Aven Naidu Next Previous Aven Naidu is the Chief Executive Officer of the Avemel Group Aven Naidu is the Chief Executive Officer of the Avemel Group, a multifaceted business rooted in logistics, property and construction, and guided by a strong commitment to community upliftment. In his role, he steers the organisation’s strategic vision, inspires innovation and ensures that each division operates with purpose, collaboration and integrity. Aven was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. He attributes much of his early development to the values instilled in him during his childhood. “From a young age, I was surrounded by people who worked hard and showed strong work ethic,” he says. This foundation encouraged him to pursue a career that would have an impact beyond profit. After completing his studies, he entered the transport and logistics sector. Aven recalls, “I entered a space that challenged me to think beyond moving goods and toward building long-term, sustainable solutions.” His first professional role was in industry at Sasol. This experience gave him insight into operational discipline and structure. However, his entrepreneurial instinct guided his next move. “I quickly realised that I wasn’t built to stay in my lane,” he explains. “I’ve always had the urge to think outside the box, explore new strategies, and take calculated risks.” That instinct led him to establish his own business, which later evolved into the Avemel Group. Aven’s personal purpose underpins his leadership philosophy. “My why is to create meaningful impact for our employees, our clients and our community” he says. He strongly believes that success should be collective rather than individual. “Avemel was founded on the belief that success is shared, not individual. I’m driven by a desire to create opportunities, empower people to realise their potential and build a legacy of integrity, innovation and unity.” One of his core beliefs is that everyone should fulfil their potential. “I can’t stand seeing people waste their God-given talents. My purpose is to help unlock them.” Reaching the twenty-year milestone of Avemel is among Aven’s proudest achievements. He reflects, “From humble beginnings to becoming a respected name in logistics and beyond, our journey reflects two decades of dedication, teamwork and faith.” What he values most is the growth of people within the organisation. “Seeing the people who started with us still growing within the organisation today — that, to me, defines real success.” He has encountered significant challenges throughout his journey. “The biggest challenge was sustaining our business during times of economic uncertainty, especially during the pandemic, while protecting our workforce,” he explains. “We overcame this by staying adaptable, diversifying our operations and prioritising our people. Transparency, communication and versatility became our pillars. By standing together, we came out stronger than before.” Aven believes the key to motivation lies in building genuine connection. He says, “I take the time to listen, to lead by example and to celebrate both small and big wins.” Even in difficult times, he reminds his team of their shared purpose and the importance of how every individual contributes to the bigger picture. “We focus on solutions, not blame. That approach builds trust, unity and resilience.” Leadership advice received early in his life continues to shape his actions. “The best advice I’ve ever received was: Never forget where you came from,” he shares. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me that leadership is not about authority — it is about service.” We must always remember “No single person is bigger than the business”. Aven draws his inspiration from both his family and his team. “I’m inspired by my late grandparents. Their humility, entrepreneurship skills, strength of character and faith in people shaped who I am today.” He also acknowledges the dedication of his employees. “I’m inspired daily by the incredible team at Avemel, who embody the spirit of hard work and commitment. Their drive reminds me that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege.” Above all, Aven is deeply grateful to his wife, children and family for their unwavering support. “They are my strength and the reason I strive every day. My driving force in life is to build a legacy that my family can be proud of, one defined by integrity, impact and a commitment to uplifting others.” Looking to the future, Aven has a clear vision for the Avemel Group and for business in KwaZulu-Natal. “My vision is for Avemel to become the nation’s leading logistics provider, offering a service that covers the full spectrum of the supply chain,” he says. “I want to achieve this by embracing technology and integrating innovation across our operations.” Aven envisages a thriving economy supported by a strong logistics and infrastructure sector. “I want to see the logistics and infrastructure sector in South Africa flourish. This will create opportunities, strengthen trade and empower communities.” Avemel Group is positioned to contribute significantly to this progress. “We aim to play a central role in that transformation through investment, job creation and infrastructure development.” Relationships and integrity remain central to Aven’s leadership approach. He refers to a belief passed down by his late grandfather: “We make money; money doesn’t make us.” He has built Avemel’s organisational culture around this principle. “We value our clients and relationships above profit. While sustainability is essential, we believe that if we uplift our clients, they will, in turn, uplift our business. Relationships are the foundation of everything.” Over two decades, Aven Naidu has shaped the Avemel Group into a symbol of sustainable impact and purposeful growth. His journey demonstrates resilience, vision and humility. It reflects his belief that leadership is an act of service and an investment in people. His legacy is one of opportunity, empowerment and enduring commitment to transformative business and community development. Previous Next

Ahmed Motala Next Previous Managing Director of Enterprise Mobility Solutions Africa (EMSA) Ahmed Motala, Managing Director of Enterprise Mobility Solutions Africa (EMSA), has never measured success solely by financial returns. For him, success is reflected in the growth of clients, the strength of relationships and the positive impact created in communities. A proud Durbanite, Ahmed has built a career spanning finance, technology, corporate social investment and tourism. “My purpose is to add value,” he says. “We’re not just here for short-term profit; we believe in creating lasting value.” Today, EMSA serves clients across the healthcare, retail, fast-moving consumer goods, education and corporate sectors, providing connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud services and technology solutions. Yet Ahmed believes the company’s greatest differentiator is the relationships behind it. “Connectivity can be purchased online or from anyone,” he explains. “But we believe in building strong relationships with our clients. We’ve become trusted advisors to many of the businesses we serve.” TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEUR Ahmed’s professional journey began in Durban, where he completed his schooling before studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. While pursuing his studies, he supplemented his income through temporary positions in the retail sector, gaining valuable business experience. After graduating, he completed his articles with auditing firm Desai Jadwat Incorporated, spending seven years building a foundation in finance, accounting and business management. His early career was spent in manufacturing, where he rose through the ranks at Astrapak. “I spent over 20 years there,” he recalls. “When I left, I was the financial director.” Leaving a successful corporate career to venture into business was a significant leap of faith. “When I left Astrapak, I had no idea what I was going to do.” The transition began through consulting work and corporate social investment projects for organisations including Sun International and the Willowton Group. One project opened a door that would reshape his future. “One such project was with Vodacom, and that’s how my introduction to Vodacom happened,” says Ahmed. That relationship ultimately evolved into a successful technology business that today competes with some of South Africa’s largest industry players. “We’ve won four national awards with a team of just three people, competing against some real heavyweights across the country,” he explained. BUILDING TRUSTED PARTNERSHIPS Ahmed’s business philosophy centres on becoming more than a service provider. He believes clients need partners who understand their businesses and remain present when challenges arise. “When things go wrong, we’re always first on the scene. We’re there for our clients when they need us.” This hands-on approach has allowed EMSA to share in the growth journeys of numerous clients. One retail customer expanded from approximately 30 stores to almost 100 outlets during their partnership, while a vehicle rental client grew from only a handful of sites to more than 20 locations nationally and became part of an international group. “We’ve been part of that phenomenal growth,” he says. “We’re very proud to have shared in the success of our clients.” Ahmed credits much of his success to the guidance of distinguished mentors who taught him the importance of integrity, service excellence and treating every client with equal respect. “No matter how big or small the client is, you give them the same service,” he says. “When you treat your clients with integrity, you’ll be a success.” These lessons became particularly important when EMSA entered the highly competitive technology sector. “One of the challenges we had getting ourselves off the ground was that we had no previous track record,” he explains. “We had to work extra hard, extra smart.” For Ahmed, accountability remains a critical differentiator. “People don’t want to talk to a call centre or take a reference number. When you’ve got the owner of the business that you can talk to, that’s a huge advantage.” Patience and perseverance have become defining characteristics of his leadership style. “Sometimes it’s difficult to keep the team motivated because closing a deal can take six months. Last year we had one that took 14 months to close. If you keep your head down and continue working, you will reap the rewards.” While Ahmed is proud of his commercial achieve ments, some of his most meaningful work has taken place outside the boardroom. Through a partnership between Mancosa and the Department of Basic Education, he has helped advance the vision of the late Professor Yusuf Karodia to place one million books into the hands of previously disadvantaged learners. Ahmed and his colleagues have personally visited hundreds of schools across South Africa in support of the initiative. “We’ve visited 400 schools and distributed more than 200,000 books. We’re well on our way to reaching that million-book target. I would like to think that’s a proud legacy that Professor Karodia left behind and that we’re continuing today.” RESILIENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY Ahmed’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his involvement in Compassline Africa Tours, a business that has been operating for almost two decades. The company faced one of its greatest challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic when international tourism came to a standstill. “We had absolutely zero bookings and were on the verge of closing the business,” he recalls. Through the commitment and sacrifices of the team, however, the business survived. As travel resumed, Compassline experienced remarkable growth, welcoming visitors from Europe, the United States and other international markets. Ahmed is particularly proud of the ten women who form the backbone of the business and whose dedication helped transform it into a post-pandemic success story. Ahmed is equally passionate about the future of KwaZulu-Natal. He believes the province’s success depends on stronger collaboration between business, government and education. “Education is the foundation of the success of any region,” he says. “Businesses need to collaborate more closely with government and invest in education.” He also sees significant opportunities for growth within the tourism sector. Previous Next

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Lorraine Dyer Next Previous Lorraine Dyer is the managing director for Bata South Africa Lorraine Dyer is the managing director for Bata South Africa, part of a multinational company that has become synonymous with quality footwear and community commitment. Bata operates in almost 70 countries now and has about 5,800 stores globally. In South Africa, its operations are both large and deeply rooted. Lorraine explains, “We have a factory in Loskop, Drakensberg that employs about 420 people.” Then we have a distribution centre where we employ 60 people, and in our head office in La Lucia, we have around 82 people. It’s a strong team of employees.” Bata South Africa produces approximately 6.5 million pairs of shoes each year. Her tone reflects genuine pride as she discusses the company’s impact. “It’s been going really well,” she says with a smile. Beyond the numbers, what drives Lorraine is the human side of the business. “What really persuaded me to join the group was the work that they do for communities, that you’re actually servicing a large part of the opulation, putting school shoes on the feet of children. That’s really phenomenal.” Bata has been operating in South Africa for over 70 years, yet many South Africans don’t realise it’s a multinational. The Toughees brand is well known throughout the country. However, the company has other brands such as Bata Comfit, known for its ladies’ and men’s comfort shoes, Bubblegummers for children, Bata Industrials safety footwear , as well as sneaker brands like Tomy Takkies and Power. A Journey of Impact Lorraine’s career has been defined by a blend of technical expertise and business intuition. “I actually started off as an industrial engineer with Woolworths, very technical,” she says. “I then moved to New Zealand and I fell into retail and loved it. My journey took a different turn then, but it was all for the good.” That journey took her across continents and industries. “I was asked to bring the Cotton On brand to South Africa from Australia, and we launched the first 50 stores here,” she recalls. “I did Converse and Nike for six years as general manager. After that, I had the opportunity to go into fragrances and beauty with Chanel. And then Bata came knocking.” As Lorraine puts it, “Each one of these experiences has taught me something different. What I loved about Chanel was that it taught me what true customer service is all about,” she reflects. “And now, at Bata, I’m able to combine that with the purpose of serving our communities.” Her impact at Bata has been both measurable and meaningful. “If you look at the numbers only, we’ve seen strong double-digit growth, which is significant for Bata globally and for the Africa region,” Lorraine says. “But I’m most proud of the culture that we’ve managed to change within the business, making sure that people are happy, that they love the brands and love their jobs. I believe that people are most productive when they are in a happy space. We’ve made sure we have the right people in the right seats and that they’re motivated,” she notes. That approach has helped Bata gain an impressive share in the school shoe category, a testament to both product quality and consumer trust. Lorraine acknowledges that running a large manufacturing and retail business in today’s economy is not without challenges. “Economic stability, import and export difficulties, and port delays all affect operations,” she says. “Consumers have less to spend, but what we love about South Africans is that they value quality. They will choose the better product, which is something for which we are known.” Building Communities Beyond business results, Lorraine’s passion lies in the people Bata employs. “We employ over 60 percent women within our business, which is really inspiring,” she shares proudly. “In our factory, the Toughees production line employs 92 percent women. That really has a great impact on the greater community.” The company’s presence in the Drakensberg region has been transformative. “When you drive through the Loskop community, people live in brick houses, not shacks. That really shows the impact that the Bata factory, which is the only factory in the area, has had over the years. When you uplift women, the family is uplifted, children prosper, and that’s really important to us.” Through the Bata Children’s Programme, the company supports education and upliftment initiatives for underprivileged children. “Each sale of Tomy Takkies also contributes a percentage to women’s enrichment programmes,” Lorraine explains. “There’s a lot of giving back, and that’s something I’ve always dreamed of being part of.” Lorraine commented, “The advice I’d give younger women is to believe that you can achieve your dreams. It is still a male-dominated world, but you can make an impact. Be prepared and understand that you are unique, and that is an asset in any situation, especially in business. Don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard.” Balancing Life and Looking Ahead Despite her role, Lorraine maintains a consistent sense of balance. “I have a lot of support,” she says. “My mother is my rock. She helps take care of my son, and I make sure that when I get home, work is at work. I focus on spending quality time with him.” For Lorraine, personal well-being is essential. “I find balance by making sure that I’m healthy and fit. I go to the gym, I play golf, and I’m a keen equestrian. I have a horse that we’re training for dressage, so I have a lot of activities that keep my mind healthy and help me de-stress from work.” Looking ahead, she is excited about Bata’s future. “We want to continue with the momentum that the business is on, to serve our communities and uplift women within our business.” Previous Next

Erlo Stegen Next Previous In Tribute Erlo Hartwig Stegen, affectionately known as Baba Mfundisi, was the visionary founder and director of KwaSizabantu Mission. Born on 2 March 1935 to Carl and Irmgard Stegen on the family farm Paardefontein in KwaZulu- Natal, Erlo passed away on 26 September 2023 at the mission. Erlo’s life was marked by a sense of purpose and dedication to serving others. From a young age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, always seeking ways to make money through planting and selling various goods. However, this early inclination toward business was overshadowed by his calling to preach the Gospel, particularly to the Zulu nation. Erlo’s calling to minister to the Zulu people was a journey that led him to forge a deep bond with the Zulu community. His ministry was characterised by a commitment to helping others, which became the cornerstone of his life’s work. This commitment led to the establishment of the KwaSizabantu Mission in 1970, following the purchase of a 140-hectare farm by Erlo and his brother. Over the decades, KwaSizabantu grew into a 540-hectare mission that became a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals. A THRIVING HUB OF ACTIVITY Today, the KwaSizabantu Mission is a thriving hub of activity, encompassing a school, a college, a counselling centre, all of which provide vital services to those in need. The mission also boasts a 10,000-seater amphitheatre, where various events and gatherings are hosted, further cementing the mission’s role as a centre of community life. In addition to its educational and humanitarian efforts, KwaSizabantu is home to several successful businesses that support the mission’s work and contribute to the local economy. These businesses include Radio Khwezi, an award-winning radio station that has become a trusted voice in the region, as well as a pasta factory, bakery, dairy, and coffee shop. The mission also operates Emseni Farming, which produces high-quality peppers and avocados supplied to retailers such as Woolworths and Spar. One of the mission’s notable enterprises is its dairy operation, which produces the well-known Bonlé yoghurt. This product, like many others from the mission, is a testament to Erlo’s vision of self- sustainability and community upliftment. Another venture is the production of aQuellé bottled water, a recognised brand throughout South Africa, which is manufactured at the mission’s facilities near Kranskop, about 60 km inland from Stanger. HELP AND GUIDANCE Erlo’s approach to the mission was rooted in his desire to uplift those around him. Erlo firmly believed that it was impossible to preach effectively to people who were hungry or in need. He actively involved others in his work, teaching them valuable skills and knowledge that would enable them to become self-sufficient. This approach ensured that the people he worked with were able to improve their own lives and those of their families. Erlo would often provide seedlings and farming supplies to encourage people to plant crops at their homes, ensuring that they had food on their tables and that their children could attend school without hunger, which had been a significant problem in the past. He would often personally visit homes to check on the progress of their planting and to offer his help and guidance. Erlo’s dedication to the mission was evident in the way he cared for his employees’ needs not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally, embodying the role of a true servant leader. He was known for his hands-on approach, often working alongside his team. This leadership style earned him immense respect and loyalty from those who worked with him, as they saw him as someone who was not only willing to lead by example but also cared for their well-being. UNWAVERING DETERMINATION Erlo’s success as a leader can be attributed to his unwavering determination in pursuing the goals generated by his desire to help people. He was a man of great vision, always looking for new ways to expand the mission’s reach. This approach led to the establishment of many outstations of the mission, as well as the founding of numerous educational institutions, businesses, and humanitarian projects. Through his ministry, which spanned over 70 years, Erlo touched and changed the lives of millions, both in South Africa and around the world. The impact of Erlo’s work has generated public admiration resulting in numerous awards. Among these is the Robert W. Pierce Award for Christian Service, which he was co-awarded by World Vision International on 9 December 2007. This prestigious award is a testament to the global recognition of Erlo’s contributions to Christian service and humanitarain efforts. In 2013, he was also honoured with the Chancellor’s Medal by North-West University (NWU) for his extensive humanitarian work among poor rural communities in South Africa. Despite the many accolades, Erlo always remained humble and deeply committed to his faith as his calling was the driving force behind everything he did. The businesses he established at KwaSizabantu were not motivated by a desire for profit, but rather by the need to support the mission’s work and ensure its sustainability. These businesses also played a crucial role in uplifting the surrounding communities, providing employment, skills training, and essential services. Generating funds reflected Erlo’s belief that the resources made by the mission’s businesses should be used to further its humanitarian and spiritual goals. Throughout his life, Erlo faced numerous challenges, but he met each one with steadfast faith and resilience. One of the most significant challenges came during the Covid-19 pandemic when the mission faced a simultaneous media attack and boycott. Despite the difficulties, Erlo and the mission persevered, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before. He often spoke of the joy and fulfilment that comes from living a life dedicated to serving the Lord, emphasising that no other pursuit could offer the same value or satisfaction. Erlo’s life was a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and selflessness, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and the countless lives he touched through his ministry. Previous Next

< Back ROTOROY CC KZN Top Business VISIT WEBSITE About Year Establised: N/A B-BBEE Level Level 4 Industry Advertising Tertiary Category Marketing & Media Secondary Category Business Consulting Company Description KZN Top Business is a premier strategic platform dedicated to celebrating and connecting the economic leaders of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Grounded in the "Good News" marketing philosophy, the initiative operates on the core principle that success breeds success, focusing on the positive narratives that drive regional growth. A Living Legacy At the heart of the ecosystem is its flagship publication—not merely a book, but a living document and collector’s item. This publication profiles the province’s most influential organizations, utilizing human-centric branding to put a face to corporate names and highlight the personal leadership behind the innovation. The Awards & Governance The annual KZN Top Business Awards serve as the province's benchmark for excellence. Rigorous and prestigious, the awards have adhered strictly to King principles of corporate governance since their inception. This commitment to transparency and ethical standards ensures that being "in the room" carries immense value, providing recognized organizations with a powerful stamp of credibility and a platform for giving back to the community. Digital Evolution: The Nexus Expanding into the digital frontier, the platform recently launched The Nexus, a three-tier membership ecosystem. This community leverages advanced tools like Barnacle SEO and the TrustLoop feature to amplify member visibility and foster authentic professional connections. From hosting high-level forums at venues like The Oyster Box to managing editorial content in KZN Business Sense, KZN Top Business continues to be the primary catalyst for showcasing the resilience and commercial vibrance of KwaZulu-Natal Core Products Publishing Key Awards / Achievements paragraph CONTACT DETAILS Title Mr Name Surname Grant Adlam Designation / Job Title CEO Email Address info@kzntopbusiness.com Mobile Number 08932629529 Office Number 0312671977 Address 4 Wedge Rd, Dawncliffe, Westville, 3629, South Africa Reviews READ REVIEWS CEO DETAILS CEO B Phone MANAGEMENT TEAM Company Registration No paragraph paragraph Phone SOCIAL MEDIA Previous Next

< Back Nashikta Authar Angadh

< Back Gabbey-Gostina Malope

Businesses often reach a point when they need specialist services to further their own business growth and development. We have created a platform which enables businesspeople to access some selected gurus’ skills and knowledge. KZN Business Gurus Price Duration Free consultancy 30 minutes Application < Back About the memberships and subscriptions A KZN Top Business Guru is a person that can be defined as 'a person with influential ideas or theories about business'. There are no professional qualifications that entilte business guru. Anyone can become a business guru by making impact in a particular industry. It's also possible to claim to be a business guru at any time. It's not a title. The lists of people who have been accepted as business gurus have constantly changed over time. However, there are some people who have been accepted by a great majority as a business guru and also organisations which, the KZN Top Business team have created their own lists of gurus. Get to Know The Business Guru Let's connect Grant Adlam Now can you imagine the power of the KZN Masterclass We linked this back to been a KZN Top Business Gurus, to been a specialist. Now make use of KZN Top Business Press room The content The webinar The YouTube The blog The articles The network of our Business Community Set up an appointment and let's expanded on the KZN Masterclass and it and how ultimately how this all links back to dynamics of the KZN Top Business & Leaders Portfolio

Belinda Putterill Next Previous Belinda Putterill is the managing director of Use- it Waste Beneficiation Belinda Putterill, the managing director of Use- it Waste Beneficiation, a non-profit company operating within the waste value chain, reflects on her origins with a sense of nostalgia. “My story began in a small town,” she shares. Born in Pietermaritzburg, Belinda grew up in Bergville and spent her childhood in Colenso, a town that shaped much of her early life. “I attended Estcourt High School for a while and then matriculated from Ladysmith High School,” she says. Growing up in an era where “we got up to mischief because it was the normal thing to do,” Belinda developed a strong sense of community and resilience that would define her professional journey. Belinda’s entry into the professional world was swift. “My first job was actually three days after completing matric,” she recalls. Having just finished her final exam, Belinda embarked on her career as a legal secretary for an attorney in Ladysmith. “It was quite an experience,” she notes. A DIVERSE BACKGROUND However, Belinda’s journey into the waste industry was not a direct one. “I have a diverse background, not specifically in the waste industry, but it’s always been environmentally focused,” she explains. Her path led her to Use-it nearly a decade ago, where she discovered her true passion. “Waste is so holistic,” she states. “You might think it’s just rubbish on the street, but when you look at the impact it has on our environment in its entirety, it’s a global problem.” Initially, the magnitude of the waste issue seemed overwhelming. “It was almost too big for me,” she admits. However, she soon realised that by making even a small impact, she could contribute to a larger change. “If I could only just do one thing that could have an impact, it would snowball,” she says. At Use-it, Belinda finds purpose in addressing waste management challenges and making a tangible difference in communities. “We sit above the value chain of waste, identifying where the problematic waste streams are and what the roadblocks are,” she explains. But what drives her the most is the social responsibility aspect of the work. “We work with communities on the ground, and it gives me purpose every day to wake up and do more because of the impact change has on the beneficiaries with whom we work.” Balancing a demanding career with personal responsibilities is no small feat, and Belinda is particularly proud of her ability to do so as a single mother. “Being a single mum for 16 years and a full- time working mum at that, while managing this all-encompassing job, has been challenging,” she acknowledges. “I’m proud to say that I’ve raised two amazing children who are both now in the final years of their studies. Hopefully, Mum will get a break soon,” she adds with a chuckle. A LASTING IMPACT The wisdom passed down from Belinda’s mother has played a significant role in shaping her outlook on life and work. “The best advice always comes from your mum,” she asserts, noting that it’s often a generational thing. One piece of advice, in particular, has had a lasting impact on her. “My mum told me not to look back on your past mistakes and see them as failures,” she shares. Instead, she was encouraged to view them as lessons from which to grow. “You can’t change what’s happened in the past, but you can definitely use the lessons learned to do better in the future,” Belinda explains. In a field dominated by highly qualified academics, one of the biggest challenges that Belinda faced, she admits, has been that of self-doubt. Surrounded by peers with PhDs and extensive academic credentials, she found it difficult to see herself as their equal. “It’s intimidating,” she confesses. However, over time, Belinda has earned the respect of her colleagues and peers, which has significantly boosted her confidence. “I’m happy to say that my peers see me as their equal, which has really been amazing for me,” she says. Belinda describes the team at Use-it as a family, with all the complexities that such a dynamic entails. “Use-it has a mantra: it’s the Use-it family,” she explains. “Sometimes we don’t like each other very much, but we’re stuck with each other, and we kind of stick together,” she says. “Our team, does have conflicts, but we resolve them in-house,” she notes. “We need to understand each other as individuals with different cultures and what our circumstances are at home to be able to support each other in the workplace.” The non-profit environment, with its inherent funding challenges, adds another layer of difficulty. “Being in the non-profit environment, it’s not conducive to job security because we’re so funding dependent,” Belinda explains. SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION Belinda draws inspiration from her faith. “I will be honest, God, my faith, it’s a daily affirmation for me,” she says. This spiritual foundation provides her with strength and guidance in both her personal and professional life. Reflecting on the past five years, Belinda acknowledges the challenges that the region has faced. “The past five years have been tough,” she says, noting the loss of significant industry in Durban and the resulting job losses. However, she sees hope on the horizon, particularly with the development of the Dube TradePort. “I think that is going to have a significant impact on Durban and Hammarsdale specifically,” she predicts. Belinda also notes a shift in local government’s approach to the green economy. “Our local government has become more invested in the green economy,” she observes. This increased focus on environmental impact, combined with efforts to keep Durban’s River systems healthy and its beaches clean, gives her optimism for the future. “I think Durban is going to go a long way in the next five years,” she says with confidence. Belinda’s personal motto reflects her innovative and open-minded approach to challenges. “My motto has always been: Don’t break out of the box; there is no box, anything is possible,” she shares. Previous Next