< Back Cherry Armstrong

You keep finding out new things about people, about yourself and about your team; it’s just about applying that to everyday life < Back Nozuko Basson Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs Tronox South Africa Nozuko Basson’s role at Tronox, which is based in northern KZN, entails making sure that the mining company honours its responsibility of creating value for its stakeholders, of which, communities take centre stage. The most significant event in Nozuko’s life is, she says, when she became a mother. “I had my daughter when I was fairly young and from the moment she arrived in this world, I knew that the game had changed. It’s an ambition of mine, that when my daughter is asked who your role model is, she mentions my name.” In ensuring that she is an inspiration to her daughter, Nozuko constantly evaluates how she behaves, how she practices professionalism in the workplace, and how she treats other people. Nozuko believes that she has got to where she is today through hard work, dedication, a lot of praying and the support from many people who have crossed her path. “I’m somebody who is focused on her religion. I’m a Christian and I’ve always believed that everything that I do is enabled by my faith. I started my career as a journalist, but I realised that was not the life that I wanted to live. I’m not a social and out-there type of person, so I moved into public relations. I was fortunate to work for an agency where I had an amazing mentor who helped me in building the capability to understand how media relations works.” From there, Nozuko moved onto one of South Africa’s largest medical insurance organisations, Discovery. Here, Nozuko said, she had mentors who helped guide her through her career. “I’ve been fortunate that I had other people lifting me, guiding me, and making sure that I stayed on the right track. My journey has been difficult; it’s always good to be reminded by those who are ahead of you how to remain positive and confident in what you are doing.” Having courage Nozuko says that her decision to move to KwaZulu-Natal has been an amazing journey that has required her to really stretch herself. This meant going into areas where she thought she would never be able to venture. She added, “Just having the courage to really push myself and push the boundaries for my team members so that we all work towards one single vision. This requires that we stay close to the cause and really live our own personal values, as well as the values of the organisation in which I work right now.” In commenting on the challenges that she has faced, Nozuko says that as a young female professional, the first challenge that she would like to focus on, is the “pull her down syndrome”. “When you, as a female, start rising in your career there are times when other females do everything in their power to pull you down. I have a strong view that if one of us rise, we all rise. It’s hard enough being a young female, let alone being black in the workplace; we need to hold each other up and motivate each other.” The second challenge she has faced is working in the mining industry, which is a male dominated sector. Over that, working within the community, which is also a male led environment that still subscribes to traditional practices has brought a great deal of learning, that has come with its own difficulties. Currently, the third challenge has been dealing with unconventional community issues, that pose a serious risk to Tronox’s public reputation. “This is where the company’s values, procedures and policies need to guide you to deal with the challenges in a manner that does not compromise your role or its reputation,” said Nozuko. “Lastly, I have often found myself feeling not quite welcome around the ‘table’, as if I am a token BEE candidate,” says Nozuko. “I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t wait for somebody to offer me a seat at the table. If there’s no seat for a female in the workplace or in this industry, you bring your own, and that’s something that I have really started being vocal about.” Leaving behind a legacy In the future, Nozuko wants to leave behind a legacy that says, “When Nozuko Basson was in that community or was working in that organisation, she made a positive difference.” In terms of her career, she sees herself growing from strength to strength. Right now, she is focused on her work in South Africa, but soon, she wants to share her knowledge and skills with the rest of the world. Nozuko added that she is fortunate to work for an organisation that has the platform that will allow her to do so when the time is right. On the personal side, Nozuko wants to travel the world. “I want to touch other lives in my own personal space. I want to live my best life and it’s something that I’m making a deliberate effort in doing and I know that I’m on the right track.” In advising others, she says, “It’s important not to be side-tracked by other people’s opinions. It’s important to remain true to yourself. It’s important that when you venture out, you understand that not everybody will be cheering for you, so learn to be your own cheerleader and as you’re cheering yourself, cheer those around you because they may not know the power that they have within themselves.” Nozuko believes one needs to put their heart into everything that they do. “I always say to people, if you’re not going to give it your all, rather don’t start. I believe in dazzling people. One of Tronox’s values speaks to doing the right work, the right way in every aspect of our business and that’s really what I subscribe to. I don’t take short cuts; it’s about doing something right all the time. It’s behaving in an ethical way and ensuring that everything I touch, doesn’t only represent organisational integrity, but also my own personal integrity.”

< Back Candice Padayachee Next CANDICE PADAYACHEE is the forensic director for KPMG. She maintains primary responsibility and oversight of the Forensic Division in the Durban region, leading a multi-disciplinary team and engaging the firm's key clients. CANDICE PADAYACHEE is the forensic director for KPMG. She maintains primary responsibility and oversight of the Forensic Division in the Durban region, leading a multi-disciplinary team and engaging the firm's key clients. Candice is an admitted attorney of the High Court, and holds a master's degree in Advanced Labour Law (Cum Laude) from the University of KwaZulu- Natal (Pietermaritzburg). She was raised in Pietermaritzburg and began her career as an associate at a leading KwaZulu-Natal law firm, but was soon drawn to forensics. This interest was fuelled primarily by her passion for seeking justice and ensuring that as a country and as a community, ethics and right practice remain in place. Her view is that "fraud, bribery and corruption severely impact peoples' lives." She added, "It is so rewarding that the work KPMG Forensic does, actively infiltrates these economic crimes." Candice particularly specialises in fraud risk management, forensic investigations, compliance management, and litigation support. "I am fully competent in the investigation process throughout the phases of preliminary considerations, planning, and gathering of information, analysis, reporting and closing. This includes the concept of embedding forensic technology in investigations." She provides holistic management solutions to clients in the public and private sectors. Candice has a proven track record with business development and an established client portfolio, having assisted various organisations in a manner consistent with regulatory requirements and the organisation's business needs. A passion for seeking the truth Getting to where Candice is in her career involved a combination of things inside as well as outside her control. She remarks, "Clichéd as it may sound, my career required lots of hard work and sacrifices, both on my part and that of my family." Candice says that she has benefitted from the support of people around her, especially from her husband and two children, her parents, wider family and friends who have been the biggest supporters in her career progression. She adds that 'tremendous colleagues and mentors at KPMG' encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and they also gave her the feedback she needed to develop her strengths and focus on the things that are important to her. Candice recognises the contribution of her team in achieving positive results. She believes that success in forensic requires a passion for seeking the truth and an objective mind to get the relevant facts. An inspired leader Candice feels inspired by many people. Firstly, her grandmother, a professional nurse who made many personal sacrifices to assist those around her. She illustrated that, in the end, there was great reward in one's dedication to willingly assist others. This encouraged Candice's passion and desire to study further and in her wanting to assist people for the greater good. Secondly, Candice is inspired by her female professional colleagues, especially the former director of Forensic at KPMG, who became her mentor. She demonstrated the place and need for a strong female leader, according to Candice. "She could lead with strength and fierceness, but also with kindness and compassion. She was dedicated to the growth of young leaders." And this, in turn, inspires Candice to help develop young leaders. She says that women often need a different approach to men to be successful in business, as they have different dynamics and relations to deal with. "As a woman you need to work hard, focus on the contribution you bring to the table, make sure you raise your voice when you need to be heard. Being a woman, being a mother and being a wife bring different challenges in business." Work-life balance requires structures Achieving a work-life balance is interesting for Candice. "It has become a buzz word in a busy world, yet means different things to different people", she remarks. For her, to achieve such balance requires a conscientious focus on structure. Together with her husband, they have set boundaries for family time. Her two young children require her attention after her workday and have a full homework schedule. She says it is important to set hours aside for her family and make sure that she is fully present during that time. Family holidays are important and help create good memories that are essential for the children to have. Candice is proud that her children know her as a working mother, and she hopes that her example will help them believe that they can aspire to be anything that they are passionate about. Live to fulfil a purpose If she could, Candice would advise her younger self to believe more in her own abilities and "tune out the self-doubt". She would also assure herself that, "You already have everything you need in you", and that God is with her and ready to take her on journeys she could not even imagine. Candice is pleased by her accomplishments but admits that she looks back with some disbelief at times. She wants to continue to live in a motivated way that fulfils her purpose in life. At a personal level she wants to grow her leadership abilities, grow in the firm, and grow as a person in every way. "I feel that I am still young, that most of my journey still lies ahead and there are exciting things to come," she concludes. Previous Next

Nelson Govender Next Previous Nelson Govender is the chief executive officer and chairman of the board at LHL Engineering Nelson Govender, the chief executive officer and chairman of the board at LHL Engineering, embodies the essence of determination, hard work, and strategic leadership. Nelson’s humble beginnings instilled in him an unwavering drive to succeed. After losing his parents, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, who provided him with love, care, and support for his education. He attended St. Xavier’s Primary School and completed his matric at Verulam High School in 1979, on a government grant. Much of his journey has been driven by his early experiences and the desire to create a legacy for his family. Nelson emphasises that he does not want his children to face the same difficulties he has encountered in his life. COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Nelson’s academic pursuits earned him a number of certificates and diplomas in supervisory management, quality management, industrial engineering, work study, production management, mechanical engineering, and advanced business management. His professional journey began as a laboratory assistant at Sasol in Secunda, followed by a stint as a trainee mechanical engineer. He then transitioned back to the chemical industry, rising from a junior position to become a shareholder and director in a chemical business. Nelson’s progress, despite being an Indian during the apartheid years in South Africa, is a testament to his outspoken nature, commitment to excellence, and continuous pursuit of improvement. He has always sought to learn from others, travelling the world to gain exposure to world-class standards, which helped make his chemical manufacturing plant one of the best globally. In 2013, Nelson left to pursue personal opportunities, leveraging the sale of his shares and savings from side ventures in mechanics to become the owner and CEO of his own engineering business and other enterprises. LHL Engineering was established in February 1969 as a support company for the German-imported LHL axle used in the logistics industry. “The company was successful until 2013 but then started failing, and I bought it as an investment and, more so, as a property investment,” Nelson explained. A SOLID REPUTATION He further commented that despite buying a failing business, he was determined not to retrench any of its eighty employees. His vision focuses on providing essential services, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the community. To ensure the business stabilised and grew, Nelson and his team refocused the company’s direction and transformed its operations. “We do business with the right certification and all the qualifications required in our sector,” he remarked. The company has built a solid reputation for its management, product quality, and services, specialising in the fabrication, refurbishment, and installation of stainless steel and other exotic materials. Under Nelson’s leadership, LHL Engineering has achieved remarkable growth, increasing turnover from 12 million rand to nearly 100 million rand in under eight years. He explained, “I came from a very difficult background, and during that process, you have a lot of naysayers. For me, extricating myself from a poverty-stricken background and succeeding in what I’ve set out to achieve is really my proudest accomplishment.” Reflecting on the best advice he has ever received and its influence on him, Nelson says that while it is important to learn from the past, one must always look to the future. “One of my senior managers said to me, ‘Focusing on the rearview mirror will lead to accidents,’ which is a fact. What he meant was that while we need to learn from the past, we should focus on the present and see how we can shape the future. I believe strongly that your heritage does not define your future.” Nelson has not been immune to the challenges faced by many small businesses in KwaZulu-Natal. He noted that one of the biggest challenges is accessing funding in South Africa, which is extremely difficult to obtain. To manage the business’s finances, the company has focused on saving and strategically investing to improve cash availability and debt ratings. Nelson and his team are now challenging them- selves to become world-class players in steel fabrication, driving continuous improvement through collaboration with global businesses and other industry players. Despite funding challenges, Nelson has strategically managed finances, ensuring permanent staff are always fully paid, celebrating successes, and promoting a culture of accountability and value addition. “We have a theory that we follow: everyone has to be accountable for their actions and their output,” Nelson remarked. Nelson does not accept a “we’ve always done it like that” mindset among his staff when responding to queries. Instead, he encourages critical thinking, innovation, and a solutions-oriented approach to address challenges and improve processes. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE When asked who inspires him, Nelson explains that while his family is an important source of motivation, he cannot single out any particular person. “There’s no single person that inspires me, for sure, but I am fully aware of the happenings around me. In other words, I look at people who achieve and see if I can learn from their accomplishments.” Furthermore, Nelson derives much motivation from his activities centred on growing and mentoring people, which he undertakes regularly. Commenting on his vision for the future of KwaZulu- Natal, Nelson says, “As a country, we are struggling because we lack large new businesses and have not been successful in beneficiating our raw materials. We need the government to identify these beneficiation opportunities with businesses and create globally sustainable enterprises that can compete in the global market. In the absence of economies of scale, I believe that manufacturing businesses will not succeed in South Africa.” Nelson’s motto is “Nothing is impossible”. He draws inspiration from Tata Nelson Mandela, who said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” As he continues to drive his company toward new heights, Nelson remains focused on creating a sustainable future for his industry and his community, proving that true success lies in the relentless pursuit of excellence. Previous Next

Imtiaz Sooliman Next Previous Imtiaz Sooliman is the chairman and founder of Gift of the Givers Imtiaz Sooliman is the chairman and founder of Gift of the Givers. The origins of Gift of the Givers are deeply spiritual. Imtiaz recalls that the inspiration came from a spiritual teacher who contacted him on August 6, 1992. “At exactly 10p.m. on a Thursday night, my teacher spoke to me fluently in Turkish, a language I don’t understand. But because of the spirituality of that event, I understood every word.” The teacher said, “My son, I’m not asking you; I’m instructing you to form an organisation. The name in Arabic will be Waqful Waqifin, translated as Gift of the Givers.” Imtiaz was told that this organisation would serve people unconditionally. “You will serve all people – of all races, religions, colours, classes, and cultures, regardless of geographical location or political affiliation,” he explains. His teacher emphasised that he would be serving without expecting anything in return, ‘not even a thank you’, adding that the directive was lifelong, and that Imtiaz should, “Remember whatever you do is done through you, not by you.” Imtiaz’s purpose was clarified further: “You are here to serve mankind and humanity, focusing on the teachings of Islam.” He references a title given to the Prophet Muhammad, “Rahmatul lil ‘Alamin,” meaning ‘a mercy to all creation’, which guides him to serve people of all faiths and care for animals, the environment, and all creation. “That has been my focus for 32 years with Gift of the Givers, and even before that in smaller ways,” explained Imtiaz. At the time, Imtiaz was a doctor with three surgeries in Pietermaritzburg. Gift of the Givers was born in 1992, and by June 1994, he had closed all three of his practices. “It wasn’t possible to do two professional jobs at the same time,” he reflects. Imtiaz said that the teacher explained, ‘You will know what to do.’ He added, “For 32 years, I’ve known exactly what to do, what not to do, what to touch, and what not to touch.” Over the years, disasters and crises have appeared, shaping the organisation. Gift of the Givers has expanded into 21 categories of projects. “People would come to our home, and I’d speak to my wife about their needs. For example, we realised some people needed counselling, so my wife set up our counselling service.” Today the organisation provides services from educational bursaries to drought relief and has provided aid worth over six billion Rand across 47 countries. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Reflecting on his achievements, Imtiaz highlights Gift of the Givers’ first project. “That night of August 6, 1992, I was inspired to respond to the civil war in Bosnia. Within that month, I took 32 containers of aid into a war zone, alone,” he recalls. Just three months later, he led another convoy, carrying winter supplies into the region. One of his most notable achievements was creating the world’s first containerised mobile hospital in South Africa. “It was a product of South African engineering and technology – 28 state-of-the-art containers including operating theatres, X-rays, ICUs, and a burn unit.” Imtiaz worked in the mountains of Pakistan after a devastating earthquake in 2005. “The military general said, ‘Do you mind not going to that quake area?’ I agreed, and instead, we set up a 400-bed emergency hospital,” he recounts. Within 24 hours, his team had revived an abandoned hospital, performing up to 75 surgeries a day, earning a presidential award from then-President Pervez Musharraf. Another proud moment was in Haiti, during the 2010 earthquake. “On January 20, eight days after the earthquake, my team heard sounds in the rubble of a collapsed Catholic church. After three hours of digging, they pulled out a 64-year-old woman alive.” Her first words to the rescuers were powerful: “She said, ‘I love God Almighty. You’ve brought faith and hope.’” During the Covid-19 pandemic, Imtiaz and his team supported 210 hospitals across South Africa with medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and food parcels. “We built an entire high-care ward in Makhanda, set up Covid-19 testing teams across the country, and distributed hundreds of thousands of food parcels,” he says. A CONSTANT BALANCING ACT Imtiaz commented, “The biggest challenge is that the requirements always exceed the resources.” Requests come from hospitals, schools, communities, and individuals, forcing difficult choices. “We often find a compromise between where the donors want to place their funds and where the need is greatest,” he explains, describing a constant balancing act. “My inspiration to continue comes from my faith,” says Imtiaz. “The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, served humanity unconditionally.” According to Imtiaz, his team’s motivation is rooted in the work itself. “They’re motivated when they see the impact of what they do,” he explains. Many feel a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment from their work. “They’ll shut down their practices, take leave from their jobs, and come back again because they feel spiritually charged.” His family’s example has also influenced his path. “My father and grandfather ran a general store and would extend credit to struggling families. My mother started an employment bureau to help people find dignity.” Imtiaz’s in-laws have supported Gift of the Givers from its inception. “They offered their factory, vehicles, staff, and financial support before it was even formally established. They’re still supporting us, 32 years later.” Imtiaz’s vision for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa is rooted in community cooperation. Reflecting on the challenges faced, natural disasters, economic strain, and socio-political divides, he says, “Prosperity comes when there’s good human relations.” Imtiaz highlighted that there’s more willingness to engage across diverse groups in recent years. For Imtiaz, the road to prosperity also involves critical public- private partnerships. He calls on corporate South Africa to join in tackling infrastructure and service gaps, especially in sectors like healthcare, policing, and education. Imtiaz summarises his philosophy with a personal motto: “The best among people are those who benefit mankind.” For Imtiaz, a commitment to collective responsibility is essential for a prosperous South Africa, a stronger continent, and a brighter future for all. Previous Next

< Back Next > Ashika Dorasamy Manager, Maidstone Service Station Ashika Dorasamy is the manager of Maidstone Service Station in Tongaat. Born and raised in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, her path to success was anything but conventional. Ashika’s educational journey was marked by a life- changing experience. At 16 years old, she became the first foreign cultural exchange student from her hometown, travelling to a small town in Germany for a month. “This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” she recalls. “I learned so much about their culture, way of life, and education system. It was a pivotal moment that shaped who I am today.” After completing her matric in 2006, Ashika pursued a different career path. “In 2007, I earned a Diploma in Advanced Make-up and Aesthetics,” she says. Her talents in this field were soon recognised, as she won the prestigious Professional Beauty Top Make-up Artist award that same year. However, it wasn’t long before her entrepreneurial spirit led her down a different path. By 2015, she had transitioned into the fuel industry. “That year, I attended the Shell Retailer Training Programme, which was sponsored by the site I now run. It was an intense experience, but it prepared me for what was to come,” she shares. Her business acumen even earned her praise from Shell SA senior management, who praised her business plan as one of the best they had seen. Dreaming Big In 2015, Ashika set her sights on a new goal. “I attended my first Business Plan Cascade as a site manager and watched other Shell retailers win awards for their achievements. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be one of them one day.” Her dream came true in 2019 when she was recognised as a top retailer, travelling with international peers to Australia for her accomplishments. “It was an incredible moment of validation for all the hard work I had put in,” she reflects. Ashika credits her success not just to determination, but to her strong faith. “I give all the glory to God for the opportunities I’ve had. Of course, hard work and dedication are essential, but I believe it’s through divine favour that I’ve come this far,” she states. She also acknowledges the unwavering support of her mentors and family, particularly her father, who has been her biggest inspiration. “My dad started working at 13 to support his family,” she says proudly. “Through hard work and education, he went from being a mechanic at Sasol to owning his own service station, growing into multiple business ventures along the way. Watching him succeed inspired me to follow in his footsteps.” Making an Impact Ashika’s influence extends beyond her own achievements. She is a source of guidance for other retailers, many of whom seek her advice on business management. “In 2017, our station was named the number one Shell service station in South Africa, and in 2018, we were ranked in the top five,” she notes with pride. One of her contributions has been in the area of HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) practices, which are crucial in managing a fuel station. “It’s not just about ticking boxes. I wanted to make HSSE practices a way of life for my team,” she explains. Her efforts earned her recognition from Shell as the HSSE runner-up in South Africa in 2018 and again in 2023. But Ashika’s dedication extends beyond business success. She is an enthusiastic advocate for social responsibility and community upliftment. “We regularly engage in initiatives such as teaching children about recycling and the importance of preserving the environment.” In addition, Ashika has undertaken sanitary drives for young girls, donating 220 packs, especially as many girls cannot afford sanitary wear. “It’s about giving back to the community that supports us,” she says. Ashika’s journey has been marked by significant challenges. The July unrest of 2021, which left her service station destroyed, was one of the toughest periods of her career. “All that was left was the building. We had to close the station for months and start from scratch,” she recalls. As if that weren’t enough, the devastating floods of April 2022 struck the North Coast, severely impacting her business once again. “We lost over 50% of our turnover for about six months,” said Ashika. When a tornado hit Tongaat in 2024, the service station was miraculously spared, but the surrounding community wasn’t as fortunate and many of their staff lost their homes. “We raised funds to help rebuild and provided meals and water to those in need,” explained Ashika. She added, “It has been a rough few years, but we have stood stronger together. It’s our staff who are on the frontline, in the forecourt and in the shop. Everything we do is for them — if they are happy, we are happy,” reflecting on the experience of standing together as a family and as a community. Never Give Up When asked what advice she would give to young women looking to follow in her footsteps, Ashika responded: “Know every aspect of the business you’re in. It makes you more relatable to your staff and helps you understand how your business operates. Most importantly, never give up. As Rocky Balboa said, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up’.” She also believes in the importance of staying humble. “On my first day at Maidstone Service Station, my dad told me to write something down: ‘If you take care of the cents, the rands will take care of you.’ Those are words I live by.” In the future, Ashika’s major goal is to grow her business interests into an entity that could rival her dad’s enterprises at his peak. “I want to build an empire,” she says confidently. Yet despite her ambitions, Ashika remains grounded in her personal life. “Balance is important. Spending time with my family, especially lazy Sundays with my husband and son, helps me stay centred. It’s what keeps me going in this frenetic world of business,” she concluded. < Previous Next >

KZN Top Business Portfolio 2026 -2027

< Back Cheryl Govender

Grant Adlam Next Previous Grant Adlam : Vision for KZN: Envisions further growth in KwaZulu-Natal by leveraging opportunities, fostering partnerships, and emphasizing the motto "success breeds success." Championing the "Good News" Economy For over a quarter of a century, Grant Adlam has stood at the forefront of regional business journalism and commercial enterprise in KwaZulu-Natal. As the founder and publisher of KZN Top Business , Grant has dedicated his career to a clear, unwavering editorial philosophy: highlighting enterprise achievements, fostering sustainable economic growth, and actively sharing the province’s most inspiring leadership journeys. Driven by the belief that “success breeds success,” Grant has transformed what began as a traditional print directory into a multi-tiered, omnichannel media ecosystem. Today, the portfolio encompasses the prestigious annual KZN Top Business Awards , KZN Business Sense , the KZN Leaders Portfolio , and the innovative digital directory platform, the KZN Top Business Nexus . Across every initiative, his mission remains constant—to project the immense industrial, commercial, and entrepreneurial potential of KwaZulu-Natal onto both national and international stages. From Commercial Print to Pioneering Publisher Grant’s journey in commercial media began at The Star newspaper in Johannesburg, where he originally set out as an aspiring commercial artist. Demonstrating an early aptitude for strategic communication, he quickly transitioned into advertising sales and marketing. This formative period provided him with an intimate, ground-level understanding of brand positioning, market dynamics, and the commercial realities that underpin sustainable publishing. Recognising the untapped potential and economic vitality of KwaZulu-Natal, Grant identified a critical gap in the market: the province lacked a dedicated, high-calibre platform designed to celebrate its leading companies, public sector champions, and emerging innovators. In 1998, he established KZN Top Business . Combining traditional publishing integrity with forward-thinking marketing strategies, the publication quickly earned its reputation as an authoritative showcase of regional excellence, bridging the gap between corporate heavyweights, municipal decision-makers, and burgeoning local enterprises. Innovation, Technology, and Crisis Leadership The modern business landscape demands constant evolution, and Grant’s leadership is defined by agility and continuous technological adaptation. When the global pandemic disrupted traditional media, print distribution, and in-person events, Grant leveraged the crisis as a catalyst for digital transformation. Rather than pausing operations, he accelerated digital adoption: Hybrid & Virtual Events: Transitioned flagship galas, including the annual KZN Top Business Awards, into high-impact live-streamed productions and digital premieres, reaching unprecedented audience numbers across Africa and beyond. Modern Publishing Stacks: Integrated cloud-based customer relationship workflows, automated digital marketing pipelines, and modern web architectures. Executive Thought Leadership: Spearheaded executive tech briefings—including the high-profile “AI Unlocked – Beyond the Buzzword” session in partnership with Vodacom at The Oyster Box—demystifying emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence for regional executives. Next-Generation Ecosystems: Launched the KZN Top Business Nexus , creating dynamic, searchable digital networking and press room spaces that keep regional businesses connected 365 days a year. An Endurance Mindset Applied to Business Grant’s tenacity in business directly mirrors his lifelong commitment to endurance sports. A competitive multi-sport athlete, his athletic career includes: 36 Ultra Triathlons 15 Ironman 70.3 Events 21 Consecutive Amashova Cycle Classics 19 Cape Town Cycle Tours 19 Ride Joburg 94.7 Races 20 Midmar Mile Open-Water Swims This level of athletic discipline instils a unique operational perspective: the understanding that long-term success is built on consistent pacing, resilience through difficult stretches, meticulous preparation, and team cohesion. Whether leading riders as part of the East Coast Inner Ring or navigating complex publishing cycles, Grant approaches every challenge with endurance, composure, and relentless forward momentum. Empowering Tomorrow: Women, Youth, and Inclusive Growth Beyond corporate profiling, Grant is deeply invested in the social architecture of economic development. He is a steadfast advocate for empowering emerging voices across South Africa’s economic landscape: A Vision for the Future As KwaZulu-Natal navigates an evolving global landscape, Grant Adlam remains one of its most articulate and passionate ambassadors. His vision for the region is built on strong public-private partnerships, digital modernisation, and an unshakeable confidence in local talent and industry. Through every article, video interview, and awards stage, Grant continues to remind business leaders and international investors alike that KwaZulu-Natal is not just open for business—it is leading the way. Previous Next

< Back Honey Mamabolo Next Honey serves on the Drakensberg Boys Choir School board and until June 2019, she also served on the boards of Sekelo Oil Trading and Thebe Solar Energy Holdings. Honey is a member of the Durban Chemical Cluster Executive Committee and chairs the Skills and Transformation Desk. She is a member of the Gauteng Innovation Hub Management Company's Investment Committee HONEY MAMABOLO is the chief executive officer of Thebe Unico (Unico), an automotive and industrial chemical manufacturer and a 100% black owned subsidiary of Thebe Investment Corporation (TIC) with a 54-year history of manu-facturing quality chemicals for the automotive and other industries. Unico is a leading manufacturer and supplier of engine coolant and brake fluid for the Original Equipment Manufacturers and after market, including oil majors. Honey serves on the Drakensberg Boys Choir School board and until June 2019, she also served on the boards of Sekelo Oil Trading and Thebe Solar Energy Holdings. Honey is a member of the Durban Chemical Cluster Executive Committee and chairs the Skills and Transformation Desk. She is a member of the Gauteng Innovation Hub Management Company's Investment Committee. It takes a village Speaking of her life journey, Honey commented, "It takes a village to bring up a child - my journey started in Lebowakgomo, a township 55km outside Polokwane. My parents were passionate about education and made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that I got a good education. In addition, I was inspired along the way by teachers, both in primary and secondary school." "The greatest impact on my life was at university - where I will single out our Head of Chemical Engineering Professor Uys Grimsehl and the late Prof Tolmay - who were relentless in ensuring that we delivered excellent work." Consequently, the environment at the university ensured that she thrived. Honey qualified in 2000 as one of three first black female chemical engineers from the University of Pretoria. Diversity, agility and the ability to connect However, her early career was spent in the retail banking sector where she worked for seven years as business process engineer, business analyst and project manager. Following which, Honey served as a senior energy consultant and director of operations for Energy Solutions Africa, focusing mainly on energy policy design, implementation, transaction advisory, donor fund management, and market transformation. This background led to Honey's role as a development financier at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). She managed two renewable and energy efficiency funds with a combined fund value of R 1 billion and participated in corporate and project finance deals. Prior to being seconded to Unico as CEO, she served as senior manager corporate finance and business development at TIC. Honey believes that in today's complex business environment - diversity, agility and the ability to connect and leverage others to form long lasting and sustainable partnerships are key to one's success. She is passionate about education, people development, emerging markets, development finance and entrepreneurship. Her mantra is "Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard" and "Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up". Embrace Life with its Challenges When asked who or what inspires her, Honey said, "My mother, who came from humble beginnings and is a retired Educational Psychologist, who achieved a PhD in Early Childhood Development whilst on pension is my motivator and role model." Honey added, "I am Inspired by people who embrace life with its challenges and who are able to thrive in the face of adversity. People who against all odds rise to unimaginable heights." Reflecting on whether women have a different approach to business than men to get to be successful, honey is unequivocal in her answer. "Most definitely, there is power in diversity. Women have the ability to remain calm in the face of storms and are collaborative in nature and are able to pull people together. Women can achieve the 'impossible' when they believe in their ability to achieve the same goals as their male counterparts." She urges young women not to be afraid of new challenges and to realise their full potential. "I have learnt that challenges and failures are part of the journey to success. In every challenging situation, I always tell myself that this too shall pass." We Rise by Lifting Others Honey is happy with what she has accomplished in her life and she is grateful to God for bringing her this far. She reflects that her current leadership role brings her much satisfaction as she knows that she can have a positive impact on the lives of many people. "I am an industry leader responsible for the prosperity of our organisation, impacting many families through the provision of employment and mostly providing support to the industry through our products while contributing to the economy." However, she says that there is always more to be achieved. "I am at a stage of life where transformational and inspirational leadership is critical, and I am looking to develop more leaders and empower others through my influence, networks and example. I believe strongly that we rise by lifting others." A Welcome Respite Honey strives to ensure that she achieves a work-life balance. "Outside of work, I am an avid golfer and runner (road and trail). I also dabble in antique furniture remodelling and painting. I find that these activities provide me with a welcome respite from the pressure and stress that comes with the role. I also spend my spare time with my husband, teens and extended family just relaxing. I have a strong cheerleader in my husband and my helper of 15 years - without whom I would not be able to fulfil my executive role." If Honey could give advice to her younger self, she would say that it is necessary to embrace failure as an intricate part of success. In addition, says Honey, "To have more faith than fear and mostly to be compassionate and kinder to self." Previous Next