Kerri Adlam Art and Creative Director

MELLONEY RIJNVIS is the owner and director of The Wend, a mental wellness solution involving Virtual Reality (VR), which uses technology to simulate the relocation of someone from their current reality to a selected environment of their choiceMelloney RijnvisMELLONEY RIJNVIS is the owner and director of The Wend, a mental wellness solution involving Virtual Reality (VR), which uses technology to simulate the relocation of someone from their current reality to a selected environment of their choiceMELLONEY RIJNVIS is the owner and director of The Wend, a mental wellness solution involving Virtual Reality (VR), which uses technology to simulate the relocation of someone from their current reality to a selected environment of their choice. The Wend is the first company in South Africa to conceptualise the use of this technology for addressing mental ill health such as depression, stress and anxiety. Because Melloney is using VR to bring her clients back to nature, a soothing environment, she has called her product 'Virtual Relaxation'. Providing an escape Studying with Jill Farquhason after leaving Durban Girls' High, Melloney always anticipated having her own health spa, but life took a different direction when she and her husband returned from travelling on the ships to open a dance studio. "When it started running beautifully and I realised that I didn't have to be as hands on, it was time for me to move and start my own venture", and The Wend clearly encompasses Melloney's vision, hopes and future aspirations. After starting the business a year ago in the spa industry, Melloney is now offering healing therapies and relaxation to the medical industry with the focus on, mental wellness, pain relief, pre/ post procedure anxieties, rehabilitation and many other wellness areas. On a lighter note it is also available for patients experiencing boredom while recovering in hospital or waiting in doctors rooms for scheduled appointments. The Wend provides an escape through VR - an immersive 360-degree real environment - which is medically proven to help people heal faster. 'Wend' is a traditional English word meaning to travel in an indirect route to a destination. "The Wend helps you to get to where you want to go, for example, experience the Northern Lights, without having to sacrifice too much - not many people have the luxury of physically being able to get up and go," smiles Melloney. The world's leading health epidemic Melloney's typical day involves marketing, customer services, product development and 'a bit of the fun stuff', she says. However, The Wend's evolution has not all been fun, and it's a concept that took hold when Melloney, struggling to overcome the trauma of a violent home invasion had, in her words "hit rock bottom". She was constantly reliving the experience which haunted her and sucked her into a downward spiral of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She was at a point of desperation, "needing to escape, get strong again and find healing from the inside", when the appropriateness of this technology occurred to her. Having first-hand experience of mental unwellness because of her trauma, Melloney has set her sights on addressing the global mental health crisis. Economic loss of billions annually in South Africa through sick leave due to depression is enormous, and Melloney quotes the World Health Organisation statement, that mental unwellness is the world's leading health epidemic. Do business correctly Melloney's inspiration comes from her business partner, her mother. "A wonderful woman, very down the line; you cannot fault her on her honesty, her integrity and her work ethic, and this is mirrored in the operation of the company. She is a role model on a daily basis. Melloney does not differentiate between men and women in business to be successful, She feels that, "You've got to do what's right for you as a person... I have a lot of passion and drive which will help me to be extremely successful in the long term." Melloney feels proud with what they've accomplished so far, her company being only one year old, and paving the way in a brand new industry. She qualifies that she would like to achieve more. "In the great scheme of things, we are not helping thousands of people just yet - we really want to help reduce this epidemic on a world-wide scale, and when we're doing that, I think I'll have a bit more satisfaction." Family and friend support network Achieving a work-life balance is something she finds challenging sometimes and admits it would be impossible without her family and friend support network. Her husband is supportive, and encourages creative developments, challenging her to 'think out the box' and grow the business with new product ideas. She sings praises of her father who is "there for me every step of the way, with helping with my children", and Melloney is adamant that she wouldn't manage her little ones without him. Melloney also has huge gratitude for her friends from whom she gets unconditional support. Her advice to her younger self would be first, to say: "Everything will be ok; you'll figure it out", and second, "save money!". She points out that starting a business is expensive, and they're now at a stage when they need investors to be able to transition to phase two. However, recognising that spending the money she did while earning as a dancer shaped her as a person, and gave her the experiences she needed to get to where she is, Melloney concludes that it's a kind of 'catch 22' situation. "Besides", she adds with a smile, "I'm pretty blessed with how everything's turned out so far." Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Mike Saunders MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey Unlock potential, nurture trust and develop narrative MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey. An international keynote speaker, digital thought leader and author, Mike has a unique ability to lead business with a crystal-clear leadership philosophy that encompasses ‘unlocking potential’, ‘nurturing trust’ and ‘developing narrative’. Mike was recognised on the list of ‘Top Global Digital Marketing Experts & Influencers in 2019 You Should be Following’. He was acknowledged by his peers in 2012, as one of the Top 20 South Africans to follow on Twitter. Mike was awarded Special Honours at the New Generation Awards for his contribution to the industry. Over the last few years, Mike has won the respect of business by his determined approach to helping people navigate a diverse and complicated world of digital business. As an international keynote speaker, Mike is able to engage his audience in an interactive, personal and energising manner by drawing on his life experiences and personal stories. Mike speaks with authority from over ten years’ experience in the digital industry. He leaves delegates captivated and inspired about the potential in both technology and people. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most prestigious organisations in the world including Vodafone, Bidvest, Santam, IBM, Toyota, Norton Rose and Exxaro. Mike delivers customised presentations around the following themes: • Fourth Industrial Revolution • Digital • Marketing Brand and Innovation • Entrepreneurship • The Millennial Generation • Motivation Entrepreneurial Journey Mike believes technology helps innovate a new future, accelerates growth potential and scales business. According to Mike, “Technology unlocks our future and is a fundamental driver of our success.” It’s his belief in technology and people that spurred him to founding Digitlab. Digitlab has grown to be one of South Africa’s premier digital marketing agencies and was voted one of South Africa’s best digital agencies in 2012. Digitlab provides services in social media, SEO, advertising, digital research, mobile apps and web development. The agency is proud to include a variety of national and international brands on their client list including KPMG, Nedbank, Alexander Forbes, Beiersdorf and City Lodge Hotel Group. In 2015, Mike launched The Digitlab Academy to educate marketers and support the academic industry with sound digital strategy education material. A powerful partnership with Vega, School of Branding, saw over 150 people run through the academy in its first quarter. Today, the Digitlab Academy educates over 1000 people a year. Digital Swarm, a nationwide digital community that fuels the growth of the digital marketing industry is another brainchild of Mike’s. The swarm hosts quarterly events in Durban and JHB and has attracted speakers from South Africa’s top brands like KFC, AXE and Google. Author In 2016, Mike released his first book The Five Year Mark. The Five Year Mark imparts the lessons he has learnt while establishing his businesses and is an inspirational, clear and practical template for entrepreneurs looking for success. In 2019, Mike published his second book Renowned. Your guide to building a powerful personal brand online. His latest book, Humancentric, unpacks how to do business in a Fourth Industrial Revolution.

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 wildlifeTanya BaileyTanya 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 wildlifeTANYA 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." Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

KZN Top Business Awards Evening RSVP 2026 | KZN Top Business Back KZN Top Business Awards 2026 Brought to you by Standard Bank and Women of Africa Group supported by East Coast Radio. Official RSVP You are cordially invited to the premier business event of the year on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Durban ICC. Kindly fill out the details below to confirm your seat and select your dietary preferences for the gala dinner. First name* Last name* Email* Mobile (Special instructions will be sent via WhatsApp )* Company name* Phone (Lindline) Dietary Requirements: Please note that our entire gala buffet is prepared in a strictly Halal kitchen. Kindly let us know if you or your additional specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, or allergies) Additional Attendee Name Last name Dietary Requirements: Please note that our entire gala buffet is prepared in a strictly Halal kitchen. Kindly let us know if you or your additional specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, or allergies) Submit

Tracy Engelbrecht Support Specialist

KIM ATKINS is the owner and designer of Kim Atkins Jewellers. The company predominantly makes and markets jewellery and has developed into a social enterprise. Kim provides opportunities for students who need work and assistance with their studies and to young jewellers needing experience so that they can become established in their own rightKim AtkinsKIM ATKINS is the owner and designer of Kim Atkins Jewellers. The company predominantly makes and markets jewellery and has developed into a social enterprise. Kim provides opportunities for students who need work and assistance with their studies and to young jewellers needing experience so that they can become established in their own rightKIM ATKINS is the owner and designer of Kim Atkins Jewellers. The company predominantly makes and markets jewellery and has developed into a social enterprise. Kim provides opportunities for students who need work and assistance with their studies and to young jewellers needing experience so that they can become established in their own right. Kim prioritises looking after the people who make the jewellery in her business. She believes that this approach influences customer satisfaction. "First look after the people working for you, then you will make the customers happy," she says. Her very busy daily activities also include designing jewellery, overseeing social media, marketing, and general business issues. Kim went to "A little art school in the Cape" to study. Her subjects included textile design, spinning and weaving, jewellery design, painting and drawing. Afterwards she worked in the textile industry, but unfortunately, "The local textile industry almost died due to imports". She looked around and travelled overseas before starting a handmade jerseys' business. Several women who had been trained by the Anglican Church to knit and sew, worked part-time for her. "The valuing of their creations changed something in these women, and they took pride in doing something well." Creations with a theme The loss of her first baby affected Kim badly and she felt unable to do creative work for ten years. During this period, she undertook ceramic restoration work. Although agreeable, fixing people's things rather than creating something was ultimately not fulfilling. A friend suggested beading work, and after been given money to buy beads, she started making jewellery. Things went very well until Chinese imports started to impact on the business. Kim looked for ways to differentiate her creations from the imported products. "My quality was very high, and I only used semi-precious stones, pearls or crystals and sterling silver rather than plastic and inferior materials. I started differentiating further by creating jewellery that represented biblical pictures or themes. This worked very well, sparking the business to thrive." In this context, Kim is often asked to speak to women groups. Faith in God Kim says that many people have added value along the way and helped her to get to where she is today. Her studies and courses have contributed, and the mentorship programmes she has attended have been valuable. "Flourish and Thrive, an online company in the USA that helps people with their jewellery business, helped me transition my hobby into a business." Much of Kim's inspiration and her drive to make a difference for people comes from her confessed faith in God. "I am also driven by the beauty I see in people. Artistically I am inspired by the aesthetics of colour and shape." In her experience, men and women approach business somewhat differently. "Men tend to focus more on the bottom line and profits, whereas for women it is often more about the people and bringing out the best in them," she says. She thinks both approaches are necessary. Achieving a work-life balance has been made easier now that Kim's children are predominantly studying, allowing her to focus on work. She tries to compartmentalise things to prevent work from becoming all-consuming. Being close to the people working for her, she finds it difficult not to get pulled into their stories. This can affect a work-life balance and sometimes requires her to take a step back. A strong social focus Kim is happy to be where she is, but "still wants to change the world". When assessed for career guidance, the report called her "naïve and idealistic". Many years later she is still focused on making a difference, now particularly in the jewellery industry. There are still many issues where she feels she could provide hope and bring real change. Trying to address South Africa's parallel economies is one of her key focus areas. "Some people come from an advantaged background, they can move into their dreams and what they aspire to, but others cannot aspire to change anything." In reflecting on her achievements, Kim believes that using students to make jewellery and gain experience has worked well. In addition, the disparity between the relative ease for her to start a business due to her background and access to resources, compared to students with almost nothing and for whom the business system does not work has become something she wants to address. Consequently, to help bridge that gap and bring value to the students' work she has transitioned her business to have a strong social focus. Due this transition, a project was born to build an incubator; a studio facility where people can work and learn to run their own jewellery business. Kim is the managing director of the company formed, Legacy Jewellery Projects, which will assist people who are skilled, but not yet empowered. "Hand-outs fail to empower people and have negative effects. On the other hand, making work available to a person goes along with dignity and empowerment," says Kim. Anything is possible If she could, she would advise her younger self, "Don't be conformed by what other people think of you, or by things seeming impossible. Whatever you dream becomes possible if you work at it." Kim concluded, "Looking back at where my business started and where it is now shows anything is possible." Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

"I believe that I am innovative and not deterred from experimentation with new or unconventional ideas." He added that his success has also been driven,  by the good fortune to have inspirational role models as leaders in most cases." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Charles Henzi "I believe that I am innovative and not deterred from experimentation with new or unconventional ideas." He added that his success has also been driven, by the good fortune to have inspirational role models as leaders in most cases." We must recognise each individual as unique in terms of their potential and make a contribution to their personal growth CHARLES HENZI is a seasoned human resources practitioner having worked in several senior roles, within diverse sectors, and including high profile global enterprises. He is motivated by the need to create, "A world of work which provides purpose and inspiration for all, namely, highly engaged people taking self-inspired action ... for Results!" Upon finishing school, Henzi entered the then University of Natal to study for a degree in geology, based on his interest in the natural sciences. He commented, "Two vacation jobs comprising working in the field as a prospecting assistant and underground in a gold mine convinced me that a fulltime career in this field was not for me. But, as I had gained some exposure to the human resource section on the mine, I decided that this was the field for me. On graduation, I was privileged to be appointed as graduate trainee with Unilever which, I believe set me up for a career in human resources." Henzi says that his career has been driven by his self-belief and his own energy to succeed. "I believe that I am innovative and not deterred from experimentation with new or unconventional ideas." He added that his success has also been driven, by the good fortune to have inspirational role models as leaders in most cases." However, Henzi's self-belief and energy paid off and early on in his career he was afforded the opportunity to set up and lead the human resource function within a top organisation. Although he felt that he not remotely ready for this responsibility, it was for him one of the highlights of his working career. This responsibility was also accompanied by new challenges. Although he assumed this, and later other management roles, when at relatively young age, he had to convince older peers to follow bestpractice. Henzi said that his strengths in this regard were really wanting to understand the details of business processes and his role in contributing to successful outcomes. Henzi says that from a human capital best practice perspective it is essential to regard employees as assets, not commodities. As such, over the years, he has worked within a broad diversity of enterprises; facilitating the implementation of employee performance and reward interventions. The latter part of his career has taken him into providing human resource services with an emphasis on employee performance and reward. He then became a member of the DRG Outsourcing team as Service Line Leader: Employee Investment. DRG Outsourcing is a leading human capital advisory service provider where he has had the opportunity to develop new approaches. Operating in a global capacity, this responsibility has a focus in the field of enterprise leadership. This activity has also provided him with a broad selection of case studies from which to draw on in facilitating practical, effective leadership interventions. In reflecting on his own leadership style, Henzi says that he prefers to collaborate with others. "I enjoy creating a working environment that enables people to grow their skills set, confidence and capacity to take on greater responsibilities." However, Henzi noted that he finds it challenging to work with people who place their personal agendas above their leadership responsibilities to stakeholders. Speaking of the future, Henzi says, "I am 70 years old and hope to continue adding value to enterprises through facilitating the implementation of human capital best-practice, especially in the area of leadership. There is a possibility of relocating to the United Kingdom or Europe and, through networks there, to make myself useful in those environments." Henzi has made a significant contribution to the education of children from disadvantaged communities, in an involvement with a Durban NGO spanning some 40 years. In his free time, Henzi prefers to be close to nature outside of the corporate environment and has over the years, spent time on safari or hiking, often in rather wild and remote areas.

Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. “To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one’s character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Naeem Asvat Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. “To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one’s character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Hard work and perseverance will bring you success NAEEM ASVAT CA(SA) joined SAICA in 2007 as the regional executive for SAICA Eastern Region, based in Durban. He is responsible for all SAICA's activities in the region, which comprises primarily KwaZulu-Natal. Prior to joining SAICA, he held the position as senior manager in the Accounting Advisory Services division at KPMG, where he worked for ten years, and trained and qualified as a chartered accountant. Asvat's experience includes external and internal audit, forensic investigations, tax compliance and tax consulting as well as various consulting assignments. His career has included a short-term assignment in KPMG's Manchester office in the external audit division, which comprised conversions from UK GAAP to US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). He has undertaken International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conversions in South Africa and Namibia. During his career, he was appointed as a curators' agent of a transport business, which was seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (Scorpions) and was appointed as a chief financial officer for an associate of a listed cellular company. Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. "To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one's character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Second, my passion, for without it, you cannot succeed. And third, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone in order to attain the unattainable." He added that he is absolutely dedicated and committed to the work that he does, has an immense passion for work and a great desire for making a difference to society within his sphere of influence. Asvat says that his inspiration comes from "savouring the sweetness of success of someone whom I have helped and inspired, be it a member, a stakeholder, a university student or a learner". During his professional journey and in the early stages of South African democracy, he, as with other previously disadvantaged individuals found climbing the corporate ladder a serious challenge, having to constantly prove oneself beyond reproach. He commented: "I thrive on challenges and making the impossible possible." However, having made his way to senior manager, Asvat was head hunted and joined SAICA. This was challenging in the sense that he was catapulted into a leadership position. He was the first non-white person to be appointed in the 99-year history of the Institute, which also had its own set of challenges. "Suddenly, I was thrust in front of 2 200 members, business and government stakeholders with whom I started engaging. We now have more than 4 400 members." In this regard Asvat says, "My personality profile has been somewhat defined as a catalyst and I am driven to achieve and persevere." Establishing the first independent SAICA office in KwaZulu-Natal, and helping to build the SAICA and the CA(SA) brand to be a premier recognised business designation, have been highlights of his career. In addition, Asvat has spearheaded a significant transformation project with the KZN Treasury and guided them to becoming a SAICA Accredited Training office. A major forthcoming project for him is to see SAICA playing a more significant role in shaping economic policies within KwaZulu-Natal. Asvat comes from a family of five siblings and is happily married and the father of three sons. He credits much of his success to his wife, Fatima, and his mother, who have played very supportive roles in his career. In his free time, he says: "I enjoy the adrenaline stuff - I have gone skydiving (jumping out of a plane at 12 000 feet) and did the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at the Blaukrans river." He concludes: "Regardless where you come from, hard work and perseverance will bring you success. I believe that if you knock at the door long enough the door is bound to open."

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