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DRG Siyaya Home "The Blog" DRG Siyaya GRIEVANCES IN THE WORKPLACE - DRG Outsourcing KZN Business Sense Dec 9 5 min read DRG builds relationship with Teamed Global to support an effective staffing bridge between South Africa and Europe DRG Outsourcing Aug 29 2 min read NAVIGATING PROBATION WITHEMPLOYEES DRG Outsourcing Apr 14 6 min read SUPPORTING THE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMES - David White DRG Outsourcing Feb 13 4 min read Colette Tanner - The Impact of Generational Differences in The Workplace DRG Outsourcing Dec 22, 2024 6 min read Shakila Maharaj - Innovating Accessibility in Visual Media DRG Outsourcing Dec 18, 2024 3 min read Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Opportunity DRG Outsourcing Dec 12, 2024 2 min read Colette Tanner – What Is Organisational Culture? DRG Outsourcing Nov 5, 2024 5 min read Connecting For Impact - Harnessing the Power of Purposeful Networking for Local and Global Challenges DRG Outsourcing Oct 30, 2024 3 min read Bringing Order to Chaos: The Art of Structure in a Chaotic World DRG Outsourcing Oct 30, 2024 3 min read Week 5 at TechWomen: Pindiwe’s Power-Packed USA Experience DRG Outsourcing Oct 28, 2024 1 min read Pindiwe Filtane's Final Week in San Francisco: A Journey Packed with Activities and Emotions Before Departing for Washington DRG Outsourcing Oct 22, 2024 2 min read Business Education Commonwealth Conference – Northumbria University UK: Connecting for Impact DRG Outsourcing Oct 21, 2024 3 min read The Top 10 Most Common Risks Facing South African SME's DRG Outsourcing Oct 21, 2024 2 min read Pindiwe Filtane shares her TechWomen Journey in Week 3, reflecting on growth, collaboration, and impactful experiences DRG Outsourcing Oct 16, 2024 1 min read Pindiwe Filtane - My Journey to TechWomen 2024: Week 2 USA: Empowering Connections and Impactful Journeys DRG Outsourcing Oct 3, 2024 1 min read Pindiwe Filtane - My Journey to TechWomen 2024: Perseverance, Mentorship, and Community DRG Outsourcing Sep 26, 2024 2 min read The Data Dance Story: Let’s Boogie with Business Intelligence! DRG Outsourcing Sep 16, 2024 2 min read Jannie Rossouw - Address unforeseen threats undermining business stability and success DRG Outsourcing Sep 13, 2024 2 min read Colette Tanner - Are your employees disengaged? DRG Outsourcing Aug 30, 2024 6 min read Bright Future Consulting empowering businesses and individuals with strategic, tailored solutions DRG Outsourcing Aug 29, 2024 1 min read The mission of Bright Future Consulting is simple: to protect your business from the unforeseen DRG Outsourcing Aug 27, 2024 1 min read Jannie Rossouw - Safeguard Your Business DRG Outsourcing Aug 27, 2024 1 min read Liana Ahrens Teixeira-Management vs. Leadership: Climbing the Right Ladder DRG Outsourcing Aug 27, 2024 3 min read Prioritize What Matters Most: Navigating the Balance Between Urgent and Important Tasks DRG Outsourcing Aug 1, 2024 2 min read David White - The Africa Marketing Initiative grows wings DRG Outsourcing Jun 28, 2024 3 min read Colette Tanner - The Servant Leader Paradox DRG Outsourcing Jun 28, 2024 5 min read From Mansion House to South Africa: Strengthening Ties for Sustainable Development DRG Outsourcing Jun 24, 2024 3 min read Who is OD MEDIA DRG Outsourcing Jun 14, 2024 2 min read Liana Ahrens Teixeira - The Synergy of Business Analysis and Leadership: How Analytical Thinking Fuels Effective Leadership DRG Outsourcing Jun 10, 2024 2 min read Nikita Pillay - Energy and Culture DRG Outsourcing Apr 25, 2024 4 min read Colette Tanner - Humankind in the context of the workplace DRG Outsourcing Apr 25, 2024 4 min read Isle of Man Indaba expands to seven in two countries DRG Outsourcing Apr 17, 2024 3 min read Why not bring some innovation to The Isle of Man? DRG Outsourcing Apr 15, 2024 3 min read DRG Siyaya Article: Energy and culture DRG Outsourcing Apr 15, 2024 4 min read DRG Siyaya Article: Personal Development Analysis (PDA) DRG Outsourcing Mar 19, 2024 3 min read DRG Siyaya Article: Policy, Procedures and Disciplinary Code DRG Outsourcing Mar 19, 2024 4 min read DRG Siyaya Article: Disciplinary Hearings DRG Outsourcing Mar 18, 2024 8 min read DRG Siyaya Supporting SMEs with HR administration, compliance, reporting and engagement DRG Outsourcing Mar 12, 2024 2 min read Navigating the Nexus: Leadership Imperatives in the Age of Enterprise Architecture DRG Outsourcing Mar 11, 2024 3 min read David White - Surfing’s wisdom in business and life DRG Outsourcing Feb 16, 2024 7 min read From Data to Decisions: A Guide for Business Leaders in the Age of Information DRG Outsourcing Jan 30, 2024 3 min read Jannie Rossouw - How to improve longevity in business DRG Outsourcing Jan 11, 2024 4 min read David White - business development tool for SMEs DRG Outsourcing Dec 14, 2023 6 min read Liana Ahrens Teixeira - Building a Business on Your Passions DRG Outsourcing Nov 28, 2023 3 min read Mbasane Women in IT DRG Outsourcing Nov 3, 2023 1 min read TAMI goes international, while also creating opportunity for local South African businesses DRG Outsourcing Nov 1, 2023 3 min read David White - Balancing Act: Time Management Strategies for Optimal Work-Life Integration DRG Outsourcing Oct 18, 2023 2 min read Chris Wilson - UK and South African business cultural traits DRG Outsourcing Oct 13, 2023 1 min read David White - Foreign Currency Management DRG Outsourcing Oct 13, 2023 3 min read

NCT Forestry Home "The Blog" NCT Forestry (NCT) NCT’s 2023 Tree-Farmer-of-the-Year winners in the Small-Grower and Commercial-Grower categories resp NCT Oct 19, 2023 1 min read Battle of The Brands KZN KZN Top Business Awards Jul 7, 2021 1 min read

We provide cost-effective and practical B-BBEE solutions to our Clients throughout South Africa and abroad, ranging from Exempted Micro Enterprises to Multinationals, operating in all sectors of business.Stimela Consulting - B-BBBEEBruce Lennon Stimela Consulting - B-BBBEE Price No Cost Duration 30 Minuets Assessment < Back About For over 21 years, Stimela Consulting (Pty) Ltd has been delivering Business Consulting Services with a difference. We provide cost-effective and practical B-BBEE solutions to our Clients throughout South Africa and abroad, ranging from Exempted Micro Enterprises to Multinationals, operating in all sectors of business. Products Our value-adding consulting services include: · Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) · Strategic Skills Development Training · Strategic Corporate Advice Your Contact Bruce Lennon CEO – Stimela Consulting

Up Home Up Preona Naidoo PREONA NAIDOO is the Brand and Customer Experience Manager for the Supertech Group. She has worked within the motor industry for just over a decade. Preona was selected as a Top 5 Motor industry Women of the Year 2022 nominee and finalist. She says, “One of my biggest achievements is using my position and influence to empower and upskill other women within this space.” Some of the other achievements that she has been quite invested in, ever since she joined the Supertech team, are the annual corporate social initiative drives. There are two major projects, one being the Blanket Drive and the second being the Toy Drive, under the umbrella of the Supertech Care’s brand. Preona explained, “What we do with this initiative, within the areas that Supertech retailers operate, is to identify deserving NPOs, NGOs and local organisations that need support. This enables them to remain sustainable for the work that they do within the community and provide assistance to help them do so.” FEMININE ENERGY Speaking of who inspires her, she says that she is proud to say that the women within her family inspire and continue to inspire her, especially her mom and gran. Preona said, “For me they embody what the feminine energy should be. They are both nurturers, they are entrepreneurial and at the end of the day, they embody this spirit that allows you to get things done, no matter what.” THAT SOFTER EDGE Commenting on the challenges that she faces, Preona says that being a female in the motor industry comes with its own set of challenges. “Being a young female in the motor industry is something that I had to contend with for the past decade. In the past, one of the biggest challenges is that when you walk into a room within a leadership position, you are often judged on your age, and your gender.” “So, you need to be a little louder to get your point across, while still maintaining that softer edge. I am happy to say that the space that I’m now part of, values your productivity and your work output versus your age and your gender, so it is quite a pleasure to be in this space at this time.” CONTINUE TO EMPOWER Personally, Preona’s future goal would be to qualify as an NLP Practitioner. Within the work sphere, she hopes to continue to empower and upskill young women and men within her team with the resources and the knowledge for them to pave their own paths. The advice that Preona would give to young women who are following in her path, regardless of the industry, is the same as the advice that she was lucky enough to have received when she was younger. This she says is to persevere. Preona explained, “In the face of every goal that you are trying to achieve, persevere and be consistent because consistency is what drives results.” When Preona does have the time and does have a break, she loves to go to the beach. She says, “I’m drawn to the ocean, for its tranquillity – I’m a beach-baby at heart. I love to read and continuously learn and spend time in the creative space. THERE IS MAGIC IN POSSIBILITIES “What I would like to say in closing,” said Preona, “Is that all women have a voice. Some of us have the opportunity to use our voice to inspire and empower others on larger scales. For some women that don’t have the opportunity, strive to inspire those around you and not lose hope, because what you do is important and does impact your environment for the better. If I could give advice to young women who are starting out in motor industry, don’t forget that there is magic in possibilities.” “I will leave you with a quote: “Amazing things happen when women help other women.”– Kasia Gospoś.

< Back Next Andrew Kruger Andrew Kruger is a director at DRG Outsourcing Andrew Kruger is currently a director at DRG Outsourcing and plays a significant role in BusinessFit, a company within the DRG Group. He elaborated, “BusinessFit is focused on helping and mentoring entrepreneurs through a scientific approach to business.” This dual role allows Andrew to leverage his expertise to support the growth and success of other businesses. “I’m very involved with entrepreneurs, assisting them in their journeys and helping them become successful,” he noted. Reflecting on his early years, he shared, “I was born in Port Elizabeth, and I grew up there until I was 12, attending Grey Junior School.” His family’s move to Durban came when his father received a promotion. “At 12, we moved to Durban, and I continued my education at Westville Boys’ High School,” he recalled. This change marked a significant chapter in his upbringing and education. For his higher education, Andrew attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which was both close to home and his university of choice. “I pursued my BCom and then completed my honours to qualify as a chartered accountant,” he explained. This laid the foundation for his career in finance and business. After qualifying, Andrew stepped straight into the practical world through his articles, securing a position with Deloitte. Starting as a first-year clerk, Andrew embraced the responsibilities of entry- level tasks. “I did all the menial activities that first- year clerks do and gradually moved up through the ranks,” he shared. By his third year, he was responsible for leading audits. “Once my articles were completed, I officially qualified as a chartered accountant,” he said. STRATEGIC GUIDANCE Andrew’s motivation is rooted in both financial and strategic purposes. “Finance is important to me as a chartered accountant,” he explained. His main priority is ensuring the financial health of his business. “If a business is not doing well financially, it’s not sustainable,” he asserted. To him, the sustainability of a business means it can contribute positively to society and support its employees. He also expressed his passion for assisting small and medium enterprises: “I enjoy helping small businesses understand the difference between profit and cash flow.” By guiding them, he enables entrepreneurs to achieve greater financial and strategic stability. “I find joy in seeing businesses grow and succeed through strategic guidance and sound financial practices,” he said. Andrew is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. “KZN is unique, especially after what we’ve been through in the past two years,” he noted, referring to the community’s resilience. He believes that the collaborative spirit in KZN will fuel growth. “The community here is very close- knit, and this collaboration is key to business success,” he explained. With a focus on attracting local and foreign investment, Andrew sees KZN flourishing. “I am excited to be part of that growth,” he said, noting the enthusiasm and determination of local entrepreneurs. Motivating a team, according to Andrew, involves ensuring that everyone understands their role and its significance. “If staff know how their work contributes to the business as a whole, they’re more motivated,” he explained. Encouraging pride in their contributions is key: “I want them to be proud of their work and ensure that when it’s passed on, it’s in the best condition possible.” Additionally, he believes in empowering his team by allowing them to make decisions and learn from their experiences. “Even if they make the wrong decision, it’s a learning opportunity that prepares them for the future,” he said. AN INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT When asked about his proudest achievement, Andrew didn’t focus on career accolades but instead on family. “My biggest accomplishment is my family. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful daughters,” he stated with pride. “Just watching them grow and develop into independent individuals is an incredible achievement for me.” His eldest daughter’s successful transition to university life is a particular point of pride: “Seeing her leave home, manage her own life, and thrive is immensely rewarding.” Reflecting on his greatest personal challenge, Andrew shared, “The biggest challenge I faced was when my eldest daughter was diagnosed with a serious heart condition when she was a nine-year- old.” He described the difficulty of being unable to take direct action during her treatment: “There was nothing I could do. She was in the hands of the doctors, and I had to learn to rely on faith.” This period tested his resilience and taught him valuable lessons about acceptance and trust. “The hardest part was recognising that some things are out of your control,” he said. Andrew finds inspiration in a timeless piece of advice: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He explained, “Sometimes, when facing a daunting task, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But starting with that single step makes all the difference.” This approach has shaped his life, helping him tackle challenges methodically. “Once you’ve taken that first step, the path ahead becomes clearer,” he said. This advice has encouraged him to push through challenges without being paralysed by the enormity of tasks. Andrew credits much of his inspiration to his parents and a high school teacher. “I grew up in a stable home with parents who were always supportive,” he recalled. Their involvement and encouragement were invaluable. “My parents have been married for over 50 years, which is inspirational on its own,” he added. He also mentioned his high school accountancy teacher. “He inspired many students to pursue accountancy and made a significant impact,” Andrew said. Andrew says that his guiding principle comes from scripture. “When I was a boy, I had a verse on my wall from Proverbs 3:6: ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will guide your paths,’” he shared. This verse has been a cornerstone of his life and a message he has passed on to his children. “It’s important to me to use God as my guide and mentor, and I truly believe He has led my path,” Andrew concluded. Previous Next

We need to develop our young people to meet the needs of their generation and of the future, to create positive change < 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.”

I would start a business that would not only be profitable and sustainable but a business that will empower people < 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.”

The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is to strengthen cooperation among all spheres of government; support and build the capacity of local governance institutions; and facilitate and coordinate stakeholder engagement in pursuit of people-centred, accelerated service delivery. The Department's strategic goals are: sustained performance of institutions of local governance; strengthened cooperative governance; efficient and effective oversight; and improved organisational capacity and proficiency of the Department and Ministry. Subscribe Subscribe Co-Operative Governance & Traditional Affairs MEC: Sihle Zikalala Contact details Physical: 330 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 Postal: Private Bag X9078, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 Tel: 033 395 2831 Fax: 033 345 6432 Web: www.kzncogta.gov.za The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is to strengthen cooperation among all spheres of government; support and build the capacity of local governance institutions; and facilitate and coordinate stakeholder engagement in pursuit of people-centred, accelerated service delivery. The Department's strategic goals are: sustained performance of institutions of local governance; strengthened cooperative governance; efficient and effective oversight; and improved organisational capacity and proficiency of the Department and Ministry. Back to government departments

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< Back Next Nelson Govender Nelson Govender is the chief executive officer and chairman of the board at LHL Engineering Nelson Govender, the chief executive officer and chairman of the board at LHL Engineering, embodies the essence of determination, hard work, and strategic leadership. Nelson’s humble beginnings instilled in him an unwavering drive to succeed. After losing his parents, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, who provided him with love, care, and support for his education. He attended St. Xavier’s Primary School and completed his matric at Verulam High School in 1979, on a government grant. Much of his journey has been driven by his early experiences and the desire to create a legacy for his family. Nelson emphasises that he does not want his children to face the same difficulties he has encountered in his life. COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Nelson’s academic pursuits earned him a number of certificates and diplomas in supervisory management, quality management, industrial engineering, work study, production management, mechanical engineering, and advanced business management. His professional journey began as a laboratory assistant at Sasol in Secunda, followed by a stint as a trainee mechanical engineer. He then transitioned back to the chemical industry, rising from a junior position to become a shareholder and director in a chemical business. Nelson’s progress, despite being an Indian during the apartheid years in South Africa, is a testament to his outspoken nature, commitment to excellence, and continuous pursuit of improvement. He has always sought to learn from others, travelling the world to gain exposure to world-class standards, which helped make his chemical manufacturing plant one of the best globally. In 2013, Nelson left to pursue personal opportunities, leveraging the sale of his shares and savings from side ventures in mechanics to become the owner and CEO of his own engineering business and other enterprises. LHL Engineering was established in February 1969 as a support company for the German-imported LHL axle used in the logistics industry. “The company was successful until 2013 but then started failing, and I bought it as an investment and, more so, as a property investment,” Nelson explained. A SOLID REPUTATION He further commented that despite buying a failing business, he was determined not to retrench any of its eighty employees. His vision focuses on providing essential services, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the community. To ensure the business stabilised and grew, Nelson and his team refocused the company’s direction and transformed its operations. “We do business with the right certification and all the qualifications required in our sector,” he remarked. The company has built a solid reputation for its management, product quality, and services, specialising in the fabrication, refurbishment, and installation of stainless steel and other exotic materials. Under Nelson’s leadership, LHL Engineering has achieved remarkable growth, increasing turnover from 12 million rand to nearly 100 million rand in under eight years. He explained, “I came from a very difficult background, and during that process, you have a lot of naysayers. For me, extricating myself from a poverty-stricken background and succeeding in what I’ve set out to achieve is really my proudest accomplishment.” Reflecting on the best advice he has ever received and its influence on him, Nelson says that while it is important to learn from the past, one must always look to the future. “One of my senior managers said to me, ‘Focusing on the rearview mirror will lead to accidents,’ which is a fact. What he meant was that while we need to learn from the past, we should focus on the present and see how we can shape the future. I believe strongly that your heritage does not define your future.” Nelson has not been immune to the challenges faced by many small businesses in KwaZulu-Natal. He noted that one of the biggest challenges is accessing funding in South Africa, which is extremely difficult to obtain. To manage the business’s finances, the company has focused on saving and strategically investing to improve cash availability and debt ratings. Nelson and his team are now challenging them- selves to become world-class players in steel fabrication, driving continuous improvement through collaboration with global businesses and other industry players. Despite funding challenges, Nelson has strategically managed finances, ensuring permanent staff are always fully paid, celebrating successes, and promoting a culture of accountability and value addition. “We have a theory that we follow: everyone has to be accountable for their actions and their output,” Nelson remarked. Nelson does not accept a “we’ve always done it like that” mindset among his staff when responding to queries. Instead, he encourages critical thinking, innovation, and a solutions-oriented approach to address challenges and improve processes. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE When asked who inspires him, Nelson explains that while his family is an important source of motivation, he cannot single out any particular person. “There’s no single person that inspires me, for sure, but I am fully aware of the happenings around me. In other words, I look at people who achieve and see if I can learn from their accomplishments.” Furthermore, Nelson derives much motivation from his activities centred on growing and mentoring people, which he undertakes regularly. Commenting on his vision for the future of KwaZulu- Natal, Nelson says, “As a country, we are struggling because we lack large new businesses and have not been successful in beneficiating our raw materials. We need the government to identify these beneficiation opportunities with businesses and create globally sustainable enterprises that can compete in the global market. In the absence of economies of scale, I believe that manufacturing businesses will not succeed in South Africa.” Nelson’s motto is “Nothing is impossible”. He draws inspiration from Tata Nelson Mandela, who said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” As he continues to drive his company toward new heights, Nelson remains focused on creating a sustainable future for his industry and his community, proving that true success lies in the relentless pursuit of excellence. Previous Next