward and upward." Previous Next

< Back Melloney Rijnvis Next MELLONEY RIJNVIS is the owner and director of The Wend, a mental wellness solution involving Virtual Reality (VR), which uses technology to simulate the relocation of someone from their current reality to a selected environment of their choice MELLONEY RIJNVIS is the owner and director of The Wend, a mental wellness solution involving Virtual Reality (VR), which uses technology to simulate the relocation of someone from their current reality to a selected environment of their choice. The Wend is the first company in South Africa to conceptualise the use of this technology for addressing mental ill health such as depression, stress and anxiety. Because Melloney is using VR to bring her clients back to nature, a soothing environment, she has called her product 'Virtual Relaxation'. Providing an escape Studying with Jill Farquhason after leaving Durban Girls' High, Melloney always anticipated having her own health spa, but life took a different direction when she and her husband returned from travelling on the ships to open a dance studio. "When it started running beautifully and I realised that I didn't have to be as hands on, it was time for me to move and start my own venture", and The Wend clearly encompasses Melloney's vision, hopes and future aspirations. After starting the business a year ago in the spa industry, Melloney is now offering healing therapies and relaxation to the medical industry with the focus on, mental wellness, pain relief, pre/ post procedure anxieties, rehabilitation and many other wellness areas. On a lighter note it is also available for patients experiencing boredom while recovering in hospital or waiting in doctors rooms for scheduled appointments. The Wend provides an escape through VR - an immersive 360-degree real environment - which is medically proven to help people heal faster. 'Wend' is a traditional English word meaning to travel in an indirect route to a destination. "The Wend helps you to get to where you want to go, for example, experience the Northern Lights, without having to sacrifice too much - not many people have the luxury of physically being able to get up and go," smiles Melloney. The world's leading health epidemic Melloney's typical day involves marketing, customer services, product development and 'a bit of the fun stuff', she says. However, The Wend's evolution has not all been fun, and it's a concept that took hold when Melloney, struggling to overcome the trauma of a violent home invasion had, in her words "hit rock bottom". She was constantly reliving the experience which haunted her and sucked her into a downward spiral of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She was at a point of desperation, "needing to escape, get strong again and find healing from the inside", when the appropriateness of this technology occurred to her. Having first-hand experience of mental unwellness because of her trauma, Melloney has set her sights on addressing the global mental health crisis. Economic loss of billions annually in South Africa through sick leave due to depression is enormous, and Melloney quotes the World Health Organisation statement, that mental unwellness is the world's leading health epidemic. Do business correctly Melloney's inspiration comes from her business partner, her mother. "A wonderful woman, very down the line; you cannot fault her on her honesty, her integrity and her work ethic, and this is mirrored in the operation of the company. She is a role model on a daily basis. Melloney does not differentiate between men and women in business to be successful, She feels that, "You've got to do what's right for you as a person... I have a lot of passion and drive which will help me to be extremely successful in the long term." Melloney feels proud with what they've accomplished so far, her company being only one year old, and paving the way in a brand new industry. She qualifies that she would like to achieve more. "In the great scheme of things, we are not helping thousands of people just yet - we really want to help reduce this epidemic on a world-wide scale, and when we're doing that, I think I'll have a bit more satisfaction." Family and friend support network Achieving a work-life balance is something she finds challenging sometimes and admits it would be impossible without her family and friend support network. Her husband is supportive, and encourages creative developments, challenging her to 'think out the box' and grow the business with new product ideas. She sings praises of her father who is "there for me every step of the way, with helping with my children", and Melloney is adamant that she wouldn't manage her little ones without him. Melloney also has huge gratitude for her friends from whom she gets unconditional support. Her advice to her younger self would be first, to say: "Everything will be ok; you'll figure it out", and second, "save money!". She points out that starting a business is expensive, and they're now at a stage when they need investors to be able to transition to phase two. However, recognising that spending the money she did while earning as a dancer shaped her as a person, and gave her the experiences she needed to get to where she is, Melloney concludes that it's a kind of 'catch 22' situation. "Besides", she adds with a smile, "I'm pretty blessed with how everything's turned out so far." Previous Next

Damian Bradley Next Previous Damian Bradley is the manager director of B-Active Events Damian Bradley, the manager director of B-Active Events, has carved out a significant space for himself in the sports marketing industry. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I’ve been involved in the sports marketing business for many years now. My path started shortly after finishing school at Michaelhouse, when I pursued sports management at Damelin and Varsity College.” After entering the world of sports marketing through a series of part-time jobs, he discovered his genuine enjoyment for managing sporting events. However, Damian’s entry into the professional world began in the corporate sector, a time he remembers vividly. “My first and only job working for someone else was at Bromor Foods which was later acquired by Cadbury’s. I served as the regional marketing coordinator for Energade and Game, along with a few other brands.” His involvement extended beyond marketing duties. “We engaged with sponsorships for sporting events, which aligned perfectly with what I wanted to pursue. We also did a lot of community involvement, and I travelled extensively, contributing to projects nationally alongside other regions,” Damian added. This formative period, which lasted four years, laid the groundwork for him to venture into his own business. A HOLISTIC APPROACH Damian’s current role at B-Active Events focuses on strategic growth and innovation. "The purpose of my position is to oversee the expansion of our events and seek out new opportunities – whether that means forming partnerships, securing sponsors, or finding the perfect venues across the country,” he said. His approach is holistic, looking at how the business can run smoother and more efficiently. “It’s a high-level view, ensuring that each part of the operation contributes to making the events better,” he noted. Reflecting on his career milestones, Damian’s pride shines through as he talks about one standout achievement: “One of my proudest moments was organising one of the first sporting events in South Africa post-Covid. The pandemic had brought mass participation events to a standstill, but we managed to host the first triathlon at Sun City – the Sun City Ultra Triathlon. It was an enormous feat, given that governments and municipalities were hesitant to allow events to proceed,” he recalled. This event, in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), drew international attention. “Seeing athletes, who hadn’t competed for a year and a half, come to South Africa to race was really rewarding and exciting,” Damian said. The event demonstrated not only resilience but also the willingness of the international sporting community to re-engage, marking a pivotal moment for B-Active Events. When asked about the best advice he has received, Damian shared insights that emphasise his practical approach to challenges. “I wouldn’t say it’s advice I was given directly, but rather a philosophy I’ve adopted which is: Never give up,” he revealed. “In the world of sporting events, you rely on countless variables to align – from logistics to weather to participant availability. It’s never straightforward. But the key is not to stare at the problem and wonder why it’s there; it’s to find a solution and make it happen,” Damian emphasised. EFFORT AND STRATEGY Balancing work and personal life is a challenge many professionals face, and Damian is no exception. “Being a father of two – my kids are 10 and 13 – makes it tough. Sporting events always happen over the weekends, so I miss out on a lot of family time,” he said. To compensate, Damian and his team work from an office at his home, allowing him to be present during the week. However, he admits, “It’s not the same as having that dedicated time.” The industry itself comes with its own set of difficulties. “One of the major challenges we face is finding suitable venues. As our population grows and issues like water pollution become more pronounced, it’s harder to secure places for events,” he noted. He cited recent examples, such as the delays in triathlon events at the Olympics due to water pollution, to highlight the seriousness of the issue. Maintaining team spirit amidst these challenges requires effort and strategy. “I’m lucky to have a self-motivated team,” Damian stated. “To keep them motivated, I focus on keeping the atmosphere positive. There’s always going to be rough times, but I believe in having a sense of humour about it all. Life doesn’t always hand you peaches; sometimes you get lemons, and it’s about finding the best solution.” POSITIVE OUTLOOK For Damian, inspiration comes from those he serves: the athletes. “It might sound clichéd, but the athletes who participate in our events inspire me,” he said. He recounted a recent event, a Tinman Triathlon, and how parents he once raced with now bring their children to compete. “It’s so encouraging, seeing kids as young as eight getting involved and really enjoying the sport is incredible. Triathlon isn’t a school sport, so it takes extra effort to introduce them to it. Watching newcomers, both young and older athletes, training hard and seeing their dedication paying off is immensely motivating,” Damian shared. Despite recent challenges in KwaZulu-Natal, Damian is optimistic about the potential for growth. “KZN is unique with its rich natural resources – the Drakensberg, the coast, Zululand, and the battlefields. Everything is close, making it a prime location for events,” he noted. His goal for the next five years is to develop creative and exciting new events that challenge and inspire participants. “We want to think outside the box and give the people of KZN something they want to do and that will be rewarding,” he said. While not bound by a single motto, Damian holds a positive outlook as his guiding principle. “I always tell my kids, ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.’ But in a broader sense, my mantra is to stay positive,” he stated. “There’s enough negativity in the world.” He concluded, “The past is done, and it’s up to us to keep our heads up and focus on the difference we can make in the world.” Previous Next

You have to be flexible about your methods, but obstinate about your goalsMagdelene Van Der Walt < Back Magdelene Van Der Walt Founder and director of The Busy Bookkeeper & Partners Magdelene (Mags) van der Walt is the founder of The Busy Bookkeeper and Partners. Her company is a virtual firm that provides accounting, tax, payroll, and secretarial solutions, as well as advisory and finance assistance to small businesses across South Africa. She has established partnerships to meet certain of clients’ needs with brands such as Rison Financialist, Sage, Merchant Capital, and IronTree, to name a few. The Busy Bookkeeper started out as a sole proprietor back in 2015 until Mags decided to formalise the business in 2017 as a registered company. Mags is very proud of her company’s achievements, which include being awarded third place in the Best of Durban, Readers’ Choice Awards 2023. She commented that this award, “Just lets me know that we’re doing something incredible; it was fantastic that people chose to honour us.” In April this year, after a near nervous breakdown due to overwork, Mags reached out to her partners at Rison Financialist and asked them to take on a more active role in the company. At the same time, she hired her first assistant. Sheer determination Mags explained that she got the business to this point by sheer determination. She said, “It’s been a real challenge for me to get to where I am today; from being a teen mum to a high school dropout, to having to study something that I didn’t really want to.” Mags went back to school in her early 20s, stuck with her subject choice through ups and downs, and has built a career around bookkeeping. At the point in life when she was unhappy at the company she was working for and recovering from a divorce, Mags decided that she needed to ‘break up’ with every toxic thing in her life. She explained, “I used my final bonus from my final job to purchase some office equipment with no capital and sheer determination to buy back my life. I don’t drive, so I built a virtual firm. I have worked – often – more than 12 hours a day, seven days a week to build a business from scratch with every single free resource that I could find on the internet because I had debts to pay, erratic income, and children to feed so I couldn’t qualify for any credit. I have often questioned my own sanity, but sheer determination and creative thinking have gotten me through every single challenge that I have faced. Failure isn’t in my vocabulary. I either win or I learn. And despite the challenges, the depression and struggling with imposter syndrome, the hair loss, and sleepless nights, I wouldn’t change a single thing because it refined me.” Mags decided that the business would have a few clients, and some affiliates and that she would have a blog. The company, however, laughed Mags, had its own mind. More and more people started coming to them, and while she said it’s just been hard work, the company has continued to grow. Immediate family Her motivation to achieve success has always been her immediate family. Mags said that her biggest dream was to own her life; to be able to fully support herself and her family and not have to rely on anyone. “It’s a simple dream, but simple doesn’t always mean easy,” she explained. Mags added, “I only ever want them to be proud of me and to inspire them. I want them to know that they can achieve anything in life simply by working hard and being committed to their goals.” A solid why The advice that Mags would give is that you need to set yourself a real solid ‘Why’ to revisit when life gets tough. In her case, giving her family and herself a better life was the driving force behind every decision she ever made, which got her through some really dark periods. “You know if you really want to get to where you want to be in life, you’ve got to be prepared to sacrifice. You have to do things that others won’t. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to if you are committed enough. You also have to be flexible about your methods, but obstinate about your goals.” And added Mags, “Try to be grateful, always. The universe will bless you with more reasons to be grateful if you foster this attitude.” A safe culture Providing a safe culture for female entrepreneurs is a key driver for The Busy Bookkeeper. “We hire young moms. I give them flexible hours so that they’re able to work whenever they need to around raising their children in a safe environment.” Commenting on the future, Mags says her goals are to make more of an impact by expanding The Busy Bookkeeper’s reach. She says, “I want to serve more small businesses, both local and global, and offer them access to affordable, quality services. I have plans to start other ventures when things settle down at The Busy Bookkeeper based on some current needs that I have identified as well.” Mags added that she always wanted to be an author as a child, which was realised during the Covid-19 pandemic. She participated in a book project with another 120 female entrepreneurs across the globe on navigating the pandemic. Mags has also written some e-books on starting a small business in South Africa. Relaxation for Mags is meditation, spirituality, and spending time with her family. As a spiritual person, she would like to take time out to travel to sacred locations across the globe, starting with Adam’s Calendar in South Africa. Mags would also like a guilt-free holiday as she hasn’t had a holiday in over seven years. Top Business Women In reflecting on her participation in KZN Top Business Women, Mags says it’s been absolutely amazing. “It lets me know that despite the circumstances, if you really work hard enough and you focus on being a decent human being, people will recognise your achievements.”

< Back Eleni Kwinana Next ELENI KWINANA has notched up an admirable list of top positions. She began climbing the corporate ladder as an 18-year-old student who, after walking into CNA to request a job, within three months was tasked with taking up her first management role. A few years later, she was requested to draft a business plan - without a template, or previous exposure to such a big responsibility - overnight! It gained her boss the new store he wanted, and wet her appetite for bigger and better things in business. ELENI KWINANA has notched up an admirable list of top positions. She began climbing the corporate ladder as an 18-year-old student who, after walking into CNA to request a job, within three months was tasked with taking up her first management role. A few years later, she was requested to draft a business plan - without a template, or previous exposure to such a big responsibility - overnight! It gained her boss the new store he wanted, and wet her appetite for bigger and better things in business. Eleni's career includes positions at the Spar Group, Clicks, Musica and Dimension Data among others. These diverse experiences have enabled her to provide on-point business advice in a range of fields. As well as running the business units of Vodacom enterprises, she is on the board of SmartXchange, Durban, which nurtures entrepreneurs and incubates businesses to achieve success. Achieving growth through technology Eleni describes her role in Vodacom as enabling start-ups and SMMEs to thrive in the 4IR digital era, achieving growth through technology. The pride Eleni feels in providing a supportive role is apparent when she describes her business venture, Pure Pharmacy, which supports small pharmacies in rural areas and mining towns to withstand the threat posed by corporate pharmacy groups, thus ensuring their sustainability. Eleni is happy with her accomplishments saying, "not many can tick all the boxes at my age". Adding that she's realised that "Either I would die young, having done everything, or I would live to give back to others." Eleni looks at people who have great ideas, but lack skills and experience, and can't wait to start imparting her learning to fast track their success. She's enthusiastic about being their cheerleader and "seeing them grow to be a billionaire one day!". She attributes her success to her formal education, and the support of others. She graduated with a psychology degree after transferring from medicine. "It was the right decision as now, in the 4IR, doctors could be replaced with robots capable of making diagnoses while my focus on emotional intelligence makes me less likely to become redundant." Eleni disagrees that women need a different approach from men to achieve success in business and stresses the importance of being yourself. "There's nothing more precious than being authentic," she maintains. Being an inspiration Her greatest support has been her mom who, as a domestic worker being paid less than the minimum wage, was able to leverage a network of people who assisted to support Eleni. While she stayed with a friend to get to and from school each day, her mom subsidised her studies by waking at three each morning to cook and sell 'magwinya' (vetkoek). "So", Eleni adds, "every woman I see who works in her tuckshop, or sews traditional dresses, is my 'Shero', and that's what inspires me... A lot of people have big stars as their inspiration; for me it's the millions of women sitting in rural areas and townships with children, who come up with great entrepreneurial ideas to sustain themselves and their children, and one day go to a graduation for their children, going into whatever field it may be, from nothing." Eleni herself feels under pressure to be an inspiration. "Because I was the first one to have a car, a degree, all my cousins look up to me; failing or dropping out is not an option. I cannot fail, because otherwise I will give them a reason to fail... I push myself to inspire them to be able to grow as well." Being fully present On maintaining a work-life balance, Eleni admits that the boundaries are blurred, "Because I love what I do... it doesn't feel like work," she smiles. Concerned she was spending too much time working, her daughter's affirmation was welcome, "Mom, I want to be like you... You do so many things, love what you do, and give us the best of everything." The trick, Eleni feels, is being fully present in whatever she does. Eleni's approach to life has been coloured by her life experiences. Although born into apartheid SA, she shuns the label 'previously disadvantaged'. "That's not the way I see it," she says, although she describes the dichotomy of never being quite enough of one thing or another to fit in, always feeling something of a misfit. After graduating, Eleni married, raising her two children while struggling to survive a violently abusive marriage. When she decided to leave the marriage, she was empowered by the fact that she had the financial independence to set up her own home. Eleni's advice to her younger self, who stressed a lot and wondered 'why me?', would be to enjoy every step of the journey; when having fun, have GOOD fun, and know that everything you go through is going to make sense one day. Rather than being bitter about challenges she's faced, Eleni is gracious and pragmatic about how they've enabled her to strengthen her connection with others. Partnerships are important to Eleni. As a business leader, Eleni loves her team; she never talks only about KPAs, but connects instead with the person inside, assisting them to reach their personal goals. She enjoys the warmth of KZN, and the opportunities to partner with government leaders and businesses to achieve pockets of excellence. Eleni urges people to stop exporting their skills: "Keep them here and make do with what you have because we are sitting on a pot of gold... That's how I got here". She pauses momentarily, then adds, "and because of my Mom... my biggest champion". Previous Next

< Back Mpume Langa Next Being an accomplished business executive, Mpume has had over 20 years' experience in strategy, leadership and portfolio management in the financial services industry. She holds several qualifications in finance, marketing and executive leadership from various universities in South Africa, China and United Kingdom MPUME LANGA lives by the motto "Life is Beautiful" which is that of living life free from fear and doubt. Being an accomplished business executive, Mpume has had over 20 years' experience in strategy, leadership and portfolio management in the financial services industry. She holds several qualifications in finance, marketing and executive leadership from various universities in South Africa, China and United Kingdom. Looking back to see how far she has come, Mpume said that she set her heart on becoming a bank manager after she got into United Bank on a learnership programme. After several junior roles, Mpume has filled management roles in a number of different banks. She was the first African woman to be appointed head of ABSA Private Bank KZN and more recently was regional executive of Bidvest Bank, KZN. Mpume is a member of The Institute of Directors SA and holds non-executive directorship positions on several boards in South Africa. She sits as the chairperson of Women in Business at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and is the former regional chairperson of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa. Her passion for business transformation is evident in the successful implementation of turnaround strategies for various businesses at start-up and corporate levels. Mpume has developed several leadership development programmes for local and multinational organisations in line with their business growth and talent retention strategies. She is also an active driver of woman and youth empowerment. Her advice to young people is "be clear on a goal you want to achieve and implement a plan that you will follow." Storytelling moments Mpume says that her inspiration to succeed has come from her mother whom she lost over 20 years ago. "She raised three daughters on her own during the most trying times in South Africa. My mother always shared her dream and life lessons with us during storytelling moments. Her dreams somehow became my dreams onto which I built my future." "My mother's passion to serve her community and her village in Watersmeet with the very little that she had, instilled in me that there is always something to share with your neighbours to make their life a little better than what it was yesterday. My mother supported many other families just to give them a chance of a better life, if not for themselves, then for their children. I continue to live my life under her influence and hope to be able to share a bit of me with those who can benefit from it." In order to help make her life and her mother's life better, Mpume started working from an early age. Her first business was selling sweets and ice lollies. Mpume learnt to speak English and how to operate a computer in her teens; was runner up in a beauty pageant and won a modelling course. "Modelling made me think I was not good enough. This allowed self-doubt to get in the way - and fear. I reached a really low point in my life and almost ended it, but I was helped out of this pit of despair by the man who was to become my husband," she explained. Mpume attended school from the age of four, but had to walk for miles, and take a bus, to get there. "Once when I got lost, an old lady of 80 helped me find my way home. There have always been people in my life who have helped me to overcome my fears and find my way home." In commenting on women's approach to business Mpume says that human beings are born to live their purpose, which is often displayed through their choices and behaviours. "When the purpose is starved, the soul will live in destruction. Women tend to be more in touch with their emotional side, which is where the soul sits, leading to them living more aligned to their purpose. People with purpose make fair, ethical and dedicated leaders, which is what the world has come to realise. Based on this premise, women look at success and business in a more sustainable way, which is how they tend to approach business and social activism." Seeking solutions Mpume says that looking from where she has come from, she is happy with her accomplishments, and still looks forward to more to come. "I would really like to be more involved in areas that influence the social structures of Africa to seek solutions to move Africa to be an economically thriving continent. The potential in Africa needs to be realised sooner rather than later. It is a big ambition and hope that I will be able to make it a reality. I believe that the future leaders required to make this happen are feminine." Mpume is married to Ndabo Langa, and they have two children, an eleven-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. "I love life and count at least one blessing every day. I have been blessed with good children, family and friends in a beautiful country. When I am not working, I am in nature, with family and friends - on a hike, a road trip or somewhere I have not been before. There is so much I still need to see and discover in life, and my spare time is spent seeking those adventures." If Mpume could advise her younger self, she would say: "You are enough as you are, your past will not define your future. The future is as good as you will choose it to be for yourself." Previous Next

Vinesh Moodley Next Previous Vinesh Moodley EY South Africa KwaZulu-Natal Regional Managing Partner Previous Next

< Back Jeanine Topping

< Back Michelle Gregory Next MICHELLE GREGORY is the co-founder of Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG), a diversified logistics group, providing transport, fuel storage, distribution, and supply chain services nationally and in neighbouring countries MICHELLE GREGORY is the co-founder of Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG), a diversified logistics group, providing transport, fuel storage, distribution, and supply chain services nationally and in neighbouring countries. She is the systems director responsible for all procedures and systems including telecommunications, information technology, and software development. Michelle started off as a teacher before getting married and then worked in the computer industry for three years. Michelle and her husband James got an opportunity to move to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where they ran a thriving trading store. When Engen invited tenders for a fuel depot, she and her husband made a joint bid. James had fuel industry training and experience and Michelle had accounting and IT experience. She says, "We were fortunate to be the right people at the right place at the right time" and their bid was successful. They opened a fuel depot in the tiny town of Creighton with a truck, two drivers and a clerk. Despite major setbacks, through perseverance, hard work and building good relationships, the business succeeded and expanded. WBG now boasts a modern infrastructure nationally with more than 200 employees. Michelle says, "To get here today has been a long process, 26 years of hard work, almost like the process of a river from start to end." Say what is relevant and produce results Good and bad life experiences have moulded her, making her a graduate of the University of Life. Michelle is inspired by men and women who have bounced back from hardship and hard times. "Resilient people are able to adapt to change, become stronger and become dynamic leaders in the business world." Michelle believes specific incidents don't make you, rather it is relationships and being able to change as life moulds you that matters. People are very important to her and so good relationships between them are necessary. She feels fortunate to have a support system of family and friends who have been with her all the way. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry meant Michelle had to learn the hard way to stand up for herself. Being the only woman around a table with men set in their ways requires bringing an art to negotiations. As Michelle likes to produce something tangible quickly and efficiently, she found it is better to say less, be clear and only say what was relevant to produce results. "Working in a man's world is tough for a woman," she says, "you have to learn to read men, and then you have to use the advantages for your benefit." Leave work behind Balancing work and family life have been important, but not a problem for Michelle. "I am very clear that when I leave the work premises, I leave work behind. It's my saving grace," she says. When Michelle and James started the business, they had three toddlers and Michelle's time had to be divided. She believes, "Being a mom is the most humbling and precious gift that a woman can have in life". Motherhood grounds her and gives her purpose. It gives her balance in the work and life scenario says Michelle. Be patient, humble, and bold If Michelle could give her younger self advice, she would say three things. Firstly "Be patient, slowly-slowly catch the monkey" as she had been impulsive and wanted to get things done very quickly. "Set your goals and know that you will get there eventually if you are resilient. Success does not happen overnight unless you win a jackpot." Secondly, she would tell herself to be humble. "Life throws curve balls at us, so enjoy the good times and be grateful for them, because they can be taken from you in an instant." She relates that there were times at WBG where they had to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get back in the saddle. "Being humble is about knowing you are never so good that nothing will go wrong." Lastly, she would say "Be bold". As a young mom she battled to express herself, "but years later I can sit around any boardroom table, rely on my gut feeling and with integrity say what I need to say." This is important, she thinks, as young people tend to hold back and not say what needs to be said. The best is yet to come Michelle is not content with what she has achieved and says that her best is yet to come. She has been privileged to be part of WBG and aims to leave it a sustainable, well-oiled machine that can function without her. She believes in giving back and through WBG assists schools, supports an orphanage and gets involved in social projects. Though modern technology, WBG offices are becoming green. Now she would like to start something on her own and says that it's never too late to start something new, she is ready for a challenge. Michelle has a passion for women in business and wants to create a business network run by women who own their own businesses. Michelle is poised to do so right now, but "Even baby eagles need a push to fly!" she concludes. Previous Next

Brian Payne Next Previous Brian Payne is a founding member at Think Tax Brian Payne is a founding member at Think Tax, a bespoke tax consulting firm he established around 14 years ago. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “My career was never planned; it evolved out of circumstances.” Brian’s journey began in Montclair, south of Durban, where he attended St. Henry’s Marist Brothers, matriculating in 1983. He pursued a bachelor of commerce at the University of Natal, confessing, “Like many, I started BCom because I didn’t really know what else to do.” Brian’s first job was as a vacation student at Coopers and Lybrand, which later evolved into PwC. He recalled with a smile, “I did whatever odd job I could just to finance my studies.” One of his most memorable experiences was working for a loss assessor during the riots in the 1980s. “We had to count stock in places that had been burned down. They paid quite well – 100 rand a day, which was significant back then,” he noted. Brian embarked on an accountancy career after securing an article clerk position at Coopers and Lybrand. He shared, “I probably would have been content as a financial accountant if not for the military service requirements at the time.” As an alternative to the army, he chose to work at SARS (South African Revenue Service) for four years but only needed three as the military service requirement was lifted during his tenure. “While I was at SARS, I decided to continue my education, specialising in tax,” Brian explained. NEW CHALLENGES His time at SARS laid the groundwork for a significant career change. “I got a phone call from Rob Young at KPMG, inviting me to head up their tax practice in Durban,” Brian recalled. He spent eleven fulfilling years at KPMG, nonetheless, he acknowledged that, as with most roles, the time came when he was prompted to take on a new challenge. This prompt resulted in him relocating to Johannesburg for two years. His return to Durban, however, was influenced by family needs. “My wife fell pregnant and with a small child on the way, we realised we needed the support of family,” he shared. Once in Durban, he resumed his position at KPMG, heading up the tax department. SIGNIFICANT THOUGHT Eventually, Brian transitioned to Ernst & Young for a two-year stint. Yet during this time, a significant thought began to take shape. “I started thinking about my future – how I could work until I was 70 or 75,” he said. With young children to support, he projected his retirement age forward and concluded, “No one’s going to employ me at 70, so I realised I’d need to start my own practice.” Brian’s idea came with thorough consideration. He spoke to colleagues, seeking their opinions on the feasibility of establishing an independent tax practice. “The response was clear: there was indeed a need, especially as specialised tax work was increasingly centralised in Johannesburg,” he noted. He realised that if he could build sufficient critical mass in Durban, it would be possible to effectively service the KwaZulu-Natal market. Brian’s current role involves handling corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals who are forming trusts or needing offshore tax advice. “My expertise lies in blending accounting knowledge with tax law, creating a unique perspective,” he said, adding that he feels most comfortable tackling complex balance sheets. An additional role is motivating his team, Brian distinguishes between the consultants at Think Tax and those in compliance. “Consultants are motivated by the technical challenges of their work, so keeping them engaged isn’t difficult,” he explained. For those in the compliance space, where the stress of tax filing deadlines is immense, his approach is more supportive. “I’m there as a sounding board and make myself available, even if it’s late at night during filing season. It’s about reassuring them that missing one deadline isn’t the end of the world; we’ll fix it,” he said. PERSONAL MILESTONE Brian is proud of his career but highlighted a personal milestone as his greatest achievement. “It might sound clichéd, but getting my wife to agree to marry me after seven years was my biggest success,” he shared, half-jokingly referring to it as “perseverance” rather than what would now be called “stalking”. This union, he reflected, brought him the most happiness. The most valuable piece of advice Brian ever received came from his late brother. “He said, ‘Always work with people who are brighter than you,’ and it’s stuck with me ever since,” Brian reflected. “It taught me not to fear working alongside or hiring people who outshone me,” he explained. The most significant challenge in Brian’s life also came with the passing of his brother. “He was charismatic, the kind of person who could light up a room,” Brian said with a touch of melancholy. “His death made me realise that we spend a lot of time treading water and doing little when we only have a finite amount of time. It pushed me to make the most of every day.” Finding inspiration is multifaceted for Brian. He recently read Oscar Chalupsky’s book, admiring the author’s resilience in the face of illness. “Anyone who achieves excellence and shows how hard they had to work to get there inspires me,” he added. Reflecting on the challenges KwaZulu-Natal has faced, Brian said, “We’ve been through floods, an uprising, and Covid – all almost biblical in scale.” However, he remains optimistic. “If we can have a period without major setbacks, I believe this province can thrive. We have the talent,” he emphasised. Encouragingly, he noted, “I’ve spoken to many who now have a positive outlook about staying in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a hopeful sign.” In his son’s bedroom hangs a picture that sums up Brian’s philosophy. “It asks, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and answers, ‘Be kind,’” he shared. This simple message, according to Brian, guides his interactions, “Kindness, even in business, brings back happiness in unexpected ways.” Previous Next