< Back Shaleen Govender Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of SW360 and Founder of LIPT Shaleen Govender leads the KwaZulu-Natal division of SW360, South Africa’s leading provider of compliance and data intelligence solutions. “Through our trusted platforms, SearchWorks and VOCA, we empower businesses to reduce risk, embrace transparency and make confident decisions in a rapidly evolving world,” she explains. Beyond her corporate role, she is the founder of LIPT, a brand that began as a home patisserie and has grown into a franchise concept. LIPT now includes mobile food trucks serving artisanal creations at fairs and events. “Most importantly, I am a wife, mother of two, and chairperson of my children’s school governing body. These roles keep me grounded, strengthen my resilience, and remind me that leadership is most powerful when it balances business growth with family and community impact.” THE JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP Shaleen describes her journey as one built on courage, systems thinking, and adaptability. “I’ve learned to integrate, not separate, the different parts of my life,” she says. “Whether growing a technology solution brand like SW360, building an entrepreneurial venture like LIPT, or guiding education as a school leader, I have treated every challenge as part of a larger ecosystem.”She believes her success stems from curiosity and resilience. “By staying curious, resilient, and committed to innovation with purpose, I’ve been able to turn opportunities into long-term growth while never losing sight of the people and communities I serve.” Her dream has always been about legacy. “My biggest dream has always been to create impact that outlives me. For me, success is not about recognition, but about building sustainable businesses and communities where people are empowered to grow,” Shaleen explains.“At SW360, that means helping businesses operate with confidence and transparency. At LIPT, it means creating a brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and accessibility. On a personal level, my dream is to leave a legacy for my children that shows them it is possible to be a leader in business and still lead with love at home.” Shaleen is clear about her children being her greatest inspiration. “They remind me that leadership is ultimately about creating futures, where possibilities are limitless, and where balance between work, family, and passion is not a compromise but a design.” She also looks to women leaders globally. “I am inspired by women leaders who challenge stereotypes, build sustainable companies, and embrace holistic leadership. They remind me that true leadership balances profit, people and planet.” MEANINGFUL ENTERPRISES Shaleen is proud of the influence she has had on both her ventures. Her many accomplishments reflect the depth and range of her leadership. “At SW360, my focus has been on strengthening our presence in KwaZulu Natal, building trust with our clients, and showing that compliance and data intelligence can drive business growth,” she explains. Her efforts have helped cement SW360’s footprint in the province through valued relationships in the compliance and intelligence sector. “With LIPT, I have taken a personal passion and developed it into a business model that has the potential to scale nationally. It proves that small ideas can become meaningful enterprises.” What began as a home-based patisserie has now grown into a franchise and mobile food venture with strong prospects for expansion across the country. Her philosophy is rooted in “innovation, empowerment and sustainability,” where ideas are transformed into structures that enable others to thrive.Beyond Shaleen’s career, she has shown that motherhood and business success can strengthen one another. Her service as chairperson of her children’s school governing body reflects her commitment to community development. She is also proud to be recognised as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top women leaders. LEAD WITH INTEGRITY For Shaleen, challenges have become strengths. “My greatest challenge has been navigating the expectation that women must ‘choose’ between career and family. I have chosen to integrate instead of separate, and that integration has become my strength,” she notes. Another challenge has been building authority in male-dominated spaces. “I see these challenges as opportunities. They have allowed me to show that leadership is not defined by gender, it is defined by vision, resilience and authenticity.” Shaleen shares clear advice for the next generation. “Do not be afraid to step boldly into rooms where you may feel unprepared. Growth begins there,” she says. “Remember that you do not have to choose between your roles. You can be a leader, entrepreneur, mother, and change-maker all at once if you design your systems wisely. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, lean into mentorship, and never underestimate the power of your own voice. Above all, lead with integrity and build for the long term, not just the short term.” LOOKING AHEAD Shaleen’s ambitions remain strong. “With SW360, my goal is to keep expanding our impact in KZN and beyond, helping businesses harness data intelligence to build trust and transparency. With LIPT, I eventually want to scale it to a sustainable restaurant group, bringing innovation, culture and sustainability into the dining experience,” she says. “Personally, I aspire to mentor and empower the next generation of women leaders, showing them that it is possible to balance ambition with purpose and family with vision.” Balance, for Shaleen, is about alignment, not sacrifice. “I create rhythms rather than compartments, giving my full presence to whichever role I am in, whether it is the boardroom, my business kitchen, or a school event,” she explains. She finds strength in her family. Shaleen concludes, “Balance also comes from my family, who ground me, and from my work, which excites me. When passion and purpose align, balance stops being something you chase, it becomes something you live." Previous Next

< Back Carla De Silva Head of Client Relations and Business Development at Insite Towers Carla da Silva Caires is the head of client relations and business development at Insite Towers, a leading national telecommunications infrastructure developer and owner. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in expanding the company’s footprint by driving improved connectivity across KwaZulu-Natal. Carla is a woman deeply driven by purpose. Reflecting on what drew her to the company, she shares, “The biggest thing that really drew me to the job was the fact that we focused mainly on underserved areas. The thought of making people that never had access to the digital world able to do online training, education, and hopefully become more financially stable – that’s quite an achievement.” Her passion lies in connecting the unconnected, especially in rural and mountainous regions. “We really do focus on the rural areas, and that’s really my main focus,” she says. “Going out into the mountains and seeing people who don’t even know about smartphones now being able to connect with each other – that’s powerful.” Carla counts among her proudest achievements the role she has played in enabling online education and digital access for communities that were previously excluded. “I love that I’ve been a key part in bridging the digital divide in rural communities,” she reflects. “It’s a privilege to help people stay in touch with distant family or access opportunities they never thought possible.” A BROADER VISION FOR COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT Insite Towers’ impact extends far beyond infrastructure. Carla is passionate about the company’s commitment to community development. “If we’re building a site in a region, we try and make sure we’re involving the community in the build process, the security side of it, and doing things like putting JoJo tanks into schools – just giving back to the communities that are underserved.” Carla’s career is marked by bold choices and a strong desire to effect real change. Formerly a human resources director, she initially worked with Insite Towers while recruiting for the start-up. “They didn’t want someone already in the industry, and they wanted a woman because it’s a very male-dominated field,” she recalls.After reviewing the job description, Carla had a moment of clarity. “Everything they were describing sounded like something I wanted to be involved in. I got home, thought about it, and came back saying, ‘What would you think about me being in the role?’. The shareholders said they were actually waiting for me to say that.” Since stepping into the role, Carla has made a significant impact over the past six years. She has helped shift perceptions in an industry where women remain underrepresented. “When I walk into a meeting, you can see people’s eyes go, ‘Oh my gosh, a woman.’ But it’s becoming the norm, and it’s empowering to see so many more women being employed in the industry.” OVERCOMING HURDLES AND DRIVING PROGRESS Carla’s work comes with its share of challenges – particularly around the complex site permitting process. “Permitting for sites can take over a year to get approval,” she explains. “I’ve managed to identify and unblock the bottlenecks in each region, but it’s certainly been a challenge.” Despite the difficulties, her efforts have delivered measurable results. “Over the years we’ve streamlined the process massively; we’ve reduced delays by 20% over the last two years, which is quite an achievement.” On a personal front, Carla has faced immense adversity with unwavering strength. “I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in December 2024. This year I’m up for a transplant, that’s been a challenge I’m overcoming daily. But I see being here and continuing to work as an achievement.” She continues to show remarkable resilience. “This has been a huge thing for me to process, but as the weeks have gone by, I’ve managed to get through it with a positive mindset. I still get up and go to gym every morning despite what the inside of my body is doing. It’s crazy what a positive mind can do.” INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION Looking ahead, Carla’s ambitions remain deeply rooted in impact. “My goal is to continue expanding the network, ensuring more people have access to the digital world. Financial growth is one reason, but I’m also passionate about encouraging women to enter the telecommunications industry. I’ve noticed more and more women being employed in the space after me and that shows the difference I’ve made.” Her message to young women is clear and empowering: “Don’t be scared. Whether it’s telecommunications, construction, or being a pilot, if it’s male-dominated, so what? We, as women, don’t give each other enough grace for what we’re capable of.” She continues, “My biggest advice to young women is to believe in their ability to succeed at anything they set their minds to. The opportunities are there; you have so much to offer the world. I love sharing my story to show that success is not just a possibility, it’s a reality. We need to nurture our young ambitious and confident young ladies to stand together and become future leaders in our country. There are no limits to what us women can do together. I believe in empowering women to not be scared to take on roles in male-dominated spaces; we are stronger than we think.” BALANCING PURPOSE AND PARENTHOOD Despite the demands of her career, Carla takes immense pride in her role as a mother. “I’m a single mum to a little tennis superstar, Carter, he’s 12,” she says with a smile. “A huge achievement for me is being able to balance being a mum, running a company, and travelling. It’s challenging, but it’s so rewarding.” And what does the future hold? “To be healthy, be a good mum, and have the energy to do what I love. I travel a lot for work, and I want to keep doing what I do; at my best.' Previous Next

KZN Top Business Subscribe Subscribe KZN Business Chamber Linkages KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council Chairman: Paul Ngema info@nafcockzn.org.za Website: www.kznchamber.co.za UK South African Chamber of Commerce SA Chapter leader: David White Email- david@drg.co.za Address– Cournswood House, Clappins Lane, North Dean, Buckinghamshire, UK, HP14 4NW Website- https://southafricanchamber.co.uk Tel: +27 (0)31 767 0625 Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry President: Prasheen Maharaj CEO: Palesa Phili 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban Country Club. View Directions Tel:+27 31 335 1000 Fax:+27 31 332 1288 info@durbanchamber.co.za www.durbanchamber.co.za iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CEO: Cobus Oelofse Unit 14, The Quarter, 1 Stewart Drive, Ballito Business Park,Ballito 4420 Tel:+ 27 87 354 6343 Fax:+27 86 666 1164 info@ilembechamber.co.za www.ilembechamber.co.za Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business President: Bongi Mshengu CEO: Melanie Veness Parkhaven Centre, 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park,Pietermaritzburg,3201 Tel:+27 33 345 2747 Fax:+27 33 394 4151 pmcb@pmcb.org.za www.pmcb.org.za Northern KZN Chamber of Business Manager: Jennifer Wallace 33 Francis Road, Ladysmith, 3370 Tel:+27 36 631 0541 Email: manager@nkcb.org.za Minara Chamber of Commerce National President : Solly Suleman Suite 4, GMH Centre, 32 West Riding Row, 45th Cutting Mosque,Sherwood Tel:+27 31 208 1898 Fax:+27 31 207 5813 kzn@minara.org.za www.minara.org.za South Coast Chamber of Commerce & Industry President: Dick Basday 54 Mitchell Drive, Port Shepstone Tel:+27 39 682 0631 admin@sccci.org.za National African Federation Chamber Of Commerce (NAFCOC) Chairperson: Paul Ngema Secretary: France Nhlapo Queens Court Building, 5 Samora Machel Street, Durban, 4001 Tel:+27 31 3059867 info@nafcockzn.org.za https://nafcockzn.org.za/ Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry President: Hlengiwe Mvubu Manager: Vanessa Ncobela ZCBF Community Park, Gate 5, Business Community Centre, 1st Floor, Guldengracht Street, Alton,Richards Bay Tel:+27 35 797 1870 Fax:+27 35 474 4102 info@zcci.co.za https://www.zcci.org.za/