< Back Next > Nadeera Ramharakh Founder and Director, Pinetown Diff and Gearbox Nadeera Ramharakh is the founder and director of Pinetown Diff and Gearbox, which remanufactures and repairs gearboxes and differentials of most makes and models of cars and bakkies. Nadeera grew up in Phoenix, a town where her passion for cars and mechanics was born. As the eldest of five siblings, she embraced a hands-on approach to life, something that would define her career. Recalling her early years, Nadeera shared, “On Sundays, my dad would tinker with the cars after breakfast. There was nothing to fix, but he’d still be there, adjusting something. I’d be the spanner girl passing him tools, asking questions. That’s when I realised how much I enjoyed cars.” Despite her love for cars, Nadeera initially pursued a more traditional career path, studying law for two years. “Mum wanted me to be a professional, but I quickly realised it wasn’t me. I wasn’t the type to sit behind books.” Life’s journey led her to corporate work at Mercedes-Benz, where her passion for trucks and cars truly flourished. “That’s where I found my calling,” she explained. The desire to work with her hands, to fix things, was always there — whether it was plumbing at home or repairing cars — and this passion fuelled her dream to own a workshop one day. Building a Dream Business Nadeera’s path to founding her company wasn’t a straightforward one. After years of working in a toxic work environment, she decided to take a bold step. “I was backed into a corner at work, and one day, I just woke up and said, ‘I’m doing it’.” Without much planning, Nadeera started Pinetown Diff and Gearbox 14 months ago, turning her vision into reality. “It was literally an overnight decision. I took my savings, bought the necessary equipment, and started in a shared garage.” Pinetown Diff and Gearbox has grown into a five-star graded workshop, RMI approved and proudly woman- run. Nadeera beams with pride as she reflects on the journey: “We now have seven staff members, four of whom are qualified mechanics. It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re thriving.” Despite the challenges, Nadeera’s drive and determination have been unwavering. “I cried every day at my old job, but now I wake up excited to work on my own terms.” Her leadership style is one of empowerment and flexibility. “I handpicked my staff, and I believe in staff loyalty and uplifting people. If their task for the day is done, I encourage them to go home and spend time with family. It’s important to create a happy work environment where people want to come to work, not dread it.” Overcoming Challenges While the growth of her business has been rapid, Nadeera is no stranger to the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. “Every day brings something new — whether it’s clients not having the funds for repairs or dealing with complex gearbox issues. It’s never easy, but that’s part of the process.” Another hurdle has been competition. “Competitors often try to undermine us by questioning our credentials or spreading doubt among clients,” Nadeera admits. “But I’ve learned to handle these situations with integrity. We do damage control, explain our values, and assure clients of our quality.” Nadeera’s ultimate goal is to see Pinetown Diff and Gearbox expand further, potentially into a franchise. “We’d like to be affiliated with a brand like Bosch or E-Car. It’s a long road, but I believe we’ll get there,” she says confidently. In addition, she dreams of one day opening a multi-brand dealership, where her team can service all types of vehicles. “It might seem far-fetched, but I’m sure it’s something we can achieve in the future. We are striving to be the number one woman run workshop in KwaZulu-Natal.” Balancing Work and Family Nadeera’s children, Ashay and Sanjana, have been her biggest motivation throughout her career. “As a single mum, I always wanted to give them everything I couldn’t have. It wasn’t always possible, but today, when I look at where we are, I tell them, ‘We’ve made it.’ My drive was always to make sure they had a bright future.” The journey hasn’t been without its hardships. Nadeera faced the loss of her mother just four months after starting her business. “That was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced. But I knew I had to keep going, not just for myself but for my kids.” Looking back on her journey, Nadeera is proud of what she has achieved. “I’ve had to start my life over three times, and each time, it wasn’t easy. Everything I’ve accomplished, I’ve done with the support of my family and sheer determination.” Nadeera’s story is one of resilience, especially for women looking to break into male-dominated industries. “To young women following in my footsteps, I’d say don’t be afraid to start over. I’ve sold chips and cooldrinks from my office desk just to make ends meet, and today, I own a business.” She encourages women to embrace every opportunity, no matter how daunting it may seem. She says, “Take the leap, because you can achieve anything if you believe in yourself.” Nadeera’s passion for cars extends beyond the workshop. She loves fast cars, car modifications, and attending car shows. “It’s not just about the mechanics; it’s about understanding the full potential of a vehicle and the engineering behind it,” she explains. Though her workshop currently focuses on modifications like installing diff locks, she hopes to explore engine modifications in the future. Beyond her work, Nadeera has found ways to balance her personal and professional life. One of her favourite weekend activities is selling vegetables at the local flea market. “For me, it’s therapy. I’m out there with my kids, in the fresh air, surrounded by nature. It’s humbling, and it’s our family time together,” she shares. With her eyes set on new opportunities, Nadeera is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, but we’re just getting started. The future holds so much more.” < Previous Next >

< Back Marcina Majid

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22711341-cbdc-435a-9fbf-335cd5dfb703 < Back Angela Alderton Business Development Angela drives business growth through strategic partnerships and high-level client engagement. Previous Next

< Back Next > Nontokozo Londiwe Dludla Founder and Director, Mcebowethu Projects Nontokozo Londiwe Dludla, alongside Percy Phakathi, is the founder and director of Mcebowethu Projects, a company established in 2015. Based in Richards Bay within the King Cetshwayo District, she has built the business from the ground up, focusing on skills development in the construction industry. “The company is accredited by the Construction Seta and offers various short courses, including health and safety, first aid, and contracting skills,” Nontokozo explains. “We cater to different levels, from NQF Level 2 for contracting to NQF Level 3 for health and safety.” Her educational background has been a significant asset to her career. After matriculating from Ndesheni High School, she pursued a BA in Information Science at university. She also completed several short courses in fields such as health and safety, financial management, business management, and supervision of construction processes (civil). “Initially, I wasn’t interested in studying further, but once I joined the business world, I saw the need to understand the industry better,” Nontokozo shares. “So, I committed to learning more about the business I was running.” Inspired by Mentorship Nontokozo’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a mentor who instilled in her the value of running a business rather than working for someone else. “My spiritual mentor often spoke about the importance of owning a business,” she says. “He was a strong influence and a key factor in helping me get to where I am today.” With the support of a trusted business partner, she began to pursue her ambitions in the business world. Her research into different industries led her to the construction sector, where she saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. “I have a passion for business, and I wanted to use my educational background to teach others,” Nontokozo explains. “We offer short courses to help people gain skills, even if they haven’t matriculated.” Her company’s mission is to provide accessible learning opportunities, enabling individuals to improve their prospects. “From July to November, we trained more than 100 people in various short courses,” she adds. “We’ve expanded to offer online classes as well, to reach those outside of Richards Bay.” Overcoming Challenges Nontokozo’s determination and dedication have not gone unnoticed. “Last year, I was nominated for the Outstanding Women Leadership Award in India, and this June, I received the award,” she proudly shares. “I was also a nominee for the Women in Africa initiative, the JAMII Femmes programme, funded by Coca-Cola, which recognises women in business.” Her achievements continued when she won a global award in August and was later nominated for the Sebenza Women Awards in the construction industry. “The Sebenza Awards are happening November, and I’m hoping to win,” she says excitedly. “Now, I’m part the KZN Top Business Women Collection 2024, which is a significant event for me.” However, Nontokozo’s path has not been without difficulties. One of the major challenges she has faced is securing financial support. “Finances can be a significant hurdle,” she admits. “We often apply for funding but don’t always get it, which makes it hard to keep the business moving forward.” Nonetheless, her persistence has paid off. “In 2020, Mcebowethu Projects received funding from the Construction Seta, and in 2021, we secured additional support from the government,” she recalls. Despite these challenges, Nontokozo remains steadfast in her belief that perseverance is key to success. “My advice to young women is simple: you are young, so be useful,” she says. “If you’re passionate about something, put all your energy into it, regardless of what obstacles come your way.” A Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Nontokozo has ambitious plans for Mcebowethu Projects. “My goal is to establish a skills academy under the Mcebowethu name,” she says. Currently, the company trains in government institutions that provide the space and facilities for their programmes. “But my dream is to have our own academy where we can offer training directly through our facilities.” In addition to growing her business, Nontokozo also emphasises the importance of personal balance. “To maintain a clear mind and make sound business decisions, I practise meditation regularly,” she shares. “It helps me stay calm, think clearly, and reflect on what I want to achieve in my business and life in general.” She finds meditation to be a crucial tool for grounding herself amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. Close your Circle For Nontokozo, success is not just about personal accolades but about representing the company’s brand with integrity. “It’s not about me; it’s about the brand I represent,” she says. “Mcebowethu Projects stands for empowerment, education, and the opportunity for a better future.” Her personal motto, “Close your circle”, encapsulates her approach to business and life: “Finish what you start with pride and integrity,” she explains. As Nontokozo continues her journey, she remains committed to uplifting others through skills development and creating a lasting impact in the construction industry. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young women, to pursue their goals with passion, resilience, and a clear vision for the future. “It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey,” she concludes. “And I’m only just getting started.” < Previous Next >

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Laura Kelly Partner Cox Yeats Attorneys I am dedicated to providing great service to my clients. I have really found that I can do this best by getting a holistic view of the business I am assisting Laura Kelly

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back This is a Title 03 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

Martin Swanepoel Next Previous Martin Swanepoel is the co-founder and managing director of BoilerCraft Africa. With more than two decades of experience in the boiler industry, Martin has built a reputation for technical expertise, resilience and an unwavering belief in local manufacturing. Martin’s journey began in Johannesburg, where he was born and bred. “I went to a local school and lived a very humble life in a very tight family unit,” he recalls. “My first job was in retail. I managed a small store in Centurion that sold knives and hunting equipment.” At that time, his circumstances were challenging. “I did not have anywhere to stay, so I sometimes slept on the shop floor. That was where everything started for me. It taught me to be self-sufficient and to learn from hard knocks.” Those experiences shaped the work ethic and determination that would come to define his career. “I believe I am self-made. Coming into this industry and building a name for myself has been a journey I am proud of.” PASSION FOR ENGINEERING After his time in retail, Martin explored several career paths. He worked briefly in facilitation and training through a business run by his father before taking on an administrative management role. During his time in the banking sector Martin began to develop business skills and obtained a national diploma in business management. However, Martin felt that something was missing. The turning point came when he joined the family boiler business. “My uncle started the boiler business in the early 1970s and made a huge success of it. I worked there for 20 years and I learned everything I could,” he says. “I worked across the entire business, from stores and sales to quality control and management. I found a passion for building things. It is not just the manufacturing. It is the entire process, from the first conversation with the client to selling the product, installing it and finally hearing the customer say that you have produced something amazing.” starting a completely new brand when I already had an established reputation.” After 20 years in the family business, Martin decided to take a bold step and start his own company. BoilerCraft Africa was established to fill a significant gap in the South African engineering sector. The company manufactures hot water and steam boilers, autoclaves and calorifiers, while also providing installation and servicing. “We offer a full turnkey product for our clients,” Martin explains. One of the company’s defining characteristics is its commitment to local manufacturing. “We are proudly South African,” he says, “and everything from the plate that we receive is in its raw form; we manufacture the finished product you see today. We are one of the few South African manufacturers that design and produce our own branded boilers locally.” ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS BoilerCraft’s product range spans a wide spectrum of industrial applications. “Our boilers range from a small 235 kg unit up to a 10 ton boiler,” Martin says. “We are currently working on designs for 11,16 and 20 ton boilers, which will make massive strides in the market because importing equipment of that size becomes extremely expensive.” BoilerCraft Africa’s products play a crucial role in a wide range of industries. “A boiler takes water and increases the temperature until it produces steam, which is a vital component in many industrial processes,” explains Martin. “You will find our boilers in sectors ranging from the tyre industry to the medical and automotive industries.” BoilerCraft also manufactures autoclaves, which are a specialised piece of equipment that few companies can produce locally. “Importing them is extremely expensive because the shipping costs alone can equal the price of the vessel.” Although Martin built his reputation in Gauteng, he saw a unique opportunity to establish a manufacturing presence in KwaZulu-Natal. The move required courage and commitment. “I had to ask myself whether it was worth moving my entire family from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal and Perseverance proved to be the key. “The best advice I have ever received is to persevere through both the good and the bad,” he says. “If I did not persevere there were times when I might have given up.” The company’s growth since its launch reflects that determination. “We started in a 300m2 factory,” Martin explains. “Then we moved to a 500m2 facility, and now we are operating from a 1000m2. Within the next few months, we plan to expand to a 1500m2 factory.” LEADING THROUGH PEOPLE AND CULTURE For Martin, leadership is about people as much as it is about engineering. “I keep my team motivated with an open-door policy, respect and mutual understanding,” he says. “Every morning I greet each staff member personally because we spend most of our day together. The only way to have productive staff members is if they are happy staff members,” he explains. Martin describes the company culture as one rooted in shared values. “We try to create an environment of Ubuntu where we sit together, discuss problems and find solutions.” Throughout his career, Martin credits his family as his greatest source of inspiration. “Without my family BoilerCraft would never exist,” he says. “They supported me through every career decision I have made. My father followed his passion. That inspired me to find my own.” Today Martin sees his work as something larger than personal success. “I am doing this for my family and for my staff’s families,” he says. “Their futures are what inspire me every day.” Martin has ambitious plans for BoilerCraft Africa. “Within the next five years I want our company to be a household name,” he says. “Our goal is to expand across the SADC region and ultimately into international markets.” For Martin, success means pushing your limits. “Comfort zones are not where excellence is achieved,” he says. “Excellence comes when you challenge yourself to build something greater. Previous Next

< Back Next > Pria Hassan Founder and Group Executive Chairperson, Women of Africa Pria Hassan is the founder and group executive chairperson of Women of Africa. She sits as an advocate on various Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed entities and on numerous boards. Founded in 2003, Women of Africa spans sectors such as energy, logistics, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, and construction. Pria hails from Overport in KwaZulu-Natal and grew up in a household where her father, an entrepreneur, and her mother, a traditional woman with strong values and discipline, set the stage for her ambitions. She recalls, “My upbringing was influenced by living with my grandmother and uncle in Reservoir Hills, which I believe is where I developed my militant behaviour. I’m a tough leader, and my schooling at Howard College Law School, followed by further education at the University of Pretoria, played a role in shaping that.” Over time, Pria’s aspirations have evolved. “I began with dreams of becoming a high-powered lawyer, then shifted towards wanting to be a Bollywood or Hollywood actress,” she admits with a chuckle. “However, my path led me to focus on transforming business and revolutionising sectors, particularly in energy. It wasn’t just about profitability; it was about breaking down barriers and transferring my skillset to women eager to enter industries from which we’ve been traditionally marginalised.” She is proud of her efforts to challenge stereotypes, using her platform to inspire other women and leave a lasting legacy. “The common belief is that women have arrived, given the special laws that grant us entry into the market, but the truth is we are still waiting at the door for a seat at the table. I want to teach women to build their own tables,” she asserts. Pria encourages young women to believe in themselves, celebrate their uniqueness, and take risks. “Each failure is just a new opportunity,” she advises. Bringing Heart Pria’s journey has taken her across South Africa and beyond. “I lived in Johannesburg, working as chief legal counsel for a major organisation. But after a traumatic incident where my home was broken into and my nanny murdered, I reached rock bottom,” she shares. “I realised then that despite the adrenaline rush of Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal was where my heart lay. I needed to come home, not only to be nurtured by my family but to establish a brand that would resonate with my roots.” This realisation led to the birth of Women of Africa, which began as an investment in logistics and energy and later expanded into multiple sectors. Her mother played a crucial role in motivating her during tough times. “When you hit rock bottom, no one can pick you up like your mother. She gives you that push that really shakes you and makes you get your act together,” Pria says. Her inspirations extend to international figures, particularly Indra Nooyi. “I admire Indra because she’s pragmatic, empathetic, and brings heart into business. She resonates with me, and she’s taught me to be a confident leader who uses influence to impact the lives of others,” she adds. Under Pria’s leadership, the Women of Africa group has evolved but has remained true to its core values. “We’ve changed in terms of the sectors we operate in, but I’ve stuck to the principle of adding intrinsic value,” she explains. “I don’t just look at the chaos in the market; I focus on how I can add value in my sphere, with a long-term vision that spans decades rather than just seeking quick returns.” Navigating the oil and petroleum industry as a woman has been no easy feat. “The glass ceiling is tough, with alpha male stereotypes that limit entry,” Pria explains. “But with the support of male leaders who believed in transformation, I managed to overcome those early challenges.” Leadership issues persist, particularly in an environment as culturally diverse as KwaZulu-Natal. “We have a certain ego that influences how we operate, but I’ve worked to restructure that, welcoming more women into executive roles. The resilience of the team has been key,” she says. “Maintaining a healthy balance sheet in the midst of chaos is an achievement I’m proud of, and I owe it to a great team of women,” Pria says. The group’s recognition as trailblazers, including winning the Platts Global Energy Women of the Year award and the Bharat Gaurav Award for Women CEOs making a difference, are testaments to their efforts. “I’m proud of how we’ve accelerated in our business and fostered good governance practices, transparency, and a culture of mentorship for other women entrepreneurs,” she remarks. Change the Mindset Community involvement is another pillar of Pria’s ethos. “We’re engaged in various projects, especially in sports like soccer, netball, and volleyball, supporting children who lack the resources to showcase their talents,” she says. “Our focus extends to teaching women not just to seek funding but to uplift their communities. As part of the Midlands Entrepreneurship School, we aimed to change the mindset of young people towards entrepreneurship. Changing the economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal is a priority for me,” she adds. Reflecting on South Africa’s challenges, including natural disasters, she urges others to invest in personal well-being and education. “I’m in my 50s, but I’m not ready to retire. Instead, I’ve launched a foundation dedicated to supporting communities affected by disasters, as well as advocating for gender-based violence awareness,” she shares. Pria’s philanthropic vision extends to addressing broader issues. “I want to focus on male empowerment, particularly concerning mental health and suicide rates, and support young boys. Creating an ethos of future philanthropy is my goal,” she says. Plans to write an autobiography and embrace her new role as a grandmother are also on the horizon. Pria’s focus now is on continuous learning and self- improvement, with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-care. “It took therapy and coaching to give myself permission to relax. As a woman in business, there’s no time to pause, but now I meditate for mental clarity, read, and travel. I enjoy simple pleasures like walking and spending time with my husband,” Pria concludes. < Previous Next >

< Back Benita Ardenbaum