KZN Top Brand | KZN Top Business KZN Top Business Awards 2026 Profy Countdown Timer Click on 'Add Countdown Timer' and choose a banner Vote For Your KZN Top Brand 2026 Please take a moment to fill out the form and vote for your KZN Top Brand One vote per email First Name Last Name Email Cellphone number Your vote goes to (business name): Data Privacy Consent I acknowledge that my personal information is important and will be processed by Standard Bank and necessary third parties in line with the applicable data protection laws and the Privacy Statement. I have read and understood the contents of the Privacy Statement View terms of use Marketing Consent I agree or decline to have my personal information used for marketing purposes as follows: 1. Data sharing within our Group 2. Data sharing with Third Parties 3. Data sharing across borders within our Group 4. Telesales 5. Email Marketing 6. SMS Marketing I have read and understood the contents of the Marketing Consent Consent & Rights I understand that I have the right to update or withdraw my consent at any time by: Visiting a Standard Bank branch. Contacting my Relationship Manager. Calling 0860 123 000. Emailing information@standardbank.co.za. Logging into the Standard Bank online channels. I understand that I have the right to update or withdraw my consent at any time VOTE Thank you for your vote.

< Back Lisa Forster Next As head of the Wealth and Investment Division for Standard Bank KZN, Lisa Forster leads a team of relationship managers and wealth managers, focusing on holistic solutions for high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals. She and her team ensure service excellence in delivering holistic solutions, both domestically and off shore, for their clients As head of the Wealth and Investment Division for Standard Bank KZN, Lisa Forster leads a team of relationship managers and wealth managers, focusing on holistic solutions for high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals. She and her team ensure service excellence in delivering holistic solutions, both domestically and off shore, for their clients. "I joined Standard Bank in the most junior position possible," she laughs. "I was 17 and straight out of school. Financially, university just wasn't an option and I was just happy to get a job." Lisa points out that she didn't mind starting at the bottom, and says it defined her. "I had to learn, work hard and create opportunities, and I still strive to do this today." Many different roles Lisa has had many different roles in the business, and that's stood her in good stead to progress through the ranks. "I've worked really hard to develop myself professionally and put up my hand for every opportunity. I've never really been guided by my job description and I still stand by that today. Being willing to take on added responsibilities and do whatever is needed has opened up opportunities for me. And I try every day to be better than the day before." She has a simple philosophy: If you can do your job with your eyes closed, it's time to regroup and look for new self-development opportunities. And happily, she's been able to do this with Standard Bank. "If your job allows you to integrate your values with the company values, then that's a great platform for commitment and for career growth, and I'm very grateful to Standard Bank and way they've supported me through my career, in my studies and with executive development programmes." Right now, Lisa sees a role for herself to contribute to a new generation of leaders coming up the ranks within Standard Bank. "I want to support them in the same way, and if they can benefit from my knowledge and my experience, then I'm making a difference." Show up every day Asked who inspires her, Lisa notes that typically, people look to those in positions of leadership or in the public domain for inspiration. "But for me it's the people who come to work despite the challenges and adversities they face on a daily basis; who show up every day with a great attitude, give of their best and really deliver for the business. They remind me on a daily basis to appreciate what I have and all the opportunities Standard Bank has afforded me over the past 30 years." But career success doesn't come without some compromise. "I don't believe you can ever really achieve work life balance," she says. "I think it's more important to be present in what you are doing at any particular time, whether at work or at home, and you have to be quite deliberate about it to achieve your goals." Focus is a big part of her success both in her career and her personal life. Right now, she's training for the Chicago Marathon. "I start my day at 4am to get the training in. That's being deliberate! But I also believe in the link between a healthy body, and a healthy mind, and my running is good for productivity." Business is about people Given a time-machine, she'd advise her younger self that you don't need a leadership title to be a leader in your environment; that no matter how talented you are, you can't always move up without earning your stripes; that's it's not always clear what you're learning from an experience, but if you do your best it might turn out to be a defining opportunity. "Take every opportunity; it's not a waste of time, it's clearing a path for you. And remember that each challenging day might be teaching you something. So learn from it - your future self may thank you." Lisa would also remind herself to protect her reputation and her credibility. "They speak for you when you're not in the room." And lastly, she'd point out the need to build solid relationships. "So much of your career success depends on your relationships, because business is about people." Previous Next

< Back Daisy White Next DAISY WHITE is the executive director of Magic Moments Trust, which has been established to teach rural people to discover and develop their creativity through learning fabric painting skills. Her aim is to enhance the lives of people, especially women, who are unemployed and from rural areas. DAISY WHITE is the executive director of Magic Moments Trust, which has been established to teach rural people to discover and develop their creativity through learning fabric painting skills. Her aim is to enhance the lives of people, especially women, who are unemployed and from rural areas. Daisy and her mother started the company twenty years ago with the slogan "Teaching the World to Paint". In this time she has taught thousands of people to paint. About six years ago, Daisy started teaching people in rural areas. Says Daisy, "My passion for this project comes from my love of art and I really enjoy working with people in rural areas. There are a lot of 'hidden gems'; people with real talent. By teaching people fabric painting skills, we have created a means to earn an income." "The fabric painting workshops help people develop confidence in their painting abilities, and provide them with purpose and a passion, and, as an outcome, to feel that they are worthy and contributing towards an inclusive society." Practicing new skills Daisy designs the ever-expanding range of unique artwork. The designs are printed onto fabric and are sewn into articles, which include bags, cushion covers, placemats and tablecloths, and prepared for painting. Artists meet weekly for about six-hour painting sessions. At each lesson, they are taught fabric painting techniques and given a chance to practice their new skills. The artists each receive a product to paint and are paid instantly for the work they complete in the class. They also receive refreshments and money for transport. "I really enjoy seeing their confidence grow and the joy on their faces at what they can accomplish in the painting classes," explains Daisy. A constant flow of income The artists are encouraged to be entrepreneurs and are given another product, including paint and brushes, to take home to paint. They can either keep or sell the work they complete to tourist shops or in their communities. Painters are also encouraged to share their new-found artistic skills with family members and others. Consequently, these lessons create the opportunity for people to be equipped with new skills that have the potential to provide themselves with a constant flow of income. Some of the artists have gone on to receive orders from people within their communities to paint bags, cushion covers and tablecloths. "These orders fill the recipients with pride and dignity knowing that people appreciate their skills and are buying their painted products," says Daisy. "We also teach people with disabilities, which is really amazing. When they are sitting around the table, they are just like everybody else. To become part of the economy and earn an income gives them a sense of achievement." The success of the Magic Moments Trust painting programme is evident in that creations have been sold in the Embocraft Training Centre Craft shop, and the 1000 Hills Community Centre shop that sell to tourists and local visitors. In addition, the Centre has received orders from as far afield as Australia and Scotland. The Durban International Conference Centre ordered 400 painted bags in 2017 to give to delegates for a conference in 2018. Such orders provide extra earning opportunities for the painters. The Magic Moments Trust is passionate about helping their artists to become self-sustaining and hopes to continue multiplying the volume of products painted. Expansion into the United Kingdom In line with this drive, the Trust is creating an opportunity for these entrepreneurs to sell their painted goods in London. Mike Miller, the London based founder of SAPRO, a leading importer of South African products into the United Kingdom (UK), has identified with the project. As a result, he is willing to help Magic Moments Trust distribute these products in the UK via his established network through his company's website. In addition, the South Africa High Commissioner to the UK, Thembi Tambo is passionate about what Magic Moments Trust does. "She has invited us to travel to the UK next year to a South African week in order to give painting workshops to people from London, which is very exciting," said Daisy. An expansion into the United Kingdom market, with its strong currency, has significant potential to produce fresh income flows to benefit impoverished rural communities whose members want to 'do it for themselves'. Socio-economic development Through the Magic Moments Trust, companies are offered the opportunity to contribute to this unique and empowering programme. Opportunities exist to enhance a company's B-BBEE status through optimising points allocated to Socio-Economic Development. "We are also working towards a zero-percentage funding model, where we buy the paintings back from the students and then we sell them in the UK. When that money comes back into the Trust, we are able to train more students. In this way we don't have to rely on funding," said Daisy. Magic Moments Trust is also looking for more outlets to distribute these products locally. Says Daisy, "My aim is to help these budding artists grow their dreams and reach new goals as an example to other members of their community. My aspiration is to continue to create sustainable employment for people from rural areas." Previous Next

DRG Outsourcing"The true value of any organisation is its sustainability, and at the heart of sustainability is good people relationships." DAVID WHITE is an authentic leader with a passion for people development. A highly accomplished businessman, David took a start-up company he founded in 1996, to a listing on the Johannesburg stock exchange in 1998. The company is DRG, and although it delisted shortly after the dotcom era, the company has become an essential service provider in human resource management reporting and compliance services in South Africa. DRG has also become a valuable contact for many foreign companies coming into South Africa, who need the support of a human resource management company to help them set up a solid human resource platform for their business. David further extended his passion for people into co-creating the DRG Leadership Programme. This programme came about after many years in helping companies meet employer HR reporting and compliance responsibilities. David said, "We understood that as much as two thirds of people do not like their jobs nor work environment, and in general companies are as little as 40% productive". This prompted David and his co-director Charles Henzi into action, and now three years later, the DRG leadership model is a highly sought-after programme, bringing purpose into the workplace - the outcome being improved "productivity through people". David's vision and leadership extended further into an organisation called BusinessFit, which provides entrepreneur development services. BusinessFit started in 2012 and is regarded as a leading contributor to entrepreneurial development in South Africa. BusinessFit has mentored approximately 250 entrepreneurs, many of whom have created successful companies. David involves his colleagues and networks in his vision and passions, and has a huge following of entrepreneurs, business leaders and community leaders, who enjoy his desire to help to make the world of business a better place for all. David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." David is inspired by working with authentic business leaders, who create energy and commitment within their teams. "In my view, the true value of any organisation is its sustainability, and at the heart of sustainability is good people relationships. The best companies, the companies that thrive in all business climates, are those with engaged staff and work teams. These companies have people working together, governed by shared values, understanding and identifying with the business model, striving for common goals and outcomes. Seeing employees within the business treat the company as if they were the owners - and holding themselves accountable for results is the reward." David believes that his success has been based on a single-minded approach to his work. "I have learned that what is important in our line of work is to develop long-term strategic partnerships with our clients. We like to work side by side with our clients, sharing our knowledge, and enjoying the successes they achieve. We keep up to date with industry best practice, have absolute integrity, and share our knowledge and expertise." David is a non-executive director of THINK, a nonprofit company established in 2013. Through DRG he provides essential HR services, allowing THINK's founder to focus on conducting research to improve the lives of those affected by TB and HIV. THINK is now a renowned force for government and public health funders to count on, making a difference in policy making and health service delivery locally and internationally. David's expertise within HR policy making and business development has provided the executive team of THINK with mentorship that has enabled the organisation to impact the lives of thousands of people affected by TB and HIV. Up Home Up Latest News DRG Outsourcing CEO: David White Operations Director: Colette Tanner Finance Director: Andrew Kruger UNLOCKING GLOBAL TALENT DRG is a premier South African-based Employer of Record (EoR) and human resources (HR) service provider that has been in operation since 1996. Based in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal, the organisation specialises in bridging the gap between international demand and local South African talent by providing comprehensive HR administration and compliance support for global companies engaging remote resources. Over its 30-year history, DRG has evolved from a local payroll specialist into a world-class EoR service provider with a global network. Mission and Purpose DRG’s core mission is to unlock global talent and potential through compliant outsourcing, streamlined human resources, and expert in-country guidance. The company aims to help clients achieve business growth by providing access to high-quality staffing resources and ensuring that international organisations can engage South African workers with absolute confidence and compliance. History and Resilience The company was conceptualised in 1996 by its founder, David White, following significant legislative changes in South Africa, including the introduction of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and new SARS PAYE regulations. DRG’s first major client was Alusaf Hillside, and the company quickly expanded its reach to numerous large organisations in the Richards Bay and Durban areas. Despite market shifts such as the 2008 Financial Crisis and Covid, DRG has maintained its focus on professional and reliable third-party HR administration. Leadership Team David White (CEO) is responsible for guiding its strategic direction, with a strong focus on marketing, building professional networks, and fostering collaborative partnerships. Supporting the operational backbone of the business is Colette Tanner (COO), the Operations Director, who oversees payroll administration, manages key operational processes, and administers the Employer of Record (EoR) portal to ensure efficient service delivery. Andrew Kruger (CFO), a Chartered Accountant, leads the company’s financial function, overseeing financial administration, risk management, and ensuring compliance with reporting and regulatory requirements. Together, the leadership team provides balanced oversight across growth, operational excellence, and financial integrity. CORE SERVICES DRG provides a ‘sophisticated and precise’ suite of services that handles the regulatory complexities of employment administration on behalf of an international company’s employer – employee engagement relationship: Employer of Record (EoR) Solutions Facilitates onboarding of South African talent with-out the need for a foreign company to establish a local legal entity. Payroll & Tax Management Ensures accurate payroll processing and full alignment with SARS tax legislation and reporting requirements. Labour Law Adherence Provides expert guidance on South African statutes, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and managing all due processes from engagement to lawful dismissals. Statutory Compliance Manages mandatory contributions such as the Un-employment Insurance Fund (UIF), Skills Development Levy (SDL), Compensation Fund (COIDA), and filing compliances. Work Visa Facilitation Offers specialised immigration support for critical skills, intra-company transfers, and short-term project visas. Tailored Benefit Programmes Provides access to localised medical aid through Discovery Health and retirement schemes through the Liberty Umbrella Provident Fund. Innovation and Technology To maintain precision and efficiency, DRG utilises a specifically designed automated EoR portal. This platform streamlines information collection, coordinates payroll activities, generates individual invoices, and completes monthly and annual employee tax reconciliations for clients. Purpose and Intent: To unlock global talent and potential through compliant outsourcing, streamlined HR, and expert in-country guidance. To be the premier gateway to South African talent, bridging the gap between international demand and local resources. To help clients achieve business growth and success by providing expert in-country EoR services and access to high-quality staffing resources. To be regarded globally as an exceptional EoR service provider that supports the needs of clients and their employees both efficiently and harmoniously, providing “simplicity of appearance and sophistication in delivery”. To empower global reach through local CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 12 Braehead, 1 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)31 767 0625 E-mail: info@drg.co.za Website: www.drg.co.za Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Cosmetic Laser $20.50 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 Cathie Lewis Next "Yes, I do sometimes take minutes," she smiles, "but it's so much more than that." It's Cathie's job to make sure that the board meets their legal and regulatory obligations, but she also has wide-ranging responsibilities. In effect, she is part of the company's conscience when it comes to ensuring corporate integrity matters more than short-term profits. s group company secretary at Grindrod Limited, Cathie heads up governance, which she explains as helping make sure the company does what it's supposed to do, and jokes that her job is to try and save the world. After completing her legal degree, Cathie lectured in law which she loved, but after five years she decided there had to be something more out there. She went into private practice, and started her articles. "The timing wasn't great," she remembers, "my daughter was only two months old." Nevertheless, she completed her articles and qualified as an attorney and conveyancer, going on to start her own firm. Undaunted by change, Cathie's next move was into the corporate world, working as head of legal services at a steel company before moving to Durban to join Grindrod. "I have a wonderful job," she says. "It's a great company and I get to influence the agenda and make sure things work. And I meet wonderful people every day." "Yes, I do sometimes take minutes," she smiles, "but it's so much more than that." It's Cathie's job to make sure that the board meets their legal and regulatory obligations, but she also has wide-ranging responsibilities. In effect, she is part of the company's conscience when it comes to ensuring corporate integrity matters more than short-term profits. Looking at business holistically "I've always had an understanding that we need to do better; both as individuals and organisations," she says. "I love my corporate governance role, but sustainability is my greatest motivation." Explaining that while traditionally we have always evaluated business in financial terms, we need to look at any organisation holistically, whether a business, a church organisation, or even your personal life. "You need to consider how you are positioned in the bigger scheme of things," she points out. "How do you impact on your community, your social environ-ment and certainly your natural environment?" "When you look at business through a sustainability lens, your thought processes, decisions and actions change." Using the example of buying a business, Cathie argues that instead of considering the financial ratios, businesses should consider the value creation in a wider context. "We have a significant unemployment problem in South Africa, and should be considering whether buying that new business has the potential for real social impact, like job creation or opportunities for upskilling staff." For Cathie, it's not just about your employees or business partners; she strongly advocates considering the impact of decisions on wider communities. "As corporate citizens, we need to acknowledge that no man is an island, and everything in life is about relationships. We need healthy relationships to prosper. And this extends to the natural environment too. We have a responsibility, not just to limit negative impact, but to go further and create a positive impact. And there are companies getting this right. Our planet has finite resources, so we can't just create a production and consumption economy, we have to use what we have with better impact. Growth in value is not just financial, value needs to be relative to society, people and the environment too." Cathie says she's inspired by many people, but highlights Angela Merkel as "uber-cool". "She's shown remarkable leadership, faced difficult challenges, and dealt with difficult people, calmly and tenaciously. She's been instrumental in fundamental shifts in the way people think and understand the value of caring for people. She believes that everyone is entitled to a piece of the sun; that you don't discriminate against people just because they look different or speak a different language." Asked whether she believes women need to act differently to men to succeed in business, she points out that we are inherently different, and need to be true to ourselves. "Don't try to be something you're not. But nothing is impossible just because you're a woman. Yes, sometimes physical strength can be a limitation, but use the strengths you have. I'm encouraged to see the rise of women in traditionally male roles. And here at Grindrod we actively encourage women to follow the path they want, and we do have women boiler makers and truck drivers." Build resilience Cathie is very grateful for what she's achieved so far. "But I know we are all the sum total of the graces of other people. I've had a charmed life, with a happy, secure childhood, wonderful parents and very few concerns, but I do warn my children that life is tough. We need to build their resilience so they can cope when they have to face life's challenges." And while grateful, she's certainly not satisfied. "We're messing up the environment at such a scale that I suffer from climate change angst. (It's a real thing!) It's messing up people's lives, with a huge impact on agriculture and health, and I aim to make a real contribution. But despite my climate change angst, I'm a positive happy person, and I have a good work-life balance. I love my job and I love to work. But I love to spend time with family and friends, play with my dogs, and swim in the sea too. Or just waste time on the couch." Try your best If Cathie could give her younger self advice it would be this: "Don't take yourself too seriously and keep your sense of humour. Relax. If things aren't perfect don't lose sleep; just try your best and if you fail, try again." Previous Next

Raksha Laghari Next Previous Raksha Laghari is the founder and CEO of AML Distributions Raksha Laghari is the dynamic founder and CEO of AML Distributions. After completing her schooling, Raksha went on to complete an undergraduate law degree at the University of Natal. Following university, and after much debate, Raksha decided to relocate to Dublin, Ireland, where she attended various legal institutions until qualifying as a lawyer. Raksha explained, “Like most young people, when I finished university, I wanted to progress, but I didn’t know how and after much deliberation, I decided to follow a legal career path in Ireland which was the best growth experience for me. My first job was for the most amazing soul called Angela Farrell at Farrell Solicitors, Dublin, which was definitely my formative career experience.” CHANGING STREAMS However, the world recession in 2008 meant that Raksha found herself in a situation where she needed to return to South Africa. “I realised that at the age of 30, I was going to have to start all over again, which meant changing streams from lawyer to doing trading.” A conversation with her father about the cement shortage that South Africa was facing because of the 2010 World Cup allowed Raksha to recognise an opportunity. “Even though I knew nothing about cement or where it came from, or how to get it, suddenly I had a real business concept and idea with which to work. Shortly afterwards, my husband and I imported our first seven containers of cement into South Africa. When we finally stopped importing cement, we were importing around 500 containers a month between three ports – Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.” AML Distributions then shifted their focus to local suppliers, specifically the marketing, selling and distribution of Afrisam cement. When their cement trade was well established, Raksha realised that although they had a large customer base, they were only selling them one item. They then looked at local manufacturers of roofing, bricks, gypsum board and other fast moving hardware materials and helped to find competitive ways to get these products into the retail sector. A UNIQUE POSITION At that stage AML found themselves in a unique position where they were a leading distributor of locally produced fast moving hardware products. With this distribution activity, came the necessity to have their own logistics fleet. AML is proud to own and operate a fleet of over fifty long distance trucks, which has lent reliability to the business and helped it grow. A further opportunity arose when a local cement producer disposed of their aggregate and ready mix operations. AML successfully bid for these two oper ations, which are based in Newcastle and Ladysmith. Raksha commented that entering the mining sector is the accomplishment that makes her proudest. “It’s something that I jumped into without any real previous knowledge, but I was fully with the programme. The issues to understand the mining charter, how operations function on a day-to-day level, massive machinery, production operations and the load and haul etc. were all very complicated.” Raksha’s success in this sector speaks to her efforts. “I am enjoying the growth path that the company is experiencing now that we’ve gotten all the hard work out of the way. My purpose is to keep us on the same trajectory and to see us constantly evolve and realise our full potential.” Her vision for AML over the next ten years is to move from being a predominantly trading company to one that is more wealth creation driven by venturing into the property and development sector. FINDING OPPORTUNITIES Speaking on her company’s growth, Raksha com mented, “The best advice that I have ever received, and I’ve repeated it countless times to people that I have come into contact with, because I found it profound, is very simple. It’s that opportunities lie all around us and that you can’t create an opportunity; you need to identify and work with the opportunities that are around you now.” The biggest challenge that Raksha has faced is achieving a balance between a happy business life, a happy home, and a happy personal life, so that she is in the best place mentally and physically to be able to accomplish what she needs to do every day. Raksha prides herself on motivating her team by keeping things real and is available to them as much as possible. “We have regular informal meetings with all sectors of our business, and I try to be supportive to everybody. I share more of my challenges with them than they share with me. And the reason I do so is for them to understand that I face the same challenges on a personal level. We’re all in this business together, we’re all in it to survive.” The person that inspired Raksha the most was her second employer, Neil Sharon, a solicitor in Dublin, who she worked under for six years. He taught her how to work under pressure, how to work on her own and how to grow her skills. “He taught me to never second guess my decisions. He taught me how to be an amazing employer; how to keep my team inspired. He kept me inspired and motivated to keep improving, and our practice grew. I learned first-hand that if I wanted to grow, I needed to allow everyone around me to grow as well.” In conclusion, says Raksha, “My motto is one I won’t live by rather than a motto that I will live by. I personally loathe the motto, ‘don’t work hard, work smart’, because I believe that if you are smart, you will know that without hard work you cannot progress. Hard work has got to be your number one priority. In time, hard work makes life easier. Being an entrepreneur is hard work. It will never get easier. It will always remain challenging, but that’s why you’re chosen to do what you do. Previous Next

AJ Property Holdings Up Home Up Latest News AJ Property Holdings VISION To be South Africa’s leading and most trusted property development company, recognized for transforming communities through innovative, sustainable, and commercially successful retail and commercial developments that create enduring value for generations to come. MISSION At AJ Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd, our mission is to develop high-quality, sustainable retail and commercial properties that create lasting value for our clients, investors, tenants, and communities. We are committed to delivering innovative, cost-effective, and commercially successful developments through excellence in project management, strategic partnerships, and a customer-focused approach. As a proudly South African, Level 1 B-BBEE, 51% black-owned company, we strive to contribute to economic growth, transformation, and sustainable development across all nine provinces while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, quality, and professionalism. Group CEO: Albert Lourens MD: Bernadette Mzobe AJ Property Holdings UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY ACROSS KZN Retail developments are about far more than bricks and mortar. When thoughtfully planned, they become economic catalysts that create jobs, attract investment, support entrepreneurs and improve everyday life for the communities they serve. This philosophy sits at the heart of AJ Property Holdings, a Durban-based property development company that is reshaping retail landscapes across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. As a 100% black-owned, Level 1 B-BBEE property development company, AJ Property Holdings has established itself as a trusted developer of retail shopping centres and mixed-use developments throughout South Africa. Combining commercial expertise with a commitment to sustainable development, the company delivers projects that create long-term value for investors, tenants, municipalities and local communities alike. Rather than simply constructing shopping centres, AJ Property Holdings develops vibrant commercial destinations that stimulate economic activity while improving access to essential goods and services in both urban and previously underserved rural areas. Creating Developments That Deliver Lasting Value Every successful development begins with a vision. For AJ Property Holdings, that vision extends beyond financial performance to encompass the broader impact each project will have on the surrounding community. The company provides a comprehensive, end-to-end property development service, managing every stage of the process from project identification and feasibility studies through concept design, funding procurement, development management, leasing, tenant coordination and stakeholder engagement to final project delivery and operational handover. This integrated approach allows AJ Property Holdings to maintain exceptional quality standards while ensuring every development remains commercially viable and responsive to the needs of its stakeholders. Its reputation has been built on innovation, technical excellence, and the ability to develop tailored solutions that maximise the potential of every site. By carefully balancing commercial objectives with community needs, the company consistently delivers retail environments that continue to generate value long after construction has been completed. Investing in KwaZulu-Natal’s Growth KwaZulu-Natal remains central to the company’s growth strategy is currently involved in an extensive portfolio of developments across the province, including Kingsburgh Junction, Ntuzuma Junction, Marianhill Crossing, Rushbrook Junction, uPongola Mall, Mbazwana, Bhambanana, Nyathi Crossing, Ikhwani Junction, Kembali Residential Development and Park Rynie. Each project has been selected to meet genuine market demand while creating opportunities for local businesses, contractors and suppliers. Beyond improving access to quality retail facilities, these developments generate employment during both construction and ongoing operations, helping stimulate local economies and strengthen regional investment. The company’s developments also encourage greater economic participation by supporting local pro-curement, creating space for national and independent retailers, and establishing modern retail environments that become important community hubs. By investing in areas with significant growth potential, AJ Property Holdings is contributing to a more inclusive provincial economy while helping municipalities unlock future development opportunities. Experienced Leadership Driving Sustainable Success Behind every successful development is an experienced leadership team with the vision to identify opportunities and the expertise to deliver them. Founder and Group CEO Albert Lourens brings more than four decades of experience in quantity surveying, project management and property development. Throughout his distinguished career, he has played an instrumental role in landmark developments including Jozini Tiger Lodge, The Pearls, the Receiver of Revenue building in Durban and Protea Hotel Gateway. His experience in feasibility studies, client relations and strategic planning continues to shape the company’s disciplined approach to development. Alongside him, Managing Director Bernadette Mzobe contributes more than 23 years of expertise spanning corporate banking, structured finance, mergers and acquisitions, BBBEE transactions and large-scale property investment. Having held senior leadership positions at Investec, Ithala and Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking, she also previously led a property investment company managing a light industrial portfolio valued at more than R7.8 billion. Her passion for economic development and inclusive growth has become a defining influence within AJ Property Holdings. This commitment was recognised when she was nominated as a Woman of the Year in Property in 2018. Building Partnerships AJ Property Holdings recognises that successful developments are built through collaboration. The company maintains strong relationships with investors, municipalities, government departments, tenants, contractors, professional consultants, community leaders and local businesses throughout every stage of the development process. Internally, collaboration and accountability are equally important. Regular planning sessions, project reviews and cross-functional teamwork ensure every development benefits from the combined expertise of the company’s multidisciplinary team. Guiding every decision are six core values: Integrity, Collaboration, Respect, Sustainability, Innovation and Excellence. These principles shape the company’s culture and reinforce its commitment to responsible development practices that create lasting economic and social value. With an expanding development pipeline, an experienced leadership team and a proven ability to transform opportunities into successful retail destinations, the company continues to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of KwaZulu- Natal. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 5 Sookhai Place, Derby Downs, Westville, 3610 Tel: +27 (0)31 2071360 E-mail: info@ajph.co.za | bernadette@ajph.co.za Website: www.ajph.co.za Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Mayor: Cllr PMS Ngubane KZN Top Business Subscribe uMzinyathi District Municipality The uMzinyathi District Municipality is in the northern central area of KwaZulu-Natal. The district lies between the main N3 corridor from Durban to Gauteng and the coastal corridor, running along the east coast Substantial Agricultural Activity The uMzinyathi District Municipality is in the northern central area of KwaZulu-Natal. The district lies between the main N3 corridor from Durban to Gauteng and the coastal corridor, running along the east coast. uMzinyathi consists of the local municipalities of Endumeni, Msinga, Nquthu and Umvoti. In conjunction with its north western neighbour, Amajuba District Municipality, uMzinyathi is branded as the ‘Custodian of the Battlefields’ region of the Zulu Kingdom. The battlefields form a vital role in the spatial economy of the province from a tourism perspective. Other tourist sites include private game reserves and one 18 000 ha proclaimed conservation area. There are two natural heritage sites: Fugitives Drift and Hlathikulu at Wasbank. Most of the industry in the area is associated with agriculture or handwork (carpets, beadwork) by trained artisans. The municipal area has extensive grasslands in the north, supporting the primary agricultural sector based on cattle ranching for beef, small scale sheep and mixed farming and maize cultivation. In the southern areas substantial forestry is prevalent. Sugar cane and smaller scale fruit farming such as avocado and kiwi fruit cultivation also occur. The area has high potential for growth in agricultural crop production (maize, soybean and sugar cane). Endumeni Municipality is a key administrative, education and economic centre for northern KwaZuluNatal. Endumeni, with the smallest population, but the largest economy of the district, comprises the towns of Dundee, Glencoe and Wasbank as well as several farms. Dundee is the administrative seat of Umzinyathi and can be viewed as a strong regional centre. This municipality is unique; its population is predominantly urbanised or based on commercial farms and unlike the other local municipalities there is no tribal authority land. Endumeni’s diversified economy includes commercial cattle farming, dairy production, and tourism. Dundee and Glencoe form part of the Coal Rim of KwaZulu-Natal, that have over the past decade been negatively affected by a substantial decline in the coal mining sector, which previously formed the economic base of the areas. The Umvoti Municipality comprises urban areas, commercial agricultural areas, and tribal authority areas, all of which exhibit typical characteristics associated with these settlement types. The main town is Greytown, which is the agricultural centre of the district and contributes substantially to the economic viability of the region. Nquthu Municipality is located along the north eastern boundary of the district, with expansive rural settlements being one of the major features. Nquthu Town is a small urban area that has established itself as the primary commercial, administrative, and service centre for the municipality. Msinga Municipality is largely located in deep gorges of the Tugela and Buffalo Rivers, isolated from the immediate surrounding municipal areas. The population dynamics result in a growing rural area and a declining urban area in Msinga, contrary to other areas in the country. Although the area has its challenges, there are historic sites, beautiful scenery, and interesting topography in some parts, suitable for cultural and eco-tourism. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 39 Victoria Street, 1st Floor, Princess Magogo Building, Dundee, 3000 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1965, Dundee, 3000 Tel: +27 (0)34 219 1500 Website: www.umzinyathi.gov.za Back

< Back Yogas Nair Next Yogas joined Independent Media 18 years ago as a freelance journalist with the Post newspaper. In 2014, after 13 years in the industry, she was appointed as the editor of the Post newspaper YOGAS NAIR describe herself as a small girl from Tongaat living a big dream. She is the KwaZulu-Natal regional executive editor for the Independent Media Group, and editor of The Mercury newspaper. Yogas serves as the group public advocate for the group's internal ombudsman office. She is also the chair of the board of the Mercury Hibberdene Children's Home. Hard work and determination and a bucket list full of goals have shaped her career and enabled her to fulfil her dream of becoming an editor of a major newspaper. "You set your goals and you go after them," explained Yogas. She grew up in Tongaat in what she describes as a sugarcane farming community away from the bright lights of Durban, the big city. Yogas is proud to say that she still lives in Tongaat. She says, "I was a big dreamer in my younger days. Growing up as an Indian child, you are meant to live out your parents' dreams." Her father wanted her to study for a profession and become a lawyer or teacher. Although it meant that she would have to work and pay for her own studies, Yogas followed her dream and studied journalism at the ML Sultan Technikon. "It was tough, I had to take taxis and trains from Tongaat to Durban daily, but I persevered, and I did it. Each individual is unique Yogas joined Independent Media 18 years ago as a freelance journalist with the Post newspaper. In 2014, after 13 years in the industry, she was appointed as the editor of the Post newspaper. This was a ground-breaking event for women in journalism, as she was the first female editor in the 60-year history of the publication. She broke further ground for women when she became the second female editor of The Mercury in November 2016. The Mercury, KwaZulu-Natal's leading morning news-paper, reaches 250 000 people a day. Yogas ensures that 168-year-old publication is relevant and viable in a rapidly changing world, which she says is accomplished with a dynamic team of staff. According to Yogas, the executive chairman of the Independent Media Group, Doctor Iqbal Surve, believes in gender empowerment and has given his support to achieve this goal in their industry. Women do not need to have a different approach to business than men to be successful, says Yogas. She believes that her confidence and ability to lead has allowed her to be successful in business. "I think that each individual is unique in their own stead, whether you are male or female, so it is about what drives you, and to just be you, to be your original self, irrespective of whether you are male or female." She credits Dr Surve for being a great help on the way to getting to where she is. She says he has taken an interest in her career and believes in her ability as a leader. "When someone believes in you, it grows your confidence and motivates you and that has made me grow in leaps and bounds over the years." He has provided her with constant mentorship, which helped her to meet challenges to climb the ladder of success, quickly and relatively effortlessly. Yogas is happy with what she has achieved thus far and believes that in terms of work accomplishments that she has ticked the right boxes. "I have lived my dream of becoming a journalist and writing a number of headline stories and now I live my dream of being an editor. Journalism is what makes me thrive." Something that she enjoys doing in her role now is mentorship. She says, "I understand how difficult it is for someone coming straight from university or a community newspaper to get into mainstream, I think I have a role to play in mentoring and developing young journalists. That will be my focal point in coming months." Work-life balance Achieving a work-life balance is something Yogas admits that she is 'quite hopeless at' as she has a very demanding career in an unpredictable industry. "I try to strike a balance and try be fair on everybody, to be a good wife, mother and employee all at the same time, but I sometimes fail in an area." However, her children are growing up and are becoming more independent, which has lessened the demands on her time. In addition, her husband, Pat, and her two children, Kimeshan (20) and Mayuri (17), serve as a great inspiration for Yogas. She says, "They are my daily inspiration to live my best life and be the best that I can be. I think that having the support of your family helps you grow personally and professionally. They allow me to be who I am and do what I need to do without expectation, and I consider them a great blessing in my life." Never doubt yourself Although Yogas had big dreams as a child, there have been times when she has doubted herself. If she could give advice to her younger self at this moment, it would be, "Never doubt yourself, you can achieve. You learn along the way that you have to push yourself through the crowd, you have to get to the front, you have to believe in yourself." Now that she can live her dream, she would also tell her younger self, as she has told her children, to: "dare to dream". "Sometimes success does not come quickly, but if you persist and believe in yourself, you will eventually succeed. Dreams do come true," she concluded. Previous Next