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Morar says of his career, “As an emerging black entrepreneur, there were many doors that remained closed. I remained focused and determined to change this. Taking calculated risks, hard work and being determined to achieve success, has driven my career. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Roshan Morar (RIP) Morar says of his career, “As an emerging black entrepreneur, there were many doors that remained closed. I remained focused and determined to change this. Taking calculated risks, hard work and being determined to achieve success, has driven my career. I wish to make a difference at all levels; to create a legacy that would stand tall and be recognised as having made a difference ROSHAN MORAR is a well-respected financial professional committed to making a difference at multiple levels in South Africa's economy. In 1995, Roshan Morar opened his own accountancy firm in a small office in Church Street, Pietermaritzburg. Morar Incorporated now operates from ten offices and employs in excess of 180 staff. With its head office in Pietermaritzburg, and offices in Umhlanga, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Mbombela, Kimberley, Rustenburg, Cape Town and Centurion, the firm is positioned to service a national and diverse network of clients. Morar has obtained substantial experience in all aspects of the corporate environment, more especially in property investments and finance, risk management and private equity transactions. He has also been involved in an advisory capacity to various successful start-up businesses, including black economic empowerment management buyouts, among others. Driven by the motto "no client is too small", the firm initially geared itself towards servicing black-owned businesses, many of which were small and medium sized family-owned businesses. The first family to take its business to Morar are still clients of the firm today. Many such businesses remain an important focus of the auditing and tax services work provided by the firm. However, clients now cover a wide spectrum of business and industry, ranging from the sole-proprietor to large national based corporations. In line with Morar's aim to provide value added services, he and the firm's employees pride themselves on building relationships with clients and it is this personalised approach that has been a consistent hallmark of the practice. In addition, confidentiality and the quality of service provided are critical aspects to superior service delivery. Morar says of his career, "As an emerging black entrepreneur, there were many doors that remained closed. I remained focused and determined to change this. Taking calculated risks, hard work and being determined to achieve success, has driven my career. In addition, balancing time and planning is key." It is clear that his journey is far from finished. Morar's success is evident in the many high-profile board positions and board committees on which he currently serves. Morar is the chairman of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to which he was appointed in March 2015. In addition, he is the chairman of the Ithala Group Board. The various committees that he serves on range from acquisitions, to commercial, audit and risk, human resources, to remuneration and nominations. Of his various directorships, Morar says, "The board appointments have enhanced my personal and professional growth. The experience and exposure which I have acquired as a board member has helped build my business acumen." The growth in Morar's business acumen is apparent in his plans for his firm. Not only is there a strategy in hand to further reinforce the company's presence in South Africa, he has his sights set on growing the practice beyond the national borders to establish the firm as a fully-fledged African firm. The capacity to analyse complex financial issues and to understand the spectrum of risk a company could be facing is essential in today's business. Morar is strongly of the opinion that South African businesses need to be prepared for a cross section of business risk as with the economic pressure in today's world, the potential for fraud was high. "It is imperative for every business to undertake a risk assessment process to determine the potential impact as a result of interruptions to time sensitive or critical business processes. Our internal audit division has now acquired the relevant CURA Risk Management software to document risks identified and assist with managing these risks to ensure business continuity," noted Morar. Morar Incorporated consult for all three spheres of government and conduct external audits on behalf of the auditor general of South Africa, of which the firm is an accredited service provider. It also makes Morar Incorporated the preferred service provider for international companies wanting to start trading in South Africa. Morar Incorporated has recently affiliated with IECnet, an international association of audit, accounting and tax professionals. "'We are delighted to be a member of this prestigious organisation. Our involvement with IECnet offers us a global platform to interface with leading international businesses and be at the forefront in providing world class business solutions to our clients," Morar added. Under the business guidance of Morar you are in good hands. He is well on his way to making a positive impact on South Africa's growth and development. Morar says of his personal vision: "I wish to make a difference at all levels; to create a legacy that would stand tall and be recognised as having made a difference. All we leave behind are our names and reputation."

Michael says he got involved in Afro's Chicken Shop by default. "Afro's was a tenant of mine in one of the buildings that I owned. I loved the brand and enjoyed what it stood for - simple food that was fresh, tasty, healthy and affordable." He added that he had always had an interest in food and ran a restaurant for three years in the 1980s. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Michael Harris Michael says he got involved in Afro's Chicken Shop by default. "Afro's was a tenant of mine in one of the buildings that I owned. I loved the brand and enjoyed what it stood for - simple food that was fresh, tasty, healthy and affordable." He added that he had always had an interest in food and ran a restaurant for three years in the 1980s. There is an answer to everything and a solution to every problem MICHAEL HARRIS grew up in Amanzimtoti and as he did not come from a wealthy background started working from an early age. His first job was at a local grocery store where he earned 10 cents an hour over weekends. He saved much of these earnings in order to buy a camera. He then became his school photographer and earned money selling photographs. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit continued during school holidays when he and his friends would spend hours in the sea diving for coins that had dropped from the pockets of holiday makers. Collecting and returning glass bottles for deposits was an additional source of earnings. Following his school years, Michael studied parttime to become an accountant. On completion he qualified as a chartered accountant. Immediately following this qualification, he went into the property industry. He explains, "My love of property and building has remained a constant. Whether building a house, or a business, they all have the same meaning." Michael says he got involved in Afro's Chicken Shop by default. "Afro's was a tenant of mine in one of the buildings that I owned. I loved the brand and enjoyed what it stood for - simple food that was fresh, tasty, healthy and affordable." He added that he had always had an interest in food and ran a restaurant for three years in the 1980s. An opportunity arose to invest in the business when the owner required both financial and managerial assistance. He decided to invest in Afro's to further his passion for building things up and unsurprisingly the business has grown a lot since then. "I was semi-retired but decided that there was only so much fishing and travelling one can do. I felt I wanted to carry on, build something and keep pushing." Michael describes his role as being like a bus driver. "I have a capable young team of guys and girls and I provide input in terms of experience. Afro's is a young person's brand, that includes the management team as well as all the shop keepers - they all do a great job. I have a lot of fun working with young people, they inspire me, and they are the reason that I get up in the morning." Reflecting on what business principles guide him, he says that he has read a lot of autobiographies and is motivated by them. "However, when you are at the coal face, you have to make decisions based on your gut feeling. You have to do your own thing. No amount of business gurus can assist much in your situation. There is an answer to everything and a solution to every problem. You have just got to find it and you have to adapt." Michael believes that his success has been driven by perseverance - by never giving up and through a rigid work ethic. "Things don't happen overnight; hard work and passion is required. Planning and execution are the only way that you will succeed." He added, "I have learnt that honesty is really important in any business - you have to be honest with yourself, with employees, with everybody, and ensure that you conduct yourself morally all the time." His advice for anyone starting a business is that it's important not to have any delusions of grandeur. "There is a lot of hard work - identify a career and have a passion for what you are doing - think about what you are doing. Its 90% hard work and 10% enjoyment." When not growing Afro's sites around the country, Michael's passion is fishing. "I enjoy any form of fishing - deep sea, hunting down tiger fish or elusive trout. I try and get away to fish as much as possible and I read autobiographies.

< Back Tracey McLennan Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BConsult and Rightside Media Tracey McLennan is the founder and chief executive officer of BConsult and Rightside Media. She is a passionate advocate for education that transforms both people and organisations. BConsult is an accredited skills development company that provides learnerships and qualifications to employed and unemployed people. Right Side Media complements this by creating the content for training, specialising in animation, both 2D and 3D, as well as whiteboard animation and digital formats for inductions and standard operating procedures. “We take traditional training content and make it engaging,” says Tracey. “The idea is to make learning accessible, fun, and effective.” Tracey’s journey began in sales, an environment that would later shape her understanding of human motivation and learning. She recalls, “I used to sell consumer products into chain stores, and to get the products moving, I would spend time training the salespeople. That was my ‘aha’ moment. I realised that training could be impactful and actually get results.”When Tracey left corporate to start her own training company, the path was not immediately smooth. “It wasn’t easy at first because companies didn’t really want to spend on training,” she explains. “But once I found the angle through Black Economic Empowerment and tax concessions, it became cost effective.” THE POWER OF TRAINING Tracey speaks passionately about the transformative nature of training. “Training changes lives,” she says. “It can change a company and can create social impact. There is so much good that comes out of it when it’s done correctly.” Her initial dream was simple. “At first, my dream was just to survive,” she laughs. “There wasn’t a big vision at the time. But as I saw the impact of what we were doing, my dream evolved. I want to reduce unemployment. We have the tools to do it through training and legislation. My goal is to make a difference, even if it’s small.” Tracey is inspired by innovation and by people who build success from humble beginnings. “I’m inspired by visionaries, by people who start in a garage and grow a business that provides employment,” she says. “Employment impacts far more than one person. The statistics say one job impacts ten people, but generationally it’s even more significant.” Her leadership philosophy centres on respect and innovation. “I try to make an impact through how I conduct myself and how I treat people,” she says. “Respect is at the heart of how we work with learners, clients, and staff. We encourage innovation, always asking, how do we do this differently, how do we make it better, and how do we make a difference?” THE ROAD AHEAD For Tracey, her biggest success is her team. “I am so proud of my staff,” she says warmly. “They’ve grown with me. Sometimes they weren’t sure where we were going, but we’ve been through a lot together, including Covid. They’ve developed tremendously. If everything ended tomorrow, I would look at them and know that they are better than when they started. We all are.” Running a training business comes with significant challenges. “Our industry is very compliance-driven. We have to meet the requirements of the various legislations and then integrate everything for our clients and learners. We answer to many people, and that can be challenging.” The human side brings its own complexity. “We work with people, each with their own challenges,” Tracey says. “Especially when working with people with disabilities, everyone has different needs. Getting all the compliance boxes ticked, meeting deadlines, and making sure the learners achieve their qualifications can be tough, but it is worth it.” When asked what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Tracey draws on experience. “Find your why,” she says, echoing Simon Sinek. “Once you know your why, you can overcome the challenges. There will be more than you expect, but also many highs. Knowing your purpose keeps you going. It’s a marathon, not a sprint." She has thoughtful advice for women. “We face additional challenges and blessings like maternity and family responsibilities. They have an impact, both good and difficult. But every woman I know who took time off for her children came back stronger and more determined. Know why you want to do it, because it will be both more challenging and more rewarding than you expect.” Her business goals are ambitious yet deeply human. “I would love for learning to become as fun and addictive as social media,” says Tracey. “Imagine people learning because it’s enjoyable and immersive, not because they have to. I want training to be innovative, accessible, and engaging. People should not have to travel far to learn. There is so much information out there, but I want to help people find what is right for them, what truly gives them the skills to move forward.” BUILDING THE FUTURE Tracey’s approach to life is grounded in balance and gratitude. She says, “When I started working, balance wasn’t even part of the vocabulary. We just worked. But now I have learned from the younger generation that it matters. For me, I find balance in nature. It sounds like a cliché, but it works. Whether it’s the sea or a walk outdoors, it clears your mind.” Her family keeps her grounded. “They balance me, they tell me when I am right and when I am wrong,” she says fondly. “I also love reading and learning from others, journalling, and meditating, even if not as much as I should. Balance looks different for everyone. You have to find what works for you.” As she reflects on her journey, Tracey’s gratitude is clear. “I love the idea of community over competition,” she says. “Collaboration is how we will thrive in the future. The world is changing fast, and it can be daunting with all the talk about AI and the unknowns ahead. But if we collaborate and support each other, we will adapt. That is how we move forward." Previous Next

< Back KZN Leaders Free consultancy 30 minutes Book Now About KZN Leaders Portfolio is a natural progression from the KZN Top Business Portfolio. In analysing the successful companies profiled in the KZN Top Business Portfolio, there was a common thread running through each of their achievements and that was effective leadership. The KZN Leaders Portfolio was then initiated with the desire to get to know more about these leaders of business. The overall vision is to network successful people with successful people and ultimately encouraging other people to become successful through these stories. Each leader has in-depth experience in their particular field of expertise as well as much insight into business management and leadership. Of significance is that a common thread in their business journeys is the desire to make a difference in the lives of the people their companies’ impact, very often by going far above the norm. Recognising the growing power of video in quickly grabbing attention, we have filmed a series of the leaders’ interviews for use on our various platforms which have been met with much interest and the video clips watched numerous times. Previous Next