< Back Professional Makeup Consultation $50.00 15 minutes Book Now About 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. Previous Next

< Back Lyndall Moodley

Elvis Green Next Previous Elvis Green is the owner and managing director of ND Engineering Elvis Green is the owner and managing director of ND Engineering. Born in Pietermaritzburg, he fondly remembers moving to a newly created coloured suburb called Woodland. Also located in Pietermaritzburg, this move marked the beginning of a journey that was deeply influenced by his upbringing. After completing schooling, Elvis pursued a boiler- making apprenticeship with the international company APV Kestner, completing it in 1977. However, in 1987, due to sanctions on South Africa, the company closed its manufacturing operations, leaving many, including Elvis, without a job. “I applied to three companies – two in Pietermaritzburg and one in Durban. All three applications were successful, but I decided to get out of my comfort zone and accepted the position of estimator with the Durban-based company, ND Engineering,” Elvis explains. Looking back, Elvis is proud of his entire journey. “Even when I occupied humble positions in my career, I’ve always been committed to the cause and worked diligently to grow professionally and advance the businesses I’ve been employed at,” he says. Purchasing ND Engineering in 2012 and building a new world-class manufacturing facility in 2019 are standout accomplishments, but Elvis is most proud of the difference he has made in the lives of those who needed it most. GREAT STABILITY Elvis feels blessed by the success he has achieved through hard work over many decades. “I’m extremely proud that I’ve built a business that has shown great stability in very trying economic times,” he states. This stability has allowed him to provide meaningful employment that goes beyond a generic employer-employee relationship. ND Engineering employs 262 full-time employees and offers full company benefits, including substantial investment in the tertiary education of employees’ children. “Our bursary scheme extends to youth in our community and covers vocational choices not directly linked to our field of vision,” he says. Elvis’s legacy is one of putting community before profit. “Every man wants to leave a legacy of some sort, and for me, I want to be remembered as a person who always put community before profit,” he reflects. His vision includes further growth for ND Engineering. “We have plans drawn up for a new facility that will be one and three quarters the size of our current premises. We’re just waiting for a few hurdles to be overcome, but that should happen within the next couple of months,” he shares. Navigating life’s challenges, Elvis has always held onto a piece of advice that has profoundly influenced his journey. “Negativity is an overpowering human emotion that can cripple us all. In the face of overwhelming negativity, I am an eternal optimist,” he asserts. “Hard work doesn’t always guarantee success, but in most cases, it’s a prerequisite to mastering oneself, personally and professionally.” Elvis recalls the 2008-2009 financial crisis as the biggest challenge he has faced. At the time, he was the production manager at ND Engineering, and the company had a full order book that extended for a year and a half. However, the collapse of the USA’s Lehman Brothers’ bank sent shockwaves through the global economy, and ND Engineering was not spared. “I was on a business trip to China and when I arrived back in South Africa, I discovered that 90% of the projects on our books were on hold,” Elvis recalls. To compound matters, clients had frozen all payments, putting the company in a precarious situation. For the next two months, Elvis concentrated his energy on communicating with clients, and his efforts paid off. “At the end of January 2009, 90% of the monies owed to us were paid,” he shares, expressing his gratitude to God during that critical time. Many companies fell by the wayside during the crisis, but ND Engineering survived. Elvis believes that obstacles are part of the dynamic world we live in and that there is no avoiding them. “One can only plan and equip your team to adapt,” he says. For him, there is no substitute for an engaged workforce and a high-performance culture. “I always emphasise that as a business unit, we are a system that relies on the performance of the entire company to achieve our strategic goals,” he explains. A POSITIVE IMPACT Rather than being inspired by any one person, Elvis is motivated by the potential for anyone, regardless of their social or financial standing, to make a positive impact on the world. “For this reason, I find motivation in leveraging my position to garner positivity and hope for the future,” he says. Elvis is optimistic about the future of KwaZulu- Natal (KZN). He believes that with collaboration between the public and private sectors, KZN can leverage its unique location as the gateway to Africa to harness significant growth opportunities from an import and export perspective. “We have a young population that is hungry for opportunity, and it is up to business owners like myself to embrace this,” he adds. Elvis attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him by his parents. “I grew up in a home where godly and good values and principles were instilled in me and my four siblings. It is those values and principles that have made us who we are in life and have enabled us to make important decisions at strategic milestones,” he shares. The influence of his mother and the support of his wife, Debbie, whom he has been married to for 45 years, have been the bedrock of his life. “Debbie has stood behind me in every decision and everything I’ve done in my life,” he acknowledges, expressing gratitude for the family they’ve built together, which includes four sons and one daughter. Elvis’s life has been guided by a principle that has served him well in all aspects: “The more bountifully you sow, the more bountifully you reap,” he says. “All we really have is the day at hand, so do the very best with the day at hand, and this will take care of the future,” he advises. For Elvis, being the best version of who you were created to be is the goal, and it is a principle that has guided him throughout his life. Previous Next

Bashini Mahomed Next Previous Bashini Mahomed is the chief executive officer of Dynamic Shipping Services Bashini Mahomed, chief executive officer of Dynamic Shipping Services, is Durban born. At 21, she took a gap year and moved to Johannesburg, a decision that marked the beginning of her professional journey. Reflecting on that time, she says, “That was where I met the working world. The rest, as they say, is history.” Her career began in advertising, where she initially worked in a financial /administration role, which led her to pursue further financial courses. However, she found her true calling in logistics. “After a year in advertising, I ventured into logistics, which has now become my life. I knew this was the industry I was destined for,” she says. Over 22 years later, Bashini has established herself as a key player in South Africa’s logistics industry. Bashini’s purpose is multifaceted, “There isn’t just one reason; there are many,” she says. “From personal goals to family goals, to goals for my business and my people, and then on a broader scale, goals for our economy and our country.” On a personal level, Bashini is driven by the desire to set an example to show her daughters that there are no limits to what you can achieve. “You can be a mum, a wife, and the CEO of a business, whatever you choose to get into, you can do it all with a smile on your face and happiness in your life,” she shares. Her commitment extends to her employees as well. “For my staff, I want them to know that they have a supportive environment and that they are in a space where they can thrive,” she says. FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH Bashini’s vision includes a broader economic focus which is driven by the goal of creating employment and fostering economic growth in Durban. “I’m really passionate about our economy. In my years in logistics, I’ve noticed a major disconnect between imports and exports in our economy. Despite being rich in resources, exports are a small percentage. It’s something we really need to focus on,” she explains. The company’s alignment with one of the largest forestry companies in South Africa and its commitment to sustainability through FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) compliance are points of pride for her. “We continuously work towards a greener and more sustainable country,” she adds. When asked about her proudest achievements, Bashini speaks first of being a mother. “I love my kids, and I’m really proud of who they are and the direction they’re taking in life,” she says. However, she also takes great pride in her business. “My youngest baby, of course, is Dynamic Shipping Services. For a little four-year-old company, I’m extremely proud of how we’ve grown from stride to stride,” she shares. Bashini recounts the numerous challenges her business has faced, from starting during the Covid-19 pandemic to dealing with the KZN floods, Transnet cyberattacks, and a shortage of essential resources. “All these challenges taught me that if you just focus, realign, and pull on all your resources, you can easily redirect your business and your customers’ mindsets,” she says. Her approach is pragmatic: “Panic does good for nobody. If you readjust your mindset, you can accomplish anything.” Resilience has been a cornerstone of Bashini’s success, especially in the face of these significant challenges. She says, “Being adamant about where you want to be and how you get there, and having a strong mind about it, is so important.” OPEN-BOOK POLICY Managing a team through tough times is never easy, but Bashini has developed a strategy that works for her. “People management is the toughest component in any business,” she acknowledges. “We have a very open-book policy. At any given time, every single person knows exactly what’s going on in the business,” she explains. Bashini also values emotional intelligence within her team. “We care about each other, and we’re in tune with who we are as a team,” she says. “We motivate each other and push each other on. When challenges arise, we’re quick to support one another.” Throughout her career, Bashini has received advice from numerous mentors, but one piece of advice stands out. “When I was 29, my general manager, who was a very authoritative German man, told me, ‘I’m employing you based on your personality, your hard work, and what I see in front of me. Others may have 20, 30 years of experience, but I’m giving you this opportunity because of your attitude,’” she recalls. This advice has been a guiding principle in her life. “That moment stuck with me because it showed me that if someone could trust me enough to give me that opportunity, then I couldn’t let them down,” she explains. This belief in the importance of character, personality, and drive has shaped her leadership style. “I do the same for others now. If you have the right mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she asserts. A POSITIVE MINDSET Bashini draws inspiration from her parents, who played a significant role in shaping her values and work ethic. "My dad worked in our industry, and I often went with him to Maydon Wharf where I watched the boats and the warehouses,” she reminisces. “I’ve always admired the hard work my dad put in, raising a family as the sole breadwinner, and my mum, who was the perfect mum.” In addition to her parents, Bashini has been inspired by the strong women she has met throughout her career. These encounters have reinforced her commitment to driving exports and creating employment in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly through her company’s new packing yard facility in Durban. Bashini’s personal motto is simple yet profound: “What you put in is exactly what you get out.” She firmly believes in the value of hard work and a positive mindset. “Your mind is your biggest asset. Fill it with the best thoughts, surround yourself with positivity and positive people, and give your work your best effort,” she advises. This approach has guided her through her career, helping her build a successful business and a fulfilling life. Previous Next

< Back Next > Azande Ndebele Founder, Shlobo Designs Azande Ndebele, the founder of Shlobo Designs, speaks with enthusiasm about her brand. “Shlobo is a Zulu word,” she explains. “It means a relative, a family, a friend, basically everyone around you. The idea is to marry cultures together and create products that reflect that connection.” Her business includes handcrafted beaded acces- sories and genuine leather bags. “These bags and beads speak for you. When you walk into an international market or anywhere, people notice those bright, colourful beads. They’re associated with South Africa and particularly Durban. It makes you stand out, and it’s a conversation starter.” Reflecting on her education, Azande describes it as unconventional. “I repeated standard three, three times,” she recalls as her English wasn’t good enough at the various schools she attended. Her time at Queensburgh Girls’ High marked a turning point. “I became a prefect, and there I discovered Toastmasters,” she says. “That’s where I learned to stand out and speak confidently.” After school, Azande studied dental technology because ‘parents want a doctor or a teacher in the family’, she explained. “But I hated it. I wanted to be with the crowd, to mingle, to speak.” She eventually left dental technology and worked odd jobs, including waitressing at the Holiday Inn. It was there that an opportunity arose. “A manager from Standard Bank noticed how I interacted with guests,” she recalls. “She invited me for an interview, and that was the start of an 18-year career at the bank, from sales teller to forensics.” A Turning Point However, the journey ended when Azande was retrenched. “I had everything — a stable job, comfort,” she reflects. “Then, suddenly, it was all gone. I didn’t know what to do.” Azande’s resolve led her to the mining sector, where she worked temporarily until a harrowing experience was a turning point. “I was on my way home, giving a colleague a lift, when we found ourselves surrounded by a mob during a strike,” Azande recounts. “They began pouring petrol over the car, and I thought that was it. But just as one of them lifted a match to ignite the fuel, someone called my name. It happened twice.” It was a woman Azande had once helped at the bank who saved her life. “She recognised me and told the mob to stop. She said, ‘You will dine as a queen in my house.’ I didn’t even remember helping her at first, but she reminded me that I had gone the extra mile to ensure that funds were released on time for her grandmother’s operation.” The trauma of this experience resulted in Azande returning to KwaZulu-Natal. Despite not having a specific skill set, she immersed herself in the activities of local women who engaged in beadwork, pottery, sewing, and traditional dance. Inspired by their abilities, Azande proposed introducing extra-mural activities at a local school to keep children off the streets, reduce teenage pregnancies, and curb drug abuse. One of her first successes came through teaching Latin American dance, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the arts. A boy who had been struggling academically found a new sense of purpose through dancing. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of fostering each individual’s unique talents. It also marked the beginning of her passion for community-driven work. For Azande, the drive to uplift others is personal. “I often hear from women who aren’t doing anything, asking me to lend them money. I always tell them, ‘I can’t keep giving you money. Let me teach you a skill.’ Once you have a skill, you can create wealth with your hands.” Her leadership style is distinctly people centred. She performs a skills analysis with each person to understand their strengths and assigns tasks accordingly, ensuring they are confident in their work. Azande believes that true excellence comes from doing what one loves, which translates into the quality of the final product. Azande’s approach to business is collaborative. “I believe in working together to go far,” she says. Shlobo Designs is committed to handcrafting everything for now. “You can’t sit and wait for money to buy machinery,” Azande adds. “When the funds come, we’ll get the equipment. But for now, we’re walking this journey together, and as long as we do, we’ll achieve sustainable income.” Her collaborations aren’t limited to craftspeople. As a motivational speaker and coach, she helps women upskill, focusing on empowerment. “I’ve worked with KZN Top Models South Africa, coaching young ladies on how to command confidence on stage,” she shares. “It’s about more than just teaching them to walk; it’s about building self-assurance and the ability to captivate a crowd.” Support System Azande encourages young women to stay committed to their vision, even in the face of adversity. She highlights that the challenges one encounters are unique to each individual. “I’ve overcome difficulties by truly understanding who I am, and I put God first in all that I do,” she explains. Azande also acknowledges the importance of recognising her support system—be it family, the church, friends, or colleagues. “When the storms come, I’m grounded. I may be shaken, but I remain standing.” The Covid-19 pandemic tested her resolve, but by listening to her “inner voice”, Azande made strategic decisions that paid off, including securing a significant order from the KZN Department of Education. With a vision to go global, Azande has established a shop in Dongguan, China, and has partnerships in Germany, Mauritius, and local hotels in South Africa. Her unique designs, which feature vegetarian-tanned leather, are aimed at international markets while staying true to local craftsmanship. Her achievements have culminated in winning a silver award at the China Asian Expo, an accolade she views as a testament to all South African entrepreneurs. To unwind, Azande enjoys practising Pilates regularly, which helps her stay relaxed and focused. She dedicates some of her time to serving at the Bible Institute at the Durban Christian Centre where she finds joy and relaxation in connecting with others, offering support, and sharing advice. < Previous Next >

Jennifer Reddy Next Previous Jennifer Reddy is the chief executive officer of Morar Incorporated Jennifer Reddy is the current chief executive officer of Morar Incorporated. She attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal, formally University of Natal and obtained honours in accounting from the former University of Westville. She joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in Durban and completed her articles together with writing both board exams and qualifying as a chartered accountant. Jennifer’s first job was administrative work for a family business to earn a little spending money and keep herself occupied during school holidays. BORN TO BE A LEADER Describing her purpose in her current position, Jennifer says that she was born to be a leader. “I believe everyone is driven by a higher power that leads us along a path. I was fortunately in the right place at the right time and within a crisis an opportunity arose, and there I found my purpose in becoming the CEO of Morar Incorporated. My purpose was to continue a legacy that was already set forth, but to embark on my very own legacy of being a leader in the financial services sector.” One of Jennifer’s proudest moments was having her master’s thesis published by the South African Journal of Business Management (University of Stellenbosch). While this publication had no monetary value, Jennifer believes that this inclusion validated that she knew what she spoke about and that she added meaning and value to a knowledge world. “You sometimes underestimate who you are and what you’re capable of. But in years to come, I can show my children and their children that I am a published author.” In addition, Jennifer received a top student award in that year from Nick Binedell for his subject, Strategy and General Management. The best advice that Jennifer has received was when she embarked on a six-month journey of self-discovery and self-development on an in- augural leadership course for women held by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This course enabled her to regain confidence in herself. “After I had two kids, I was trying to figure out who I was. What should I be in the world? The trainer told me something simple: Have you ever just asked for what you want? In a nutshell, it was just me asking my stakeholders – my husband and my employer – will you be OK if I start this journey of self-discovery? And everyone came to the party – and they ended up being my greatest supporters.” EMOTIONAL JOURNEY The biggest challenge Jennifer has faced was when she assumed the role of CEO of Morar Incorporated. With that position came many issues as her mentor of 13 years suddenly passed on. “I had to face the emotional journey of trying to be strong for my employees and for my fellow directors. Very few people understood there was an emotional side to what I was going through. I was just as lost as the other people in the company. We were employing over 120 people at that point. The hardest part was getting the self-belief that I had the grit, resilience, and stamina to carry the company forward. I had been managing the business, so I knew what had to be done.” Jennifer found the strength within herself and navigated her team through this time of loss by demonstrating to them that within a crisis comes opportunity. In addition, she said that she had incredible people supporting and believing in her, which gave her much comfort as she needed to believe in herself. “We are moving forward, everything goes on. We are going to greater heights and digging deep. We were able to find it in ourselves to take ourselves to the next level,” commented Jennifer. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS Businesses such as Morar Incorporated are very much male dominated, with many personalities at play, which can cause conflicts and obstacles. In dealing with these challenges, Jennifer says that she always goes back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. “Everyone needs something. Everyone needs to feel something. As leaders we need to understand what our people need to keep them motivated.” While monetary value plays a significant role in professional careers, people want to feel valued most. Jennifer explained that it’s small things like remembering people’s birthdays, giving them a personal call or a card, and celebrating moments of achievement when they did well on a project that are important. “It’s making them that feel they are contributing to us moving forward, making them feel part of the team, and making them understand that no one is better than anyone else. We all are working together.” SILVER LINING Jennifer finds her own inspiration in learning about people’s journeys. This inspiration applies especially to those who come from the humble beginnings and who have built everything they have around them. She explained, “When they speak to you, you feel the wealth of their knowledge, empathy, and compassion. Also, the stamina and the resilience they had to show in their lives to get to where they are. It’s the leaders who didn’t come from generational wealth. It’s the leaders who self-made their businesses, who saw opportunities and were brave enough to take risks.” While Morar Incorporated has gained traction within South Africa and across borders, Jennifer would like to grow their international footprint larger. “I believe in the next five years Morar Incorporated will be a name that’s recognised with quality and excellence. I believe we are as competitive as any other company in this market, and we’ll be renowned as leaders in our field.” In conclusion, said Jennifer, “My motto is quite simple: ‘Within every crisis lies an opportunity’, and it is for you to see the silver lining.” Previous Next

< Back Zanele Luvuno

< Back Next > Michelle Bradfield Owner and Director, Design Origin and Eventtiming Michelle Bradfield is a seasoned entrepreneur with two thriving businesses under her belt. “I started Design Origin, a computer graphic design business, back in 1999,” she explains. “I’ve been on my own from the beginning, and it’s been quite a journey.” Her other business, Eventtiming, began in 2009, where she serves as a director. “We handle online entries, registration, and race timing. It’s a busy, hands- on venture that keeps me occupied seven days a week.” Growing up on the Bluff in Durban, Michelle attended Grosvenor Girls’ High School, completing her matriculation in 1982. “I like to say I’m QBE — Qualified by Experience,” she shares. “I don’t have a formal education, but I don’t believe you need one if you’re determined and willing to persevere. A degree isn’t the be-all and end-all.” Her entry into graphic design came by chance, as she recalls: “I was working in the office of a company called Proforms, handling business forms and stationery. When I first started, it was all darkrooms and typesetting, but then I saw someone using a computer to do graphic design. I thought, ‘I could do this’.” Her boss, familiar with her work ethic, took a leap of faith. “He invested a significant amount of money in the equipment, and I did a two-week course. I didn’t even know how to switch the computer on at first, but I just fell into it. It came very naturally to me.” Eventtiming Eventtiming began as her husband’s dream. “He’s a long-term runner and has completed the Comrades Marathon,” she notes. “He saw a better way to manage timing than the old manual systems, especially for smaller clubs where using permanent plastic chips was costly.” Her husband developed a programme using disposable timing chips, and Michelle’s involvement gradually increased. “I was just helping him at first, but then I got more involved until we were 50/50 in the business.” Managing Eventtiming demands significant effort and meticulous planning. “I handle the day-to-day running, organising, and planning,” she says. “We need to co- ordinate race numbers months in advance, making sure everything runs smoothly on race day. Sometimes, we’re up at 2:30 in the morning, and if it’s an ultra- marathon, we can be on-site for up to eight hours.” The work is physically and mentally exhausting, but Michelle finds it rewarding. “It’s a lot more than just taking a time over the line. There’s so much involved and dealing with the public every weekend is challenging. Not everyone understands how the timing system works, so you find yourself explaining things over and over.” She encourages others to experience the organisational side of races. “I think every runner should get involved in organising a race at some point,” she suggests. “It’s eye- opening to see just how much work goes into it.” Michelle’s approach to life is firmly grounded in practicality. “I’m not one for fairy-tale dreams,” she admits. “I’m very practical and realistic. I believe I can achieve just about anything, but my goals are grounded in reality.” Her journey into graphic design is a testament to this mindset. “It’s funny,” she reflects, “as a child, I wanted to be the editor of a magazine. I never expected that dream to resurface later in life through my work in computer graphics.” Her initial interest in accounting, thanks to her strong aptitude for maths, took a back seat to graphic design. “It seems unrelated, but maths plays a big role in my design work,” she says. “Angles, measurements, and layouts — all those skills come in handy.” Michelle credits her problem-solving skills for her success. She says, “I’ve taken on projects I didn’t know how to approach, and the satisfaction of achieving the end result is unmatched.” Michelle emphasises the importance of finding solutions rather than focusing on problems. “If there’s a problem, there is always a solution,” she asserts “That’s how I live my life. I just get things done. If I don’t know how to do something, I figure it out.” Staying up to date with technology is an ongoing challenge. “You just have to expose yourself to new things,” she advises. “The internet is amazing — you can find any answer you need.” Her work in graphic design often involves collaborating with other designers. “Sometimes, I receive artwork and don’t quite know what the designer has done,” she explains. “But I unravel it, go back to the basics, and deliver a print-ready product.” Find the Solution For young women following her, Michelle offers straightforward advice: “Stick to your guns. Being QBE has never held me back. Today, if you have a problem, you can go online and find the solution. Don’t let anything stand in your way. There’s so much you can achieve if you apply your mind.” Michelle’s life is busy, with her work schedule often stretching to seven days a week. “I do computer graphics during the day and event timing in the evenings. It’s intensive, but I’ve always believed in the value of hard work.” She added that she doesn’t have a lot of spare time, but when she does, it’s usually spent packing race pins and numbers. Michelle’s goals are simple yet significant. “I’m getting on in years,” she says, “I want to stay physically and mentally strong. If I can keep doing what I’m doing for the next 20 years, I’ll be happy.” Exercise is an essential part of her routine, helping her maintain the stamina needed for her demanding lifestyle. “I’ve been exercising for over 40 years,” she shares. “I lift weights and run — it’s what keeps me going.” However, despite the hectic pace, she finds ways to relax. “There’s nothing better than a quiet meal and a nice glass of red wine,” she says with a smile. “That’s my idea of unwinding.” For Michelle, business success is about persistence, problem-solving and staying grounded. “I don’t have a formal qualification, but I’ve built two successful businesses,” she reflects. “That’s proof enough that with the right attitude, you can achieve anything.” < Previous Next >

< Back Next > Thabisile Madondo Owner and Founder, Tabby M. Wellness Boutique Thabisile (Tabby) Madondo, the owner of Tabby M. Wellness Boutique based in Port Shepstone, draws her inspiration from a deep sense of purpose to uplift others. She is the second-born in a family of four siblings, has been happily married for 17 years and is blessed with three boys. “Family is at the heart of everything I do,” she says, adding that her upbringing shaped her journey in life and business. Thabisile’s business specialises in skincare, massages, and weight management. As a trained somatologist and certified life coach, she integrates her coaching skills into her services. “When clients come in for a massage, they often find themselves sharing their stories with me. It becomes a form of therapy for them, and as a life coach, I can be a good listener,” she explains. Her holistic approach to wellness ensures that the physical, mental, and emotional needs of her clients are addressed. “It’s not just about working on the muscles or the skin; it’s about touching the whole person — mind, body, and soul.” Thabisile places an emphasis on self-care, self-love, and self-awareness, values she actively promotes through her business. “Many people rarely receive physical affection, even a simple hug, from their loved ones. The touch of a massage is a way for them to feel complete and connected again,” she notes. For Thabisile, the business is not just about providing services; it’s about creating a space where individuals can find healing and rediscover themselves. “I want my clients to leave not only looking better but also feeling rejuvenated and empowered.” Regain Her Independence Her journey to entrepreneurship was not straightforward. After completing her Grade 12 at Marburg Secondary School, she briefly pursued further studies before getting married. “I got married early at 25 and became a stay-at- home mum, but I always felt there was more to me than just being a housewife,” she reflects. In 2010, after years away from formal education, Thabisile decided to go back to school, studying somatology at Kloof Academy of Beauty. “I thought I’d take a short course to fit around my kids’ schedules, but once I learned about somatology, I fell in love with it. The magic behind the treatments was fascinating, and I decided to pursue a full three-year programme, including international certifications.” Her newfound career took her to various spas, where she gained experience before opening her own spa in Musgrave, Durban, in 2013. Unfortunately, the venture was short-lived due to Thabisile’s husband’s new job in Pretoria, which required them to relocate. “I had to close the spa after two years, and while in Pretoria, I fell pregnant with my last- born. I found myself at home again, feeling lost and depressed,” she recalls. Thabisile eventually expressed her desire to return to work, though it was difficult to find consistent support for her children. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, her family moved back to Port Shepstone, and she began selling supplements to regain her independence. The pandemic gave Thabisile a chance to rediscover her passion for wellness, leading her to enrol in coaching. “I was working on myself, addressing insecurities, fears, and feelings of inferiority. Coaching helped me grow and redirected me to reopen my wellness business in 2020,” she shares. With limited resources, Thabisile started small, borrowing a massage bed from a friend. “I had a clear vision — my space would be a place for people who are seeking change, longing to step out of their current situations.” Her dedication to wellness extends beyond her business. Thabisile participates in charity events related to wellness and supports local causes in her community. She initiated an online skipping challenge to motivate women to exercise, using a WhatsApp group to encourage each other. “It’s hard to exercise alone, especially for mothers who always find excuses. So, we share our skipping videos and cheer each other on,” she says. In addition, Thabisile is enthusiastic about empowering the youth in her church. She promotes self-care, self-love, and public speaking skills, and recently introduced organic sanitary pads for young girls in rural areas. “These young women face unique challenges, and I want to make a difference in their lives, even if it’s something as simple as providing sanitary products.” Rewrite Your Story Running a business is not without its challenges. Thabisile acknowledges that managing staff turnover can be disheartening. “I invest so much in training young therapists, sharing my skills with them, only to see them leave. It’s disappointing, but I understand that they also need to grow,” she says. “I may not know everything about the business side of things, so I outsource tasks like accounting and marketing. It’s about finding the right support to keep moving forward.” Thabisile’s drive comes from her parents, who taught her the value of hard work. Her father’s entrepreneurial spirit left an impression on her. “He would wake up early in the morning to deliver bananas to sellers, and now he is a successful businessman. His determination showed me that it’s possible to start small and grow big,” she says. Her mother’s decision to go back to school and become a teacher, despite raising four children, inspired Thabisile to pursue her own education later in life. “I thought, if she could do it, so could I.” Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is: “Start wherever you are, with whatever you have. Find a mentor or a coach, and don’t be afraid to rewrite your story. If a chapter doesn’t go as planned, turn the page and keep writing. Everyone has a purpose; it’s up to us to fulfil it.” Looking ahead, Thabisile has big plans for Tabby M. Wellness Boutique. “I hope to expand globally, franchising my spa and tapping into other sectors to grow the business,” she reveals. Her journey is far from over, and she continues to find balance through family activities, such as beach outings and gym sessions with her boys. “For me, relaxation is essential — I enjoy playing music, meditating, hiking, and sometimes just getting a good night’s sleep.” < Previous Next >

Mpumzi Swana Next Previous Mpumzi Swana is the chief operating officer at SAMAC Engineering Solutions Mpumzi Swana, the chief operating officer at SAMAC Engineering Solutions, was born in the Eastern Cape. The Swana family moved to KwaZulu-Natal when he was five years old and Mpumzi completed high school at George Campbell School of Technology. He commented, “I think that was quite an interesting space to be because that’s where my technical skills and acumen were built.” Following matric, as creating finished products from raw materials intrigued him, Mpumzi studied chemical engineering. Much his career has been centred on the development of new products. Mpumzi has completed a number of post graduate degrees. His highest qualification is a manufacturing focused MBA that he obtained from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) through the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing (TWIMS). His first job was at Toyota Manufacturing, where he worked in the paint plant for three years. Of this experience he says, “I had very good supervisors and managers who had quite sharp leadership acumen and I use a lot of the learnings that I gained from them in my leadership at our business.” PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SAMAC is focused on product development for the HVAC or refrigeration industry. The company’s technology is geared towards storing thermal energy during cheaper times of the day, which then can then be used more efficiently like during peak tariff times or during loadshedding so that businesses save money, reduce product spoilage, become more green and more environmentally responsible. “That is why I wake up every morning,” says Mpumzi. Mpumzi’s successes have been recognised on a number of occasions. These include being one of the top five youth innovators in Africa in the energy space, and as the most innovative youth business by SAB Kickstart. However, he says that his proudest moment is seeing the change in and the impact on the young employees who work at the company. “Some of them have started straight out of school, and some of them have only worked one year. To look at how they’ve grown in terms of their own profession and as people and to know that as a company we are contributing to the development of people that are going do great things in their own respective lives is a huge achievement.” Ensuring motivation within his team is important to Mpumzi. “Our philosophy is that you must be able to give someone a vision so that they are able to motivate themselves internally. For example, when we engage our engineers, we say to them that our company is probably one of the few companies where they have free rein to actually design and build products. This allows them to fully express themselves and develop their skills, which we find is a huge motivator.” The best advice that Mpumzi has received is: Don’t sweat the small things. “Focusing on the key things that will get you the most results is essential. Don’t be anxious and want to control everything. That really has come through in the way that we do business and engage with our customers. We focus on what their biggest problem is and how we can help to solve that problem. People see that you’re interested in the things that matter to them.” While KZN is a dynamic province, in the last couple of years it has met with a number of challenges. Covid really impacted on the business as some of the work that they were doing was in commercial buildings. When everyone was told to work at home, projects had to be terminated or put on hold. During the July riots their office and workshop was looted of all stock and completely destroyed. Mpumzi commented that as an entrepreneur there’s no going back and as such started rebuilding from scratch. A key component of this meant that the company engaged with their customers and stakeholders and shared with them their situation and plan to rebuild to be able to fulfil their obligations. “We found that they were very supportive and that different stakeholders came to the party. In fact, in the past two to three years our business has grown quite significantly financially and in new markets compared to the previous years where we even had investors. From the hardships that we came through we are much better off as a business and much better off as human beings.” BE THE BEST One of the people that has inspired Mpumzi in his life has been his grandfather who never left, Lusikisiki or the farm where the family came from. “In that space he always managed to thrive and to be the leader at whatever he was doing. He was in education, a principal, and one of the drivers for early childhood development. I want to build a business that will be the best at what is does and I want to be the best at serving our customers in that space.” In addition, says Mpumzi, he is driven by the belief that each generation has an opportunity to fulfil its own mission. That for me is a core belief that I don’t want to leave without actually fulfilling the mission that we’ve been sent to do it and our company won’t die without fulfilling the mission that it’s sent to do.” Mpumzi believes that KZN can be the platform to build a new industry. He believes that thermal storage technology has the ability to transform specific industries to make them greener and more profitable. In addition, the company really wants to create a platform where young innovators and entrepreneurs can develop their own products using their technology. Mpumzi explains that he lives by the motto: ‘I am the one that is needed for whatever it may be’. Whether it’s growing an industry or business, growing a family, being a great South Africa or being a great African, each of us can take agency and bring change wherever we may be.” Previous Next