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< Back Next Ashley Bell Ashley Bell is the chief executive officer of Bell Equipment Ashley Bell is the chief executive officer of Bell Equipment, which is based in Richards Bay, South Africa. Ashley was born and raised in Empangeni. At the very young age of six he was sent to boarding school in Pietermaritzburg where he attended Cordwalles Preparatory. He finished high school at Hilton College. Following his schooling, Ashley completed a commercial pilot’s license and a BCom degree in marketing in Durban. “My very first job was as a helicopter pilot tracking stolen vehicles at all times of the day and night, which was a different, but good working environment,” he explained. Bell Equipment celebrates their 70th anniversary in 2024. As the business is family-owned, Bell Equipment has always played a significant part of Ashley’s life. “I have stayed close to the business. The subject around the dinner table has always been the company and what’s going on, including some of the new projects and challenges,” he explained. The origins of Bell Equipment date back to 1954 when Ashley’s grandfather, Irvine Bell developed a self-loading sugar cane trailer, which became well known in the sugar industry. This trailer was followed by the sugar cane loader, which was the first mechanical loader in the industry. In the 1970s, the involvement of the second generation – Irvine’s sons Gary, Paul and Pete – as well as two cousins, Mike and Dave Campbell saw the business grow into a global player. New heavy equipment machinery was added to the production line, as well as additional distribution channels established to market their products. Bell Equipment’s core product now is the articulated dump truck, which is sold in 80 countries around the world. “Bell should never have achieved what they have in the global market considering it is a company based at the southern tip of Africa and faced with numerous challenges,” said Ashley. A POSITIVE IMPACT Over the last eight years, Ashley served on the company’s main board until his appointment as CEO in 2024. In his current position Ashley sees his purpose being: “To create an environment which sustainably makes a positive impact for all stakeholders in our company.” He added that his goal is to create an environment where team members can grow and thrive and where they can contribute to both the success of their customers and the business. In terms of his business career, the accomplishment that makes Ashley proudest is the start-up original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that he and his brother founded in 2009. They established a company called Matriarch Equipment that focused on designing, manufacturing and distributing niche products for the sugar and forestry industries. Ashely commented, “We learned a great deal from conceptualising to designing the machine, establishing the supply of components, manufacturing and then marketing and selling as well as supporting the product.” In 2019 Matriarch Equipment was sold to Bell Equipment. POWER WITHIN YOU Commenting on the best advice that he has ever received and how that has impacted on his life, Ashley said that his journey had taught him that if you’re unhappy or you don’t like something, change it. He explained, “Often the power to make a change lies within you as an individual, and the sooner you act, the better.” He added that this approach has helped him to be more decisive in his own life and in business. Reflecting on how he faces challenges in the workplace, Ashley said that one of his passions is trail running. One of the toughest events he participated in was a 100-kilometre run through the Drakensberg. “I had to dig really deep mentally and physically to get through it and I’ll probably be crazy enough to do it again someday. I think it’s important to remember that pain is temporary and no matter how difficult the situation is at the time, one day you’ll look back and you will have survived, and it’s all good in the end.” Ashley added that there will always be conflicts and obstacles within teams, but he thinks that consistency in how you approach these is key to motivation. “I’m very big on consistently communicating with the team my thoughts and challenges and getting their thoughts.” In addition, Ashley says he continuously reminds people of their longer-term vision and goals. “What we are setting out to achieve as a team – with an understanding that there will be bumps along the way. A finger on the pulse is essential, so having a close team is important.” FIGHTING SPIRIT Bell Equipment has a professional management team with many Bell family members working within the business, all with their respective areas of expertise. Ashley commented that, “While we do experience conflicts at times, we’re fortunate in the sense that everyone is able to pull along in the same direction. Heritage has been a huge part of the organisation’s culture. That never give up fighting spirit is what we’ve had to rely on over the years to get through some tough times.” Ashley has a keen interest in seeing South African companies growing from entrepreneurial businesses into successful and sustainable companies. Their stories provide a lot of inspiration for his own journey. Currently, Bell Equipment has a number of exciting new products and initiatives underway to create a more diversified and sustainable business going forward and to grow and evolve as a manufacturer on the global stage. A new initiative at the Richards Bay factory is to establish themselves as a contract manufacturer for products beyond the yellow metal world. In conclusion, says Ashley, “Nothing worth having comes easy. There are always times where you’ll think you’ve got too much on your plate and you honestly don’t know how you will get through it all, but you just put your head down and get on with it.” Previous Next

< Back Next Cindy Norcott Cindy Norcott is the chief executive officer of Pro Talent Cindy Norcott is the chief executive officer of her own specialist recruitment agency, Pro Talent, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in March. Cindy attended the University of Natal, Durban, where she pursued a social science degree, majoring in marketing, economics, and industrial psychology. “I then started my honours degree in industrial psychology and also studied business coaching,” Cindy shares. Her academic path laid a foundation for her varied and impactful career, equipping her with both the theoretical grounding and practical skills that she would later apply in the recruitment industry. Cindy’s career began as a recruitment consultant at a small agency in Durban. “I loved it,” she reflects. After two years in the role, her entrepreneurial spirit took flight, and she decided to open her own agency. This decision marked the beginning of a career built on both her passion for recruitment and her commitment to supporting others in finding meaningful employment. Cindy says her current role involves strategy, management, marketing, and client liaison. Along- side her responsibilities at Pro Talent, Cindy serves as the chairperson of the Robin Hood Foundation, a KwaZulu-Natal-based non-profit organisation she founded nearly 20 years ago. Her work with the foundation involves daily strategic and operational commitments. Cindy is also a motivational speaker, delivering around sixty inspirational talks each year at various conferences and corporate events. EMOTIONALLY INVESTED Cindy feels emotionally invested in South Africa’s economic development. “I believe that if the economy thrives, people’s lives are changed for the better. Economic growth drives everything,” she says. For Cindy, each successful placement at Pro Talent represents a life transformed. “When we make a permanent placement, we ring the bell and everyone applauds because we have changed another life. I believe that the more people we can place into a new job or a better-paying job, the more we can impact the economy,” she explains. Cindy is particularly inspired about South Africa’s growth as a remote working hub. “South Africans are highly regarded for their work ethic,” she adds, noting that with the arbitrage of foreign currencies to the Rand, our citizens are affordable and value- for-money employees. “I am particularly excited that we are placing South Africans in remote roles, where they get to work from the comfort of their own homes, earning money from international companies and then spending that money in our country,” she explains. Starting and running the Robin Hood Foundation is the accomplishment that Cindy is the proudest of. “The Robin Hood Foundation is a part of my DNA, and not a day goes by that I am not involved in it,” she shares. Through the foundation, Cindy and her team have made a significant impact in KwaZulu-Natal by building crèches, organising entrepreneurial conferences, providing food relief, and supporting schools through initiatives like the Sarmie Army, which delivers sandwiches to underprivileged students. “Our charity gets no guaranteed funding, and I consider it a huge achievement that we can carry out these projects and manage to fund them through creative fundraising methods,” Cindy notes proudly. BE YOUR OWN HERO A piece of advice that has profoundly shaped Cindy’s journey is, “Nobody is coming to save you. Be your own hero.” This philosophy has driven her determination and proactive approach. “I am a dreamer-doer,” she explains. Cindy attributes much of her success to her ability to combine creativity with a strong action-oriented mindset. She emphasises the importance of self-belief and explains that her confidence has had a contagious effect on those around her. “Others see my self-belief, and they then believe in me too,” she adds. For Cindy, balancing multiple roles has been one of her greatest challenges. “As a wife, mother of two, business owner, author, business coach, charity head, and motivational speaker, I have constantly felt too busy,” she confides. Cindy’s inability to say no added to this burden, leaving her with an overfilled schedule. “In the past five years, I have become more discerning about who and what I say yes to,” she says, highlighting her recent efforts to prioritise and manage her time more effectively. Cindy believes that open communication is essential for team morale. “I try to spend time with them and get to know them,” she explains. Cindy fosters a positive work environment through regular meetings, incentives, and celebrations of special occasions. She is also a strong proponent of transparent and prompt conflict resolution. “I believe it is important to share the spoils when we do well and to celebrate any special occasion,” Cindy says, noting that a leader’s vulnerability can be an asset in building a cohesive team. GOAL-DIRECTED Cindy’s inspiration stems from her desire to achieve her own goals. “I am a high achiever, and I am very goal-directed,” she says. Every year, Cindy sets measurable goals across all aspects of her life, reviewing them weekly to maintain focus. “I find it very motivational to achieve stretch goals. I am never without goals,” she adds. Cindy lives by the mantra, “Action is the antidote to despair,” using her ambitious spirit to create momentum in both her personal and professional life. Cindy has high hopes for the future of KwaZulu- Natal. “I believe that our province is bursting with potential,” she says. Cindy foresees significant growth in the property, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. She encourages local business people to take more calculated risks and to have renewed faith in KwaZulu-Natal’s potential. “The people in KZN are friendly, resilient, humble, and hard-working,” Cindy notes, expressing her belief that the province can reach new heights in the coming years. Cindy lives by the motto, “Nobody became poor by giving.” She believes in making the world a better place and feels that everyone has a unique gift to share. “I try to do something good for someone in need every single day,” she says. Cindy remains committed to creating hope in KwaZulu-Natal and tirelessly works through both her business and her charity to make a positive impact. Previous Next

< Back Next Aurelia Albert Aurelia Albert is the chief executive officer of Innovate Durban Aurelia Albert is the chief executive officer of Innovate Durban. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in economics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she completed an honours degree with a double major in economics through UNISA. Although this degree is not what Aurelia set out to do, the subjects have contributed to her career to date. Making a difference in people’s lives has always been a source of motivation for Aurelia. “I’m doing that within Innovate Durban. I’m able to impact by helping people to upskill themselves, supporting them to identify their own career paths, unlocking opportunities for themselves within business and really changing people’s quality of life,” she explains. In addition, Aurelia says, “I’m really passionate about Durban, which has experienced a lot of challenges over the last years. We want to serve a purpose for good and invest in the people and their lives here.” INTO THE FOREFRONT Aurelia worked for the eThekwini Municipality for nine years as a researcher and then managed an innovation programme within the city. She then successfully applied for the job as programme manager for innovation, following which Innovate Durban was founded as a nonprofit company. Establishing and growing Innovate Durban is the career accomplishment that Aurelia is most proud of. She was part of growing the nonprofit company over six years into a successful and financially sustainable entity. “I had zero business or executive management experience,” she says. “So Innovate Durban is the accomplishment within my career that really stands out and that has pushed me into the forefront within the innovation space.” Due to the fact that her experience was limited, Aurelia had much on the job learning and took advice from other executives who had been in similar roles. “Mentorship played a huge role in my career. Just leaning on people who were willing to impart their knowledge helped guide me in the process of setting up Innovate Durban. I’m very grateful to those who did mentor me,” she commented. As a researcher in the eThekwini municipality, Aurelia always worked on projects and events behind the scenes. Recalling the best advice she had received along her path, Aurelia said it was a manager telling her that she needed to step out, stop standing behind a desk and be in the front of the room interacting with various stakeholders. Her first presentation at the launch of a major project was a pivotal point in her career. Aurelia reflected, “It was the moment that I got noticed and my confidence grew, and because of my confidence growing, I was able to achieve so much more. That is definitely something that I impart to those who are working with me at Innovate Durban, especially the young interns.” GENDER DISPARITY The biggest challenge Aurelia has had to overcome is gender disparity. She says, “Oftentimes when you walk into a room as a woman in business, the expectation is the CEO is going to be a man. I remember walking into a room, but the person that I was meeting was looking behind me for the CEO of Innovate Durban. It has been a bit difficult navigating that. But I’ve also found much joy in rising above and breaking those glass ceilings.” One of Aurelia’s main learnings in her journey is that communication is key. In addition, Innovate Durban focuses on employee wellness, especially post Covid. Consequently, frequent wellness and team building sessions are hosted that ensure that the team comes together, learns about each other and is motivated. Within Innovate Durban, celebrating the wins of each other as well as the teams within the organisation is part of their values and culture, which they do frequently. GOOD EXAMPLES Speaking of who has inspired her along the way Aurelia looks to her parents. She explains, “I look at their examples of how far they’ve come and how hard they’ve worked, the various things that they’ve done, not only in business but also in the family. I know there’s a saying ‘work smart and not hard’. I disagree as I do believe that in order for you to get to where you are, you need to do a bit of both. They’ve set really good examples for the way in which I live and work including my ethics and the integrity that comes through in the work that I do.” Aurelia’s faith also plays a significant role in her life. A further inspiration is in the stories relating to the work that she does. Aurelia expands, “I’m able to see the results and the work that’s been put in and the success at the end of the day.” In the future Innovate Durban is transitioning. “Being a nonprofit company that is agile, we are able to do that relatively quickly. I’m quite excited,” commented Aurelia. “Innovate Durban runs several programmes and projects, one of which is an accelerator. “I’m looking at transforming Innovate Durban into a pure accelerator. We are also looking at setting up an academy for the company as well as advisory services. So really transforming the way in which we are doing business. I see us expanding beyond KZN, if there is a need, as whatever we do is needs based.” In addition, Aurelia plans to continue to keep her team motivated and to put all their energy and focus into the projects and programmes that they run. She commented, “Businesses in KZN are so resilient and we need to support smaller businesses as they are engines for growth. Promoting small business development, increases employment, reduces un- employment within our city, and enables people to have a better quality of life.” In conclusion, Aurelia says that in life it is really important to be authentic and be yourself. Previous Next

< Back Next Mel Clark Mel Clark is the co-founder and executive director of Black Balance Projects Mel Clark is the co-founder and executive director of Black Balance Projects, a multidisciplinary consulting company in the built environment sector. Mel, together with his business partner Malcolm Biggar, founded the company 16 years ago. Mel is a product of both farm and city. His family were part of the John Dunn clan, and he grew up in an area called Mangethe, which is near the Tugela River mouth. “My upbringing is worth mentioning,” says Mel. “It instilled the value of love for family, love for local community and a strong work ethic, as people from the farm tend to have. At that time in the late 70s and early 80s, I also acquired an appreciation of people from different walks of life. We spoke Zulu and it was a solid grounding as a young child.” CRITICAL THINKING As his high school years were quite a ‘hectic time’ in our country Mel got involved in student anti- apartheid protests. That experience, he said, really installed in him the capacity for critical thinking that has been a cornerstone for his development as a person. However, organisational skills, project management, and team building were big parts of his schooling and education. Mel completed a degree at the then University of Durban, Westville and studied further in industrial relations and law. His involvement in the trade union movement led to his first job as an organiser in the Clothing and Textile Workers Union in Durban. His role included recruiting workers in the Jacobs Mobeni area, getting involved in wage negotiations, learning labour law, and learning from worker leadership. “It was not a normal first working environment where one would learn from bosses. I had to learn from workers, which was very fulfilling in its own way,” he reflected. At Black Balance, Mel’s focus is on building the brand of the business, he also attends to project opportunities, town planning, architecture, quantity surveying, and engineering. He commented, “My role is to try to get the different disciplines to talk to each other around the common goal for a project and make it workable.” BUILDING BRIDGES Mel explained that his ‘why’ is building bridges and connections between people, spaces and ideas. The company’s name Black Balance is based on the photographic principles of white and black balance that make photos more real. A goal of Black Balance is to bring balance between Black and White people in terms of economic empowerment, as well as balance in ‘live, work and play’ spaces, including social and environmental aspects. One of the life accomplishments that stands out for Mel is his involvement with the development of the KZN Provincial Growth and Development Strategy. He says, “In trying to develop a strategy that incorporates the visions of the many stakeholders in our society, we spent an enormous amount of time talking to people from all walks of life – business, trade union, community, government workers, unemployed, and academic and tried to knit that together into something that is workable, and that people can rally around.” While the strategy has become a point of reference for planning in the province, it is a disappointment for Mel that all aspects of that strategy haven’t been implemented. Speaking of who has inspired him Mel says that in his early working days in the trade union movement, he was mentored by John Zikali, a leader who had enormous stature and reputation. “I came in as a young university student, overzealous to beat up the bosses and make sure of workers’ rights, be as militant as young students can. In his wisdom, John taught me that you’ve got to develop the capacity and capability to see things from the other person’s perspective, even the employee’s point of view, and why going for direct conflict is not always the wisest route. “When, I went into government I had to able to appreciate the perspective of people who worked there. After that, going into the private sector, I was able to adapt and understand that perspective of people who worked in that sphere. His example allowed me to grow as a person, and to be able to engage with people in a more empathic and honest way.” NEED FOR BALANCE The challenge of personally coping with failure has been a situation that Mel has had to overcome when Black Balance went through troubled times. He reflected, “I was able to learn that business failure is not personal failure. In fact, like many wise coaches say, failure is there to teach you. I’m glad for that challenge and believe that it’s strengthened me. We have to teach our kids this type of resilience as well. We cannot run away from problems or collapse when we face tough situations.” Mel, as a believer in psychology, tends to dig a bit deeper into the underlying reasons where there is conflict. Generally, this approach means he spends time and energy in trying to understand situations more clearly, which strengthens his team. In terms of motivation, Mel enjoys helping people identify where their passion is when it’s possible to get the most from his team. Mel’s family and those closest to him inspire him to achieve more. However, he explains that one should appreciate the need for balance between applying one’s skills in business and taking care of family. Commenting on his vision for KwaZulu-Natal, Mel says he would want the province to regain and surpass its status as the warmest place with the people with the warmest hearts in South Africa. “Visitors not only enjoyed our natural beauty, but also our people and we need to work at rebuilding that image of KZN as a really welcoming place to be, to unlock the potential for investment.” Mel concluded, “I’m very conscious about the cliché ‘time is precious’. I’m a project manager at heart. Value every moment, value all of the time that you have because time goes by so quickly. Enjoy life, make time for the things that matter, including that 10km run and that round of golf.” Previous Next

B-Active Events is the name behind many popular sporting events across South Africa B-Active Sports B-Active Events is the name behind many popular sporting events across South Africa B-Active Events is the name behind many popular sporting events across South Africa and this event management company is a formidable player in the public sports industry in South Africa. From relatively modest beginnings, the company has grown dramatically. Founded in 2004 by Damian Bradley, the first B-Active event was the 2005 Belgotex Cycle Race in Pietermaritzburg. B-Active Events now owns and manages several national public sporting events, including the Ultra Tri Series, the TinMan Series, Umngazi Pondo Pedal & Run Stage Race, and the Quest South Africa Series. They also own and manage a few regional expos which attract retailers and customers from around South Africa. B-Active works with major corporate sponsors and local municipal departments to stage these events and expos. The company has been actively involved in almost every major public sporting event in South Africa, with an enviable list of premier sporting events across a wide range of sporting codes, where they manage sponsorship contracts and logistics for specific areas of the events. These include: • Tour Durban Cycle Race • Ironman 70.3 • 94.7 Cycle Challenge • Cape Town Cycle Tour • 5FM Energade Tri-Series • East Coast Radio/Discovery Big Walk • Amashova Cycle Race • Comrades Marathon • Spar Ladies Race • Challenge Cape Town Professional Approach The sporting events market is dynamic and constant change and rapid growth offers great opportunities. But it also demands ongoing innovation and product redesign to stay ahead. B-Active believes their success is based on the right mix of tradition and new ideas. As Damian Bradley points out, “Because our work is fused with our passion, we can’t help but really enjoy what we do. This passion for our industry shows in our attention to detail in planning for each and every event. Being an athlete, I know what competitors look for in an event and what they need pre, during and post events. This insight assists us with our event planning and decisions, to give our competitors what they need and when they need it.” For B-Active Events, a professional approach to sports management is essential to their success. This drives all facets of the business, from delivering seamless, well-managed events, to valuable brand exposure for sponsors, and even legal compliance, as all sporting events must comply with the new Sports Safety Act. The development of new events and growth of existing events are key objectives for the business and demand effective marketing. Growth, however, adds complexity, and first-rate logistical planning and execution are therefore essential to the company’s success. Participant experience is critical to the sustainability of each event – and the growth of B-Active Sports – so a well-run event is not negotiable. This a core competence for B-Active Events, with significant experience across various sporting codes. Delivering Branding Opportunities B-Active Events also supports clients with strategic planning for branding opportunities and promotional requirements. The company has grown to including event branding teams and supplying and managing corporate branding materials on behalf of their clients. Services include: • Event concept and origination • Event management • Event logistics • Branding management • Sponsorship activation • Brand activations • Online entry systems • Registration solutions • Design and supply of branded collateral • Storage and return of branded items • Stand design and supply • Expo activations • Personalised race support crew Shop B-Active recently launched the race apparel (and other) brand I AM ACTIVE which is an extension of its passion for events and adds another dimension to the business. www.iamactive.co.za Part of the Community B-Active Sports has a strong community spirit and aligns with local charities and schools for their events, usually looking to support local school trusts and Rotary charities, but the company has a particular loyalty to CHOC, the Childhood Cancer Foundation, and have supported them frequently over the years. “We look forward to bringing your brand to life or giving you an outstanding experience at one of our events,” says Bradley.HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 8 Sandy Lane, Everton, Kloof, 3640 Tel: +27 (0)67 198 6737 E-mail: info@bactive.com Website: www.bactive.com DAMIAN BRADLEY has always been an entrepreneur. As a schoolboy at boarding school, he earned money cutting hair and running an after-hours tuck shop, so it was no surprise that he opted to start his own business at only 26 years of age. Never one to settle in his comfort zone, after school, Bradley opted to study business management at what is now the Durban University of Technology. Then, in 1995, when South Africa was riding the crest of the Rugby World Cup wave, he was inspired to do a course in sports management for business. After this, he went on to study marketing. After finishing his studies in Cape Town, Bradley decided it was time to travel. When he needed to earn a living in the United Kingdom, he found a position at a law firm. Not exactly what he'd planned as a career move, but he stayed there for two years before returning to Durban to take up a corporate regional marketing position. This rich and varied experience has stood him in good stead in running a sports management company. And in 2004, when he found himself retrenched after a corporate restructure, Bradley decided it was time to start B-Active Sports, with a plan for a single sporting event as his starting point. Before long, Bradley had grown his portfolio to running 20 small events a year, but he realised that it made better business sense to focus on the more successful events, with potential to grow. Building on these allowed him to build on economies of scale, growing his priority events in terms of participants, profitability and reputation. A pivotal point in the growth of B-Active Sports was in 2011, when the company secured its first major corporate sponsorship. This not only provided a new revenue stream, but also opened the door for future growth. But while this marks a career highlight, Bradley gets a great sense of accomplishment from watching competitors in his events grow in skill and competitiveness over time, with several having started as novices and growing into international, professional athletes. As Bradley points out, he and his team have managed to combine their work with their passion, so it's easy to love their jobs and deliver with commitment and dedication. Bradley's focus is on his clients, the athletes they serve, and his team. Damian's leadership style is collaborative. Teamwork is important to him and while recognising his role in creating the company vision and the energy to make it happen, he believes in leading from beside his colleagues. "B-Active Sports is a small company. My goal is to grow the team in terms of confidence and competence. I ensure my staff feel secure in their jobs, but at the same time I keep pushing them to develop themselves. I believe this gives them a powerful sense of purpose and job satisfaction. And that's good for them - and for the business." "Right now, I see potential in events outside of our traditional area of strength, and we'll be looking to expand into new areas." Unsurprisingly, Bradley is a keen sportsman. Before starting B-Active sports, he had been a committed athlete for eight years, competing in triathlon events at national level. This formed his approach to his events. "My own experience as a competitor has always given me the drive and insight to create events from an athlete's perspective. It guides my decisions on the right events to stage, and the various avenues to pursue in my business." While no longer competing at national level, he is still very active with a great love of surfing, mountain biking and road and trail running. Bradley is also a dedicated father of two (his seven year-old daughter and five year-old son), and rates getting married ten years ago as one of the best decisions he's ever made. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 8 Sandy Lane, Everton, Kloof, 3640 Tel: +27 (0)67 198 6737 E-mail: info@bactive.com Website: www.bactive.com Up Home Up Damian Bradley Latest News More About Leaders B-Active Events is the name behind many popular sporting events across South Africa and this event management company is a formidable player in the public sports industry in South Africa. From relatively modest beginnings, the company has grown dramatically. Founded in 2004 by Damian Bradley, the first B-Active event was the 2005 Belgotex Cycle Race in Pietermaritzburg. B-Active Events now owns and manages several national public sporting events, including the Ultra Tri Series, the TinMan Series, Umngazi Pondo Pedal & Run Stage Race, and the Quest South Africa Series. They also own and manage a few regional expos which attract retailers and customers from around South Africa. B-Active works with major corporate sponsors and local municipal departments to stage these events and expos. The company has been actively involved in almost every major public sporting event in South Africa, with an enviable list of premier sporting events across a wide range of sporting codes, where they manage sponsorship contracts and logistics for specific areas of the events. These include: • Tour Durban Cycle Race • Ironman 70.3 • 94.7 Cycle Challenge • Cape Town Cycle Tour • 5FM Energade Tri-Series • East Coast Radio/Discovery Big Walk • Amashova Cycle Race • Comrades Marathon • Spar Ladies Race • Challenge Cape Town Professional Approach The sporting events market is dynamic and constant change and rapid growth offers great opportunities. But it also demands ongoing innovation and product redesign to stay ahead. B-Active believes their success is based on the right mix of tradition and new ideas. As Damian Bradley points out, “Because our work is fused with our passion, we can’t help but really enjoy what we do. This passion for our industry shows in our attention to detail in planning for each and every event. Being an athlete, I know what competitors look for in an event and what they need pre, during and post events. This insight assists us with our event planning and decisions, to give our competitors what they need and when they need it.” For B-Active Events, a professional approach to sports management is essential to their success. This drives all facets of the business, from delivering seamless, well-managed events, to valuable brand exposure for sponsors, and even legal compliance, as all sporting events must comply with the new Sports Safety Act. The development of new events and growth of existing events are key objectives for the business and demand effective marketing. Growth, however, adds complexity, and first-rate logistical planning and execution are therefore essential to the company’s success. Participant experience is critical to the sustainability of each event – and the growth of B-Active Sports – so a well-run event is not negotiable. This a core competence for B-Active Events, with significant experience across various sporting codes. Delivering Branding Opportunities B-Active Events also supports clients with strategic planning for branding opportunities and promotional requirements. The company has grown to including event branding teams and supplying and managing corporate branding materials on behalf of their clients. Services include: • Event concept and origination • Event management • Event logistics • Branding management • Sponsorship activation • Brand activations • Online entry systems • Registration solutions • Design and supply of branded collateral • Storage and return of branded items • Stand design and supply • Expo activations • Personalised race support crew Shop B-Active recently launched the race apparel (and other) brand I AM ACTIVE which is an extension of its passion for events and adds another dimension to the business. www.iamactive.co.za Part of the Community B-Active Sports has a strong community spirit and aligns with local charities and schools for their events, usually looking to support local school trusts and Rotary charities, but the company has a particular loyalty to CHOC, the Childhood Cancer Foundation, and have supported them frequently over the years. “We look forward to bringing your brand to life or giving you an outstanding experience at one of our events,” says Bradley. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 8 Sandy Lane, Everton, Kloof, 3640 Tel: +27 (0)67 198 6737 E-mail: info@bactive.com Website: www.bactive.com Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Domestic, commercial and industrial BHD Group (Pty) Ltd trading as Elite ProjectsDomestic, commercial and industrial Since its establishment in 2016, Elite Projects has grown into one of KwaZulu-Natal's most reliable construction companies, with operations also extending into Gauteng. In less than a decade, the company has earned a reputation for quality, professionalism and an ability to deliver projects that balance client needs with long-term value. A Culture of Commitment Elite Projects is guided by the principle captured in its tagline: "With Commitment We Start, With Consistency We Finish." This philosophy has shaped a culture built on trust, communication and collaboration. The company takes pride in developing transparent client relationships, ensuring that projects are aligned with expectations and delivered to exacting standards. Every project, whether civil works, retaining walls, or general building, is approached with a focus on detail and quality. This consistency has helped the business stand out in a competitive industry where reliability is key to success. Safety as a Standard Safety remains a cornerstone of Elite Projects' operations. The company enforces strict safety protocols on every site, supported by continuous training and vigilant oversight. This not only protects employees but also ensures that clients can be confident their projects are being managed responsibly. By embedding safety into its operations, Elite Projects fosters secure working environments and enhances the durability of the infrastructure it delivers. Building for the Future For Elite Projects, construction is more than creating structures. The company views its work as an investment in communities, ensuring that infrastructure is functional, accessible and supportive of long-term growth. Residential, commercial and industrial projects are all approached with the understanding that they should contribute to economic vitality and improved quality of life. This outlook has guided the company's approach to strategic infrastructure, where the emphasis is not only on meeting immediate needs but also on ensuring sustainability for years to come. Empowerment Through Inclusion As a B-BBEE Level 1 contributor, Elite Projects is deeply committed to transformation. It actively supports equity ownership and mentorship, providing opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to grow within the construction sector. This commitment reflects the company's belief in inclusivity as a driver of long-term success. By investing in people and creating opportunities, Elite Projects strengthens both its own future and that of the wider economy. Comprehensive Service Offering A key factor in Elite Projects' growth has been its ability to provide a wide range of construction services. These include: ■ Civil Works: Delivering essential infrastructure with precision and durability. • Building Maintenance: Offering tailored solutions that ensure structures remain safe and cost­ effective over time. • Retaining Walls: Combining technical expertise with practical design. • General Building: From new developments to renovations across residential, commercial and industrial properties. This breadth of capability allows Elite Projects to adapt to diverse client needs while maintaining consistently high standards. Trusted Reputation In just eight years, Elite Projects has built a solid reputation for reliability. Clients associate the brand Elite Projects does it's part for the community. with quality delivery, attention to detail and a professional approach that ensures repeat business. Many of the company's contracts stem from long­ standing relationships, a testament to the trust it has earned. The ability to consistently deliver on promises has been central to its success. By aligning technical expertise with client expectations, Elite Projects has positioned itself as a dependable partner in the construction sector. Looking Forward As South Africa continues to invest in infrastructure and urban development, Elite Projects is well­ placed to expand its role. With a strong foundation in safety, quality and empowerment, the company is poised for sustainable growth in both KwaZulu­ Natal and Gauteng. Future opportunities lie not only in delivering large­ scale projects but also in continuing to mentor and uplift people within the industry. By combining technical capability with a focus on inclusivity and transformation, Elite Projects is ensuring its relevance in an evolving construction landscape. Conclusion Elite Projects exemplifies what it means to build with purpose. Guided by consistency, safety and empowerment, the company has established itself as a respected name in construction within less than a decade. Its ability to deliver high-quality work while fostering long-term impact has made it a trusted partner to clients across sectors. With its foundations firmly established, Elite Projects is ready to continue shaping the future of construction in South Africa, building not only structures but also lasting value for communities and the economy. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 21A High Street, New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, 3610 Tel: +27 (0)84 875 7975 E-mail:info@eliteproject.co.za maintenance@eliteproject.co.za Website: www.eliteproject.co.za HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 21A High Street, New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, 3610 Tel: +27 (0)84 875 7975 E-mail:info@eliteproject.co.za maintenance@eliteproject.co.za Website: www.eliteproject.co.za Up Home Up Portio Dlamini Latest News More About Leaders Since its establishment in 2016, Elite Projects has grown into one of KwaZulu-Natal's most reliable construction companies, with operations also extending into Gauteng. In less than a decade, the company has earned a reputation for quality, professionalism and an ability to deliver projects that balance client needs with long-term value. A Culture of Commitment Elite Projects is guided by the principle captured in its tagline: "With Commitment We Start, With Consistency We Finish." This philosophy has shaped a culture built on trust, communication and collaboration. The company takes pride in developing transparent client relationships, ensuring that projects are aligned with expectations and delivered to exacting standards. Every project, whether civil works, retaining walls, or general building, is approached with a focus on detail and quality. This consistency has helped the business stand out in a competitive industry where reliability is key to success. Safety as a Standard Safety remains a cornerstone of Elite Projects' operations. The company enforces strict safety protocols on every site, supported by continuous training and vigilant oversight. This not only protects employees but also ensures that clients can be confident their projects are being managed responsibly. By embedding safety into its operations, Elite Projects fosters secure working environments and enhances the durability of the infrastructure it delivers. Building for the Future For Elite Projects, construction is more than creating structures. The company views its work as an investment in communities, ensuring that infrastructure is functional, accessible and supportive of long-term growth. Residential, commercial and industrial projects are all approached with the understanding that they should contribute to economic vitality and improved quality of life. This outlook has guided the company's approach to strategic infrastructure, where the emphasis is not only on meeting immediate needs but also on ensuring sustainability for years to come. Empowerment Through Inclusion As a B-BBEE Level 1 contributor, Elite Projects is deeply committed to transformation. It actively supports equity ownership and mentorship, providing opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to grow within the construction sector. This commitment reflects the company's belief in inclusivity as a driver of long-term success. By investing in people and creating opportunities, Elite Projects strengthens both its own future and that of the wider economy. Comprehensive Service Offering A key factor in Elite Projects' growth has been its ability to provide a wide range of construction services. These include: ■ Civil Works: Delivering essential infrastructure with precision and durability. • Building Maintenance: Offering tailored solutions that ensure structures remain safe and cost effective over time. • Retaining Walls: Combining technical expertise with practical design. • General Building: From new developments to renovations across residential, commercial and industrial properties. This breadth of capability allows Elite Projects to adapt to diverse client needs while maintaining consistently high standards. Trusted Reputation In just eight years, Elite Projects has built a solid reputation for reliability. Clients associate the brand Elite Projects does it's part for the community. with quality delivery, attention to detail and a professional approach that ensures repeat business. Many of the company's contracts stem from long standing relationships, a testament to the trust it has earned. The ability to consistently deliver on promises has been central to its success. By aligning technical expertise with client expectations, Elite Projects has positioned itself as a dependable partner in the construction sector. Looking Forward As South Africa continues to invest in infrastructure and urban development, Elite Projects is well placed to expand its role. With a strong foundation in safety, quality and empowerment, the company is poised for sustainable growth in both KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. Future opportunities lie not only in delivering large scale projects but also in continuing to mentor and uplift people within the industry. By combining technical capability with a focus on inclusivity and transformation, Elite Projects is ensuring its relevance in an evolving construction landscape. Conclusion Elite Projects exemplifies what it means to build with purpose. Guided by consistency, safety and empowerment, the company has established itself as a respected name in construction within less than a decade. Its ability to deliver high-quality work while fostering long-term impact has made it a trusted partner to clients across sectors. With its foundations firmly established, Elite Projects is ready to continue shaping the future of construction in South Africa, building not only structures but also lasting value for communities and the economy. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 21A High Street, New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, 3610 Tel: +27 (0)84 875 7975 E-mail:info@eliteproject.co.za maintenance@eliteproject.co.za Website: www.eliteproject.co.za Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. 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< Back Next Minenhle Dlamini Minenhle Dlamini, managing director of Gagasi FM, leads one of KwaZulu- Natal’s most vibrant regional commercial radio stations. inenhle Dlamini, managing director of Gagasi FM, leads one of KwaZulu Natal’s most vibrant regional commercial 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, cele brate 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 Next Mpumzi Swana Mpumzi Swana is the chief operating officer at SAMAC Engineering Solutions Mpumzi Swana, the chief operating officer at SAMAC Engineering Solutions, was born in the Eastern Cape. The Swana family moved to KwaZulu-Natal when he was five years old and Mpumzi completed high school at George Campbell School of Technology. He commented, “I think that was quite an interesting space to be because that’s where my technical skills and acumen were built.” Following matric, as creating finished products from raw materials intrigued him, Mpumzi studied chemical engineering. Much his career has been centred on the development of new products. Mpumzi has completed a number of post graduate degrees. His highest qualification is a manufacturing focused MBA that he obtained from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) through the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing (TWIMS). His first job was at Toyota Manufacturing, where he worked in the paint plant for three years. Of this experience he says, “I had very good supervisors and managers who had quite sharp leadership acumen and I use a lot of the learnings that I gained from them in my leadership at our business.” PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SAMAC is focused on product development for the HVAC or refrigeration industry. The company’s technology is geared towards storing thermal energy during cheaper times of the day, which then can then be used more efficiently like during peak tariff times or during loadshedding so that businesses save money, reduce product spoilage, become more green and more environmentally responsible. “That is why I wake up every morning,” says Mpumzi. Mpumzi’s successes have been recognised on a number of occasions. These include being one of the top five youth innovators in Africa in the energy space, and as the most innovative youth business by SAB Kickstart. However, he says that his proudest moment is seeing the change in and the impact on the young employees who work at the company. “Some of them have started straight out of school, and some of them have only worked one year. To look at how they’ve grown in terms of their own profession and as people and to know that as a company we are contributing to the development of people that are going do great things in their own respective lives is a huge achievement.” Ensuring motivation within his team is important to Mpumzi. “Our philosophy is that you must be able to give someone a vision so that they are able to motivate themselves internally. For example, when we engage our engineers, we say to them that our company is probably one of the few companies where they have free rein to actually design and build products. This allows them to fully express themselves and develop their skills, which we find is a huge motivator.” The best advice that Mpumzi has received is: Don’t sweat the small things. “Focusing on the key things that will get you the most results is essential. Don’t be anxious and want to control everything. That really has come through in the way that we do business and engage with our customers. We focus on what their biggest problem is and how we can help to solve that problem. People see that you’re interested in the things that matter to them.” While KZN is a dynamic province, in the last couple of years it has met with a number of challenges. Covid really impacted on the business as some of the work that they were doing was in commercial buildings. When everyone was told to work at home, projects had to be terminated or put on hold. During the July riots their office and workshop was looted of all stock and completely destroyed. Mpumzi commented that as an entrepreneur there’s no going back and as such started rebuilding from scratch. A key component of this meant that the company engaged with their customers and stakeholders and shared with them their situation and plan to rebuild to be able to fulfil their obligations. “We found that they were very supportive and that different stakeholders came to the party. In fact, in the past two to three years our business has grown quite significantly financially and in new markets compared to the previous years where we even had investors. From the hardships that we came through we are much better off as a business and much better off as human beings.” BE THE BEST One of the people that has inspired Mpumzi in his life has been his grandfather who never left, Lusikisiki or the farm where the family came from. “In that space he always managed to thrive and to be the leader at whatever he was doing. He was in education, a principal, and one of the drivers for early childhood development. I want to build a business that will be the best at what is does and I want to be the best at serving our customers in that space.” In addition, says Mpumzi, he is driven by the belief that each generation has an opportunity to fulfil its own mission. That for me is a core belief that I don’t want to leave without actually fulfilling the mission that we’ve been sent to do it and our company won’t die without fulfilling the mission that it’s sent to do.” Mpumzi believes that KZN can be the platform to build a new industry. He believes that thermal storage technology has the ability to transform specific industries to make them greener and more profitable. In addition, the company really wants to create a platform where young innovators and entrepreneurs can develop their own products using their technology. Mpumzi explains that he lives by the motto: ‘I am the one that is needed for whatever it may be’. Whether it’s growing an industry or business, growing a family, being a great South Africa or being a great African, each of us can take agency and bring change wherever we may be.” Previous Next

< Back Next Jacquie Bhana Jacquie Bhana is the owner of Jacquie Bhana Consulting Jacquie Bhana, the owner of Jacquie Bhana Consulting, is an accredited high-performance coach, mentor, and counsellor. Jacquie was born into a very close-knit family who lived in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Of her early years she says, “I was born, during the years that it was taboo, into an interracial marriage to the most fantastic parents, which was an absolutely amazing experience that taught me to have an open mind around religion and race.” This upbringing has provided a solid base for Jacquie who relates well to people of all backgrounds. Following attendance at a local township school, Jacquie completed an undergraduate degree majoring in psychology, a postgraduate degree focusing on industrial relations, a masters in industrial sociology and an executive and leader- ship coaching qualification at UCT. Jacquie’s successful career in the corporate world has spanned over 30 years. Her first ‘proper’ job was at Volkswagen South Africa where Jacquie started off in training and development. “The then CEO Peter Searle was a true leader of his time. What I really loved about VW is that you learned about the importance of vision, mission, culture, and values in bringing people together in an organisation.” BUILD CAPACITY After much thought her current position is something that Jacquie dreamed of for a long time. “I really wanted to have my own business and for the work that I do to make a difference, the basic competencies are those that I acquired at VW.” Jacquie’s main focus is on development, helping diverse teams build their capacity, and helping people to find and speak their voice. She enjoys coaching executives and says that the kind of mental blocks they create for themselves are incredible. By walking alongside her clients, Jacquie helps to free these blocks so they may be the best person that they can be. Mental or emotional wellness is a key area of interest for her; especially the mentoring of executives experiencing loneliness or anxiety in new positions. In addition, says Jacquie, “I absolutely enjoy working with graduates or people newly out of school and getting them socialised into the business environment. They don’t always understand that it takes more than a degree or a diploma to be successful in business. The value that I am able to bring to their lives and to each business is a revelation.” The other area Jacquie works in is human resource consulting for small businesses, often focusing on talent and succession planning. She helps to build structures and mechanisms to ensure that things are done the right way to cultivate growth. “Small and medium enterprises have enormous potential, have an appetite for risk, and are hungry for success. They work really hard and have great ideas, however, they often need a sounding board to help them succeed. My purpose is to help them make a difference in business, in their world, and to the economy.” Without a doubt Jacquie’s proudest accomplishment, as well as her biggest challenge, has been moving out of the corporate sector to open up her business. “I had a stable job at a senior level with a steady income; to jump outside of that environment and start from scratch has been very challenging.” Her uncertainty was firstly to believe in herself; that she could survive without the support of a massive corporation and move beyond her corporate title. Apart from skills such as administration and information technology, one of the challenges has been in marketing herself and getting her business ‘out there’. Jacquie is proud that her venture is impactful and that she is able to work with various people with immense success. Reflecting on her journey she says, “In order to stay motivated you can’t work in a vacuum, you have to wake up to your purpose. You’ve got to have a master plan, you’ve got to plan around daily, weekly, and monthly goals and then relentlessly pursue them.” A BETTER PLACE The best advice Jacquie has ever received is not to expect anything from anybody. “If you do something for somebody, do it because it’s making the world a better place, it’s making the person a better person. Don’t expect anything in return. It helps with managing your expectations and helps with not experiencing disappointment. Just learning and applying this lesson has really helped me not to expect anything from people, which is simple but profound.” “However, I think South Africa has awesome and resilient people who inspire me,” says Jaquie. “In addition, there are universal guiding lights such as Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani advocate for education for girls who was shot. That she could stand up to a force so violent just speaks volumes of her. The other person that I truly admire is politician Angela Merkel, who was the German Chancellor. She is the epitome of leadership; she showed us the humanness of being a leader.” Jacquie works very closely with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serving on the board as the first vice president. “I work with CEO Palesi Phili, who is authentic, courageous, and able to work with real issues on a daily basis. I have a great admiration for her level of ethics and ability to get things done.” The motto of the Chamber, ‘In business for a better world’, resonates well with her purpose. Jacquie’s vision is to work with her clients to help them become better leaders. “I would like to build ethical, high performing thinking leaders who in turn will help KwaZulu-Natal to become a better province, so that we can take this province to the next level and create a better world. And importantly, to help our youth, to get them to help build this province to make this a better place, so that they leave a legacy of greatness for the upcoming generations.” “I always think, ‘If I am not afraid what will I do’ which is great motivation to achieve in what has been a great journey so far,” concluded Jacquie. Previous Next

< Back Next Saantha Naidu Saantha Naidu is the chief executive officer of Saantha Naidu Group Saantha Naidu is the chief executive officer of Saantha Naidu Group. He says he got into the hospitality industry by accident 30 years ago, when in 1993, several entrepreneurs, including him, acquired a holiday apartment building on Durban’s Golden Mile, the Coastlands Durban Hotel, and self-catering apartments. In 2007, Saantha acquired a property next to his residential home on the popular Peter Mokaba Road in Musgrave, and the plan was to develop upmarket residential apartments. However, during the construction phase, it was decided to adapt this building according to the requirements of a hotel, which then opened as a four-star graded hotel in November 2009. One year later, November 2010, saw the launch of another hotel, which has become a landmark in Umhlanga, Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre, situated on Umhlanga Ridge, a booming corporate and leisure node. In 2015, Coastlands Hotels and Resorts added the iconic Royal Hotel to its portfolio. In respect of the Royal Hotel, Saantha said, “Owning the property is something we are excited about, It is a place of historical value that everyone can relate to.” THE PERFECT LIFESTYLE The latest addition to the group’s portfolio is The Skye, a billion rand plus luxury property which is a mixed-use development comprising upmarket residential apartments with drive-up access, retail and commercial spaces, and a 118-bedroom, four-star graded hotel, Coastlands Skye Hotel, which opened its doors to the public in April 2024. This development is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Ridgeside, Umhlanga. Saantha says his vision for The Skye is to have multiple generations living upstairs and working downstairs, with shopping facilities and restaurants closing the experiential loop. “It is all about creating the perfect lifestyle living environment into which people can retire. And even though our demographic includes retirees and those approaching retirement age, The Skye provides a luxury lifestyle for families of all ages with a welcoming child-friendly environment underpinned by world-class security measures.” Coastlands Hotels and Resorts has also acquired apartments in Umdloti and on KwaZulu-Natal’s most prestigious Zimbali golf and lifestyle estate. When it comes to what inspires Saantha in this business, he says, “What inspires me the most is employing people, we employ around 800 people today and that helps put food on the table for about 5000 people – that inspires me a lot.” LEARN FROM OTHERS He says the hospitality industry is very challenging and getting into it was difficult. Today, Coastlands Hotels and Resorts is the largest privately black- owned hotel group in KwaZulu-Natal. Saantha says he has been successful because of the people he has around him, “Firstly, I have a lovely family who supports me, and secondly, I have staff that have been with us over 25 years. My success is basically because of the people around me.” He says that his staff are part of the family and that there is nothing that they do without first discussing decisions with senior management. “I do not do anything without other people’s advice. We are there to learn from others and I believe that others can teach us.” For Saantha service is the most important thing in the hospitality industry. “Details, making sure the customers come first, treating them with the utmost respect, giving them what they deserve.” He says they try to give the ‘home away from home’ experience for their customers. All his children are involved in the business and he says they have a fantastic relationship where they are very open, and they have discussions on every aspect regarding the business. SERVE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU When it comes to after hours, he says that exercise is very important to him, and he really enjoys walks on the beach in his spare time. Saantha gets up at 5.30 a.m. every morning and walks on the beach and is back home by 7a.m. He works a good ten to eleven hours a day. He also enjoys listening to good music and spending time with his grandchildren. His advice to people, “Work hard, be honest and sincere, put others first before yourself.” He says, “Serve the people around you, do what is best for everybody, you must be able to sleep at night with no regrets.” Previous Next