< Back Veetha Sewkuran President of the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society Veetha Sewkuran, president of the KwaZulu Natal Blind and Deaf Society, has always been driven by transformation. Her greatest dream has been to see the Society grow into a fully inclusive, self-sustaining centre of empowerment. Veetha expanded, “A place where blind and deaf individuals are not just supported, but educated, trained, and employed, allowing them to live independent and dignified lives.” Under her guidance, this vision is steadily becoming a reality. Veetha, although she holds the post of president as an unpaid volunteer, has revitalised the century-old organisation, guiding it from turbulence to renewed purpose and stability. Her inspiration, she explains, has come from the people she serves. “My inspiration has always come from the blind and deaf individuals whose courage, resilience, and determination remind me every day why I do this work,” she shares warmly. “It also comes from my colleagues and volunteers at the Society, who give selflessly to uplift others. My inspiration, in essence, comes from seeing lives change, from turning challenges into possibilities, and from the belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves to take their rightful place in society.” GUIDING WITH PURPOSE AND PERSEVERANCE When Veetha assumed leadership of the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, she inherited an organisation facing immense challenges. “I walked into a time of deep crisis,” she recalls. “A forensic audit revealed significant financial irregularities, which led to criminal and civil proceedings as well as a Labour Court case. It was one of the most testing periods of my professional life.” At the time, the Society was struggling to maintain public trust, donor support, and staff morale. Yet Veetha remained steadfast. “Whilst dealing with the legal and structural issues, I had to ensure that essential services to the blind and deaf community continued uninterrupted,” she explains. “That meant protecting jobs, managing limited funds, and restoring confidence among stakeholders." Her approach was rooted in transparency, ethical leadership, and teamwork. “In an NGO, you have to work together with your colleagues, staff, and volunteers,” she reflects. “To be inspired, one has to inspire. Your staff and volunteers must feel motivated to work with passion and pride. Only then can you create a supportive and unified environment.” Through clear communication and unwavering resolve, Veetha led the organisation out of turmoil. “These experiences tested every facet of my leadership,” she admits. “But they also defined it. I learned that true leadership is not about comfort or convenience, but about standing firm in adversity, making courageous decisions, and leading with integrity even when the odds are against you.” Her efforts bore fruit. The Society regained its footing and began to flourish once more. Under her leadership, it has launched accredited skills development programmes, including SETA-accredited computer literacy and sewing courses for blind and deaf youth. “Seeing our youth gain confidence through training and find work is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “It proves that ability is not limited by disability.” Beyond education, the Society has introduced life skills training, such as culinary programmes for the blind, and expanded its Adult Literacy and Training Centre. Veetha’s focus on partnership has also been instrumental in growth. “We have built strong collaborations with corporate sponsors, government departments, and community networks,” she explains. “Together, we are creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen our collective mission.” Flagship events like the Eye Can Walk, Talk Sign, and Blind Navigator Rally have helped the Society raise vital funds. “These initiatives do more than sustain the organisation financially,” says Veetha. “They bring people together. They remind society that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.” A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE For Veetha, success is measured not only in programmes but in people. “My greatest achievement lies in witnessing transformation,” she says with conviction. “It is in seeing a once timid learner become a confident graduate or a once dependent adult now employed and thriving. Those moments show the true impact of compassion and service." Her leadership philosophy rests on three core values: choice, chance, and change. “I always tell young women to believe in themselves even when others do not,” she says. “Educate yourself, because education is your key to the world. Serve with purpose and remain resilient. I live by the three Cs: you have to make a choice, to take a chance, to make a change.” Her words carry weight, not just as advice but as a reflection of her own journey. Leading as a woman in a male-dominated environment came with its own set of challenges. “There were moments when my decisions and authority were questioned,” she recalls. “But I refused to be discouraged. I knew why I was here and who I was serving.”Through persistence and unwavering faith, Veetha has cultivated a culture of compassion, teamwork, and excellence at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society. “We have built an organisation where every person, whether blind, deaf, or sighted, feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference,” she says. Finding balance amidst her demanding role has been essential to sustaining her energy and focus. “Leading the Society is deeply rewarding but also demanding,” she reflects. “I make a conscious effort to balance service with self-care. My strength comes from faith, family, and gratitude. I take time to pause, reflect, and stay grounded. Sometimes that means quiet prayer, sometimes time with loved ones. These moments keep me centred and remind me why I do what I do.” For Veetha, true balance is also about being fully present in each moment: “Giving my best to my work, my family, and myself.” THE ROAD AHEAD As she looks to the future, Veetha remains steadfast in her mission to expand the Society’s reach and impact. “We are building a Society where no one is left behind,” she says proudly. “Where blind and deaf individuals are recognised for their potential. Every challenge,” she says, “is an opportunity to make a difference. And when you serve with heart, the difference you make can last a lifetime." Previous Next

Maharaj reflected, "Going back to our African roots, it is perhaps opportune that we begin to explore the concept and possibilities of the collaborative economy or sometimes called the sharing economy. We cannot continue to condone an environment where we have islands of prosperity in a sea of poverty, unemployment and inequality." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Prasheen Maharaj Maharaj reflected, "Going back to our African roots, it is perhaps opportune that we begin to explore the concept and possibilities of the collaborative economy or sometimes called the sharing economy. We cannot continue to condone an environment where we have islands of prosperity in a sea of poverty, unemployment and inequality." Contributing to the greater good of society PRASHEEN MAHARAJ, CEO of the South African Shipyards, career is driven by the African philosophy of "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together". He added that this saying could not be more relevant today than in South Africa. "When I was in business school, I met the Father of Black Economic Empowerment, Dr Don Mkhwanazi, who then shaped my life from a business, political and personal perspective. Ndonga left me with the task of applying knowledge, networking and entrepreneurship skills to address the issues of inequality, poverty and unemployment. As a result, I sit as a council member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a member of the board of directors of EThekwini Maritime Cluster and a member of the shipbuilding committee of the Aerospace Marine Defence Industry Body. Through these platforms our task is to fast track the transformation that this country so desperately requires." Another early influencer was investor and financial journalist, Richard Cluver, whose articles and books he read religiously from the age of 11. In his teenage years and young adult life his uncle, Vishnu Sharma, a property mogul, taught him about entrepreneurship and business moral ethics. "I also learnt to be a principled business leader. The Prasheen you meet today will be the same Prasheen you will meet next month. I have a moral code or a set of guiding principles by which I make leadership decisions, which leads to consistency in decision making - leading to less volatility and thus more trust with stakeholders." "Shipbuilding and ship repair are by their nature social enterprises. It's very labour intensive and supports a large supply chain made up primarily of SMMEs. As a conscious capitalist and a socialist at heart, this is the main appeal of the marine engineering industry. The ability to run a business for profit whilst contributing to the greater good of society is a common theme in my business and personal endeavours." Maharaj reflected, "Going back to our African roots, it is perhaps opportune that we begin to explore the concept and possibilities of the collaborative economy or sometimes called the sharing economy. We cannot continue to condone an environment where we have islands of prosperity in a sea of poverty, unemployment and inequality." Co-operation and collaboration must be driven by technology. Therefore, SAS is slowly evolving into a technology organisation, thus creating a space for Black owned SMMEs to participate in the more labour intensive parts of the shipbuilding and ship repair value chain. Marine engineering in South Africa needs to enter the 4th Industrial Revolution. Maharaj says that he is a great fan of long-term financial sustainability versus short term profit maximisation. This outlook has been influenced by great investors like Warren Buffet and Allan Gray. Creating long term predictable, consistent and solid growth is far more respected in the business environment than profits and performance that swing between the extremes. "What this means for shipbuilding and the ship repair is that we need to secure long-term order books for shipbuilding and enter into long term maintenance contracts with our ship repair clients. We also need to look at exporting our services as a technology organisation to the rest of the continent, thus creating a diversified revenue stream beyond manufacturing." This approach requires that the shipbuilding/ship repair industry become more customer centric, project performance orientated, and technology driven. A fundamental shift from the current mindset of the industry that is inward looking is required." Spending quality family time with my better half Marcina and my children Milahn and Mekhai is my escape from the realities of the harsh business environment we operate in. They are not only my pillars of strength but my moral compass by which I execute my day to day business functions.

Prof Singh has served on several national and international committees related to his areas of interest in education. He has presented at many conferences and his research has been published in journals both locally and internationally Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Prof Anesh Maniraj Singh Prof Singh has served on several national and international committees related to his areas of interest in education. He has presented at many conferences and his research has been published in journals both locally and internationally I don't talk about it - I just do it PROF ANESH MANIRAJ SINGH has a long history as an academic, having obtained BA, MBA and DBA degrees from the University of Durban-Westville. Since 1999, he has been in the employ of the university; a period of 20 years. In that time, he has worked his way up the ladder from a temporary lecturer through several academic roles and leadership positions at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). These are interim head of Information Systems and Technology, Deans Assistant - Research, Head of the Graduate School of Business, and dean and head of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance. One of the highlights of his career was leading the Graduate School of Business to be recognised as the Top Brand in KwaZulu-Natal in 2011. In addition, he has served as an executive member of the IT Standards Generating Body of SA and served on the Education Portfolio of the Computer Society of South Africa - KZN Chapter. He was also the national vice president of marketing of the Computer Society of South Africa in 2005 and 2006. Prof Singh has served on several national and international committees related to his areas of interest in education. He has presented at many conferences and his research has been published in journals both locally and internationally. When the position of executive director of the UKZN Foundation became vacant, he was asked to take on the role. This was a position of responsibility that Prof Singh was happy to accept, and he was appointed as the executive director of the Foundation in 2016. He commented, "I felt that I would be able to do a lot more for the university than from a position of a single school but rather from one that looks at the total university and finding solutions for all the students." The UKZN Foundation is the official fundraising arm of the institution. "The primary function of the Foundation is to provide a professional fund-raising service that benefits all stakeholders, including students, academics, society and the various strategic projects of UKZN," said Prof Singh. "I work with a team of eleven people who are every dedicated to ensuring that we raise funding for the university and its initiatives." The funding is directed towards teaching and learning support, research support, community engagement, and most importantly student funding, which includes bursaries, disability support and food security. "I believe I am successful because I am now at a point in my life where I can give back, I am successful because I can make a difference in other people's lives." Of importance is that the UKZN Foundation strives to cultivate a strong relationship with donors, which typically consists of trusts, foundations, businesses, high net worth individuals, alumni and the general public. Said Prof Singh, "Maintaining these relationships is essential to driving the UKZN Foundation's fundraising programme." He said further, "It does not matter, the size of the donation ? big or small, we appreciate all our donors equally." Prof Singh said that his late father made a strong impression on his life by two maxims: "be true to yourself" and "hard work does not kill you". These are maxims which he puts into practice daily. He says that his role is about building relationships as these firstly open doors, afterwards you need to get to know people and earn their trust, donations follow thereafter. "I try to maximise my time and it is very important that I spend more than 50% of this out of the office. Donors are not sitting at the university, they are out in industry and I have to be where they are. UKZN needs the support of the business community to engage more effectively and to invest in the city, the province of KZN and ultimately the country." He concluded, "My motto is very similar to Nike but is quite different: I don't talk about it - I just do it."

< Back Partner Engagement Services Free consultancy 30 minutes Book Now About Interacting with your brand with KZN Top Business. Actively participating in our partner programs. Marketing and selling your products/services. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45DMH4Kvbds Previous Next

Lindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teamsLindiwe RakharebeLindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teamsLINDIWE RAKHAREBE, the CEO of the Durban ICC, is affectionately known as the "mother of the house" by her team. Lindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teams. She has served in a management capacity for all four of South Africa's major banking institutions. Consequently, the forward momentum of the Durban ICC has been propelled by Lindiwe's strong background in corporate management as well as her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu- Natal economy. Lindiwe said, "I am driven to achieve excellence in every way in my duty and delegation." Since its foundation, the Durban ICC has made an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies. During the past financial year, R6.3-billion was added to South Africa's GDP and no less than 14 000 jobs were created and sustained as a result of the Durban ICC's activities. A Concerted Effort Lindiwe said, "I believe our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between the Board, our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This effort coupled with our balanced strategy and diligent management at all levels of the organisation all help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC." Lindiwe strongly believes that the Durban ICC has an important role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth for eThekwini, especially in the area of job creation. "For every individual attending a conference or exhibition at the Durban ICC, either as an exhibitor, delegate or visitor, there are positive economic spin-offs for local businesses. I would like to see continued meaningful enterprise development for SMMEs taking place at a grass-roots level." Under her leadership the Durban ICC has won several awards including the World Travel Awards as Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and a KZN Premier's Service Excellence Award in 2018. The Durban ICC is ranked in the top 1% of all convention centres globally and is the only convention centre on the African continent to make that list. Exceed our clients' expectations She says, "Whilst we celebrate all the good strides we have made in business, we must be mindful that there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The most important thing in remaining Africa's leading conference centre is that we exceed our clients' expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host. We need to make sure that when we open the doors to our customers that they experience the warmth and the great service that we have at the Durban ICC." Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Lindiwe's daily activities. "I believe I have an ability to bring the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My staff tells me that I lead with love and respect, which motivates them to give their best effort and this ultimately benefits the organisation," said Lindiwe. A woman influences everything she touches As a staunch advocate of gender-equality and women empowerment, Lindiwe has made a personal and professional pledge to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Her passion for women's empowerment issues has resulted in her serving on the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Network on Violence Against Women.. In addition, Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the often male-dominated world of business. She commented, "As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural life-giver and whatever you give life to will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it's leading a company or propelling a cause. I believe a woman influences everything she touches." Companies must put strategies and action plans that are measurable and sustainable in place to advance women. Only when people are held accountable to these plans will their full impact truly be felt," she said. Serve a higher purpose Lindiwe is a self-confessed perpetual learner who places a high value on education and imparting knowledge in order to uplift the lives of others. "We are born with different skills-sets and have been put on earth to serve a higher purpose in life. The extent to which your unique skills are used to uplift others is the extent to which your fulfilment will be found," she said. "Treat others the way you would like to be treated. As a champion of equality, I have a vision for a world in which all human beings are comfortable with cultural diversity and where uncompromising respect exists for one another. It all starts with teachings at home." The mother of four and grandmother of two, says nothing supersedes the value of being a mother and the importance of belonging to a family. Lindiwe places a premium on the importance of work-life balance. Lindiwe said in the quest for success, it was important to respect yourself and have your feet firmly on the ground. "Humility is an important quality. Believe in yourself and love what you do. Be open to learning and make the best of opportunities that are available." Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

< Back Seshmi Holloway Managing Director at JRS Solutions Seshmi Holloway, the managing director of JRS Solutions leads a company that specialises in electronic security solutions, offering services in access control, CCTV, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and port automation. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, JRS Solutions has become a prominent player, representing an internationally recognised company at the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth. “Our port automation solutions focus on access control for trucks entering the terminals,” says Seshmi. “We maintain and support the automation systems that regulate these entries.” Seshmi’s journey into the world of electronic security wasn’t one she had initially envisioned. As a mother of three, she started her entrepreneurial journey by selling stationery, seeking flexibility to balance family life. “The business grew beyond my expertise, and so I joined forces with my husband, who is an electronics engineer,” she recalls. “Together, we decided to expand the business and market it. I had to quickly adapt, learning a lot about electronics, CCTV, surveillance, and access control. Entering a male-dominated industry was daunting, but perseverance helped me thrive.” Seshmi’s determination led her to navigate the complexities of the ICT industry, where she attended site meetings and learned technical aspects of the business. “It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve always believed that if you work hard enough and stay focused, you can overcome challenges,” she adds. A VISION FOR IMPACT Building a business that leaves a lasting impact has always been Seshmi’s goal. The name of her company, JRS Solutions, carries deep personal significance, as it is an acronym for her three children: Joshua, Rebecca, and Samuel. “The business is a legacy for them,” she explains. “I want it to make a significant impact not only in the economy but also in the lives of people. It’s not just about creating jobs, but about empowering people." Samuel, Shesmi’s son, who recently completed a computer science degree, has joined the business, bringing innovation and fresh perspectives. “He’s helping us expand and stretch our thinking, which is exciting,” Sheshmi says with pride. “It’s great to see the next generation involved and contributing to the company’s growth.” In addition to running JRS Solutions, Seshmi is passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs. She has been a part of several enterprise development programmes, including those focused on supply chain development and quality management. “I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding mentors who have helped me grow as both a person and a business leader,” Holloway shares. “These experiences have shaped me and have taken the business to the next level.” GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS JRS Solutions has grown into a recognised player in the electronic security industry. “Two years ago, we moved from being a small and medium enterprise to a qualifying small enterprise. We are on a trajectory to grow even further, and this year, we’ve been able to maintain our ISO 9001 certification for the past ten years.” Under Seshmi’s leadership, JRS Solutions has been featured in various industry publications and recognised for its outstanding achievements. Another achievement was the company’s successful exit from an investment programme with Edge Growth through Engen where they paid off their loan and witnessed the fruits of the investment. In addition to this, JRS Solutions was recognised as the Best IT Solutions Company by the Durban University of Technology’s Centre for Software Engineering (DUT CSE). Seshmi also mentors entrepreneurs at DUT’s incubation programme, imparting her knowledge on quality management systems and financial management. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to teach others and share what I’ve learned over the years,” she says. THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE However, Seshmi acknowledges the challenges that have come with running a business. One of the biggest hurdles she faced was attracting investment and loans, especially when working capital was tight. “But over time, we built the business to a point where we could attract the necessary capital, and compliance played a key role in this. You need to be disciplined about things like VAT, taxes, and ensuring that your financial systems are in order,” she stresses. “Without financial discipline, it’s impossible to grow a business. And that was one of our greatest achievements; becoming a compliant company.” As a result, JRS Solutions was supported through grants from Invcuvest for the past five years. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be we are today,” added Seshmi. Personal challenges also presented themselves along the way. Seshmi speaks candidly about battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome. “I’ve struggled with fear of failure and not knowing enough, but what keeps me going is knowing that failure isn’t the end,” she reflects. “It’s a stepping stone. Every failure teaches you something.” Looking ahead, Seshmi is focused on expanding JRS Solutions beyond South Africa and into Africa. “The goal is to become a hub for Africa, manufacturing export-ready products and making a global impact,” she explains. “We’re already representing an international company in Europe, and now we want to take it further.” When asked about advice for young entrepreneurs, Seshmi is clear: “Don’t let fear silence your purpose. Don’t let insecurities or doubts stop you from pursuing your passion. Find what you love and do it to the best of your ability. And never give up. We all can bounce back from failure.” As for balancing work, family, and personal life, Seshmi admits it’s a constant juggling act. “Life is hectic. I have children, a business, and I’m involved in various community and church activities. But finding time for reflection and prioritising self-care is essential,” she says. “For young mothers, I’d advise you to take the time to attend those school events, spend time with your children, and enjoy those precious moments. Time flies, and you don’t want to miss them.” Seshmi believes that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique and should be celebrated. “In a world where social media often pressures us to conform to a certain image, it’s important to embrace our authenticity,” she concludes. “We are all making a difference in our own way." Previous Next

< Back Revona Govender Director at LexisNexis South Africa Revona Naidoo, director at LexisNexis South Africa, non-executive director at Reed Exhibitions and head of Sales Tools and Governance for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, is a woman who has carved her path with grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in possibility. Her journey to leadership has been anything but conventional. “There were lots of ups and downs,” she reflects. “But persistency and perseverance drove me to success.” She began her career as a payroll consultant, but her compass was always set toward something greater. Guided by the mantra: ‘Courageous curiosity and performance with purpose’, Revona rose from entry-level to the boardroom. “My goal in life, was always to one day be in a boardroom to promote inclusivity and diversity,” she says. At LexisNexis, Revona found more than a workplace – she found a mission. “We are a leading provider of legal and regulatory content and technology solutions, committed to advancing the rule of law across the African continent. As part of the global RELX Group LexisNexis empowers professionals through trusted information and intelligent platforms,” she explains. But for her, it’s about impact. “I wake up knowing I get to make a difference in someone’s life.” LEADING WITH COURAGE, PURPOSE, AND HEART Her leadership goes beyond transformation, it’s about purpose. I am deeply committed to driving change, not just in communities around me but for everyone who believes in the power of possibility. For me it’s about creating spaces where people can rise, business thrive and South Africa can grow into her full potential. One of her proudest achievements is the creation of an employee share trust. “My goal was equality,” she says. “To ensure every individual, regardless of demographic, qualifies for equal opportunity. And we’ve done that.” Revona’s path wasn’t without resistance. “Not everyone is a supporter of you,” she admits. “You’re spoken over, your voice at the table is frowned upon.” Her response? Stay engaged. She immersed herself in different areas of the business, learning how processes affect customers. “Our customers sit close to my heart. Keeping them at the centre of everything we do strengthens not just a business however but leadership.” Rejection and self-doubt were frequent companions. “I was turned down many times for opportunities,” she recalls. “You’ve got to prove yourself again and again, which breaks you as a person.” Revona added, “However, driving results speaks for itself, and eventually all your hard work is seen and heard.” Significantly, she didn’t give up. “You persevere. You speak up. You disrupt – professionally, respectfully – even when it’s not welcomed. But it’s heard. Once I got the opportunity, the sky was the limit.” Her resilience paid off. Tasked with leading a sales team despite her human resources background, she transformed a retention-focused business. “It was daunting,” she says. “But I introduced a new sales element using existing resources. In addition, I redesigned the Customer Success operating model to support sales and together that delivered high performance growth.” BELIEVE IN YOUR WORTH Mentorship and support networks are central to Revona’s success. “Mentors are important, but so are supporters who grow with you and cheer you on,” she says. “Support structures are just as vital as someone creating an opportunity for you.” Her daughter is now her guiding light. “She’s taught me patience and empathy,” Revona says. “I want to pave the way for her to aspire to greatness without limitations.” Her advice to young women is to be bold and use your voice: “Take risks early. Be visible. Speak from your heart. Believe in your worth, even when others don’t see it. Lead with integrity, listen deeply, and never underestimate the power of your voice. Challenges will shape you, not define you. Stay curious, stay kind, and always lift others as you rise. Your journey is yours – own it with courage, grace, and unwavering self-respect. Be a continuous learner” Revona urges women to take ownership. “Don’t wait for someone to create a role. Create it yourself. You might not have the title, the pay, or the reward. Create it, own it, run with it.” INTENTIONAL LIVING Looking ahead, “Revona is set on becoming a CEO. I know I have what it takes – tenacity, perseverance, an insatiable hunger to grow and help the youth of this country to find employment. I believe in lifelong learning; my learning index is my edge. To lead effectively, you must keep evolving, stay curious, and never stop investing in yourself.” On balance, Revona is intentional. “There’s no middle ground. Equilibrium comes from intentional living. Be present in the moment. Give 100% at work, 100% to your kids, and 100% to yourself – even if that means waking up at 4 a.m. Making time for yourself is essential.” Revona’s story is a beacon for women navigating their own paths. Her journey teaches us that leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact, courage, and authenticity. She reminds us that setbacks are setups for comebacks, and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. She encourages women to embrace their voices, even when they tremble. “Speak up, even if your voice shakes,” she says. “Your ideas matter. Your presence matters. You matter.” Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and empowerment. She believes in lifting others as she climbs, creating inclusive spaces where women feel seen, heard, and valued. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest,” she says. “It’s about listening deeply, understanding fully, and opening doors for others to rise.” Revona’s legacy is one of transformation – not just within her organisation, but within the hearts of those she inspires. She is proof that with courage, curiosity, and commitment, women can break barriers and build bridges. To every woman reading her story, Revona offers this: “You are enough. You are capable. You are powerful. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Step into your greatness and own your journey. Remember to be kind to yourself. You are the CEO of your own brand." Previous Next