I would start a business that would not only be profitable and sustainable but a business that will empower people < Back Portio Dlamini Managing Director of Emakheni Cleaning & Industrial Solutions Nkosithandile Portio Dlamini was born at Stoffelton, Impendle, which is a village located a 100km from Pietermaritzburg. Portio was raised by a single mother of three and spent most of her childhood at the farm with her grandparents while her mother was studying and teaching. After completing her primary school education, Portio went to the nearest boarding school, Pholela High School in Bulwer, where she completed her matric. Portio studied chemical process engineering at Mangosuthu and Durban University of Technology respectively and obtained a BTech in chemical engineering. She then worked for a few companies, for approximately 11 years, including Sappi and Sasol as a process technician, and later moved to Unilever to work as a chemical process engineer and a production unit manager. Making a difference During this time, she felt unsatisfied with the work that she was doing. “I felt that I should be in an environment where I was empowering or making a difference in people’s lives, rather than working mainly with processes and machinery,” commented Portio. “I started to have a desire to have a cleaning and hygiene business that would empower cleaners and general workers beyond the cleaning industry. While I was working as a unit manager, I began to start empowering them through speaking about their future and their potential. They all have something to contribute to their communities, more than cleaning, which is the steppingstone towards something better.” Portio experienced a lot of personal challenges as a female in a male dominated field. During her early career she struggled with issues such as low self-esteem and limiting beliefs. Portio reached a point when she felt that the career that she had chosen was wrong for her and she felt inadequate. At that time, she drew on the assistance of mentors and started overcoming these issues one by one. Consequently, said Portio, “I decided that rather than going up the corporate ladder, I would start a business that would not only be profitable and sustainable but a business that will empower people so that they do not spend the rest of their lives as cleaners.” Stepping out of my comfort zone Establishing her own business was not easy and Portio had to face a number of challenges as well as fears. “One of the major challenges that I faced was the lack of understanding and skills in how to run a business. I was from an environment where I was an employee and more technical. When you are starting out, you need to understand every department of your organisation – marketing, financial, HR etc.” “The second challenge was that I had a lot of fears – stepping out of my comfort zone to go into such a risky venture including leaving a secure job was one of them. But I was now choosing to step into something bigger than myself.” Emakheni Cleaning & Industrial Solutions is a Level 1, 100% female owned business that has now been trading for eight years. The company’s focus is on the industrial and commercial sectors providing contract cleaning, hygiene solutions and garden maintenance as well as specialised cleaning – high pressure and high-level cleaning – for factories. Understanding the issues Portio’s background in chemical process engineering ensures that she understands what is required from a compliance point of view from the manufacturing and commercial sector, which has strengthened the business’s position. “I understand the issues that are experienced in factories when it comes to poor service from contractors. We have made sure that we are aligned in terms of systems and that we are aligned with our clients in terms of making sure that we are ISO 9001 certified, meaning that we have quality and safety systems in place.” In addition, Emakheni’s employees are well trained and highly empowered. “We motivate them and make sure that they understand our clients and are able to deliver on a daily basis according to the plans of the client and the systems that are in place,” says Portio. Journey of entrepreneurship Portio reflected that her journey of entrepreneurship was inspired through the support of a number of people who have helped both herself and Emakheni to grow from strength to strength. “Without that support I would not have made it in business because it has been a very intense journey,” she commented. Portio has also participated in a number of entrepreneurship development programmes including Raizcorp, Sekela ESD, Business Accelerator programme, Cataler SA, and the SLG programme. Her desire is to grow Emakheni to a provincial and national level and to penetrate the manufacturing sector with other specialised services such as waste management and fuel and chemical transportation. She also wants to solve other industrial problems in the manufacturing industry. “Personally, I would love to get involved in empowerment programmes where I am in touch with initiatives that are empowering marginalised communities in terms of financial literacy, personal development and skills development. Anything and everything that would elevate their lives from one level to the next.” Portio explains that she achieves work life balance by planning. “It’s not an easy thing to do especially for us as women because we play a number of roles in our families and communities. I make sure that I plan my day and my week and that everything is done accordingly. I have also learnt to train my staff and to delegate so that I am able to get time to myself, to do the things that I love and to spend time with the people that motivate and empower me.” In conclusion Portio said, “My advice to other women is to discover who you are as a person. Discover your passions, your abilities and your strengths and start working on your own growth or your own career based on them.”

Change starts with me owning up to my purposeMalebo Mohale < Back Malebo Mohale Industrial Engineering Manager Conlog SA Malebo Mohale is currently employed at Conlog SA, as an industrial engineering manager. Her leadership responsibility is aimed at improving business and process excellence. Malebo grew up in Limpopo and first studied at Nelson Mandela University. She joined a graduate programme straight after completing her degree to work at Toyota in Durban. “I’ve been here since 2010, so I’m officially a ‘KZNarain’,” Malebo says with a laugh. Malebo currently holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering (DUT), Specialist Project Management (DUT), and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (2KO International). “Specialising in Lean Six Sigma principles, cost reduction, people development, change management amongst many other strategical objectives, I have found my passion for people empowerment and business growth,” says Malebo. She is now studying towards a Master of International Management, specialising in Big Data with IU Studies through a German Scholarship, and looking forward to completing her Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with Novel Idea. “It’s all about data and solving problems. The problems can have a personal or business perspective or be economic issues that we have to deal with. I think a combination of my studies helps in understanding the broader perspective of what we need to address as a country,” explained Malebo. Her over 13 years of professional experience have been acquired while working at AIDC, Toyota SA and Beier Group, where she has grown her skills and corporate experience. “In my spare time, I focus my energy in developing young women, unemployed youth, divorced women, women undergoing challenges amongst other volunteering roles I have taken in various projects. Through these engagements I learnt to share knowledge, coach, and mentor different groups to help people deal with their challenges and unleash their potential,” said Malebo. She also supports school pupils with stationery, uniform, fees, and toiletries. Point of reference Malebo says that she learnt her passion for people development from her late mom, who was her role model and point of reference. She explained, ‘I looked up to my mum a lot. She was an entrepreneur, and I learned a lot from her.” in order to process her experience of losing her mother, Malebo is writing a book on grief, called Grief Unfiltered. She explained, “It’s grief, unfiltered. It’s basically my experience about the loss of my mother. I developed a lot of confidence from watching her do things, she was a community leader. She also was an employer and also helped a lot of women to start up their own business.” Her mother’s leadership approach still resonates with Malebo and through the engagements she had with her, she always desired to grow the vision and that is how Lebhenny Focal Point NPC was established. Lebhenny Focal Point helps people to track, very closely, their interests, passions, and abilities. The objective is to assist women, the youth, and any person that comes through their organisational path to focus on identifying that critical point in life where purpose becomes clear and alignment with self takes place. “We believe that when people are aligned to their purpose, they become more effective, happier and are less discouraged by the incidents of life,” said Malebo. “The reality is that people become easily overwhelmed by challenges of life, and we offer support to help alleviate stress, anxiety and depression through meaningful programmes that are relaxing, educational and empowering,” she further explained. Malebo has encountered some challenges in establishing Lebhenny Focal Point NPC and she says that as a startup, having capital to run their day-to-day business and staying afloat in terms of making profits is difficult. “Sometimes you make a loss, and you just keep on going. These are challenges that I can say really shook me. Keeping the business to stay focused requires perseverance.” Personal achievements One of Malebo’s personal achievements, was to start building her helper a house and this she says has been one of the most challenging yet fulfilling projects to start. The project began in August 2023 and will be completed by 2024. “I believe that my journey as an individual resonates with many young African women or girls. When I won the KZN Gender Mainstreaming Awards in July 2023, I became more aware of the unexplored wealth of opportunities in that I could share my experience with other women and inspire them to follow their dreams.” Malebo was also recognised as a Top 6 Finalist - Positive Role Model Southern Africa and as a Young Positive Role Model at the Gender Mainstreaming Awards Africa region on 5 October 2023. To young women, Malebo would say, “If you have confidence, you are able to face anything, it does not matter if you make mistakes along the way. You have to believe in yourself and find that thing that ticks for you and work on that. Because when you do something that you are passionate about, you will excel. You will succeed because it drives you from your inner self.” To relax, Malebo enjoys running and exercising. She adds, “I enjoy going to the beach, water helps me recoup. I love the sound of waves and stepping on the sand.” Influencing decisions Malebo says that she is thrilled to be part of the KZN Top Business Women 2023 nominees. “The opportunity and exposure have been remarkable as it has inspired me, challenged me, and more so boosted my confidence in ensuring that I keep going. I am grateful for the opportunity and for the experience. It makes a difference, not only to me but to every community member who will one day have a conversation with me as I believe that change happens when ideas are exchanged.” In closing, says Malebo, “Change starts with me owning up to my purpose, working towards influencing decisions that promote people empowerment, especially women and through fostering a culture of financial and economic stability within our communities.”

Editor's NOTES The KZN Top Business Women 2024 Collection, now in its fifth year, continues to grow, drawing more interest and participation. Each woman is professionally photographed and featured in a video interview, which informs the articles in this publication. Full interviews can be found on the KZN Top Business YouTube channel. READ MORE KZN Top Business Women 2024 Amanda Swana You nurture those relationships that are valuable to you, and you draw strength from them Managing Director and Founder, Powerpoint Lifestyle Read More Azande Ndebele I believe in working together to go far Founder, Shlobo Designs Read More Kim Woods Watching her team members grow and succeed is another source of immense pride Co-owner, Tyson Properties Read More Michelle Bradfield If there’s a problem, there is always a solution Owner and Director, Design Origin and Eventtiming Read More Dr Nokuthula Shah Most importantly, have passion for what you do. If you lose sight of that, you lose sight of yourself Dr Nokuthula Buthelezi, Lacee’s Special School Read More Ana Roberts Even if we only improve once a week, by the end of the year, we’ve made significant progress Owns and Manages Just Property Read More Annelene Govender I know where my blessings come from, and that motivates me to give without expecting anything in return Owner, SA Water Products Read More Ashika Dorasamy If you take care of the cents, the rands will take care of you Manager, Maidstone Service Station Read More Beverley Murray I love my clients, I just love to know that they feel at home, and that’s my main priority Owner, Bev’s Beauty and Wellness Read More Brenda Ndlovu I don’t see business highs and lows as different. When things dip, it’s just a sign that we need to adapt Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Imbokodo Electrical Construction Read More Carmen Reddy It’s tough at times. It’s hard being a woman, but you were chosen as a woman for a reason. I believe that women have a unique magic, a unique quality that sets them apart Co-host East Coast Breakfast, East Coast Radio Read More Carol McDonald Some things can be sacrificed for a season, but others, if neglected, are gone Partner, Cox Yeats Attorneys Read More Farah Goolam I sustain myself with smaller dreams that are easier to achieve, and in catching these smaller dreams, I find better fulfilment Investment Marketing, Invest Durban Read More Hantie Plomp Once you have done your due diligence, believe in yourself. Do not consent to limiting views or self-entitlement attitudes and give your chosen goal your full commitment Founder and Managing Director, Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions Read More Hlengiwe Koza Don’t limit yourself or your thinking. Often, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders and forget to prioritise ourselves Chief Operations Officer, Total Serve Facilities Management Read More Inanda Bezuidenhout I want to show them that no matter where they come from, there are opportunities out there. Mentorship can truly shape lives Franchise Principal, Consult by Momentum Peak Sure Read More Iris Naidoo I live by the principle of doing good, even when no one is watching Partnership Manager, Do More Foundation Read More Janine De Jesus Don’t put your makeup on and be someone you’re not. Be you, even if it is crazy and outgoing – I think that’s cool Co-Founder, Lance Klusener Exclusives and Friends Read More Jessica Govender Keep pushing, no matter what. Even if the world gives up on you, don’t ever give up on yourself Owner, 3@1 Business Centre Richards Bay Read More Karen Howard When you’re put in a really difficult position, you have two choices: sink or swim Founder, ASI KZN Read More Lynette Pretorius My dream is to see a more equitable world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to achieve their dreams Owner, Austral Accounting Read More Madeleine Pretorius Don’t try to live someone else’s dream; let your dream shape who you become so you can be the person who achieves it Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Skills4Africa Training Industries Read More Mandisa Pepeta Competence brings confidence, the more you know, the more confident you become in your work Founder, Qhakaza Africa Consulting Read More Michelle Isaac I always remind myself not to get stuck in a comfort zone. Comfort kills growth, so I’m always pushing myself and my team to do better Founder and Director, MGM HR Services Read More Monica Van der Berg I’ve learned how to market, and it has really impacted my business Founder, Mons Accounting and Business Consulting Read More Nadeera Ramharakh Don’t be afraid to start over Founder and Director, Pinetown Diff and Gearbox Read More Noeleen Naidoo Business is like riding a wave — you have ups and downs. The key is to stay resilient, adapt, and keep moving forward. It takes a thick skin and innovative thinking, but there’s always a way through Principal and Owner, Ingwe Property Group Read More Nonhlanhla Makhubalo Follow your passion. It’s okay not to have everything figured out from the start Founder, Diverse Intellectual SA (DISA) Read More Nontokozo Londiwe Dludla Finish what you start with pride and integrity Founder and Director, Mcebowethu Projects Read More Pria Hassan 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 Founder and Group Executive Chairperson, Women of Africa Read More Raksha Laghari The people who stand forward in this race are the ones who understand that one failure is just a stepping stone to another success Director, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer, AML Group Read More Rashmee Ramdeen There’s always someone out there who can connect with what you have to offer. The world is so big, and there’s a slice for everybody Chief Executive Officer, Zilon Bulk Bags Read More Sasha Pather If you know your worth, you won’t need external validation or seek it in the wrong places. As long as you’re following your purpose and doing what makes you happy, that’s what truly matters Founder, Sasha Talia Counselling Read More Shannice Mahadeo It’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and genuinely wanting to make a difference Group Pharmacy Manager, Pharmaclin Group of Pharmacies Read More Sorisha Naidoo The essence of being a woman is humility and kindness, and if you can spread that in the world, we’d have fewer problems than we do have right now Owner, Umhlanga Laser and Aesthetic Spa Read More Sugeshnee Naidoo Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid of hard work or taking risks Managing Director, Enermous Foam Tapes and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Read More Thabisile Madondo Start wherever you are, with whatever you have. Find a mentor or a coach, and don’t be afraid to rewrite your story Owner and Founder, Tabby M. Wellness Boutique Read More Thirusha Govender No matter the adversity, there’s always something to smile about. It’s essential to focus on the positives Chief Executive Officer, ControlPro Read More Virosha Pillay We need fresh perspectives, and young people bring that. They need to know that their ideas are valuable, and they can have influence Director, Avvo Labels Read More Yugashani Pragasan I think my experiences allow me to empathise better with diverse situations Founder, Minimorphosis Read More

There are no templates in this business, you find your own way with your own brandCarol Ofori < Back Carol Ofori Media Personality, podcaster, author, co-founder of www.ratingsforschools Carol Ofori’s easily recognisable voice resonates with warmth and influence. Whether on her daily show on East Coast Radio, her talk show for first time parents, Raising Babies on SABC 2, or the thought-provoking discussions on her Carol Ofori Podcast, Carol has made an impact on the African media landscape. “ “I’ve won the International Sovas (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) Award for my voice work, which is literally the Oscars of the voice world,” says Carol. Her latest media adventure is playing a lead character in a Disney+ series called Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a beautiful African animated show available on Disney+ streaming worldwide. Unsurprisingly for Carol, her role showcases that girls can do anything they set their mind to – she plays Mkhuzi, a racing car driver. “It’s still wild to think that I’m a Disney character,” she says. Beyond broadcasting, Carol is a published author having written a series of six children’s books called “The African Adventures of Sena and Katlego” that have garnered international attention and available at all leading book shops and online. She is also an acclaimed master of ceremonies and recently ventured into comedy. “I think I’m an all-round cool chick. I’ve done so many incredible things that I think I don’t celebrate enough!” she commented with a smile. A pan-African narrative Married to an incredible Ghanaian man, Carol’s family is a beautiful blend of South African and Ghanaian cultures. “I wanted books that would depict Africa for my kids, and they just didn’t exist. So, I decided I was going to write them.” The African Adventures of Sena and his magical teddy bear Katlego are a six-book series that takes readers across Ghana, South Africa, Chad, Eswatini, Egypt, and Uganda. This pan-African union underscored the importance of providing their children with stories that span the continent. “I dreamed of something for my kids, and now these books are all over the world. And I’m proud. And like wow, is this really you?” After completing a BA in journalism, Carol began her career as an intern reporter at 947 and Talk Radio 702, focusing on news and then moving into magazine journalism. Carol also holds a Honours degree from VEGA university majoring in Brand Management and her journey in the media showcases her adaptability and commitment. “There are no templates in this business. You know, we’re freelancers – you find your own way with your own brand at your own time. I’m inspired by just wanting to succeed,” she reflects. Carol’s entrepreneurial spirit led to her co-founding an education information portal for parents with her husband. Their aim was to revolutionise the interaction between schools and parents and address a tangible need. www.RatingsForSchools.co.za helps one locate a school based on your budget, curriculum, special needs and more. “We had just moved to a new city and we needed a portal to find schools and it didn’t exist. So, we created it - www.ratingsforschools.co.za ,” Carol states, emphasizing her ability to identify gaps in the market and create innovative solutions. “I definitely see ratingsforschools.co.za being a household name, it’s got such an exciting future. I cannot wait for where it’s going. And it’s something that we are both so proud of.” Navigating challenges Reflecting on her childhood, Carol commented that attending St Catherine’s convent, an hour and a half away from her home in Soweto, meant long days. This was a challenge as she and her sister would get home late when most of the kids living nearby were forming friendships in the afternoons, and doing homework we would have to find the strength after the long bus trip home to do homework. And her parents weren’t always able to support her at school events and sports days. “I’m running, and I’m coming first, and I look into the crowd, and my parents are not there because they can’t get off work,” she recalls. As she puts it, “Challenges must never be the obstacle. They are the road and the path to greatness. I think that’s what propelled me to always want to work harder.” Carol’s work ethic and goal orientation was shaped by her mother’s relentless efforts to provide the best for their family. “I’ve done all these wonderful things. But I don’t come from a rich background. My mom worked very hard to put us through school. Much as I love my dad, I have to really give the credit where the credit is due and it, you know, it was my mom’s doing,” Carol shares candidly. Focused vision In giving advice, Carol is adamant you need a clear vision for the future. “I see a great future for ratingsforschools.co.za . I see a great future for me in the broadcasting and media space, and I see more books. “The most important advice I can give you is to always know your picture of where you’re going. Sometimes you’ll share your story with people who won’t see your vision. Take the advice, take the feedback, take the criticism, but don’t let it cloud your vision.” “Remember what you want and stay focused on where you are going,” she advises. “If I had listened to people telling me not to dream of publishing six books, these books would never have happened.” Carol has two small children so finding time to relax is rare. However, she does enjoy being pampered and loves eating out and trying different foods. I like nice things – shopping – I’m a typical girl. I’ll relax in all those spaces I’ve just mentioned – and enjoy a glass of red wine!” “Being part of KZN Top Business Women is important as the platform highlights women doing amazing things,” says Carol. “I think we get so clogged up in our roles and it is important other women get to see us celebrated as it encourages them to keep surging forward. Seeing different women from different walks of life, religions and schools of thought – encourages other women to take up the baton and run in their lane in their journey of life”.