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< Back Mavis Naidoo Next DR MAVIS NAIDOO is the principal of the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, which is based in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal. The school takes in children with a hearing loss from the age of 3 to 20, from the poorest communities in rural areas all over KZN DR MAVIS NAIDOO is the principal of the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, which is based in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal. The school takes in children with a hearing loss from the age of 3 to 20, from the poorest communities in rural areas all over KZN. KwaThintwa offers full boarding and follows the mainstream CAPS curriculum. The school was established by Archbishop Dennis Hurley. While he on a visit to Thintwa (meaning touched), he was touched on his cloak by an 11 year old boy. On questioning why the child was not at school, he discovered that there were limited opportunities for Deaf children. KwaThintwa was opened in February 1981 with 40 Deaf learners. Mavis reflected that Archbishop Hurley had been someone she always had a deep admiration for as he had stood up for social justice and actively campaigned against apartheid. She said, "I couldn't believe that he was the chairperson of the interview committee when I applied for the job." Subsequently, Archbishop Hurley became a mentor to her in her various management roles within the school. "When I applied for the position, I had no ambition other than the need to make a difference. There is never a day when I am not touched by working at the school, I often have goose bumps when I drive into the school grounds." She explained that she had a steep learning curve when she joined the school and went from a level one to a level three post in a very patriarchal school. She was a young Indian female who had no understanding of Zulu culture, no knowledge of Zulu language and no Sign Language. "I really believed that my appointment was the will of God and I trusted that his Grace would keep me," she says. The person in the principal's office Her experiences at KwaThintwa informed the content of her PHD dissertation, which was an auto ethnographic study entitled, "The Person in the Principal's Office". Mavis was awarded her PHD in 2013, which she completed studying part-time in two years and eight months. She explains that she had been inspired to study further by her mother who had studied continuously throughout her life and uncalculated in her a love for education. Mavis juggles many balls and plays a pivotal role in Deaf education. Over and above managing the 361 learners who are full time boarders and the 120 staff complement, she is the deputy president of Deaf Education Principals Association - South Africa (DEPASA) and has served as deputy president of South African National Association for Special Schools (SANASA). In addition, Mavis has been chancellor for the National Institute for the Deaf (NID) and has publications in international journals. Her passion for the school is apparent in the active fundraising campaigns that she has undertaken since most the learners are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds resulting in minimal payment of fees. Mavis has secured millions of rands in funding, which has resulted in the building of classrooms, a library as well as a road to the school among other much needed facilities. "South African businessmen are very generous, especially when they can see tangible results," she says. Running the school has required that Mavis acquire business skills and she is grateful for the support that she has received. "As a professional person, I was not prepared for a management role, however, my friend the late Hanu Singh, showed me the ropes and inspired me for the first five to six years on how to run the school as a business." A place of excellence Being goal orientated, Mavis sets the bar for herself, as well as the school, high, which she sees as a place of excellence. "I have a strong belief that the Deaf are not different to their hearing counterparts. They often suffer from low self-esteem, as the hearing community often puts a ceiling on their potential. However, I believe that they can achieve as well if not better than typically hearing children. Deaf education is fast changing, and this rapid change inspires me to do more." Over the past eight years, the school has had a 100% matric pass rate including learners obtaining distinctions. The learners take South African Sign Language (SASL) as their Home Language and English First Additional Language (FAL). South Africa is the first country in the world to have Sign Language as a school subject. The schools 2018 Dux, Thabile Qondani, was placed second in South Africa for SASL Home Language and is the first Deaf individual to study law in KZN. Other learners have gone on to become chefs, teachers, and work in IT. A heart for the marginalised "I have proved that a marginalised child can achieve against all odds by creating an environment that is conducive for learning with committed staff. The children at KwaThintwa are living testaments to this. Mavis also reflected that she is very proud of the achievements of her two sons - who she says are successful role models that have a heart for the marginalised in South Africa. If she could give advice to her younger self, Mavis would say, "Some things can be left undone. I am an overachiever and I don't need to do everything at once." "I am very happy and content with what I have achieved. If I could turn back the clock, I would do this all again. KwaThintwa is the legacy that I leave behind," she concluded. Previous Next

< Back Next Mark Gounder Mark Gounder is the chief executive officer of Hulamin Mark Gounder, chief executive officer of Hulamin, a prominent JSE listed company based in Pietermaritzburg, credits much of his success to his upbringing. He proudly describes himself as “a testament to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child.” Reflecting on his early years, Mark says, “I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where people genuinely supported my growth. This culture of care helped shape my career and allows me to give back in meaningful ways.” Mark’s journey has been guided by two core principles: “First, no matter your circumstances, respect is paramount. Second, avoid a victim mindset – always believe that you have the power to improve.” For him, personal growth is not measured by wealth but by purpose. “I believe we all have a unique purpose on this earth. For me, it’s clear: I was born to create value for others,” he shares. This belief fuels his desire to positively impact the lives of those around him, both at work and in his community. Due to financial challenges, Mark couldn’t pursue full-time studies. “I didn’t have the means to study full-time,” he recalls. “I started my career as an apprentice at Pep Stores, where I learned the basics of entrepreneurship and leadership at just 19, while others my age were still in university.” Mark’s first opportunity in the finance field was as a cost clerk at Illovo Sugar in 1995, the same company where his father worked for 36 years. “I was thrilled. I had an office, a phone, a computer, and they even covered my further education,” he explains. Within five years, he earned his BCom degree in Financial Management, Accounting, and Tax and advanced into a management accountant role, progressing through three positions during that time. LEADING HULAMIN WITH A VISION Mark commented that he sees his role as an opportunity to create value for Hulamin’s over 2500 people and the surrounding community. “If we think about it, with four people per household, we’re positively impacting around 10,000 people, not to mention our local suppliers and the broader Pietermaritzburg community,” he notes. “How many people can say they get to go to work, make a real difference in people’s lives, and get paid for it?” Mark believes that success comes from cultivating a culture of empowerment and accountability. “Leadership is about making bold decisions and being prepared to deal with the consequences, but always having a plan,” he asserts. “With the right plan, anything is possible.” Honesty and authenticity are also at the heart of Mark’s leadership style. “People think leadership starts when you walk into the office, but you’re a leader all the time – it’s about being yourself,” he says. Mark values open communication, taking time to listen and share his own experiences. He emphasises the importance of collaboration: "Leadership isn’t just about giving orders. It’s about taking people along with you on the journey.” For Mark, empowering his team means fostering a culture of accountability. “If you want to be empowered, you need to accept the responsibility that comes with it. You must take ownership of both the successes and the challenges, and always have a plan to keep improving.” LESSONS IN RESPECT AND PERSEVERANCE Mark’s father imparted valuable wisdom that still guides him today: “He taught me that no matter what you achieve in life, you must always respect others,” says Mark. Another key lesson was the power of believing in your dreams: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” When asked about his greatest achievement, Mark doesn’t hesitate: “Meeting my wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. She has been my rock, standing by me through every challenge.” Together, they have two sons, forming a close-knit family that reflects Mark’s values of respect and support. “Family is everything,” he says. “It’s not about money; it’s about having strong family values.” OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH DETERMINATION Mark acknowledges that one of the biggest hurdles people face, is the temptation to adopt a victim mentality. “It’s easy to find excuses for why you can’t achieve something,” he explains. “It took me 15 years of part time studying to become a chartered accountant, and there were plenty of reasons to give up along the way. Anything is possible - you just have to stay committed to your dream.” Mark has been fortunate to have many mentors throughout his life, from his parents to his first manager. “It wouldn’t be fair to name just one – they’ve all had a profound impact on me,” he reflects. He draws inspiration from Formula 1, particularly the precision and teamwork in pit stops. “No problem is too big if you have the right team around you,” he believes. A VISION FOR KWAZULU-NATAL Looking ahead, Mark is passionate about fostering collaboration to improve KwaZulu-Natal. “Business leaders need to come together and take collective responsibility for making KZN better,” he says. As Hulamin is the largest employer in Pietermaritzburg, he sees the company playing a key role in creating a culture of growth and value creation. DREAM BIG, STAY TRUE Mark’s personal motto is grounded in trust, respect, and the power of believing in yourself. “You can’t lead or be successful without trust, and trust goes hand in hand with respect,” he says. He also believes that no dream is too big if you have the right mindset: “Chase your dream, surround yourself with the right people, and most importantly, believe in yourself.” In closing, Mark shares a reminder about life’s brevity: “There are two certainties in life – you will die, and you will pay taxes. So why not live life to the fullest?” Previous Next

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

< 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

DRG is a Total Solutions human resource support service provider, helping business leaders create productive, engaged, compliant, and sustainable work environments.DRG Human Capital David White DRG Human Capital Price No cost Duration 30 Minuets Assessment < Back About DRG is a Total Solutions human resource support service provider, helping business leaders create productive, engaged, compliant, and sustainable work environments. We provide “just right” best practice solutions, enabling our clients to stay focused on the fundamentals of leading their business, and in so doing, reducing their fixed costs arising out of non-revenue producing in-house capacity. Our services aim to support our clients’ business imperatives, and to encourage their growth and development. Products DRG Outsourcing develops human resource practices relative to each client’s unique need through a comprehensive set of Service Lines including: · PEO Services, · Payroll Management, · HR Foundation and Compliance, · Leadership and Engagement, · DRG Online, and · PDA Behavioural Assessments. We look forward to working with you, and to providing your organisation with our complete and caring services. Your Contact David White CEO – DRG SA

< Back Palesa Phili Next DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region PALESA PHILI became the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) after a very successful corporate career. This included being in an executive role with a computer company looking after the organisation's services in the southern, eastern and central regions of Africa, being the executive head for Vodacom Business in KZN and then the regional head for MTN. DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region. The Durban Chamber identifies government policy relevant to organised business in Durban by amplifying core issues that impact on business with short, medium - and long-term perspectives. At the heart of this unit are industry-specific forums and area forums (Western, Northern, Southern, and Central) that engage on a monthly or bi-quarterly base. "Our forums provide the coal face of interaction between our members and the Durban Chamber. This is where we get city officials and provincial policy makers to interact with our members in terms of any plans that are being put in place as well as business opportunities that are available," says Palesa. Advocacy is central to the role the Chamber plays and partnership approaches to complex and problematic issues affecting business are promoted. The Chamber's extensive networks also connect members both with local and international organisations. Success is inspirational Palesa attributes her success and where she is today to her Christian faith, hard work, and dedication. Numerous people assisted her along the way and she has had a number of different mentors for different aspects of her career and life who have helped her. Success inspires Palesa. She adds, "One does not want to be around something that is negative or does not work." Successful people across the country and across the world attract her attention; what they are doing attracts and inspires her. "I try to see what I can do personally, in my own way, to add to the betterment of my city, my province, my country, and the world at large." Keep your eye on the ball, the rules for women are different "Women definitely need to approach business differently to men," says Palesa. And thinks the existence of "The Boy's Club out there" cannot be denied and that women cannot fit into the club. "As a woman, typically, as you grow in your career, as you go higher, you become more of a loner as there are very few women up there." Palesa adds that males are still in the majority at the top of the corporate world and that the rules for women are very different. "As a woman, you need to be clear about your objectives, why you are where you are and what it is that you want to achieve." Palesa says one of her mentors told her that one is at work to do work, not to make friends, and you need to make sure the job gets done. Her advice to women is, "When you encounter corporate politics, it is important to keep your eye on the ball, understand the rules are different for you as a woman, and then you should be fine." As she is a wife and the mother of two boys, achieving a work life balance is not easy for Palesa. She says she is too busy to attend social gatherings like "breakfasts for moms" and is too busy for tasks like personally dropping her boys off at school. This results in her not knowing many of the moms, but Palesa is fortunate that her husband helps with most of the parental tasks. Her support structure is important to her. "Without their assistance, I would not be able to do everything I need to do and achieve a work-life balance," she adds. Looking back at herself when she was younger, Palesa would advise herself not to take things at face value but to analyse these and ensure that she makes the right decisions. She explains that she would react spontaneously when she was young so she would tell herself to listen more before making decisions. There is much more to achieve Compared to what she would still like to accomplish, Palesa does not think that she has achieved much. If she looks back at her corporate background, Palesa says what she did was mostly target driven to make profits for an organisation. Her involvement with the Chamber does, however, give her a greater purpose and this enables her to achieve more of what she wants to achieve. It enables her to make a difference and impact on many people. Palesa explains, "I always had a thing in me, even when growing up, to give back. In everything I do I try and give back in my own small way. I would like to look back in five years from now and say this is the number of jobs I helped to create, and this is the number of entrepreneurs I have assisted to grow and get where they are." She adds she would like to see measurable growth, and only once she gets there would she be happy with what she has achieved. 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

KZN Top Business Portfolio 2025 -2026

< Back Next Elvis Green Elvis Green is the owner and managing director of ND Engineering Elvis Green is the owner and managing director of ND Engineering. Born in Pietermaritzburg, he fondly remembers moving to a newly created coloured suburb called Woodland. Also located in Pietermaritzburg, this move marked the beginning of a journey that was deeply influenced by his upbringing. After completing schooling, Elvis pursued a boiler- making apprenticeship with the international company APV Kestner, completing it in 1977. However, in 1987, due to sanctions on South Africa, the company closed its manufacturing operations, leaving many, including Elvis, without a job. “I applied to three companies – two in Pietermaritzburg and one in Durban. All three applications were successful, but I decided to get out of my comfort zone and accepted the position of estimator with the Durban-based company, ND Engineering,” Elvis explains. Looking back, Elvis is proud of his entire journey. “Even when I occupied humble positions in my career, I’ve always been committed to the cause and worked diligently to grow professionally and advance the businesses I’ve been employed at,” he says. Purchasing ND Engineering in 2012 and building a new world-class manufacturing facility in 2019 are standout accomplishments, but Elvis is most proud of the difference he has made in the lives of those who needed it most. GREAT STABILITY Elvis feels blessed by the success he has achieved through hard work over many decades. “I’m extremely proud that I’ve built a business that has shown great stability in very trying economic times,” he states. This stability has allowed him to provide meaningful employment that goes beyond a generic employer-employee relationship. ND Engineering employs 262 full-time employees and offers full company benefits, including substantial investment in the tertiary education of employees’ children. “Our bursary scheme extends to youth in our community and covers vocational choices not directly linked to our field of vision,” he says. Elvis’s legacy is one of putting community before profit. “Every man wants to leave a legacy of some sort, and for me, I want to be remembered as a person who always put community before profit,” he reflects. His vision includes further growth for ND Engineering. “We have plans drawn up for a new facility that will be one and three quarters the size of our current premises. We’re just waiting for a few hurdles to be overcome, but that should happen within the next couple of months,” he shares. Navigating life’s challenges, Elvis has always held onto a piece of advice that has profoundly influenced his journey. “Negativity is an overpowering human emotion that can cripple us all. In the face of overwhelming negativity, I am an eternal optimist,” he asserts. “Hard work doesn’t always guarantee success, but in most cases, it’s a prerequisite to mastering oneself, personally and professionally.” Elvis recalls the 2008-2009 financial crisis as the biggest challenge he has faced. At the time, he was the production manager at ND Engineering, and the company had a full order book that extended for a year and a half. However, the collapse of the USA’s Lehman Brothers’ bank sent shockwaves through the global economy, and ND Engineering was not spared. “I was on a business trip to China and when I arrived back in South Africa, I discovered that 90% of the projects on our books were on hold,” Elvis recalls. To compound matters, clients had frozen all payments, putting the company in a precarious situation. For the next two months, Elvis concentrated his energy on communicating with clients, and his efforts paid off. “At the end of January 2009, 90% of the monies owed to us were paid,” he shares, expressing his gratitude to God during that critical time. Many companies fell by the wayside during the crisis, but ND Engineering survived. Elvis believes that obstacles are part of the dynamic world we live in and that there is no avoiding them. “One can only plan and equip your team to adapt,” he says. For him, there is no substitute for an engaged workforce and a high-performance culture. “I always emphasise that as a business unit, we are a system that relies on the performance of the entire company to achieve our strategic goals,” he explains. A POSITIVE IMPACT Rather than being inspired by any one person, Elvis is motivated by the potential for anyone, regardless of their social or financial standing, to make a positive impact on the world. “For this reason, I find motivation in leveraging my position to garner positivity and hope for the future,” he says. Elvis is optimistic about the future of KwaZulu- Natal (KZN). He believes that with collaboration between the public and private sectors, KZN can leverage its unique location as the gateway to Africa to harness significant growth opportunities from an import and export perspective. “We have a young population that is hungry for opportunity, and it is up to business owners like myself to embrace this,” he adds. Elvis attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him by his parents. “I grew up in a home where godly and good values and principles were instilled in me and my four siblings. It is those values and principles that have made us who we are in life and have enabled us to make important decisions at strategic milestones,” he shares. The influence of his mother and the support of his wife, Debbie, whom he has been married to for 45 years, have been the bedrock of his life. “Debbie has stood behind me in every decision and everything I’ve done in my life,” he acknowledges, expressing gratitude for the family they’ve built together, which includes four sons and one daughter. Elvis’s life has been guided by a principle that has served him well in all aspects: “The more bountifully you sow, the more bountifully you reap,” he says. “All we really have is the day at hand, so do the very best with the day at hand, and this will take care of the future,” he advises. For Elvis, being the best version of who you were created to be is the goal, and it is a principle that has guided him throughout his life. Previous Next

Up Home Up Dr Lungile Mhlongo DR LUNGILE MHLONGO (commonly known as Dr Lu) holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) as well a diploma in aesthetic medicine. She opened a general practice servicing the community of Stanger in 2017. She then went on to establish Numa Medical Aesthetics, a skincare and cosmetic practice using the most up-to-date technologies which operates in uMhlanga Ridge. Dr Lu also has a weekly slot on Gagasi FM that is all about health and wellness. DRIVEN SOLELY BY PASSION On her expanding business offering Dr Lu says, “We basically concentrate on non-surgical cosmetic medicine to help people feel good, look good and present themselves better. I have also recently launched my own skin care products –Numa Skin.” “My business is driven solely by passion and personal experience. Growing up I didn’t have any skin problems and when I turned 24-25, I started having severe acne. This badly dented my self-esteem and confidence; I felt like people made skin contact before they could hear what I was going to say. This is where my passion for non-surgical cosmetic medicine was born. I found a solution that I thought I should extend to other people and that is how I started. I’m passionate about my work because I understand what the customer wants and how they feel about their skin. It’s not just the physical treatments but we also tap into the emotional and psychological side of our clients.” BE THE CHANGE Speaking of what motivates her, Dr Lu says that she has a lot of things that push her ‘like a step ladder’. She said that getting into medicine was motivated by her father, who was very ill and only a few people could help him to become better. One day her father had an attack and as the doctor that was able to help him was away on holiday, this led to her father’s demise. “I was so angry at the doctor, until I realised that he is human, he needs to go on holiday and refresh himself. So, I thought let me be the change I want to see to help counter the shortage of doctors. So that’s how I started the journey.” Dr Lu comes from a very disadvantaged background. Her dad passed away when she was in Grade 11 and her mother passed away when she was in first year university. This meant that she had no one supporting her while at medical school. “So, I started doing modelling jobs, doing people’s hair to make money to survive. That is how the entrepreneurial spirit was born,” said Dr Lu. “When I offer a service, I get money for it, then I can survive.” THE BEST THING Dr Lu has continued to invest back into her business, which has allowed her various initiatives to grow. She added, “I have found my passion. When I talk about my job I just want to smile because the smiles that I see from my clients, are the best thing ever. I wake up in the morning and they make me want to do what I do.” Dr Lu commented that we cry a lot about the government and the unemployment rate being so high. She said, “I’ve got myself into a position of not being angry with the government. Growing my business enables me to hire as many people as I possibly can, to try and bridge that gap. When launching my skin care brand, we built a warehouse where we manufacture these products thus creating employment for the unemployed. Others are involved in the distribution and logistics of the products.” Numa Aesthetics now has three branches. Dr Lu has recently opened a new branch in Hyde Park, Johannesburg with a fourth branch opening at the end of November. “I’m hoping to open as many branches as I possibly can, firstly to help with the distribution, offer the best service to my clients and most importantly, to help employ as many young people as we possibly can,” says Dr Lu. Numa Aesthetics has registered a foundation called Angels are made at Numa. Dr Lu explains, “We go to high schools, mostly the townships and rural areas, and find girls that are struggling with pigmentation and acne. Dr Lu added that unsafe products are being sold online that are not safe for the skin. “But these kids order these things and use these products and end up damaging their skin, so we teach about skin health. We sit down with them and help them with our products and treatments. I also mentor them to present themselves better.” BE AUTHENTIC The most important advice that Dr Lu offers is to be authentic. She explains, “It is very hard to run a business if you are not passionate about what you are doing. Find something that you are passionate about and focus on it instead of focusing on what is happening around you. I have found something that I am passionate about and even on the coldest days of business, I go back to why do I do what I do, and I wake up and try again. We live in a world of social media, where everyone is succeeding in what they do, people are not going to post their failures. Focus on what you are doing, so you can achieve what you are called to do and fulfil your purpose.” Dr Lu says that she tries to balance her life as far as she can. “I am a mother to a seven-year[1]old, so I am very busy at home. I am a very family orientated person, and I’m lucky to be blessed with family and friends that believe in what I do and support and push me even when I feel like giving up at some point.”