The definitive ecosystem for KwaZulu-Natal industry. Home to the KZN Top Business Awards, Women in Business, and the Nexus networking hub. Empowering the province through KZN Business Sense news and strategic connectivity.

< Back Philisiwe Gumede General Manager of The Oyster Box Hotel Philisiwe Gumede is the general manager of The Oyster Box Hotel and her story begins in Umlazi, Durban, where a simple career day at her high school opened her eyes to a world of possibilities. “When I was in high school, we were just fortunate around the nineties to have a career day. I got to see opportunities that had not been tapped into growing up in the black community,” she recalls. “That’s when I realised there are actually opportunities to travel and to work in different spheres, not just to become a teacher or a nurse or a policeman.” After completing her matric in 1994, Philisiwe pursued studies in travel and tourism but soon discovered her true calling in hospitality. By 1997, she was enrolled in the International Hotel School, completing a three year hospitality management diploma that launched a remarkable career spanning more than two decades. Her first job came in 2000 with the Three Cities Group, opening the Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg. Later that year, Philisiwe joined the opening team at Sandton Convention Centre as operations floor manager. “I happened to be a woman spearheading the operations floor,” she says with pride. “I ran all the events that came through, meeting some of the most iconic industry leaders. That was an introduction to where I got to today.” FROM UMLAZI TO THE WORLD In 2003, Philisiwe’s lifelong dream of travelling became reality. Her first international role was in Abu Dhabi, managing an elegant beach resort. “I was in charge of the front office, housekeeping – everything in the rooms’ division.” After two years, she moved to Dubai to further her career, immersing herself in the global hospitality scene. By 2009, she was ready to return home. “I came back and joined South African Tourism within the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa,” Philisiwe explains. Based in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, she was responsible for ensuring the credibility of the country’s accommodation sector. “It was all about putting stars where they belong,” she says. “We did that through the World Cup, ensuring our properties were graded and ready for the global stage.” Afterwards, Philisiwe joined Sun International, where she spent eight years managing casino operations before taking an unexpected turn into hospital management. “I ran a hospital for two years,” she notes. “Then in 2022, I was headhunted again by Peermont to oversee a casino as general manager in Limpopo.” Her latest career move came, as she puts it, “from a nice little note on LinkedIn.” The message offered an opportunity at the Oyster Box in Durban. “I said, yes!” she laughs. “The Oyster Box is so iconic. It’s known throughout South Africa for its exceptional service, its view, its history, its heritage. To be part of this story is truly special.” THE POWER OF PURPOSE Returning to Durban has been both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming for Philisiwe. “Growing up in Umlazi, the dream was simple: to study, get a job and live a good life,” she reflects. “When you achieve that dream, you shift your dream for more. My dream now is to leave a legacy.” She speaks passionately about her interest in mental health and her long-term vision. “I would love to have a wellness and rehabilitation centre one day,” she shares. “Something that contributes to people’s wellbeing and leaves something meaningful for my family.” For Philisiwe, impact goes far beyond technical skill. “My impact is through passion, discipline and authenticity,” she says. “One of my directors once told me, ‘How are we going to find somebody who’s passionate, with business instinct, who’s a mother and everything in one?’ That resonated with me because we, as women, often try to fit into a male space. But it’s okay to bring motherly love into business – it works. ”Her achievements are many, but two moments stand out. “Being the first black African female to take over the Oyster Box and for the Red Carnation Hotel Collection is a huge achievement,” she says. “It tells every black child that it’s possible.” Philisiwe also fondly recalls meeting the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. “He issued me with a service excellence award. That was an iconic moment that helped shape the person I have become.” OVERCOMING BARRIERS Philisiwe’s path, though successful, has not been without challenges. “This industry is still predominantly male-driven,” she admits. “Sometimes you feel like you are not heard, like there is no space for you. But I never allowed that to control me. I stayed focused on my goal.”Her advice to young women is: “Believe in yourself. Stay focused, even when people tell you that you won’t make it. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is built through perseverance, authenticity and self-belief. And most importantly, support and build other women along the way.” Balancing her demanding career with family life is another source of joy. “I was blessed very late with this bundle of joy,” she says, smiling. “She is five years old and keeps me on my toes. Coming back to Durban has been a ‘cherry on top’ because I am close to my big family again. After work, I can just go back and enjoy being with them.” Philisiwe credits her professional success to the support of the Red Carnation family. “I want to thank my leaders, Jonathan Raggett, the CEO, and Michael Nel, the managing director, for entrusting me with such a huge role,” she says. “They have been open to change and transition within the company, and I’m proud to carry forward the legacy of the Tollman family, who take such pride in the industry and care deeply for their people.”For Philisiwe, leadership is not about titles or accolades but about nurturing others and honouring heritage. “Take care of your staff,” she concludes, “and they will take care of your guests. That is the secret to great hospitality – and to a lasting legacy." Previous Next

As Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and Business Banking division in Standard Bank, Thabisa Nkanzela is part of the provincial executive leadership team and is directly responsible for providing financial management support at a strategic and operational levelThabisa NkanzelaAs Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and Business Banking division in Standard Bank, Thabisa Nkanzela is part of the provincial executive leadership team and is directly responsible for providing financial management support at a strategic and operational levelAs Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and Business Banking division in Standard Bank, Thabisa Nkanzela is part of the provincial executive leadership team and is directly responsible for providing financial management support at a strategic and operational level. This means that Thabisa and her finance team have a responsibility to ensure that the business operates within budget parameters and adheres to financial and governance requirements. Embrace every opportunity Thabisa attributes her career success thus far, firstly to the grace of God and secondly, to a combination of opportunity and hard work. Throughout the various stages of her career, she has been blessed to have been afforded opportunities to show up. "We all need both exposure and opportunity so we can demonstrate what we're really capable of," she says, "and I've constantly challenged myself to give of my best in every task or project allocated to me and embrace every opportunity." But Thabisa is also adamant about the importance of having a dream and working hard to pursue it. "I'm blessed to be entrusted with various positions of influence in the community and at work today. But I grew up in a rural village near Flagstaff and as a young girl, I always had big dreams about myself and my surroundings. I am only realising now that the environment around me was neither conducive nor enabling for these dreams to become a reality, but I dreamt anyway." "Your dreams, aspirations and imagination keep you open to opportunities and to something bigger than yourself. You can only do the best you can with what you have, but if you have a dream, you have something to work towards." Inspired to make an impact As she grew up, Thabisa began to see more potential for her future, and says that she's inspired to make an impact. "We can all make a difference wherever we are, and I always strive to leave things in better shape than I found them. This forces me to bring my A - game, and to be the best possible version of myself wherever I am." Thabisa points out that women naturally have a different approach to business than men, and that contributes to their success. "Ability and skills can be taught, but we women have an innate ability to bring our whole selves to everything that we do, and that can be very powerful in business. However, most importantly we are all unique beings offering diverse thinking, perspectives and abilities, and each person should be recognised for what they have to offer, regardless of their gender." Thabisa is extremely grateful and humbled by her journey and accomplishments to date. But she also points out that she still has a lot to offer - not just on the work front, but also to her family, her community and her generation at large. "I was raised by a strong and highly accomplished mother, who continues to positively influence her family and her community at large through the various leadership roles that she assumes. It is through observing her that I know how important it is to use whatever influence and success you may achieve for the enrichment of those around you." "I also consider myself to be a highly teachable person, so I'm always open to learning new things. Continuous development has been one of the biggest and most important contributors to my progress thus far, both on a personal and professional level, and I strive to continue with that journey of growth." Build a strong support system When asked whether she manages to achieve a work-life balance, Thabisa answers that she always tries to live life to the fullest in every way, including pursuing a rewarding professional career. "But it's not easy,' she points out, "and it certainly requires a lot of trade-offs, but it is possible. For me, it means identifying what I'm passionate about outside of work, then being deliberate about investing time in those things." Thabisa points out that you can't do it all on your own. Building a strong support system around yourself makes all the difference. Thabisa also has some advice for her younger self, and for other young businesspeople setting out to make their mark on the world. "Ask more questions. It's okay to ask, and you gain greater insights. You don't always have to figure everything out for yourself. Secondly, you have a lot to learn, but equally so you have a lot to offer this world. In everything you do, strive to learn and to create at the same time, then you'll find fulfilment. Lastly, and very importantly, don't define yourself by what you have today. Circumstances around you may seem limiting right now, but keep dreaming, keep imagining. Never close yourself off to opportunities." 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

< Back Cerisha Naicker Director of Digital Productions and Producer of the Get Real Talk Show Cerisha Naicker, the director of DigitalProductions and producer of the Get Real Talk Show, has built her career around one clear purpose: to tell stories that move people. Digital Productions is a vibrant video and photography company that specialises in the wedding industry and corporate events. The Get Real Talk is a proudly KZN show where extraordinary individuals and celebrities share their inspiring stories. As the creative force behind Digital Productions, Cerisha has spent more than 13 years perfecting the art of visual storytelling. The company, founded in 2011 by her husband, became her professional home a year later. “I joined in 2012 in the belief that every company has a compelling story waiting to be told,” she explained. For Cerisha, creativity and purpose have always gone hand in hand. “We partner with many ambitious companies to produce high-impact video content that they can use to showcase their brands and unique skills to their clients.” Six years into Digital Productions, Cerisha had the opportunity to produce the Get Real Talk Show. Through this platform, she has met remarkable personalities whose experiences have shaped her outlook on life and business. “Every episode of the Get Real Talk Show reminds me why I do what I do,” she shared. “It allows us to highlight inspiring people, from entrepreneurs to artists, who make an impact in their communities. It’s not just entertainment; it’s about empowerment and storytelling.” BUILDING A VISION Cerisha’s ambitions have evolved with time and experience. “If I had to define the word dream, it kept changing as I grew up,” she reflected. “But as I got older, I realised how this world works and that we each must have a goal set up for ourselves. I was a very bright student in school and I just wanted to be successful and financially independent.” Her love for film has also influenced her creative direction. “I have to say watching Bollywood films helped inspire me to create cinematic videos for our bridal couples and for corporate events as well. The rich colours, emotions, and storytelling style really shaped my approach to videography.” But her greatest inspiration comes from her partner in both life and business. “My husband has inspired me a lot. He motivates me,” she said sincerely. “Whenever there is an event taking place and I am a bit stressed, he is just there to motivate me and get me back to being me. His belief in me pushes me to be better every day.” OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Cerisha’s rise in the industry was not without challenges. As a young woman entering a field, she had to work hard to earn credibility and respect. “When I first joined this company, I was much younger,” she recalled. “When couples came to meet me, I sometimes felt they thought I was too young. That was a bit of a challenge.” “At that time, it was very male dominated,” Cerisha said. “I used to go to functions where there were 200 to 300 guests, and people would look at me and think, ‘Is she really going to be behind the camera?’ Those looks made me feel a bit awkward, but I got stronger with time. Now I can accept any challenge.” Cerisha’s success today is the result of dedication and hands-on leadership. “I would say I’m very good at multi- tasking,” she said proudly. “I am personally at the weddings, at our shoots, and at our interviews. If you happen to come to a function, you will see me with a camera or a gimbal in my hand creating these cinematic videos.” She approaches every project with a personal touch. “I do a lot of networking, and we keep up to date with the latest skills and equipment that help us get to where we are today,” she said. “I personally meet with clients, and I try to build trust between us. I am the face of the company, and I work very hard to do that.” Her commitment has not gone unnoticed. “A few achievements that stand out for me include winning the Margaret Hirsch Women in Business Award for the Umhlanga region,” Cerisha said with pride. “Last year, I was nominated for the Influential Woman Award as well. INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS Cerisha’s advice to young women entering business is to: “Never stop chasing your dreams.” She said, “Many young women these days are just interested in doing a career or having a business that brings in an income, but that’s not the case. If you have a passion, go for it, because if you love what you are doing, that will bring income to you.” She emphasised the timeless values that have guided her success. “Work hard, put in 100%, as my mom used to always say, never say you can’t. And being kind costs nothing, but it changes everything. It is so hard to find nice people whether you are in a shopping mall, in business, or anywhere else. Just be the best person you can always be.” Looking ahead, Cerisha has clear ambitions for the future. “My goals are to grow Digital Productions and expand it as much as I can,” she said. “I want to keep finding innovative ways to make us more unique and to push creative boundaries. There is always something new to learn and explore in this field.” Despite her demanding schedule, Cerisha makes sure to prioritise balance and family. “I love walking along the promenade and spending time with my husband. I truly love spending time with my niece and nephew. They help to de-stress me and play such an important part in my life. They remind me of the simple joys that keep me grounded.” Cerisha’s journey is a testament to what resilience and self-belief can achieve. “You have to show up, even when people doubt you,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve learnt that confidence is built by doing what you love every single day, regardless of the challenges.” Previous Next

Empowering other people with the same techniques and skills, in their business or in their personal life, will make more impact globally. Anneme Coetzee < Back Anneme Coetzee Founder True Awakenings Anneme Coetzee founded and owns a company called True Awakenings that specialises in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), individual coaching, certification training and corporate training. The business is built on the values of empowering people because empowerment, to Anneme, means freedom. She explains, “I’m passionate about healing people. Healing doesn’t necessary mean that people are broken or ill, but that there are unconscious triggers, behaviours, habits, and programmes that are holding them back. These unconscious patterns prevent them from being empowered and living the life of their dreams.” Anneme does individualised coaching programmes to work with people where they find themselves currently and to help them build and enhance the resources that they have within themselves. The goal is to reach that empowered state where they can live life on their terms, whatever that might be. She hosts group coaching programmes or bespoke trainings to companies. Anneme also does skills training and facilitates certification training for those who want to be certified in NLP techniques. “I believe that voids create our values, so the pain points that we experience in our lives, influence how your values are formed and what becomes important to you,” explained Anneme. Much of her motivation to heal originates in her own childhood experiences, which made Anneme fascinated with understanding human behaviour. This fascination forced her to unconsciously and passionately pursue the answers that she was looking for; the deeper understanding of what drives human behaviour. “I think that when you embark on a journey looking for answers for your own situation and when you know how to solve it for yourself, it makes it easier to solve it for other people as well.” A lot of the behaviours people display are just programmes, says Anneme. “They are unconscious habits and if we are experiencing challenges based on what we experienced in our past, then that’s what I want to change/heal. I embarked on this journey of self-discovery and self-development.” This journey to empowerment, and knowing what being disempowered feels like, is the inspiration behind what gets Anneme out of bed each day and to continue to go on. “Everybody has a story and when I recognise that in someone else, all I want to do is help them change it and have the pain go away. So that inspires me.” Commenting on the challenges she has faced, Anneme said that many people have recently experienced similar challenges including economic stress, looting, floods, lockdown etc. However, she said that these challenges have forced us, as mankind, to do things differently. “We only grow when things get uncomfortable, as much as I don’t like challenges, I also, paradoxically, love them,” Anneme explained. A business challenge Anneme has is marketing her services; she has a solution to problems that people don’t know they have. She explains that she needs to describe her services authentically so that potential clients don’t feel they’re being pitched to in a sales conversation. Anneme added that she is genuine about helping people evolve through their challenges. Having authentic conversations around solutions in a way that builds trust, is she explains, how she can assist. Anneme’s biggest dream when she was a little girl was to study psychology. Life had its ups and downs, so Anneme never ended up going to university. “When I stumbled across NLP, it felt like I won the Lotto. All the bells went off and I thought this is it. I’ve finally found what I want to do,” she explained. Anneme is proud of the fact that she is a master trainer of NLP with the American Board of NLP, and the highest trained female on the African continent with them. She added, “From my practical point of view, I am passionate about what I do. Every single achievement for me is when I see the light switch on in one of my clients. That’s what gets me to go and do more.” A future goal is to create a ripple effect, which is why NLP training has become part of the business. Anneme said she realised, when she faced burnout a few years ago, that if she wanted to heal the world, she could not do it on her own. Empowering other people with the same techniques and skills, in their business or in their personal life, will make more impact globally. Anneme said, “My goals will stay the same and that is to help as many people as I can while I’m here.” In giving advice to others, Anneme says to stay grounded. “Know yourself. Discover what your true skills are and stay in your lane. Don’t compete with other people because your skills are unique to you and designed to make you successful, so follow that passion. In other words, follow your own true north, your own compass.” “The more you are grounded and the more you know who you are, the more confident you’ll be. The more your self-worth will express itself in a healthy and authentic way and everything that’s in alignment with your true self cannot help but show up.” Commenting on what she does for time out Anneme laughs, “I have a toddler – that’s forced time out.” However, she says that her daughter is very grounding for her and that she loves taking her to the beach and just spending time with her. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family as that’s how she recharges her batteries and stays connected to those who are near and dear to her. Being part of the KZN Top Business Women initiative means recognition, accountability, and credibility, said Anneme. “I like being humble and behind the scenes. I like the work to speak for itself, but in terms of being able to help other people, I need to be out there, and so I’m grateful for this opportunity to do just that.”

KZN Top Business Women 2025 Read it here Meet our 2025 Top 40 Strong leadership is built on confidence, clarity, and compassion. Linda Sewnarain Founder and Managing Director of Five Star BEE Compliance Linda Sewnarain is the founder and managing director of Five Star BEE Compliance, “We were founded in 2015, so we’re ten years old this year,” says Linda. “It’s a huge milestone for us.” The company specialises in Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) verifications, a field while often described as a ‘grudge purchase’, is essential for any company seeking success in the South African market. Read More Lesedi Metsoamere Regional Executive for Private Wealth Banking at Absa Group Lesedi Metsoamere serves as the regional executive for Private Wealth Banking at Absa Group, overseeing both the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Her professional career in banking began when she was just 19 years old, while still completing her studies. Reflecting on her beginnings, she said, “There was a financial institution recruiting from our university, looking for students to join and work. That’s when I started working.” From the outset, Lesedi was drawn to the world of finance. Read More Shelley Ainsworth Conveyancer, Attorney and Owner of Ainsworth Attorneys Shelley Ainsworth is a conveyancer and attorney who, fourteen years ago, made the bold decision to leave the security of full-time employment to start her own practice, Ainsworth Attorneys. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, her firm has grown from a small home office into a thriving boutique conveyancing and property law practice with three branches, eight qualified attorneys, several candidate attorneys, and dedicated support staff. Reflecting on her journey, Shelley shares, “In those early days, I was the messenger, the tea lady, the receptionist, the bookkeeper, and the attorney. As time went on, I was fortunate that we grew into the position we are in today.” Read More Lorraine Dyer Managing Director for Bata South Africa Lorraine Dyer is the managing director for Bata South Africa, part of a multinational company that has become synonymous with quality footwear and community commitment. Bata operates in almost 70 countries now and has about 5,800 stores globally. In South Africa, its operations are both large and deeply rooted. Lorraine explains, “We have a factory in Loskop, Drakensberg that employs about 420 people. Then we have a distribution centre where we employ 60 people, and in our head office in La Lucia, we have around 82 people. It’s a strong team of employees.” Read More Samantha Swanepoel Financial Director of Boiler Craft Africa Samantha Swanepoel, the financial director of Boiler Craft Africa, is helping to power industries through bespoke boiler and steam solutions. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, the company is dedicated to delivering sustainable, safe, and reliable steam systems that enable industries to operate efficiently while advancing towards a greener future. Under Samantha’s financial leadership, Boiler Craft Africa has strengthened its foundations to support growth, reinvest in its people, and foster a culture that places quality and service excellence at its core Read More Carla De Silva Head of Client Relations and Business Development at Insite Towers Carla da Silva Caires is the head of client relations and business development at Insite Towers, a leading national telecommunications infrastructure developer and owner. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in expanding the company’s footprint by driving improved connectivity across KwaZulu-Natal. Read More Rashika Reddy Manager of Coastal Farmers Eshowe Rashika Reddy, manager of Coastal Farmers Eshowe, has built a remarkable 21 year career in the agricultural sector, a journey defined by perseverance, leadership and a passion for empowering others. Coastal Farmers, a proudly established agricultural cooperative, will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year, marking eight decades of dedication, growth and service to the farming community. Read More Cerisha Naicker Director of Digital Productions and Producer of the Get Real Talk Show Cerisha Naicker, the director of DigitalProductions and producer of the Get Real Talk Show, has built her career around one clear purpose: to tell stories that move people. Digital Productions is a vibrant video and photography company that specialises in the wedding industry and corporate events. The Get Real Talk is a proudly KZN show where extraordinary individuals and celebrities share their inspiring stories. Read More Janice Chetty Owner of Dynamic Outlook and Founder of Billing for Doctors Janice Chetty has always been driven by a sense of purpose and a belief in the power of self-determination. “When I was six years old, I was playing Monopoly outside, throwing the money in the air, and saying, ‘I’m going to be my own boss,’” she laughs. “My dad still has that video. That dream never left me.” Today, Janice is the owner of Dynamic Outlook, a training and recruitment agency, and the founder of Billing for Doctors, a medical billing company. She also runs Miriam’s Mission, a non-profit organisation founded in memory of her grandmother, which focuses on empowering young people through skills development. Read More Dr Wendy Dhlomo Gynaecologist, Founder and Co-owner of Femiclinix Wendy Dhlomo is a gynaecologist and the founder and co-owner of Femiclinix. Situated in the Upper Highway area of Hillcrest, Femiclinix is a pioneering women’s health clinic that merges comfort, compassion and clinical excellence. Wendy describes Femiclinix as ‘a home away from home’ kind of clinic. Expectant mothers can experience childbirth in a relaxed, family-centred setting while retaining the assurance of medical safety. Her vision stems from the belief that pregnancy is a natural process rather than a medical condition. Read More Masha Padayachi Chief Executive Officer of FT Engineering Masha Padayachi is the chief executive officer of FT Engineering, a company that has shaped the telecommunications landscape for three decades. “We do telecommunication work for MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, and ATC, which is an American based company and we are also into construction,” she explains with pride. Her success is rooted in determination, resilience, and a steadfast belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.“I started from very humble beginnings,” says Masha. Read More Minenhle Dlamini Managing Director of Gagasi FM Minenhle Dlamini, managing director of Gagasi FM, leads one of KwaZulu Natal’s most vibrant regional com mercial radio stations. Her journey to the top of the commercial broadcasting world has been one of persistence, reinvention, and a deep love for media. “My journey to being an MD started in 2009,” she recalled. “I started as a radio presenter, presenting on weekends. Monday to Friday I’d have a nine-to-five, then Saturday and Sunday I would be on air.” Read More Emily Elliot Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Armour Emily Elliott is chief executive officer of Imperial Armour, a globally recognised manufacturer of high-performance body armour serving both local and international markets. This year marks the company’s twenty-fifth anniversary, a milestone that reflects dedication and resilience. At just twenty-nine years old, Emily’s journey has been one intertwined with family legacy and personal conviction. Read More Veetha Sewkuran President of the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society Veetha Sewkuran, president of the KwaZulu Natal Blind and Deaf Society, has always been driven by transformation. Her greatest dream has been to see the Society grow into a fully inclusive, self-sustaining centre of empowerment. Veetha expanded, “A place where blind and deaf individuals are not just supported, but educated, trained, and employed, allowing them to live independent and dignified lives.” Under her guidance, this vision is steadily becoming a reality. Veetha, although she holds the post of president as an unpaid volunteer, has revitalised the century-old organisation, guiding it from turbulence to renewed purpose and stability. Her inspiration, she explains, has come from the people she serves. “My inspiration has always come from the blind and deaf individuals whose courage, resilience, and determination remind me every day why I do this work,” she shares warmly. Read More Karen Hammond Group Head of People at the Meridian Group Karen Hammond says that family is the heartbeat of everything she does. “I’m married to a wonderful husband, Trevor, and we have two incredible children,” she reflects, her voice warm and full of affection. “They are my anchor, my joy, and my constant inspiration.” Today, Karen serves as Group Head of People at the Meridian Group, a company she describes with pride and conviction. “Meridian is more than a business,” she explains. “We exist to make brands thrive, to nurture our people, and to give back to our communities. Read More Sonali Menon Govender Managing Attorney at Maynard Menon Govender Incorporated Sonali Menon Govender, managing attorney at Maynard Menon Govender Incorporated, has always had inspiration close at hand. Her earliest memories are rooted in the courtroom. “I grew up following my dad everywhere,” she recalls with a smile. “ I would sit at the back of the courtroom watching him work, completely fascinated by what he did.”After completing her legal studies, Sonali joined her father’s firm, served her articles and began to carve out her own place within the legal world, blending her love of law with an eye for innovation. “Once I identified the niche area of the company that I truly enjoyed, I began managing that department,” she explains. “From there, I moved into innovation and strategy within the firm. Read More Heather McDade Managing Director of Modena Design Centres Durban Heather McDade is the managing director of Modena Design Centres Durban. The company operates in the design solutions space, offering advanced software and technology services to industries across Africa. Heather explained, “We are the only Autodesk Platinum Partner in Africa. Autodesk is the largest computer-aided design (CAD) software development company in the world. We sell software solutions to architects and engineers, we train, we implement the software, and we do a lot of reality capture, including 3D scanning and underground scanning.” Read More Noeline Rajbally Director and Co-founder of African Sugar Logistics Noeline Rajbally is the director and co-founder of African Sugar Logistics. She has spent the past 17 years building this successful business alongside her husband, while simultaneously uplifting the communities around her. She explained, “When we went into business, it was a leap of faith for Rajesh and I.It was about giving our kids a better life and a shot at a brighter future. But that soon evolved into why did we take this leap of faith? And that came with the very purposeful intentions of growing people, a staff first approach, reaching out to disadvantaged communities and schools, and doing greater purposeful work.” Read More Busi Dlamini General Manager for MTN KwaZulu-Natal Region In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, few leaders embody the spirit of resilience, empathy, and transformative vision quite like Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Dlamini. Read More Anuka Brown Quality and Technical Manager at Packaging World Anuka Brown is the quality and technical manager at Packaging World, a leading manufacturer of flexible packaging based in Pinetown. “From Woolworths’ chips packets and snack wrappers to coffee pouches and washing powder bags, Packaging World’s products are part of everyday life,” explains Anuka. Read More Seshni Moodley Founder and Director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated Seshni Moodley, the founder and director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated, dream of opening her own law firm began long before she even understood what the law entailed. “My journey started straight after Matric,” she reflects. “I had a deep desire. I wanted to do law. I wanted to be an attorney.” Read More Shaleen Govender Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of SW360 and Founder of LIPT Shaleen Govender leads the KwaZulu-Natal division of SW360, South Africa’s leading provider of compliance and data intelligence solutions. “Through our trusted platforms, SearchWorks and VOCA, we empower businesses to reduce risk, embrace transparency and make confident decisions in a rapidly evolving world,” she explains. Beyond her corporate role, she is the founder of LIPT, a brand that began as a home patisserie and has grown into a franchise concept. LIPT now includes mobile food trucks serving artisanal creations at fairs and events. “Most importantly, I am a wife, mother of two, and chairperson of my children’s school governing body. Read More Aneshree Naicker Chief Executive Officer of Stallion Towlines, Authentic Scrap Metals and Nutech Security Read More Susan Abro Attorney and Sole Proprietor, Susan Abro Attorney Susan Abro is a seasoned attorney with a career spanning over 35 years. In 1995, she founded her own legal practice, Susan Abro Attorney, specialising in family law. Reflecting on the evolution of her field, Susan said, “It’s been a very interesting progression. For example, we only joined the Hague Convention on the Abduction of Children in 1994. Family law changes quickly because of issues such as surrogacy and same-sex marriage. As life and science change, so family law has to change.” Her work covers a range of matters. “Basically, I deal with issues from cradle to grave,” she said. “I do a lot of divorce work, but that includes financial issues and children, that’s my passion – looking after children. I’ve also been involved in protecting women from domestic violence and assisting them to protect themselves." Read More Linah Marijeni Director at Tyson Properties Richards Bay Linah Marijeni is a dedicated professional, a wife, and a proud mother of three boys. She serves as a realtor and is one of the directors of Tyson Properties Richards Bay, where she and her team specialise in the selling and leasing of both residential and commercial properties. Linah’s career in real estate began in 2010. “My real estate journey started with another agency,” she recalls. “After receiving a call from the principal asking me to join his team, my quickest response was, ‘I would like to ask my husband first and I’ll get back to you’.” Read More Nontetho Smith Founder and Managing Director of Uthingo Mills Nontetho Smith was born in Nquthu, a rural town in northern KwaZulu-Natal. She later moved with her family to Durban. Today, she is the founder and managing director of Uthingo Mills, a successful agri-processing company producing one of South Africa’s most essential staple foods. Alongside this, she also runs a non-profit organisation, Look Up Ark, which supports people battling with addiction and alcoholism by helping them find recovery. In addition, she manages a small record label dedicated to South African gospel music, nurturing a few artists. Read More Lea Wimble Owner and Founder of Wimble Attorneys Lea Wimble is the owner and founder of Wimble Attorneys, a conveyancing firm based on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The firm, which celebrates its sixth anniversary in 2025 has built a reputation for professionalism, compassion and community impact. Reflecting on her journey, Lea explained that entrepreneurship was never part of her initial plan. However, she said life had other ideas. “By circumstances, the same year I had my third baby, I also found myself in a position where I had to start a business. Read More Nhlanhla Litabe Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Your Pass to Travel Nhlanhla Litabe is the founder and chief executive officer of Your Pass to Travel, a company that has become a trusted name in travel management since its establishment in 2021. With 14 years in the industry and the personal experience of visiting more than 60 countries, Nhlanhla is a travel professional who embodies the company’s slogan, “Access the World.” Read More Rachael Gillespie Major Shareholder of Rotacon Engineering Rachael Gillespie is the major shareholder of Rotacon Engineering, a proudly South African mechanical engineering business specialising in fabrication and machining. “Basically, we make components,” she explained. “Anything from small parts up to 16 tons. Our computer numerical control (CNC) machinery capacity is what has really put us out there, so we are able to supply any industry in Africa and beyond." Read More Thusie Pather Owner and Founder of Golf Course Boutique Guest House Thusie Pather is the owner and founder of Golf Course Boutique Guest House, she says with a smile that carries both pride and gratitude. Situated in the tranquil suburb of Mount Edgecombe, the guest house is just a short walk from the Mount Edgecombe Country Club and driving range. With thirteen beautifully appointed bedrooms, the guest house is a haven for both business and leisure travellers.Thusie’s journey into hospitality is deeply personal and inspired by her love for people and travel. “I love travelling, and I love staying in hotels and guest houses,” she explains. “I decided to open my own guest house because I love being around people. It felt like a natural step for me." Read More Beverley Ebrahim Managing Director and Shareholder of Rising Sun Printers Beverley Ebrahim is the managing director and shareholder of Rising Sun Printers. Established in 1999, the company is a proudly South African enterprise with offices in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Bloemfontein. “Since joining the business in 2006, I have worked across various roles, from administration to operations, and in 2017 I was honoured to be promoted to managing director,” she explains. Read More Ashika Sewduth Leasing Manager at Transnet Property in KwaZulu-Natal Ashika Sewduth plays a pivotal role in one of South Africa’s most significant infrastructure portfolios. Speaking with energy and conviction, she reflects on her journey and on the transformation currently underway at Transnet SOC Ltd. Read More Firdose Abdool Razak-Moola Founder and Director of KZN Advisory Centre Firdose Abdool Razak-Moola is the founder and director of KZN Advisory Centre and the face of the organisation. “We provide counselling, support, assessments and therapy to all ages, genders and groups,” she explains warmly. “As a mental health practitioner, social worker in private practice, play therapist, family therapist and life coach, Firdose has made it her mission to create a safe and professional space for individuals and families to find balance, understanding and growth. She explains, “We aim to support people wherever they are in their life journey.” Read More Philisiwe Gumede General Manager of The Oyster Box Hotel Philisiwe Gumede is the general manager of The Oyster Box Hotel and her story begins in Umlazi, Durban, where a simple career day at her high school opened her eyes to a world of possibilities. “When I was in high school, we were just fortunate around the nineties to have a career day. I got to see opportunities that had not been tapped into growing up in the black community,” she recalls. “That’s when I realised there are actually opportunities to travel and to work in different spheres, not just to become a teacher or a nurse or a policeman.” Read More Mandisa Mazibuko Managing Director of Envelop Empowerment Group and director of Gilnokie Socks Mandisa Mazibuko is the managing director of Envelop Empowerment Group and director of Gilnokie Socks. “Envelop Empowerment Group is built on principles to develop, support, and empower, particularly women entrepreneurs,” she explains. “We equip them with practical skills and tools that allow them to succeed in business.” Through Envelop Empowerment Group, Mandisa has created a company that is as values-driven as it is commercially successful. Read More Seshmi Holloway Managing Director at JRS Solutions Seshmi Holloway, the managing director of JRS Solutions leads a company that specialises in electronic security solutions, offering services in access control, CCTV, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and port automation. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, JRS Solutions has become a prominent player, representing an internationally recognised company at the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth. Read More Tracey McLennan Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BConsult and Rightside Media Tracey McLennan is the founder and chief executive officer of BConsult and Rightside Media. She is a passionate advocate for education that transforms both people and organisations. BConsult is an accredited skills development company that provides learnerships and qualifications to employed and unemployed people. Right Side Media complements this by creating the content for training, specialising in animation, both 2D and 3D, as well as whiteboard animation and digital formats for inductions and standard operating procedures. “We take traditional training content and make it engaging,” says Tracey. “The idea is to make learning accessible, fun, and effective." Read More Stacey Norman Drive Host on East Coast Radio Stacey Norman, a drive host on East Coast Radio, KZN’s number one hit music station, has been captivating audiences for over 20 years. With a career that began in her teenage years, she has grown into a figure that embodies the essence of KwaZulu-Natal. Stacey’s entry into the world of radio is one of those serendipitous moments that shaped her career. Stacey’s entry into the world of radio is one of those serendipitous moments that shaped her career. She recalls, “I won a talent competition at KFM when I was 15, but I didn’t want to participate. Read More Revona Govender Director at LexisNexis South Africa Revona Naidoo, director at LexisNexis South Africa, non-executive director at Reed Exhibitions and head of Sales Tools and Governance for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, is a woman who has carved her path with grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in possibility. Her journey to leadership has been anything but conventional. “There were lots of ups and downs,” she reflects. “But persistency and perseverance drove me to success." Read More Teresa Davie-Rossouw Sales Manager at Mobi Ventures Teresa Davie-Rossouw, sales manager at Mobi Ventures, is part of a team that has redefined what emergency response means in South Africa. The company is dedicated to delivering comprehensive emergency and safety solutions through a suite of integrated brands that include Mobi Claw911, Mobi Response911, Mobi Detect911, Mobi Trak911, and Mobi AmboPLAN. Each brand plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals, businesses, and communities are protected through advanced technology, real-time communication, and reliable response networks. With 20 years of experience in the emergency services industry, nine of them with Mobi Ventures, Teresa was instrumental in launching the company’s flagship brand, Mobi Claw911. “Being part of a mission-driven team that makes a tangible difference every day has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful,” she reflects. Read More

Our job is to discover our unique potential and then help others do the same.Wendy Mahoney < Back Wendy Mahoney Founder and managing director of Newmella & Associates Wendy Mahoney is the founder and managing director of Newmella & Associates. Newmella was launched over eight years ago with a desire to help people and organisations to access human potential for innovation. Over the years of working with some of Africa’s largest brands, they have refined their approach and created unique programmes that accelerate the self-inclusion and inclusion of others necessary to accelerate sustainable innovation. “That is, innovation able to sustainably solve wicked problems in this rapidly evolving age and add value to the entire ecosystem, ensuring we all thrive in this new age,” explains Wendy. Wendy’s professional passion for accessing human potential and enabling people to thrive transcends into her personal life. She currently chairs the 30% Club campaign for Business Engage in KwaZulu-Natal, which focuses on driving inclusion within the corporate space. She serves on the National Business Initiative Council for KwaZulu-Natal focused on inclusive growth and on the Tedx Durban, Vega KwaZulu-Natal and Institute of Innovators and Inventors advisory councils. She is a non-executive director for Dare Restoring Worth; an NPC focused on the development of youths in rural areas. Together with Cathie Lewis and David White, Wendy has initiated the Green Lights Sustainability Initiative (GLSI) to help business leaders better understand sustainability as a global dilemma. Wendy has been blessed with an amazing career and in reflecting on what may have motivated her, she would say it was a combination of five aspects. “Resilience in the face of challenge, courage to step into the unknown, desire to give of my best, belief that anything is possible and those who have walked beside me and seen my potential when I did not.” Her last two corporate positions were the sales and marketing director of CNBC and Forbes Africa and the chief revenue office of Trudon owned by Telkom. Wendy commented, “I became a regional executive at 29 and a national executive at 33 and I could attest my success to my experience working for a Dutch media company based in Belgium between the ages of 23 and 25. That experience was a turning point in my life because of the training I received and the belief the company had in me to start managing teams at the age of 24. Knowing how that company’s training changed my life has driven me to impart the same life changing experience to others, allowing them to access their potential as mine was.” Wendy commented that her resilience has been both a blessing and a challenge. She has had three burnouts, the first at 25, the second at 31 and the third at 36. She explained, “You see most people stop when they are tired, but I didn’t, because of my resilience I just kept pushing until I fell over. I call my third burnout, my Hiroshima. I literally burnt my life down and was lost for a number of years.” Somehow in the midst of that burnout Newmella was founded and found its way simultaneously to Wendy. “We grew up together. I was very lost after exiting corporate as success had defined me and I didn’t know who I was without my career. I had to acknowledge that three burnouts was indeed a pattern and that I clearly had a lot of inner work to do. I took a sabbatical and lectured innovation at Vega for two years while doing my Masters at Vega in Brand Innovation and researching the language of the mind (NLP) in the United States and Australia, because I wanted to understand what happened to me.” “Why does one wake up one day, have it all and be dissatisfied, burn it all down and walk away. The short answer is that I was sublimating, work and my success is what I used to fill the void of not feeling enough. I started the long process of truly valuing myself, knowing that I was enough without achievements, to learn the dance between surrender and free will, and guiding others on the same journey with my learnings.” Wendy’s journey to self-inclusion and the role self- inclusion plays in accelerating innovation, has allowed her to learn that you cannot accept another unless you accept yourself. This learning is crucial to accepting the diversity essential for innovation and has driven Wendy to develop a new framework for leaders that can solve the complexity of problems in existence, enabling all to thrive. That, says Wendy, is what her PHD research, which she plans to complete by 2024, aims to provide the world. She is in the process of publishing her first book on leading in this new age and developing a world class learning management system specifically geared for agile leadership. On the personal front, Wendy says, “I am in the process of uniting networks in KZN for the purposes of catalysing hope and inspiring potential. Whatever we focus on we see more of, I believe if we focus people on hope, there will be more to feel hopeful about.” Her advice to young women is that every human was created unique, and that we all have unique God given potential. “Our job is to discover our unique potential and then help others do the same. We don’t have to be anything or anyone else other than who we are and then figure out how to bring that gift to the world.” Wendy added that truly nothing is impossible, when you believe there is a way, there is a strategy, there is a person to support you; nothing truly constrains any of us other than our own minds. Wendy commented that she is passionate about playing a significant role in the community both professionally and personally. She is a professional speaker and moderator and has produced a lot of online content over the years, all geared at inspiring a better way of being and doing, for a better world together. Wendy concluded, ”I aim to leave a legacy that will live beyond me that contains a formula for this better way. In all I do I seek to enable and inspire human potential. This is what gives me the greatest joy.”