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< Back Next Moses Tembe Moses Tembe is the chairman of Bellamont Investments Moses Tembe, chairman of Bellamont Investments, attributes much of his success to a belief in the power of community impact and a sincere dedication to God, family, and his fellow citizens. In a world often dominated by profit-driven motives, Moses stands out as an entrepreneur guided by the principles of service and giving back. Moses’s career journey is rooted in humble beginnings. After matriculating from Menzi High School in Umlazi in 1979, he pursued a bachelor’s in public administration and political science at the University of South Africa, followed by a course in financial management, which was managed by the University of Cape Town. Whilst studying, Moses worked as a Clerk of the Court from 1980 to 1983. He then moved to the KwaZulu Development Corporation and became the chief credit controller. DIVERSIFIED APPROACH In 1990, Moses took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, a decision that would eventually lead him to found Bellamont Investments and the Bellamont Group of Companies. This group, built on six pillars – Property Development and Construction (Afrostructures), Industrial Holdings includes Geochem brand and IFS facilities management, Energy and Telecommunications, Mining, Gaming, and Asset Management – has managed to thrive even in tough economic times. Moses’s diversified approach with Bellamont has allowed his businesses to weather economic downturns and industry-specific challenges. However, he reflects on this approach with mixed feelings. “I sometimes regret that I never had the courage and ambition to focus on one industry and make a big name of it,” he admits. With this hindsight, he now advises young entrepreneurs to stay committed to their mission and to avoid becoming overly distracted by diversification. He added that it is important to have the courage and belief to pursue big dreams. He says, “Accept no limits and maintain a forward-thinking mentality, hard work, service to mankind and godliness constitute a bedrock upon which sustainable success must be built.” In addition, Moses acknowledges that the path he has chosen is not without its challenges, particularly the balancing act of being a capitalist “without real capital”. He notes, “One would have accomplished more if financial institutions focused more on the opportunity and its viability and less on balance sheets and equity.” For Moses, access to finance and capital is a challenge that emerging entrepreneurs continue to face, as these remain a significant barrier in South Africa. Moses believes passionately that a change in the financial landscape is critical for budding entrepreneurs to achieve their potential. GIVING BACK Throughout his career, Moses has prioritised giving back to his community, practising what he calls his “80/20 principle” – 80% work and 20% time invested in improving the environment in which he operates. His extensive record of pro-bono service is a testament to this commitment. Moses has served in numerous roles, including secretary general of KwaZulu-Natal NAFCOC, president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and board member of the South African Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom and of the KZN National Business Initiative. Additionally, he currently co-chairs the KZN Growth Coalition, a partnership dedicated to fostering economic growth and development in the region. Further, his contributions to initiatives like the Durban Infrastructure Development Trust and the eThekwini Greater Foundation reflect a commitment to not only growing businesses but also nurturing communities. This is especially relevant in KwaZulu- Natal, the province to which he is personally committed. Moses envisions a KwaZulu-Natal that is “all-round successful”, and he is determined to work with various stakeholders to see this vision realised. INSPIRING OTHERS Moses’s approach is undoubtedly shaped by his faith, which he regards as an essential component of his personal and professional philosophy. “Proverbs and Psalms remain the major inspirational sword I use to conquer,” he says, finding solace and strength in the teachings that emphasise hard work, humility, and kindness. For Moses, success is not simply about wealth or recognition but about building a legacy rooted in values that inspire others to uplift themselves and their communities. His message to fellow entrepreneurs and leaders is profound. He says, “The more you make service to people your primary business, the more likely you will be noticed, and opportunities will come to you.” This belief is embedded in his core values, evident in the ways he has managed his businesses, approached new opportunities, and interacted with the communities he serves. It is a philosophy that recognises the importance of each individual’s role in contributing to the larger society, a vision that Moses has diligently worked toward through his many leadership roles and business ventures. This philosophy has also opened numerous doors for him and allowed him to build lasting relationships across industries. In the past, he has had the opportunity of serving on listed companies in the capacity of chairperson of Phumelela Gaming and as board member for KZN Tsogo Sun, Mr Price and Santova Logistics. In summary, Moses exemplifies a form of entrepreneurship that is seldom seen but greatly needed. By leveraging his resources and net- works, he continues to make a difference in KZN and beyond. He remains steadfast in his pursuit of a prosperous and equitable South Africa, setting an example for future generations. His story reminds us that when business and service intersect, not only does an entrepreneur thrive, but so too does the community around him. Previous Next

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< Back Tanya Bailey Next Tanya has a vested interest in SA, which goes beyond building a successful career for herself. The way she conceptualises 'successful' is driven by commitment to inclusivity, evidenced by her business network which mobilises and develops local talent and skills to benefit the broader South African community, including its wildlife TANYA BAILEY is the vision behind, "Working with materials made from recycled banner fabric and recycled South African bottles - 100% South African, and traceable to source - to make colourful, beautiful Uzwelo bags." Tanya has a vested interest in SA, which goes beyond building a successful career for herself. The way she conceptualises 'successful' is driven by commitment to inclusivity, evidenced by her business network which mobilises and develops local talent and skills to benefit the broader South African community, including its wildlife. Tanya sums up Uzwelo's ethos saying, "the stories behind our bags and the people who make them are what drive us every single day to do a better job, to create new ideas, new bags, new projects, involving new people." New life to waste Uzwelo gives new life to waste by recycling, reusing and redesigning excess fabrics destined for landfill. Apart from developing local skills and creating jobs, Uzwelo donates funds to 'The Bateleurs Organisation', pilots who donate their time and wings to worthy conservation causes. Donations have assisted returning stranded penguins to the sea and flying back a seal who, having had one too many encounters with sharks, chose land over sea as its preferred habitat! Uzwelo products include reusable shopping bags, and school bags with built-in ponchos, which are donated in partnership with corporate SA at various events to rural children walking long distances to and from school. As well as removing barriers to education, a school bag is a prized personal possession. Corporates invited to physically participate in the gifting often experience the handover as life changing; their involvement transcends the usual 'just another CSI box to tick', or donation to an anonymous charity. Offering products which South Africans are invited to invest in challenges them to be intentional in their spending, raising questions not only around 'what' they're investing in, but also 'why', 'how' and 'who'. Reusable shopping bags facilitate a constructive public response to SA's plastic crisis. After years in the working world, Tanya's passion for sustainability has motivated her purposeful approach to her youngest venture, Uzwelo. She describes a chequered working past, backed by a BCom degree, which she acknowledges has stood her in good stead, a means to an end for her youthful travels and later business enterprises. Social and environmental conscience Describing herself as a Jack of all trades, Tanya remembers never having a sense of truly completing anything properly while work hopping between cities. After completing an interior design course in London, she imported and sold decorative goods in SA, but increasingly sustainability as a global issue has provided the context for her Uzwelo Bags, harnessing Tanya's business and creative skills while simultaneously surfacing her social and environmental conscience. Creating a work-life balance is something Tanya feels she hasn't achieved yet, although she's striving towards this. She observes, "When any business is new, you know you have to give it your all, so you really focus, hours can become days which become months, which can become years." She's grounded in her belief, though, that family always comes first. Having two high-needs premature babies was a compelling reminder of this and much as she is committed to her business, this is never at the expense of meeting her (now teenage) children's needs. Compassion Tanya identifies her mother, having moved with pioneering spirit from continent to continent several times while acquiring new languages each time, as her inspiration. Her children who, despite their not insignificant health challenges continue to meet each day with a good attitude. Tanya is their champion, saying: "They inspire me to go out and be the best I can be; also showing them that we are compassionate is the biggest kindness we can have for this world. They teach compassion all the time... and inspire me to continue to do the work that I do." The name 'Uzwelo' means, in essence, compassion. Although happy with where Uzwelo is now, Tanya states that she is committed to accomplishing more. "If you feel that you've stopped learning what's the point? You're never going to stop learning! You may think you know everything, but you never do." She explains how every day in her workplace is for her a learning opportunity, with staff who show her a new way, a better way to do something, or learning through simply becoming aware of how something may be perceived from a culturally-different perspective from her own. She'd like Uzwelo to continue to embrace all people from all walks of life. Do women need to approach work differently from men in order to achieve the same success? Tanya's answer is an emphatic 'yes'. Although she ventures that it may be changing now, she cites the gendered inequality in pay and need for women to take a break when having their children, seldom re-entering the economic sphere at the same level, as making it harder for women than men. "I do think that it's harder - women push harder, fight harder, persevere, possibly harder, than most men had to in the same positions. But I do feel positive about the future, that we're moving in the right direction ..." Tanya's advice for her younger self, who felt pressured because her peers seemed to know exactly what they wanted to be/do while she had no idea, would be: "I'd be kinder, and more gentle on myself," rather than judgemental because she hadn't yet found her path and say, "Don't worry about it so much, it'll come together, just keep going." Previous Next

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< Back Lucrisha Polton Next As owner and director of AfriCrafters, Lucrisha Polton says her days are as varied as fingerprints. "I do what whatever it takes to get the job done." Drawing on skills from finance to design, and from sourcing materials to tracking down exceptional rural crafters, Lucrisha is a true all-rounder As owner and director of AfriCrafters, Lucrisha Polton says her days are as varied as fingerprints. "I do what whatever it takes to get the job done." Drawing on skills from finance to design, and from sourcing materials to tracking down exceptional rural crafters, Lucrisha is a true all-rounder. Exposed to business from an early age, Lucrisha travelled around South Africa with her family, as her father's work took him to small towns and rural villages across the country. "He always believed the best education comes from personal experiences, and the travelling gave me a sense of freedom." Having seen the impact of apartheid on black South Africans for herself, she was acutely aware of the hardships they faced on a daily basis. She was also deeply inspired by the spirit, warmth and the talent of people she met on her trips. "Images of artists selling their work on the side of the road stayed with me for most of my life, and I hoped that one day I'd be able to play a role in showing them off to the world." Even at school, Lucrisha realised she wanted to help people. "My desire to empower people grew, and today I still look for opportunities to assist people, and serve with no expectations. My motto is Pass the favour on and this approach has created the most incredible ripple effect." After school, Lucrisha's journey took her through various jobs and business ventures. She joined her family's business supplying fresh cut potato fries and vegetables to fast food chains including Nando's and Spur. "I was a buyer, sales person and quality control," she laughs. She also travelled with her father, advising rural farmers, helping them develop their crops and improve yields. Once she'd completed her studies, she travelled abroad, landing an exciting position at a media company in Scotland. But South Africa was always home, and eventually Lucrisha returned and started her first entrepreneurial venture, a bistro in Cape Town. A second restaurant followed shortly, but two years later she sold them, moved back to KwaZulu-Natal, and took time out to be a wife and mum. Bringing Africa to the world She soon realised that it was time to follow her passion for humanitarian causes and in 2017 she founded AfriCrafters. "The seed for this had been planted in my childhood. We link artists with the global supply chain, giving our artists a foot in the international market, and creating a sustainable living for them. Artists are so often exploited but I believe they should earn an income equal to their talent and creativity." "Every step I've taken has led me to where I am today," she says. Crediting her grandmother and parents for instilling in her a sense of confidence and tenacity, Lucrisha points out that AfriCrafters is driven by her love for people and watching them develop. "I see inspiration everywhere, in people, animals, nature, my children and life itself. I love telling stories and couldn't think of a better way than to do it than through arts and crafts. Each artwork is unique and made from recycled material, and each piece tells a story." "Culture is a big factor in my industry," she says. "My crafters come from a diversity of communities and I need to understand that a woman is treated differently in some cultures. I have to be mindful of this, particularly when dealing with men of a patriarchal culture." While this is a significant factor in her approach to business, Lucrisha doesn't believe it has held her back. "If anything, my respect for cultural differences has allowed me to create stronger, better business relationships." Despite this, she feels strongly that women should not shy away or hide their abilities when dealing with men. "It's your expertise in your industry, and your confidence that will set you apart, not just as a businesswoman but as a businessperson. And we are the nurturers, building a base on which future generations of women will succeed. We should never lose sight of this, and the way we can inspire other women." Taking Africa to the world Lucrisha is deeply grateful for her accomplishments. "It is my mission to take Africa to the world, and I've achieved far more than I ever thought possible in such a short time. I planted a seed and let the universe water it and nourish it. There's still a lot to do, and I'll continue to live my mission and vision, and I'm confident we'll progress steadily, one goal at a time." Believing in work-life harmony rather than work-life balance, Lucrisha explains that there is always an ebb and flow to obligations to family, business, friends and community. "And to myself." she adds. "I set aside time for my family and friends just as I do for business, and I make sure I have me-time to do the things I love too. After all, one must nourish to flourish. Time-management is key to getting it right, and you have to know your limits." Asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Lucrisha points out that we are taught to train our bodies and value our intellect, but we need to learn to regulate our emotions and deal with our sensitivities and sensibilities. "Trust your intuition, dream big, and create your reality. Choose love. Choose inner peace. Choose joy. Choose you!" Previous Next

< Back Nomfundo Mcoyi Next NOMFUNDO MCOYI has come a long way - from township girl to teacher, to founder and CEO of the Icebolethu Group. Today she manages eight companies, employing a staff of more than 1000 people NOMFUNDO MCOYI has come a long way - from township girl to teacher, to founder and CEO of the Icebolethu Group. Today she manages eight companies, employing a staff of more than 1000 people. Nomfundo started with nothing, but she had a big dream. She knew she wanted to own a big funeral company. Giving up her teaching job and a regular salary, she started Icebolethu with no loan, no car and no mortuary. All she had was her meagre savings and small office in an old, run-down building in Hammarsdale; working her side-hustle to fund her core business. I had the vision Nomfundo sees her role as making sure that her companies run smoothly, are well managed, and looking after her team. She has always relied on her faith and her team to grow her business, and gives credit to God. "There were times when I had no-one supporting me, and my only hope was in God, and He has blessed us with so much and supported me all the way. And He has graced me with a very good team," she says. "I had the vision, but my team has always been very supportive of that vision; without my people I would not be where I am today." Nomfundo had no experience in the funeral business, and no mentor to guide her. Instead, she looked to her opposition - the major funeral companies. Nomfundo relates how she watched them to see what they were doing. "I never looked at the small companies. I always knew exactly what I wanted to achieve: I wanted to own a very big company, so I measured myself against the biggest and the best." "It's been a long journey. It wasn't easy and it took perseverance, focus and determination. I'd never even buried anyone - but I did my research and focused on my vision." Today, after only 10 years, with 85 offices, 20 mortuaries and an annual turnover in excess of R250 million, Nomfundo has certainly grown her business into one of the major companies in her industry. The Icebolethu Group includes eight companies encompassing various aspects of the funeral business. In addition to burial services, they cover funeral policies, tombstones, catering and loans. Nomfundo's charity, the Icebolethu Foundation, is particularly close to her heart. "My late grandmother was a remarkable woman and a great entrepreneur for her time. She was fierce, focused and determined, and she ran my grandfather's business when I was a child. I always wanted to be like her." Nomfundo relates how her grandmother was also a very giving woman, who went out of her way to care for people in her community. "My foundation was inspired by her and giving back to the community is my way of paying respect to the example she set for me." Making a difference The Icebolethu Foundation has several active projects, but Nomfundo is particularly proud of the Rhoda Girls project. The foundation has 'adopted' 50 girls to mentor for the next five years. These girls attend courses and camps, and the foundation pays their school fees. Nomfundo is personally involved in the mentoring, and as she puts it, "We're trying to create fifty more Nomfundos of the future; girls who have the skills and the confidence to go out and create businesses and employment for others." Education is one of her major focus areas, and the foundation sponsors the cost of university education for 18 girls. The Back to School programme has provided school uniforms for 1 200 school children this year and the Icebolethu Academy provides free computer lessons to high school learners, helping capacitate them for tertiary education. "Most of their township schools have no computers, and at the Academy we provide them with valuable skills for future studies and the workplace." "We also take care of the grannies, through the Gogo Feed programme, and build houses for the poor. We've just handed over a new house in Escourt, and we'll hand over another in Cato Ridge in December." I would love to do more Despite her achievements, Nomfundo is not com-placent. "I'm proud that I've achieved so much of what I set out to do, but I would love to do more. I'd like to double our staff complement over the next year, and within 10 years I want Icebolethu to be one of the greatest insurance companies in South Africa." When it comes to finding a balance in life, Nomfundo acknowledges that she's not very good at it. "I love my job and I'm very hardworking. I have a great team, but I'm still hands-on. I do find time for family and friends, that's very important. I love to travel, usually with my family. It's not only a great holiday, it's a great way to grow your knowledge, broaden your mind and see new opportunities." Looking back over her career, there's not much Nomfundo would do differently. "Being a woman has never held me back," she says, offering sound advice to other young entrepreneurs. "I don't apply gender to business, you must just be excellent at what you do. Focus on your goals and your vision and don't take shortcuts, they're not the answer. Don't expect people to hand you anything on a plate just because you're a woman, or just because you're black. Don't just chase money. Work hard, be professional and do things the right way, and for the right. Previous Next

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Up Home Up Caroline Sculley Caroline Sculley or ‘Cah’ as she is known to her colleagues and clients is the Chief Operations Officer at DNKA Inc, a firm of accountants and auditors based in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal. DNKA is a full-service firm offering services from bookkeeping to audits and everything in between. Caroline’s role is about ensuring that the clients of DNKA receive a high-quality service, while meeting all compliance and statutory requirements. The firm looks after over 300 small and medium sizes business – mainly in KwaZulu-Natal – empowering them with the financial information to run and develop their businesses. Uniquely, Caroline is a non-accountant managing an accounting practice. She draws on her experiences of working with private and public clients in the United Kingdom and South Africa to provide solutions for DNKA’s diverse client base. FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Since joining DNKA, the firm has tripled its staff complement and registered as a SAICA training office. Caroline explains the benefits: “This is allowing us to create our own CAs and AGAs of the future and expose them to diverse small and medium-sized clients, and wider consulting services beyond assurance. Our team really has grown from strength to strength, and this has allowed us to offer our clients more services, specialisms, and support.” Before Caroline joined DNKA, she was a fulltime international volunteer at WhizzKids United based in Edendale just outside of Pietermaritzburg where she contributed to the management and running of the NGO for two years. Her initial role there was to set up an employability programme for young matric leavers, who live in a community devastated by HIV. Caroline commented, “I am really proud of what was achieved by the young people in that programme, their success is our success.” In addition, she has spent time as a volunteer in the United Kingdom for CHIVA (Children’s HIV Association) where she assisted with their annual residential camps for young people living with HIV. IT TAKES A TEAM Caroline explained that her career has been motivated by her parents who both worked very hard to be where they are today. She added that her parents had always instilled in her the importance of pursuing your goals but also doing everything in a fair and considerate way. “In everything that I do, I try to empower or motivate those around me, and this helps those around me to do the same for me. It really does take a team – in both business and personal life to succeed and I am very proud to be part of my teams,” she commented. One of her biggest challenges has been moving to South Africa and having to navigate a different social and business environment to the UK. She explained, “Moving to a new place on the other side of the world with no support network is hard. Having to be able to adapt and work with people with diverse backgrounds compared to my own took an adjustment. But asking questions, being respectful and empathic can really take you a long way. I also had fantastic support from the other members of the DNKA management team, Nasser and Sthembiso who helped me navigate the new environment.” She explained further, “My team at DNKA are my motivation, I want to create opportunities and growth for them so that they can meet their goals.” Speaking of other challenges, Caroline added, “I have at times doubted my role as a non-accountant in an accounting world, but through seeing the success of our work, and the growth of our practice and clients – I am now very confident that I make a valuable contribution to this industry. Our practice is more than accounting and numbers, it is all about growing businesses and I am a businesswoman, in the business world. This is where I am meant to be.” Caroline is really excited to continue to grow DNKA and would also like to enroll for an MBA in the next 12-24 months. At home, she wants to raise her three daughters to be strong, empathic, and passionate people who can pursue their happiness. EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY Caroline would advise young women to “embrace every experience and opportunity”. She added, “At school, university and beyond I have tried to say ‘Yes’ as much as possible, and this has led to travel, odd part time jobs, conferences, and meetings. All these experiences, as random as they may have been, have added to the richness and diversity of my experiences.” For example, she says if she hadn’t answered an advert in a United Kingdom newspaper for holiday camp volunteers, she wouldn’t have worked with CHIVA in the United Kingdom. This experience led her to Whizzkids United in South Africa, which in turn led her to meeting her husband and setting up a life here in KwaZulu-Natal. Caroline is married to Julian and is the mother to a toddler – Penelope aged three, and two teenage stepdaughters (Melissa 15, Alex 12). Caroline was supposed to be in SA for six months but met Julian and the rest is history. As a family, they love to go away for weekends spent camping, and she also loves to get stuck in to DIY home and craft projects.

< Back Next Benita Ardenbaum Benita Ardenbaum is the managing director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys Benita Ardenbaum, the dynamic managing director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, is a formidable presence in KwaZulu-Natal’s business landscape. With nearly three decades of legal expertise, she has not only shaped the field of family law but has also emerged as a powerful force in the province’s business community. Born into challenging circumstances, Benita’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading legal figure is a testament to her resilience and strategic foresight. Adopted at birth, her early life involved a move overseas with her family at age 12, where she faced significant challenges, including the decision to leave school and support herself at 15. Her experiences of working day and night enabled her to travel across Europe at 16, honing her communication skills and fostering a deep understanding of diverse cultures. This early exposure prepared her for the complex world of legal and business leadership. Reflecting on those formative years, Benita says, “Traveling and working so young gave me a unique perspective. It taught me to respect different view- points and to see challenges as opportunities. That perspective has shaped the way I approach the law.” After receiving life-changing advice, Benita returned to her education and later pivoted from a BCom degree to pursue law, earning both a BA and LLB. This strategic decision set the stage for her to establish one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most respected family law practices. Her firm quickly gained a reputation for handling some of the most challenging cases, from international child abductions to high-stakes divorces, underpinned by her commitment to justice and advocacy for the vulnerable. FINDING JUSTICE Benita’s personal history steered her toward family law. “There was this fiery passion within me to find justice for people and to defend the underdog. My whole purpose was to give people, especially children, a voice and enable them to have a choice,” she explained. As a female leader in the competitive world of family law, Benita’s approach is anything but conventional. She has redefined the practice by viewing law as a strategic tool for achieving justice and setting new legal precedents. This innovative mindset has propelled her firm to the forefront of the industry, setting benchmarks in both legal excellence and business acumen. Commenting on her practice, Benita elaborates, “If I can help one person in a family, it impacts the children. They then grow up in a more stable environment, creating a ripple effect that makes a difference. I think families are the backbone of society. People often think of family law as ‘soft law,’ but it is extremely complex, as you’re dealing with people’s emotions.” POWER OF THE LAW For business leaders in KwaZulu-Natal, Benita’s story offers a blueprint for success. Her ability to transform a legal practice into a thriving enterprise that not only delivers top-tier legal services but also influences broader societal change is a testament to her visionary leadership. Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys is not just a legal service provider; it is a beacon of innovation in the legal field, driven by a clear strategic vision that prioritises both client outcomes and market expansion. Under her leadership, the firm has grown from a small practice to a powerhouse in the South African legal landscape, recently expanding into Cape Town with plans for further growth in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Her vision is clear: to continue expanding its influence and market share by leveraging the power of the law to drive business success and societal impact. A THOUGHT LEADER Beyond her immediate business achievements, Benita has emerged as a thought leader in the legal industry. Her insights on complex family law issues are highly sought after, and she has reshaped the discourse around family law by advocating for a more strategic, results driven approach to resolving disputes. Benita added that she is inspired by people’s stories. “I feel incredibly grateful when I can actually help people, and I can see the tangible results where, for example when children or people are not caught up in conflict any longer. Communicating with people, helping them to try and resolve the issues that they have, is what inspires me, because without people to help we wouldn’t have this business.” Her influence extends beyond the legal community, inspiring a new generation of business leaders and lawyers to adopt a more feminine and effective approach in their fields. A COMPELLING EXAMPLE For KwaZulu-Natal’s top business leaders, Benita’s journey serves as a compelling example of how strategic pivoting, resilience, and a clear vision can align business success with a higher purpose. Her ability to blend empathy with business acumen has earned her respect in the legal community and established her as a model of purposeful leadership in the broader business world. Benita’s story is a powerful reminder of how one female leader’s vision and determination can transform an industry, inspire a team, and create lasting impact. Her legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, making her not just a leader in family law but a pioneering figure in KwaZulu-Natal’s business community. In conclusion, Benita encourages others to embrace a purpose beyond themselves. “At our firm, we believe in the power of connection, it’s never just about one person, but about the collective impact we can have. My team and I live by the principle that staying true to our core purpose and values is what drives us. We often remind clients of the importance of gratitude, which helps them find resilience through life’s transitions. It is about appreciating what we have and finding growth, even in the midst of adversity.” Previous Next

< Back Next Lindiwe Rakharebe Lindiwe Rakharebe is the chief executive officer of the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) Lindiwe Rakharebe has been the chief executive officer of the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) since 1 April 2015. Her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu-Natal economy as well as her strong background in corporate management has helped to continue to propel the forward momentum of the organisation. She lives by the motto: “I am driven to achieve excellence in every way in my duty and delegation.” Lindiwe’s roots are in KwaZulu-Natal. She was born and raised in Chesterville. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as a diploma in management development and a number of professional development programmes. Prior to assuming the position as CEO at the Durban ICC, she served as the regional executive for Absa KwaZulu-Natal where she oversaw the strategic leadership of the organisation and facilitated the growth of the Absa/Barclays Africa Group’s footprint in the province. She has served in a management capacity for all four of South Africa’s major banking institutions. A MASSIVE CONTRIBUTION The Durban ICC makes a massive contribution to both the local and national economies and significantly complements the job creation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal. The Durban ICC’s contribution to government taxes is projected at R397.7 million for the last fiscal. The primary impact for the City of Durban stems from the wealth generated through delegate expenditures while attending events secured by the Durban ICC and its strategic partners. The Centre contributed a remarkable R6,3 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 2023/24 fiscal year. Additionally, the Centre contributed R4.7 billion to the Gross Geographic Product (GGP) of KwaZulu-Natal and R3.5 billion to eThekwini’s GGP in the same period. The activities of the Durban ICC are estimated to have created and/or sustained 11 387 annualised jobs in the South African economy during the 2023/24 financial year, comprising 6 818 direct jobs and 4 569 indirect jobs. In the KwaZulu-Natal economy, the Durban ICC’s operations created and/ or sustained approximately 8 382 annualised jobs, including 5,210 direct jobs and 3,172 indirect jobs in the 2023/24 financial year. “Our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This coupled with diligent management and sound financial controls at all levels of the organisation help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC,” explained Lindiwe. A WINNING STREAK Durban ICC has again clinched the baton and has been voted Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2024. The Durban ICC also received this illustrious industry accolade last year when it was chosen the continent’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2023. The iconic meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) venue, which was opened by former President Nelson Mandela in 1997 has been crowned Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for at least 20 years in its 27 years of existence. Between 2010 to 2018, the Durban ICC was crowned Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for nine years in a row before being placed after Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, which took first prize. Now the Durban ICC is again on a winning streak, taking top position for the second year in a row, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. The Durban ICC’s dedication to providing world-class services and facilities for meetings and conferences has made it a repeat recipient of this prestigious title. Lindiwe expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are immensely proud and humbled to be named ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre’ in the 2024 World Travel Awards. This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of our team and our unwavering commitment to providing a world-class platform for meetings and events.” INSTILLING CONFIDENCE Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the male dominated world of business. Lindiwe said: “As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural life-giver and whatever you give life to, will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it’s leading a company or propelling a cause. A woman influences everything she touches.” Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Lindiwe’s daily activities. “I have an ability to get the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My leadership style is characterised by love, respect and open communication, and I place a premium on the importance of work-life balance. I also impress upon my team that despite all the obstacles that we might face, the delegates come first. I also ensure that the execution of our employment policies and practices are aimed at developing a multi-cultural and diverse workforce that is non-racist, non-sexist, and non-discriminatory.” “The most important thing in remaining Africa’s Leading Convention Centre is that we exceed our clients’ expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host.” The Centre has been focusing on the development of their high-tech virtual event solutions. Having invested in the latest, innovative meeting technology, the Durban ICC is re-inventing itself as the continent’s leading high-tech convention centre. “Without moving away from our existing market positioning, we are adding this competitive edge and aiming to also be recognised as ‘Africa’s Smartest Convention Centre’,” explained Lindiwe. Playing a positive role in society and investing in community development programmes remains an integral part of the Durban ICC. “The culture of giving back is part of our DNA as a Centre, whether it’s by partnering with non-profit organisations to help those less fortunate or volunteering our time and resources for a worthy cause,” concluded Lindiwe. Previous Next