His early career, he says, was based on a lot of hard work and some luck. In addition, Jackson said that he was fortunate to work with some good people. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Michael Jackson (Retired) His early career, he says, was based on a lot of hard work and some luck. In addition, Jackson said that he was fortunate to work with some good people. You must always remain humble and you must take nothing for granted MICHAEL JACKSON's strong adherence to the core values of integrity and client service, as well as a good sense of humour, have served him well in his professional career. He was appointed as managing partner of Durban law firm Cox Yeats in 2011. In January 1998, Jackson joined Cox Yeats as a candidate attorney. He commented that starting there was really tough. Jackson was articled to Graham Cox, who checked every document that he produced. Jackson said, "Graham Cox told me that I needed to learn the basics of writing and suggested that I read a book or two." This advice came as quite a shock especially after having studied at university for seven years. "This somewhat Victorian introduction to law and work taught me that in law you are never an expert. You must always remain humble and you must take nothing for granted," added Jackson. His early career, he says, was based on a lot of hard work and some luck. In addition, Jackson said that he was fortunate to work with some good people. "I was privileged to work closely with Graham Cox (who at that time was undoubtedly the best lawyer in Durban) and with Jeremy Yeats. In many respects they were complete opposites. Graham economic with words and decisive; Jeremy amiable, who pondered and weighed the various options in committee." A highlight of his career was making partner in 2000, after only one year out of articles. From the outset, Jackson said that he was exposed to large clients and important matters. A big opportunity arose when Jeremy Yeats fell ill, and Jackson took over the work that he handled for Richards Bay Minerals and Tongaat Hulett on land, the environment and minerals. It was through this exposure that he then specialised in natural resource law, which was something that he had not considered at university, where he had focused on tax, finance and corporate law. Jackson says that he is quite old fashioned in his approach to his career as he believes that "You should make a place work, if it is an environment that works". His 30 year employment history at Cox Yeats is in great contrast to the modern trend of job hopping, which is also a challenge for employee retention. Jackson says that it is important to have a culture that builds people from a young age and grows their careers so that they stay with the firm. However, this does require a reciprocal relationship of trust and organisational commitment. Leading a law firm and dealing with a range of diverse personalities requires much responsibility, especially with 28 partners making a total of 45 professionals. As such Jackson favours a participative management style and is as inclusive as possible in allowing everyone to air their voices to reach consensus. He commented that it has been very fulfilling to develop a team of professionals around him and work collectively, as opposed to individually. The Cox Yeats' way values independence and participation. However, he added, "We have found that focussing on our core values and measuring all decisions in reaction to these values has given us much relevance. Our model in recent years of living true to these values has been very successful." An important part of these values is offering outstanding client service and being quite bold. "We regard ourselves as the best KZN law firm and have an increasing amount of international reach, which in the future we would like to grow," concluded Jackson. Jackson is married to Helen who is also a lawyer and has two children. In his free time, he enjoys rowing three times a week on Durban Harbour, the office exercise class and hobbling around the neighbourhood. Apart from international travel, a favourite breakaway spot is a cottage on the Transkei wild coast, which has been in the family for nearly 80 years.

< Back Minenhle Dlamini Managing Director of Gagasi FM Minenhle Dlamini, managing director of Gagasi FM, leads one of KwaZulu Natal’s most vibrant regional com mercial radio stations. Her journey to the top of the commercial broadcasting world has been one of persistence, reinvention, and a deep love for media.“My journey to being an MD started in 2009,” she recalled. “I started as a radio presenter, presenting on weekends. Monday to Friday I’d have a nine-to-five, then Saturday and Sunday I would be on air.” That early commitment laid the foundation for what would become a steady rise through the ranks. A year later, she moved into content production, joining the breakfast show team. By 2011, she had transitioned into the commercial and promotions department. Her creativity and strategic thinking led to her appointment as head of the department, a position that showcased her leadership potential. In 2021, Minenhle’s path took another major step forward. “The MD before me went off to Johannesburg to start a sales house for Gagasi and our sister station, Heart FM,” she said. “I stood in for him, and in July 2021, I was announced as the managing director of Gagasi FM.” PASSION FOR MEDIA Minenhle’s love for communication began during her university years. “I’ve always loved media. Even in university, I did a BA in media studies. I wanted to be a magazine writer,” she said. “However, when I found out about campus radio, I started volunteering there, and that’s where my love for radio started.” As a schoolgirl, she dreamt of a life of exploration and creativity. “I always saw myself as someone who would just travel the world,” she reflected. That curiosity would later define her career path, guiding her through shifts in interest from acting and news reporting to media leadership. Throughout her career, Minenhle has drawn inspiration from those around her. “My predecessor, the previous MD, has inspired me,” she said. “I would attend meetings with him and find myself inspired by his knowledge about radio and consumer insights.” She also credits Gagasi Heart Media Group’s current chairman for motivating her with his story of resilience. At Gagasi FM, Minenhle’s leadership philosophy centres on inclusivity and connection. “It’s ensuring that the members of Gagasi can be themselves, can be creative, and at the same time feel that they are part of the family and part of the greater community that we serve.” This culture is felt from the moment anyone enters the building. That sense of warmth and unity also extends to listeners and the wider KwaZulu-Natal community. MAKING AN IMPACT Under her direction, Gagasi FM has launched a series of campaigns that have had a tangible social impact. The station has surpassed one million followers on Facebook and continues to engage audiences with initiatives rooted in compassion and empowerment. One such campaign, close to Minenhle’s heart, takes place on Mother’s Day. “We go into government hospitals delivering care packs to mothers who have just given birth,” she said. Another is a back-to-school drive that supports both pupils and tertiary students in need of financial assistance. The Shero Awards, held annually on Women’s Day, celebrate unsung heroines across business, science and technology, education, and community work. “Ours is to let them know that people are seeing you, they nominated you, and they like the work that you are doing.” Minenhle has also introduced youth-focused business workshops that support young entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of self-employment. “We know that the entrepreneurship journey can be quite lonely,” she said. “It’s all about motivating them to keep on with their hustles.” Another major highlight is the station’s annual music festival, which shines a spotlight on South African talent. “We fill up 12,000 people at Moses Mabhida People’s Park, and we sell out a month before the actual event,” she shared proudly. “That’s a huge achievement for us.” Working in media comes with its own set of trials. Minenhle acknowledges that the public scrutiny can be tough. “Social media can sometimes be quite hurtful, and cancel culture is quite big,” she said. She also reflected on the difficulties of serving communities during crises such as floods and riots and how seeing the community being misplaced can be heartbreaking. On a personal level, she has had to confront rejection and self-doubt. “Even getting into radio, I had a couple of doors shut in my face,” she admitted. “Sometimes feeling unseen is a challenge, and you have to get out of your comfort zone and map out a way for your brand to be seen.” GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION Her advice to aspiring women in media is rooted in integrity and resilience. “Do everything with integrity, whether people are watching or not,” she said. “Work ethic is quite important. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.” She also emphasises the importance of collaboration and humility. “Ask for help. Position yourself with people who know certain skills that you might not have. Have people you can use as your sounding board.” Minenhle’s vision for Gagasi FM extends far beyond radio. “My future goal is to grow Gagasi to be more than just a radio station,” she said. “I see it as a business that offers more than radio, from a digital and content perspective, and as a training academy for the media dreamers of KZN.” Balancing work, motherhood, and personal growth is something she takes seriously. “I go to the gym and make sure that every day I do something that I like,” Minenhle shared. As a mother of three, she has built a support network and learned the value of shared responsibility. “I’ve realised just how much it takes a village to raise kids.” Grounded by faith and reflection, she finds time to meditate and read business books. “I diarise everything,” she added. “Even church services, so that I can find time during the week to attend mass and ground myself.” For Minenhle, leadership is not only about success on paper but about connection, compassion, and creating spaces where others can shine. Previous Next

< Back Linah Marijeni Director at Tyson Properties Richards Bay Linah Marijeni is a dedicated professional, a wife, and a proud mother of three boys. She serves as a realtor and is one of the directors of Tyson Properties Richards Bay, where she and her team specialise in the selling and leasing of both residential and commercial properties. Linah’s career in real estate began in 2010. “My real estate journey started with another agency,” she recalls. “After receiving a call from the principal asking me to join his team, my quickest response was, ‘I would like to ask my husband first and I’ll get back to you’.” JOINING A TRUSTED BRAND Linah’s decision to join Tyson Properties in 2017 was influenced by the company’s strong reputation and values. However, her decision to join Tyson wasn’t made lightly. We evaluated different franchises and even spoke to other agencies,” said Linah. “But Tyson Properties kept coming to mind. The fact that it is a trusted brand, and I was able to relate myself to that, made it an easy choice,” she explains. Transitioning into Tyson’s was a pivotal shift from her previous agency and was not without its challenges, but Linah embraced the opportunity with courage and faith. “Coming from a different work environment, it felt like a career shift and hence challenging as well. Nevertheless, fate was stubborn. With the support of my family, my real estate journey has been successful.” Becoming a realtor built on Linah’s goals as her early dream was clear and ambitious: “My biggest dream back then was to be the most trusted and successful agent in South Africa.” Throughout her journey, Linah has drawn inspiration from those closest to her. “My family has been the biggest driving force,” she says with pride. “Not forgetting to mention Chris Tyson, our group chief executive officer. He’s been my biggest cheerleader and mentor." Working alongside her husband, Regis, has added a personal layer to her professional life. “I have worked with my husband for eight years. Of course, it has been difficult balancing our personal life and work,” she admits. “But through experience, we’ve managed to find balance. We do have our moments, of course people fight, but we do balance each other, and we are successful.” LEADERSHIP AND WORK ETHIC Linah believes in leading by example and maintaining strong professional values. “Luckily, I’m not a lazy person,” she laughs. “I lead by example. When I’m with my employees, I roll up my sleeves and show them how things should be done.”She emphasises that realtors need empathy, passion and attention to detail especially as real estate is about people. “Maintaining high levels of integrity and confidentiality define who we are,” she says. “My biggest strength is that I’m trustworthy. When I’m handling personal information, I manage it with confidentiality, especially in sensitive matters like divorce. I make sure I deal with both parties well.” The real estate industry has faced significant headwinds in recent years. “Our market has been volatile due to rising interest rates and inflation, leaving people with low disposable incomes,” Linah notes. “The economy has remained depressed with no meaningful growth. However, the current drop in interest rates has had a positive impact on the market.” Linah and her team have played a key role in expanding the Tyson Properties’ brand across the Zululand region. “We successfully introduced the Tyson Properties brand in Zululand and developed it into one of the leading real estate brands,” she shares. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed. “Our company has won Tyson Properties Top Office in KwaZulu-Natal Award three times,” she says proudly. “Personally, I have won the prestigious Chairman’s Award and have been a Double Diamond Achiever for the past five years. ’ve even been to the Maldives and Sicily through the company rewards programme." FUTURE GOALS AND VISION Linah encourages anyone entering the field to embrace its challenges and rewards. “Real estate is worth every penny and it’s rewarding,” she advises. “Focus, hard work, resilience, persistence, and passion are the key ingredients for success.” Regulatory compliance has also tightened. With Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act) in full force, doing things right matters more than ever. Linah commented, “Tyson Properties has implemented the systems, controls, and training to ensure we uphold every legal and ethical standard.” Looking ahead, Linah aims to make a lasting impact through development and youth empowerment. She explains, “I want to recruit and develop youth, as they are the future of real estate.”She added, “My future goals are to become a successful developer for residential properties, especially for low- and medium-income earners.” Her vision includes building quality residential estates in Richards Bay. “A good residential estate should have schools nearby, parks, and shops. It should have most of the amenities close by,” she commented.” COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Balancing work and personal life remain a priority for Linah. “I’ve set up efficient organisational systems, and I practise effective delegation,” she says which help ensure time out. “During my spare time, I spend time in my kitchen cooking and baking, and I also love gardening.” Linah’s story is one of determination, faith, and passion which are a reflection of a woman who has not only built a successful career but also inspired those around her through integrity, balance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Previous Next

MUSA MAKHUNGA's passion for people and society has been driven by the need to "pay it forward". He believes that he would not have achieved as much as he has done in his life if he was not assisted by the generosity of other people Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Musa Makhunga MUSA MAKHUNGA's passion for people and society has been driven by the need to "pay it forward". He believes that he would not have achieved as much as he has done in his life if he was not assisted by the generosity of other people Pay it forward MUSA MAKHUNGA's passion for people and society has been driven by the need to "pay it forward". He believes that he would not have achieved as much as he has done in his life if he was not assisted by the generosity of other people. Makhunga says, "I realise that if people had not provided opportunities for growth, I would not have made it, career wise. We all need just that one person who believes in our set vision and declared commitment to it, to make it a bit further." This past assistance has seen Makhunga become a trained teacher and now a businessman in practice, who has worked in many industries including education, manufacturing, mining, retail, banking and consulting. Makhunga founded the HR Matters company in 2002 as an outsource human resources solutions outfit servicing small, medium and large business, focusing on talent acquisition, training, consulting and HR administration. This has been the family focus for the past 13 years as he runs this business with his wife, Nozipho. He said that although there had been challenges, the decision to change his career by joining commerce was a risk that has paid off handsomely in terms of personal growth and development. One of Makhunga's strengths is his entrepreneur spirit. He explains, "My mom and my aunt could not afford to provide much beyond the necessities when I was young, so I learnt to 'hustle' at an early age. At school sports days I would sell oranges. I was one of a few people who had a camera so l took photographs and would send the spool from Zululand to Durban to be printed and then sell the prints." Makhunga added that if it was up to him, every touch point with young people, be at home, school and in society in general, youth would be encouraged to get out there early, to earn or learn to trade. This entrepreneurial acumen saw the HR Matters Company establish HR Matters Properties (HRMP) in 2007 as a property management, investment and services business. A warehouse and logistics component is located at Pran Park at Dube TradePort, which provides a competitive advantage as a distribution centre covering the RSA steel manufacturing market. The desire to assist people in the communities Makhunga grew up in is apparent in his co-founding of the Nothani Education Trust (www.nothani.org . za). This organisation contributes to efforts aimed at helping communities and individuals in Zululand to work themselves out of poverty. "I am passionate about the importance of education and vocational skills development to the extent I think the two could well be the panacea of all societal ills. "In the past, akhunga has been involved with the founding of Mothers-to-Mothers-to-Be (M2M2B) mentoring programme. This programme addresses the needs of pregnant women and mothers living with HIV. "I get immense fulfilment from the philanthropy work I do or have done, with my friends and business associates," he commented. In addition to philanthropic work, Makhunga enjoys motivating local businesses to generate profits while serving a meaningful purpose and giving back to society. As president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Makhunga is committed to ethical business practices and ensuring that local business leaders and government work together. Makhunga commented that interacting with people from the global chamber movement has allowed him the occasion to see how other countries perceive the work of business chambers. South Africa has much unfinished business and it is necessary to get business and authorities to work together to address issues of inequality, poverty and slow economic growth. Makhunga concluded, " We each have a responsibility to help South Africa grow - we can't always leave assisting others to the next guy."