This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Camilla Jones Content Manager 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. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

Embrace change as an opportunity to learn, to improve, to make a difference in others’ lives as well as in your own and to grow < Back Nozuko Basson Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs Tronox South Africa Nozuko Basson’s role at Tronox, which is based in northern KZN, entails making sure that the mining company honours its responsibility of creating value for its stakeholders, of which, communities take centre stage. The most significant event in Nozuko’s life is, she says, when she became a mother. “I had my daughter when I was fairly young and from the moment she arrived in this world, I knew that the game had changed. It’s an ambition of mine, that when my daughter is asked who your role model is, she mentions my name.” In ensuring that she is an inspiration to her daughter, Nozuko constantly evaluates how she behaves, how she practices professionalism in the workplace, and how she treats other people. Nozuko believes that she has got to where she is today through hard work, dedication, a lot of praying and the support from many people who have crossed her path. “I’m somebody who is focused on her religion. I’m a Christian and I’ve always believed that everything that I do is enabled by my faith. I started my career as a journalist, but I realised that was not the life that I wanted to live. I’m not a social and out-there type of person, so I moved into public relations. I was fortunate to work for an agency where I had an amazing mentor who helped me in building the capability to understand how media relations works.” From there, Nozuko moved onto one of South Africa’s largest medical insurance organisations, Discovery. Here, Nozuko said, she had mentors who helped guide her through her career. “I’ve been fortunate that I had other people lifting me, guiding me, and making sure that I stayed on the right track. My journey has been difficult; it’s always good to be reminded by those who are ahead of you how to remain positive and confident in what you are doing.” Having courage Nozuko says that her decision to move to KwaZulu-Natal has been an amazing journey that has required her to really stretch herself. This meant going into areas where she thought she would never be able to venture. She added, “Just having the courage to really push myself and push the boundaries for my team members so that we all work towards one single vision. This requires that we stay close to the cause and really live our own personal values, as well as the values of the organisation in which I work right now.” In commenting on the challenges that she has faced, Nozuko says that as a young female professional, the first challenge that she would like to focus on, is the “pull her down syndrome”. “When you, as a female, start rising in your career there are times when other females do everything in their power to pull you down. I have a strong view that if one of us rise, we all rise. It’s hard enough being a young female, let alone being black in the workplace; we need to hold each other up and motivate each other.” The second challenge she has faced is working in the mining industry, which is a male dominated sector. Over that, working within the community, which is also a male led environment that still subscribes to traditional practices has brought a great deal of learning, that has come with its own difficulties. Currently, the third challenge has been dealing with unconventional community issues, that pose a serious risk to Tronox’s public reputation. “This is where the company’s values, procedures and policies need to guide you to deal with the challenges in a manner that does not compromise your role or its reputation,” said Nozuko. “Lastly, I have often found myself feeling not quite welcome around the ‘table’, as if I am a token BEE candidate,” says Nozuko. “I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t wait for somebody to offer me a seat at the table. If there’s no seat for a female in the workplace or in this industry, you bring your own, and that’s something that I have really started being vocal about.” Leaving behind a legacy In the future, Nozuko wants to leave behind a legacy that says, “When Nozuko Basson was in that community or was working in that organisation, she made a positive difference.” In terms of her career, she sees herself growing from strength to strength. Right now, she is focused on her work in South Africa, but soon, she wants to share her knowledge and skills with the rest of the world. Nozuko added that she is fortunate to work for an organisation that has the platform that will allow her to do so when the time is right. On the personal side, Nozuko wants to travel the world. “I want to touch other lives in my own personal space. I want to live my best life and it’s something that I’m making a deliberate effort in doing and I know that I’m on the right track.” In advising others, she says, “It’s important not to be side-tracked by other people’s opinions. It’s important to remain true to yourself. It’s important that when you venture out, you understand that not everybody will be cheering for you, so learn to be your own cheerleader and as you’re cheering yourself, cheer those around you because they may not know the power that they have within themselves.” Nozuko believes one needs to put their heart into everything that they do. “I always say to people, if you’re not going to give it your all, rather don’t start. I believe in dazzling people. One of Tronox’s values speaks to doing the right work, the right way in every aspect of our business and that’s really what I subscribe to. I don’t take short cuts; it’s about doing something right all the time. It’s behaving in an ethical way and ensuring that everything I touch, doesn’t only represent organisational integrity, but also my own personal integrity.”

< Back Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry 15 minutes Assesment About While the Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry is autonomous to the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation, the Foundation community park continues to provide a home for its associated organisations. The Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry continues to enjoy a close relationship with the Foundation while Business Against Crime no longer reports to the Foundation. The Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry continues to grow with increased membership and during 2009 the Chamber Executive Committee had 19 sub committees reporting to it.At the Executive Committee meeting held on the 8th August 2007 under the chairmanship of Mr Garth McCartney, the Chamber took the decision to become affiliated with SACCI (South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry, formally known as SACOB). Previous Next

Rajesh Lutchman Next Previous chief executive officer of Siyaka Steeped in the entrepreneurial spirit of South Africa’s East Coast, Rajesh Lutchman has spent over three decades leading with vision, determination, and a relentless work ethic. As chief executive officer of Siyaka, Rajesh has grown the business from a small, dedicated team into a thriving, multi-site enterprise with operations in Durban, Johannesburg, Mauritius, and strategic representation in all major hubs primarily servicing southern Africa and East Africa. Siyaka is a trusted name in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, providing high-quality printed packaging solutions. From snack packets to detergents and beverages, products with Siyaka’s packaging line the shelves of retail stores across southern Africa – many consumers have likely held a Siyaka-printed item in their hands without even realising it. “I started with a small team,” Rajesh recalls, “many of whom are still with the company today. Honesty and integrity have shaped our culture. We’ve built a family, bound by a common vision: delivering value-engineered packaging with purpose.” CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT Rajesh’s drive for perfection was evident from an early age. For him, printing artwork on paper was never enough – he envisioned packaging that combined consistency, durability, and artisan-like quality at scale. That philosophy remains at the heart of Siyaka’s operations. Navigating the complexities of the manufacturing world requires more than operational excellence. It calls for foresight, adaptability, and the ability to mitigate risks and remove roadblocks. “You need to see the end at the beginning,” Rajesh says, “and map the path with precision.” Change is the only constant in the packaging and printing industry – a reality that has led Rajesh on a global journey across Europe and the Americas in pursuit of innovative solutions and cuttingedge technologies. His goal? To enhance the lives of consumers while creating sustainable, wasteefficient packaging that contributes to a healthier planet. Rajesh is driven not only by curiosity for processes, but by a deep respect for the people behind them. “My passion has always been in developing teams – nurturing a culture where individuals are empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully to continuous improvement.” Siyaka remains grounded in the same core principles it held at inception: alignment among stakeholders, collaborative problem-solving, and a culture where the best ideas win. Rajesh fosters an environment of psychological safety, co-creation, and shared accountability. LEAVING A LEGACY Beyond Siyaka, Rajesh now sits on the board of various industries, including a property development and management portfolio and an investment entity. But for him, success has never been about the numbers. “The greatest investment you can make,” he reflects, “is in something that outlasts you. For me, it’s about leaving a legacy – one that improves the lives of employees, families, suppliers, customers, and consumers alike.” At Siyaka, succession and leadership development are not taken lightly. “As part of our family tradition, each of our children is encouraged to first gain experience in the open market following their tertiary qualification. Only thereafter, should they express the desire to join the business, do we have that conversation,” explained Rajesh. Following this principle, his two elder sons, Mikhail Lutchman and Luan Lutchman, have both joined the organisation– Luan most recently, following his tenure at Investec. Grooming tomorrow’s leadership is a profound responsibility. “In passing on what we refer to as the ‘holy grail’, we place strong emphasis on continual improvement (CI) – a principle we uphold alongside innovation, accountability, and strategic thinking.” SOUL OF A FAMILY BUSINESS While the organisation is structured and mirrors the operational discipline of a corporate entity, Siyaka proudly retain the agility and soul of a family business. Swift, decisive action on emerging opportunities has long been one of its key differentiators. Family remains a central pillar. “Every quarter, we retreat as a family to a remote destination – a tradition that serves as a reset, fostering harmony and alignment across both personal and professional spheres,” explains Rajesh. “Our business endeavours are united by a shared vision and long-term commitment. We remain optimistic, guided by a clear five-year outlook and a focus on delivering lasting impact in emerging markets. Challenges persist, but so do opportunities – and there is much to be done by the next generation of industry leaders.” Over the years, Rajesh and his team have been honoured with numerous accolades, a testament to their dedication and excellence, and the values we stand for. He comments, “We remain driven by purpose, united in our mission, and committed to excellence –today, and for the future.” In conclusion Rajesh says that his business philosophy is guided by his mantra which is: “Question the status quo. Dare to change it.” Previous Next

The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is to advance sound agricultural practices that stimulates comprehensive economic growth, food security and advancement of rural communities. The Department's strategic objectives are: To provide agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. To provide veterinary services to clients in order to ensure healthy animals, safe animal products and welfare of people of South Africa. Subscribe Subscribe Agriculture and Rural Development MEC: Bongi Sithole-Moloi Contact details Physical: 1 Cedara Road, Cedara Postal: Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Tel: 033 355 9100 Fax: 033 355 9122 Web: www.kzndard.gov.za The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is to advance sound agricultural practices that stimulates comprehensive economic growth, food security and advancement of rural communities. The Department's strategic objectives are: To provide agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. To provide veterinary services to clients in order to ensure healthy animals, safe animal products and welfare of people of South Africa. Back to government departments

< Back Marcina Majid Next MARCINA MAJID heads up SAS Cares which is a subsidiary of Southern African Shipyards. SAS Cares is a skills development, exposure and experience based non-profit organisation MARCINA MAJID heads up SAS Cares which is a subsidiary of Southern African Shipyards. SAS Cares is a skills development, exposure and experience based non-profit organisation. The organisation was founded on the premise that skills and education go hand in hand in developing individuals and communities. "We want to upskill people and also expose people to the possibilities of careers in the maritime industry," explained Marcina. "It is about getting everybody on the same level." Love for women's empowerment Her journey to establishing the foundation has been varied. "After I graduated, I was employed by a firm of chartered accountants. I was very fortunate in that this was at the time when the black economic empowerment (BEE) codes came out and I started a BEE verification company." Marcina said that she was in the privileged position of having her children and being able to run the company at the same time. However, she then had a two-year hiatus where she took time out of her working life and reflected on what she really wanted to do. She explains further, "It just so happened that I got into the health and fitness industry. I had two gyms that ran consecutively for about six years. During that time, I discovered my love for women's empowerment because I worked first-hand with women. I got to understand the needs and issues in their communities and in their lives as well as the socio-economic impact that they have in society or the lack thereof." These experiences gave Marcina insight into what she wished to accomplish in her own life. Unfortunately, a hip operation put everything on hold, and she had to stop working in the health and fitness industry. My purpose is to help others Consequently, Marcina made the decision to work at South African Shipyards which at that time had became part of the family business. "That is when I started working with my husband, Prasheen Maharaj, CEO of SA Shipyards. We worked side by side in making a success of the business, but I always felt that I worked better when working on CSI initiatives and playing a supporting role in that regard. From that insight arose SAS Cares and I feel that my purpose is to help others." In speaking of her sources of inspiration Marcina explained that she is inspired by women who are go-getters. "I don't like to glorify people as there is a lot of ebb and flow in everybody's lives. To put one woman up in high regard is doing a disservice to all the other women who don't have a platform or who are finding themselves. There are a lot of women who wake up at 4 am in the morning and slog through a hard day - getting their kids to school, getting to work on time, having a hard, honest day. Getting back home, cooking a meal and then getting ready for the next day. They don't get recognition and I am inspired by them." However, she added that she is also inspired by the women who are the chatterboxes; who are the disrupters. "I am inspired by women who are not defined by a box. By women who have a blank slate - the innovators, our local artists, our designers and our scientists. All those females who you come across every day in the media." A seat at the table Marcina believes that women need to approach business differently from men to be successful. "We are set up with so many disadvantages, there are so many things that we need to think about before we take those steps into business. Men have fraternity, they have a brotherhood and a comradery, which is about uplifting one another. With women, we have a small gap to contribute in and we are all fighting to be empowered. Michelle Obama said, 'You can have it all, you just can't have it right now'. It is about taking the time, fighting those causes and making sure that we can get up and have a seat at the table." "I am happy with what I have accomplished. As a person who does a lot of introspection on my life, I monitor what it is that I think and how I approach things. SAS Cares is a stepping-stone that can go further. This business is not about my recognition and ego. The recognition I want is for SAS Cares. I want other people to see the good that comes from this company and that this is going to allow us to take on other partners for our cause." Work-life balance Finding a work-life balance is very difficult for Marcina. "Fortunately, as I have been in the health industry, I try to exercise every day. I like to upskill myself so every year I take a recreational course. These learnings filter into my family life as whatever I have learnt I share." "We go through ebbs and flows where we feel like we are failing as a mom or as a businesswoman, but you do what you can to get through that period." In giving advice to her younger self, Marcina would say drown the noise and don't listen to all the fears that people project onto you. "I would also tell myself to take chances. Every failure is a learning opportunity. You don't ask why something is happening, ask, what are you going to learn from the situation." Previous Next

< Back Melanie Veness Next MELANIE VENESS has been the CEO of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, now the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB),since February 2011. She is the treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council and serves on the KZN Economic Council. Previously, Melanie was the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism. MELANIE VENESS has been the CEO of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, now the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB),since February 2011. She is the treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council and serves on the KZN Economic Council. Previously, Melanie was the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism. Melanie is exceedingly passionate about South Africa, which she describes as, "her beautiful country that she will defend to the last". She thinks this passion comes from being the daughter of a game ranger at Hluhluwe and growing up close to nature. Melanie says she is cause-driven rather than profit-driven, which is possibly due to her Irish upbringing. Unsure about what career to follow, Melanie worked for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a while before going to university. She loves the theatre, but her parents persuaded her not to follow acting as a career. Melanie explained that while numbers make sense to her, people fascinate her. She became the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism after gaining experience in the finance world where she worked for ten years. Melanie was persuaded to apply for the Pietermaritzburg Chamber CEO position which, "has just been a fantastic fit". She guesses that a range of opportunities, networking, and engaging with people, contributed to her landing where she is now. As part of her quest to grow, learn and better understand, Melanie has recently graduated with B Comm in Industrial & Organisational Psychology. "Which just goes to show that you are never too old to learn!" she commented. Advocate for business Melanie is a team player with plenty of passion, vision, and energy. She is a creative, hands-on organiser, with a flair for marketing and a 'can-do' attitude. She ensures that the PMCB is an effective voice of business addressing all issues, including those that businesses find hard to raise. "My job is to advocate for business and to help develop an easier business environment." PCMB offers networking and training opportunities, and Melanie is directly involved with skills deve-lopment. The development of business is key in alleviating poverty and addressing unemployment; in her capacity as CEO she plays an important role in this area. Leave the world a better place Currently, Moeletsi Mbeki who she considers a friend and mentor serves as a source of inspiration for her. Mbeki has helped her understand South Africa's history and where the country's people came from. She admires him for his willingness to debate any issue and question things held as truths. Something Mbeki said that she remembers is, "when entering a potentially explosive situation, be 100% prepared to be convinced of the other person's point of view. If after really listening and considering you are not convinced, then prepare yourself to convince". While Melanie has been nominated for several awards, there is much she still wants to achieve. "I am driven to make a difference in my country; leave the world a better place, starting in my city. I want to see real difference on the ground; greater equality. The inequality in the country is inexcusable." One of her dreams is greater access to decent schooling and more opportunities for everyone. She wants the diversity of the country to be acknowledged and the value thereof recognised. "I'm not capable of solving all those problems, but I can make a difference and try to bring people to make contributions around issues that are as meaningful as possible." Women bring a different heart to the table As a woman, Melanie can't state if men and women experience business differently but admits that perhaps women need to work harder to get the same credit. She believes that the perspectives of men and women are different, the one not necessarily better than the other. However, their diverse perspectives are needed for a 360-degree view. "Women bring a different heart to the table," she says. Research confirms women are good at things like networking, business relationships and negotiations. The advice she would give her younger self is to question her truths; not take anything as a given. "When your truths are faulty, your behaviour is not appropriate. Form your own opinions, develop your own view of the world. Don't just talk to like-minded people, talk to divergent people to get as many different perspectives as possible." Finding space for everything and everyone For Melanie, achieving a work-life balance involves fulfilling different roles and finding space for everything and everyone. She grew into her career and was there for her children during their foundational phases. Working made her children confident, capable, and independent, making Melanie proud of the people they have become. She adds that in some spheres of one's life you belong to others as someone's mother or wife, but it is important to grow in a space that belongs to yourself, filled with meaningful things. This makes you a better person for yourself and others. Melanie is grateful for the way things worked out for her. She concludes, "It is not only important to balance your work needs with your family needs, but you must also do things that are important to you, you have one life, you may as well enjoy the journey." For her, there is no end to her journey. "There is a vision and a dream so it will hopefully always be a process of continuous improvement for me." Previous Next

Mandisa Pepeta Next Previous Mandisa Pepeta is the founder of Qhakaza Africa Consulting Mandisa Pepeta, founder of Qhakaza Africa Consulting, shares her journey into the world of architecture and property development. Her company provides architectural services and property development solutions, catering to a range of clients, including individual homeowners, property developers, government entities, and corporates. Mandisa explains, “Part of our service involves taking a brief from a client who wants to build a particular facility. We assess the site’s suitability, consider the zoning constraints according to the municipality, and ensure that the site is appropriate for their intended project.” Once the feasibility is established, Qhakaza Africa Consulting designs the project, submits it for municipal approval, and remains involved in the construction management process. Mandisa adds, “We ensure that whatever is planned and designed is built to quality, within budget, and on time. We are always on the client’s side, making sure the builder constructs the facility according to the plans.” Originally from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Mandisa pursued her schooling there before attending the former ML Sultan Technikon, where she qualified in architecture. She admits that architecture was not her initial career choice, explaining, “I initially wanted to study drama, but I wasn’t audible enough, and my English wasn’t very good, so I couldn’t get in. It was a blessing in disguise, as it led me to architecture.” She had been uncertain about her career path after the setback in drama and even considered studying computers before friends suggested architecture or town planning due to her artistic flair. “In the first weeks of studying architecture, we had orientation to understand what the field was about, and I was hooked from then on,” she recalls. Mandisa’s interest in drama was driven by the influence she associated with being on TV, but she found a different form of influence through her work in architecture. “Although I didn’t end up in the media space, I’ve achieved the influence I sought because architecture is also about impacting people’s lives,” she reflects. WORKING INDEPENDENTLY After qualifying, she worked for various architects, primarily serving higher-income clients, but noticed a gap in services for low-income and township communities. “Some clients would approach me after hours and on weekends for services that my employer did not provide,” she explains. Faced with a decision to stay employed or be in business on her own, Mandisa chose to pursue her business. “I wasn’t exposed to the full spectrum of architectural services in my employed role, but working independently allowed me to offer much more.” It was a bold step, she admits: “When I ventured out on my own, I didn’t tell my mother or friends, as I wasn’t ready for anyone to discourage me. I had no experience running a business and was taking a risk, but it has paid off.” In terms of professional inspiration, Mandisa draws motivation from those who pursue quality. “I have met many people who approach their work with competence and excellence. That always inspires me to do my best,” she says. A significant part of Mandisa’s work involves educating clients about architectural processes. “Most people aren’t familiar with architectural services. They may not understand how their homes came to be or what is required for other projects,” she explains. She often educates clients about environmental factors, zoning regulations, and site limitations, such as floodplains or areas where building a crèche is prohibited due to traffic and noise concerns. “The educational aspect of my work is what I enjoy the most,” she adds. Mandisa is a strong advocate for addressing injustices in the industry, representing those without a seat at the table. Her advocacy work has led her to become involved in various professional bodies, including the architectural community within the eThekwini region and the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, where she serves as a board member. “I got there because of my advocacy,” she says. “There are many people who don’t get the same opportunities, and I aim to be the voice for them.” She recognises that individuals from certain backgrounds may feel timid in professional settings, and she is committed to amplifying their voices. Reflecting on her challenges, Mandisa recounts her struggle with language as a Xhosa speaker entering an English-dominated field. “I could write English but struggled to speak it. I had to read a lot, watch TV, and practice. There was a time when my children asked why I didn’t speak much Xhosa with them. I felt guilty, but I told them it was because I was busy learning English,” she explains. Running a business was another challenge, as she had architectural training but no formal business skills. “I had to learn about the financial side of business through training, workshops, and mentorships,” she says. The support from more experienced professionals was crucial to overcoming these hurdles. LEARN CONTINUOUSLY For young women starting out, Mandisa advises, “You must learn continuously and seek out mentors – people who have walked the path before you. Competence brings confidence, the more you know, the more confident you become in your work.” She stresses the importance of refining skills and maintaining a commitment to learning. Looking ahead, Mandisa’s aspirations are centred around influence within the architectural and property development sectors. “I’ve realised that the people who can make significant changes are those in decision making positions. I am always seeking opportunities to have a seat at the table,” she states. Her goal is to be more involved in decision-making processes, particularly those that can address industry challenges. Outside of her professional life, Mandisa is a mother. “I spend a lot of time with my children, which helps me relax. I used to work long hours, but now I make sure to reserve time for my family,” she says. She enjoys playing tennis and jogging when possible, prioritising a balanced life. Mandisa’s story is one of determination, with a focus on education, advocacy, and continuous growth. Her journey illustrates the power of taking risks, embracing learning, and striving for excellence in every endeavour. Previous Next

Michael Jackson Next Previous Michael Jackson is the senior partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys Michael Jackson is the senior partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys. Michael was born in the Eastern Cape and moved to KwaZulu-Natal at a fairly young age. After completing his schooling, he studied at the University of Durban where he completed a LLB, following which, he went to study overseas at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Before he went to Cambridge, Michael’s first job was lecturing to students which he undertook for about a year. He had also worked for his father in a wholesale company selling blankets and piece goods to trading stores – a very different experience, he commented. Michael started working at Cox Yeats in 1988 and has been employed at the firm ever since. ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES His purpose is to ensure that the firm achieves the objectives of the individuals within it. Importantly that purpose is focused on ensuring that the firm meets the expectations and the aspirations of all the very ambitious people who work within it. “And that’s often quite hard actually, because you’ve got young people who start at an organisation who have great ambitions for the future,” he says. Reflecting on his achievements, Michael explained, “I think something that I realised quite early on is that particularly in a people focused profession like law you have to try and maximise the abilities of all the people who work within an organisation.” Consequently, one of the achievements that Michael is most proud of is to successfully harness the abilities of the people who work within Cox Yeats. “There’s no point in trying to run people. People will run you. It’s really to try and guide them so that one achieves the most and allowing people to achieve their ambitions on a collective basis creates enormous success and power within an organisation,” elaborates Michael. CREATE TRUST Reflecting on the advice that he has received over the years; Michael says that the best advice is never to try and undermine people because there is huge strength in people. He expanded, “There is a temptation particularly in the leadership position, to dominate people, and if you dominate people, you actually stifle their ability to achieve things. I found that as soon as you take the lid off everything that people do, you get this incredible awakening of individual spirit and power. And if you can harness that in an organisation collectively, you can achieve enormous things.” Further to harnessing the team at Cox Yeats is the importance of motivation. For Michael, the most important thing is to create trust. “People have to trust you; they have to trust the system. And once they do that and you allow them to be individuals that usually creates a recipe to almost guarantee success. I’ve found that people solve problems, but you need to create the environment in which they are able to do that.” HUGE OPPORTUNITIES While Michael has faced many challenges over the years, the biggest one currently is that South Africa’s stagnant economy is problematic as people feel that it is very difficult to be successful in these circumstances. “People feel despair about their current conditions. To try to shift and turn that around so that that people feel positive and believe that this environment is one where they can succeed is the challenge. I think it’s quite an easy sell to be honest, because we have huge opportunities; to let people see those is probably the challenge.” As Michael is very positive about South Africa, he finds the people of our history inspiring. “I’m proud to be part of South Africa. I’m proud to look back on the people who have faced the challenges of South Africa and how they did that. Particularly people who were able to face things like Apartheid and discrimination and become world leaders in advancing people’s liberties. The heritage that we have is very rich and you don’t find it in other countries, so we are privileged.” Michael believes that we have a huge opportunity to make KwaZulu-Natal what it should be. His vision is that KwaZulu-Natal should achieve what it is entitled to. To ensure that this happens we need to unlock all the barriers that exist, which are not difficult things to unlock but are actually quite simple things that need to be done. He commented, “But, perhaps we need to unlock the spirit of the people a little and allow them to achieve and then KwaZulu-Natal will achieve.” KEEP LIFE SIMPLE Michael says that in life he does not strive to be anything particularly special but tries to live life in a simple way. He believes that if you are true to yourself and true to the people around you that you will be happy. He added that he has found that in life you should not become burdened by people and things that are negative; it’s important to try to be surrounded by people who are positive. In conclusion he remarked, “You want to feel at the end of the day that you’ve achieved something that is relatively good; if it’s not something that is too extraordinary then you can achieve it. So, keep life simple.” Previous Next

Henk Duys Next Previous Henk Duys is the chairman of the Duys Engineering Group Henk Duys, chairman of the Duys Engineering Group, reflects on his role with a mix of humour and dedication. “I’m only 78 years old,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m only 25% retired – maybe sometimes 50% retired – but I’m involved business-wise about 24/7. It’s not part of my life; it’s my life.” He shares a painful turning point from two years ago: “We had a tragedy when my son Pieter, who was chief executive of our engineering operations, passed away at just 46. He had a heart attack. He was fit, so we suspect it might have been Covid- related. His passing changed everything for me. I had to rethink the future of our group.” Henk describes his business, which he built up over decades, as “mainly divided into engineering and auto components manufacturing, with a bit of property which I manage.” He explained that the truck and bakkie components they supply gives the business stability. He also speaks warmly of the company’s evolution, highlighting investments in Richards Bay where large projects are now underway maintaining and repairing equipment. DEDICATION TO INNOVATION His dedication to innovation is evident. “I love production, especially when it’s efficient,” he says with enthusiasm. “Creating businesses and seeing people develop – that’s what gives me a kick. Engineering is an art; it’s like making music.” Although his origins were in economics Henk had to learn engineering very quickly. and made his fair share of mistakes. Reflecting on his start, he says, “My father should have fired me long ago.” However, pride shines through as he considers the longevity of the business which is 64 years. “If we’re still in business after all these years, that’s an accomplishment. I’ve seen so many competitors come and go, but our resilience has kept us here. It’s about being proud of your work and putting your name on it.” A proud milestone, according to Henk, has been their longstanding partnership with Toyota. “They’ve been cooperative and supportive without trying to take over. They’d come in and say, ‘Look, your costs are too high – how can we bring them down?’ They didn’t just want to cut us out; they wanted to build business with us.” Henk says, “We believe we’ve built credibility with our stakeholders because we’ve always been transparent and honest. We’ve had to ask for help – whether it was credit or other support – because cash flow has been an issue. But because of the friendships and relationships we’ve maintained, we’ve always managed to pull through.” He adds, “It’s easy to break friendships, but much harder to hold on to them. We’ve made it a point to honour our commitments, even if it sometimes took a while, and this approach has built lasting trust.” BEING ADAPTABLE Speaking of what motivates him he says, “Seeing development and seeing people put up equipment gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he says. He admires the success of other companies as well, noting, “There’s one engineering works in South Africa that I consider the best. Seeing their achievements inspires me.” Reflecting on his own company’s recent projects, he shares, “We completed two major contracts, converting 1,200 tonnes of steel in just six months. It was a challenge, but we delivered beyond the client’s expectations.” However, reflecting on challenges, Henk acknowledges, “We’ve been through umpteen ups and downs in 64 years. Many times, I didn’t know if we’d survive. But our family and some very loyal colleagues have been adaptable. Henk credits his father for teaching him to “separate the wood from the trees.” He adds, “My father was the hardest- working man I knew. He believed in sticking to what you’re good at and doing your best.” Henk remarks, “The apartheid years were incredibly difficult. There were times when I genuinely didn’t know if we would stay in business. I remember the workers singing and dancing in the change rooms instead of coming to work – those were uncertain times. But then, out of the blue, we received unexpected support in the form of a cheque from the Industrial Development Corporation. It wasn’t something we asked for, but it came just when we needed it.” He continues, “Labour relations have been one of the biggest ongoing challenges, and now we’re also dealing with equity partners and structured corporate management, which is a learning process for us.” Speaking on KZN’s future, Henk sees great potential in the Eastern Seaboard and emphasises the importance of strategic investment. “The world’s political and economic dynamics mean that large ships are increasingly navigating around Africa. Our ports – Durban and Richards Bay – need to prepare for this by focusing on ship repair, shipbuilding, and support for oil and gas bunkering. If we don’t seize this opportunity, it’s likely to shift to Maputo or other ports in Mozambique.” Henk is also inspired by his personal interests: “I play the piano and clarinet, although I play for myself rather than others. And I have three favourite things – my wife, my bike, and my Porsche, though the order depends on who you ask!” He’s mindful of family, especially his wife, who recently bought into a retirement village in Paarl. “She wants me to spend more time there, and I’ll have to make space for that. But even there, with my laptop, I can stay connected to the business. I can see that this coming year, I’ll be spending a lot more time down there.” Currently, Henk also sees his role focused on securing the business’s legacy. “We’ve got a future for my grandchildren’s grandchildren,” he says about their Richards Bay operations. In order to keep in touch with the business Henk keeps a spreadsheet for everything he needs to follow up on, both business and personal. My motto is, ‘Don’t expect, inspect’. My father also had one that I follow: ‘We don’t build monuments to our bad workmanship.’” He adds with a chuckle, “And as a cyclist, I say, if cycling starts interfering with your business, then it’s time to change your business.” Previous Next