< Back Merrill King Next Merrill says that she lives her life to the absolute fullest and states, "If you are not living on the edge you are taking up too much space." She is an avid sportsperson and enjoys spending time in the gym, paddling or running to stay fit and 'to ensure a flow of endorphins MERRILL KING, joint managing director of Capitol Caterers, has had a 36-year career in the food industry. "I wake up every day and I am really excited to go to work. Every day is full of challenges, deadlines and new experiences," she says. Merrill qualified as a chef through the trainee programme at the Royal Hotel in Durban. This culinary background has served her well, providing Merrill with a thorough knowledge of food preparation and service. Pursuing her passion for excellence on the plate, Merrill founded Blue Strawberry, a high-end catering service to corporate and private clients in Durban. On relocating to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in 1992, Merrill sold Blue Strawberry and it continues to operate with an impeccable reputation to this day. Merrill served as group executive chef for a period of twenty years at Capitol Caterers and was appointed joint managing director in 2017. Headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, Capitol Caterers was founded in 1992 by her husband Giles who as chairman, plays an active role in the business. The industrial catering company is currently entering its 27th year of service and caters for over 100 clients in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng as well as in Eswatini. Capitol Caterers core business is providing contract catering services to the education, healthcare, commercial and retirement sectors. Valuing relationships Merrill says that much of her time is spent travelling to the regional offices to ensure that these operations are well supported. In addition, she values the relationships that she has developed with her staff and she strives to understand their needs and ensure that they are happy. "My life has changed from being hands on and working in all our kitchens, to managing people and the business side of Capitol Caterers' daily operations," she explained. "I am inspired and humbled every day by the women on our staff. Many of them need to be at work by 6am and before leaving home they first tend to their family needs and then walk and catch buses to get to work and still serve our clients with a smile! They are the face of the company." However, in assessing the role of women in business, Merrill says that she thinks that women's roles are often undermined. "As much as one constantly strives for equality, discrimination is still alive and well. It has been, and still is, a tough struggle for women to be taken seriously, even though huge strides have been made in this area." Consequently, Merrill believes that much of her professional journey can be attributed to the support of the women in Capitol Caterers. "I believe that I am a successful woman in business because of all the women that I work with. We employ 1496 staff and of that 74% are women with 82% of our management positions being held by women. This shows that women aren't there just to wash the pots, clean the floors and make the odd salad. Women are the reason why catering companies such as ours are successful in South Africa." Merrill added that because women often rely on the support and strength of other women, they have become collaborative in the workplace. "A collaborative style of leadership is how I work at Capitol Caterers, ensuring input from all divisions when decisions are to be made, which generally results in ownership and buy in from everyone." Striving for excellence Capitol Caterers not only keeps up with food trends but ensures that all the food that is prepared in their kitchens is nutritious, fulfils a wide range of dietary needs while being beautifully presented and within budget. In order to ensure that the staff are skilled, Capitol Caterers has registered Midlands Hospitality Academy (MHA), which is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and CATHSSETA. "We used to believe that we needed to be the best that we can be. However nowadays, it is more important to ensure that our staff are upskilled and supported enough to ensure they are the best that they can be, and better than me," explained Merrill. "The success of a person should not be on how good you are but on how good your staff are at getting the job done. This approach ensures that the business can run effectively when you are not there to supervise." Life balance Merrill says that she lives her life to the absolute fullest and states, "If you are not living on the edge you are taking up too much space." She is an avid sportsperson and enjoys spending time in the gym, paddling or running to stay fit and 'to ensure a flow of endorphins.' A competitive canoeist, Merrill has won several agecategory gold medals in the Dusi and Fish River Marathons as well as a silver medal with partner, Sonja Bohnsack, at the World Marathon Canoeing Championships in Pietermaritzburg in 2017. She hopes to complete her 16th Dusi in 2020. Merrill has also competed in running events including two Comrades Marathons and five Two Oceans ultra-marathons. Merrill was the first woman to hold the position of president of Canoeing South Africa, which she occupied from 2008-2010. She is a long-serving board member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Whenever possible, Merrill enjoys relaxing with her husband, their three children and grandson. Previous Next

< Back Gabbey-Gostina Malope

Siyaka Up Home Up Latest News Siyaka Vision Siyaka’s vision is to increase market share both locally and globally while contributing positively to the economy and surrounding communities. MISSION Our mission is to build open, honest and long-term partnerships with our clients based on mutual benefits and respect. With a customer centric approach, we go beyond the supply of packaging, we provide a partnership experience. Rajesh Lutchman OFFERING INNOVATIVE PACKAGING THAT BLENDS AESTHETICS WITH FUNCTIONALITY They were founded in 2000 and headquartered in Mount Edgecombe, Durban, Siyaka has grown into a dynamic leader in high-performance packaging solutions strongly servicing the Sub-saharan African region. The company operates multiple state-of the-art facilities in South Africa and Mauritius, with strategic representation throughout the SADC region. Combining cutting-edge flexographic and rotogravure technologies with deep industry knowledge, Siyaka provides value-engineered packaging that meets the most rigorous global standards. At its core, Siyaka is driven by a commitment to customer focused service, innovation, and ethical practice. Its packaging solutions are not only aesthetically compelling but also functionally robust, catering to the evolving needs of local and international Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands. With certifications including FSSC22000 and Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard (BRCGS), Siyaka upholds the highest benchmarks in food safety, quality, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. History and Leadership Siyaka was founded by CEO Rajesh Lutchman, a South African entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the printing, labelling, and packaging industries. What began as a humble operation in a warehouse in central Durban – equipped with just one printing machine and four employees – has since evolved into a multi-site business employing over 200 people and operating more than 30 production lines. Lutchman’s vision from the start was to build a proudly South African, world-class packaging company. Through resilience, innovation, and a relentless drive to uplift the local industry, he transformed Siyaka into a recognised market leader. His sons, Mikhail and Luan, have since joined the business in key leadership roles, continuing the family legacy and contributing to its ongoing expansion, whilst Rajesh has been elected as the President of Printing South Africa to spearhead the esteemed federations strategic objectives and the future of print and packaging in the region. Today, Siyaka serves a diverse and growing clientele, ranging from small private firms to globally recog nised FMCG brands. Products and Services Siyaka offers a wide range of packaging solutions 188 tailored to meet both aesthetic and functional needs for the personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, beverage, food and motor oil sectors. The company specialises in flexible packaging, self-adhesive labels (PSL), shrink sleeves and pouches. The products include peel-and-read, promotional coding, reverse printing, tamper proof and counterfeit labelling, blister packs and tags. The company’s facilities are equipped with the latest technology, ensuring premium quality and consistency in every product. The company is known for its expertise in: Flexographic and rotogravure printing Lamination and finishing processes Customised and sustainable packaging development Supply chain integration and value-added packaging services The excellence of Siyaka’s production team is reflected in its numerous annual printing and packaging awards from recognised institutions such as the Flexographic Technical Association of South Africa (FTASA) Print Excellence Awards and the IPSA Gold Pack Awards. Siyaka was the winner of a KZN Top Business Award in the family category in 2025. Skills Development and Technology Transfer Understanding the specialised skill requirements of gravure printing and finishing, Siyaka has implemented an internal internship and training programme to develop local expertise. This programme includes hands-on experience with machinery operation, ink management, lamination, slitting, rewinding, ware housing, and distribution. Where necessary, training is supplemented by external courses to ensure world class competencies across the workforce. Siyaka is dedicated to growing the local skills base and improving the socio-economic landscape of its community through employment, mentorship, and enterprise development. As a Level 1 B-BBEE contri butor, the company plays a key role in fostering inclusive economic development in South Africa. Vision and Future Outlook Siyaka’s vision is to increase market share both locally and globally while contributing positively to the economy and surrounding communities. By investing in infrastructure, people, and technology, the company aims to elevate South African made products onto the shelves of major retailers across Africa and the world. More than a packaging supplier, Siyaka is a strategic partner - advancing the ambitions of global brands through continuous improvement, community up liftment, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence. Scaled to deliver, partnering with care, Siyaka is well positioned to shape the future of packaging in the region and beyond. Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

IBV International Vaults Up Home Up Latest News IBV International Vaults Ashok Sewnarain SAFEGUARDING WEALTH, HERITAGE AND CONNECTIONS In an age where the preservation of wealth, legacy and privacy has become more critical than ever, IBV International Vaults (IBV) has positioned itself as the world’s most exclusive provider of private vaults. Founded in South Africa by visionary entrepreneur Ashok Sewnarain, the company has grown into a global symbol of trust, security and discretion. Pioneering the First Private Vault in South Africa The journey began in 2004 when Sewnarain opened South Africa’s first and only private safe deposit vault facility at Umhlanga’s Gateway Mall. The location was carefully chosen for its proximity to major business and residential hubs in KwaZulu-Natal. The mall’s structural integrity also provided the ideal framework for the stringent security standards that IBV required. The result was a facility that not only served local clients but also set a benchmark for what a modernday private vault should embody. Expansion into South Africa’s Financial Heart Following this success, IBV expanded into the financial district with a second facility at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. This strategic move placed IBV at the centre of South Africa’s business capital, rapidly attracting a new tier of clients. From there, IBV’s reputation grew nationally and internationally. Today, the company operates vaults in London, Switzerland, Dubai and South Africa, catering to a global membership of more than 40,000 individuals. State-of-the-Art Vaults At the core of IBV’s offering are its safe deposit vaults, modern fortresses constructed from steel-reinforced concrete and secured with multi-layered systems that blend advanced technology with human expertise. Every facility is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by highly trained professionals. For clients, this provides complete peace of mind that their valuables are protected to the highest possible standard. Customised Security and Access IBV invests heavily in cutting-edge electronic designs and bespoke security systems. Biometric verification, digital tracking and regular surveillance upgrades ensure that its facilities remain aligned with global standards. Storage is tailored to client needs, with four locker sizes available to accommodate documents, heirlooms and high-value items. Each locker is fitted with a duallock mechanism, reflecting IBV’s meticulous attention to detail. Meeting a Global Demand IBV’s rapid international expansion reflects the growing demand for reliable private vault services. In many regions, banks have discontinued safe deposit boxes or offer only limited services that lack the discretion required by high-net-worth individuals. IBV has filled this gap with facilities that are not only highly secure but also symbolic of prestige and exclusivity. Balancing Technology and the Human Touch While IBV continues to invest in technological advancement, it recognises that true assurance requires more than machines. Skilled professionals oversee operations, provide personalised service and deliver reassurance that technology alone cannot achieve. A Community of Influence IBV’s vision extends beyond protecting wealth to fostering a global community through IBV Privé. This is an elite membership platform that combines lifestyle, influence and cultural engagement. IBV Privé provides access to carefully curated experiences and bespoke privileges designed to enrich the lives of its members. More than a networking platform, the platform is a passport to a world where exclusivity and inspiration intersect. Members are invited to intimate gatherings in some of the world’s most distinguished venues, from private wine estates to historic cultural landmarks. Events may include private dinners with global influencers, exclusive previews of international art exhibitions, luxury fashion showcases, and curated travel journeys designed to immerse members in exceptional destinations. These occasions are crafted to encourage dialogue and collaboration, enabling members to build meaningful connections across continents. In addition, IBV Privé opens doors to lifestyle privileges that reflect the refined tastes of its community. Partnerships with luxury brands, access to private clubs, and tailor-made concierge services ensure that members experience convenience and sophistication at every turn. The platform is as much about creating unforgettable moments as it is about building lasting networks. Commitment to Social Responsibility Philanthropy is central to IBV Privé. Members are encouraged to participate in charitable initiatives, cultural partnerships and educational projects. This reflects IBV’s philosophy that true influence derives not only from wealth but also from contributing positively to society. By weaving social impact into the membership journey, IBV Privé ensures that its community remains distinguished not only by status but also by purpose. Looking Ahead IBV is poised to expand further into global financial centres, extending its unique blend of vaulting expertise and elite membership services. Its ability to adapt to evolving challenges while remaining committed to security and discretion has positioned it as a leader in a niche yet increasingly essential industry. A Vision Realised Ashok Sewnarain’s vision in founding IBV was to redefine security in a globalised world. Two decades later, that vision has matured into an international brand recognised for innovation, trustworthiness and prestige. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: F119, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga Tel: +27 (0)31 566 3984 E-mail: infogateway@ibvglobal.com Website: www.internationalvaults.com BRANCHES London | Switzerland | Dubai | Cape Town | Umhlanga, Durban | Johannesburg Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Maimoona Salim Next MAIMOONA SALIM is the provincial executive of the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. An NGO that helps the unemployed youth adopt necessary life skills, and assists with job placements MAIMOONA SALIM is the provincial executive of the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. An NGO that helps the unemployed youth adopt necessary life skills, and assists with job placements. She oversees all strategic business operations, including managing clients, working with candidates, and maintaining the vision and mission of the organisation. Born and schooled in Durban, Maimoona relocated to Johannesburg in the late 90s, where she completed her studies and worked in various industries for over a decade. Her first job was as a casual worker at a retail store, and she worked her way up to be a specialist and later was promoted to senior management positions within the retail sector. Because of Maimoona's drive and ambition, she regularly looked for business opportunities. After noticing a skills gap amongst the unemployed youth, she decided to start a business to address this issue. So, in 2005, without any financial backing, she became an entrepreneur. She made pamphlets, offering people training, and development skills, that would help them find jobs. Only a few people were expected for training, but 98 candidates came on the first day. Shocked by the massive attendance, Maimoona managed to accommodate the candidates, taught them the required retail skills, and got them all employed by various retail stores. Encouraged by the success of the programme, she then registered a recruitment company, and started doing recruitment for various chain stores. She later became accredited and provided training for a major retail group store with which she landed a contract. Focus on the end goal Satisfied with the success she achieved in Johannesburg, Maimoona headed back to Durban, to seek a new venture. Her passion for food steered her to start a catering company which served small to medium size companies, for staff and client functions. Her company grew rapidly until it had a substantial staff complement...and that she says it what fulfilled her. Being able to employ people, mentoring, coaching, and helping them grow as individuals. Having achieved what she has, in the short space of time, Maimoona has proved to herself that: "You don't need money for business, you just need to apply your mind and execute your plan. Focus on the end goal and make yourself work towards it. Success does not come from luck; it comes from hard work and determination." Her journey has been a difficult one, as she came from a very challenging background. Though, that has not stopped her from persevering and achieving her dreams. Maimoona was privileged to have had good mentors along the way, that assisted with her career success. "People around you can push you to achieve your goals, encourage you not to give up, and help to take you to the next level." Working smart Maimoona believes, it is about "what inspires" rather than "who inspires" people. In addition, "People need to start by understanding themselves first, because when you learn to understand yourself, you then start understanding other people." The motivation and direction her parents provided, especially from her father, has driven her to grow as an individual, and that is what got her to where she is today. One of the strongest family values she lives by is, "work hard and be determined to succeed". "As we all have the same minds, women don't need a different approach to men to be successful in business. We all think strategically, we are all educated, however the trick is about working smart. It is all about you pushing yourself and reaching your objectives; making sure that you focus on attaining your goals. That, is your ticket to success." Maimoona is content with what she accomplished in her 20 plus years of being a career woman. She explains that to her, "accomplish" means "to do and achieve what you value, to make a difference and understand the input that you are giving." She says it is not about the bottom-line all the time. "Being at Harambee made me understand that it is all about giving back to the community, giving back to individual people and giving hope to people, especially the unemployed youth." A point I will keep re-iterating, even though it's been said over a million times, but truth be told: the youth are our future leaders." Doing what she does at Harambee, she feels, is an accomplishment on its own. Maimoona says, "Once you have found that you are giving back and making a difference, you can be content." It is not work, it is life When Maimoona was young, it was difficult for her to achieve a work-life balance, because she was so ambitious, and her career was all-important. Now that she is older and wiser, she asks herself if what she is doing now is a job or part of her life. Smiling, she says that it almost feels like she has retired because she enjoys what she does so much as it fulfils her as a human being. She has found herself and what resonates with her. "When people question my decision to work for a non-profit organisation, I reply that it is not work, it is life." The advice she would give to her younger self is, "Realise life is not always what it seems. Things are always going to change. Listen to your parents' advice." She would also advise herself to appreciate life and appreciate time. "Use it wisely, and make every day count towards something beneficial for others." Previous Next

< Back Margaret Hirsch Next MARGARET HIRSCH has become a leading example to businesswomen in southern Africa. Although from a humble background, she has participated in co-founding and running the multi million-rand appliance and electronic retail organisation, Hirsch's MARGARET HIRSCH has become a leading example to businesswomen in southern Africa. Although from a humble background, she has participated in co-founding and running the multi million-rand appliance and electronic retail organisation, Hirsch's. Margaret started work washing hair in a salon at the age of twelve. She started her first formal job working for an attorney on the day she left school and has worked ever since. Margaret met Allan Hirsch, a fridge mechanic, in 1971. They married in 1972, while she was working as a secretary with JBS and she then worked for a shipping company in Durban. When she fell pregnant with Richard in 1976, she was fired from her job. Their daughter, Luci, was born in 1978. In 1979, the Hirsch's opened their first shop in Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Durban North. An inspiration to others Today, as chief operations executive of Hirsch's, Margaret has been integrally involved with all aspects of the business. This includes selling, invoicing, demonstrating, being a delivery person on the trucks, installing and demonstrating in customers' homes. Over the last 40 years, the Hirsch's have opened twelve Hirsch Homestore branches throughout KZN, Gauteng and Cape Town and five concept stores (Samsung and Sony stores in KZN and Gauteng and a bedroom boutique and lighting shop in Cape Town). "We have built Hirsch's from a tiny store to a billion-rand company and I hope that I will be an inspiration to others and help them believe that they can live their dreams as well," she says. She points out that it is only through hard work and a love for what the individual is involved in, that businesses will thrive. Putting it simply she says, "You can work for a boss and make a living - or you can work for yourself and earn a fortune, but you have to be passionate about what you do." Hands on service Customer loyalty is what has made Hirsch's a house-hold name. What amazes people is that Margaret does not have an office in any of the branches. She sits at a desk on the floor and helps deal with customer complaints and queries. Margaret explains. "Keeping our customers happy and providing them with a unique, hands on service has helped our business grow and we are continuously finding ways to improve on our service to them. Without customers, we would not have a company. I have been looking after our customers, their children and now their grandchildren." In addition, the company prides itself on being transparent. "Our staff knows exactly what is going on all the time, which makes them feel comfortable with us and makes them feel part of the family. The values of honesty, loyalty and integrity form the basis of all our interactions," explains Margaret. All Hirsch's staff members are encouraged to better themselves and are taught that by uplifting themselves they will ultimately uplift those around them. A child of the universe In reflecting on the challenges that she has faced as a woman in business, Margaret says, "I don't really think of myself as a woman, but more a child of the universe, I think we all have similar challenges, but our self-esteem and our sense of self-worth separate the winners from the losers." She believes that women can balance work-life demands but it's not easy. "When my children were small, I worked from home. Later, when they went to school, they would come and spend the afternoons in the shop, which I wasn't sure was good at the time, but in the end, it was the best thing that could have happened. They learnt the business from when they were tiny and today they are both extremely successful in their own right." Margaret has helped to publicise the plight of young girls throughout South Africa who do not attend school in the months they are menstruating, with the Girls with Dignity Project. She regularly visits schoolgirls to tell them about the project, initiated by Sue Barnes in KZN. She tells them that in life they will always have a choice, they can choose to stay at home or choose to go to school and eventually be successful in life. Margaret hands out panty packs to the girls; each pack contains one panty and three reusable sanitary pads which will last them their entire high school career. "The average school attendance has now increased from 40% to 80%, and their marks have improved dramatically including the - better attendance, better self-esteem, better marks," Margaret said. Empowering women Margaret has received many awards, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards in business and entrepreneurship to acknowledge her contribution to the business world in South Africa. She established the Margaret Hirsch Women in Business Achiever of the Year Award competition after she saw how well her business did and how winning awards gave her an edge over her competitors. She also works closely with other women's groups including the Lionesses of Africa, which empowers 850 000 women entrepreneurs across the continent. "It's an honour to help these women to grow their businesses from start-up to sustainable business venture. There's a growing number of women helping women, which this organisation embodies - 'our motto is empowered women empower women'. The advice that she would give others is to "Know that you are enough. You are perfect as you are. And your job is to make the best of your life." Previous Next

< Back Trisha Gokool Parshotam Next TRISHA GOKOOL PARSHOTAM is exceptionally proud of the success of Dragon Protection Services and is passionate about her brand. She is a major shareholder and partner in the company and heads up the marketing and sales division TRISHA GOKOOL PARSHOTAM is exceptionally proud of the success of Dragon Protection Services and is passionate about her brand. She is a major shareholder and partner in the company and heads up the marketing and sales division. Dragon Protection Services was launched by her husband, Manhar Parshotam, in 1995, and relaunched in 2007 after a few years of working in the finance sector. According to Trisha, the company really got off the ground during the 2010 World Cup when they managed to get a car on the road and brand it. Trisha says, "From there it's been a wonderful nine years." She flags her decision in 2011 to 'pour her passion' into growing their brand as the start of their journey. Trisha followed her school career at Durban Girls' College with an Honours degree in strategic market-ing at the then University of Natal. As a brand specialist, she has had the expertise to grow their business from strength to strength. Dragon Protection Services is a security company that provides (hu)manpower incorporating armed and unarmed guarding and escorting trucks from port to border, their specialty being bodyguarding celebrities, government VIPs, and sports personalities. Bonding in the car When Trisha recalls their early days of running the business she chuckles, describing how - as newly-weds who were the managers/supervisors/directors - they spent their time bonding in the car while driving around checking their sites at 6 am in the morning, and again in the evening for around three to four hours at a time. "We did not have a full night's sleep for maybe two to three years. We had the radio going, the cellphone ringing... There was no office - it was our dining room table in our two and a half-bedroom flat!" Trisha attributes their success to community support and prioritising their expenses. She feels they were blessed by people who had started small, the way they had, and gave them the opportunity to guard their properties or their businesses once they had developed them. Living life less indulgently was a must and became the foundation of Trisha's lifestyle. She admits to having learned a lot from Manhar who she describes as "a bit older, a bit wiser, and more streetwise", his considered approach balancing her spontaneity. Vision for the future Although they have an exciting vision for the future, Trisha says that there've been times when they've been tempted to work for someone, knowing there's a guaranteed pay cheque in their pocket at the end of each month, relieving them of the pressure of finding staff salaries on time. However, their commitment to empower and give people jobs is what keeps Dragon going. Trisha is firm that you have to have faith: "You need to believe that you are where you are for a reason and that you're going to keep moving forward." Dragon focuses on hiring staff, deliberately incorporating women, who live in the area where the work is so that all residents benefit from those developments. Their vision is to start up a training centre focusing on merging the role of hospitality with security, which Trisha describes as a niche market. She wants her staff to know that their purpose goes beyond being a presence at the door, and she wants to help them to shift their perspective of themselves and their work, to know that they serve a greater purpose. Believe in yourself Trisha derives inspiration from herself, as well as family members, saying: "If you don't believe in yourself and you can't inspire yourself, then who are you? You need to understand who you are, what your purpose is, what your core competencies are, and once you know that you will inspire yourself." She's also been inspired by videos and books, and witnessing how her father and grandmother, from small beginnings, have grown empires. Her mother too, who 'held the fort at home', has been an inspiration. "I'm not only inspired as a businesswoman, I'm inspired as a mother... That cape never comes off us and that inspiration has come from my mother. Also, there are very few women in the security industry so that, to me, is my inspiration - knowing that there's one of me." Trisha identifies being a woman in a male-dominated industry as a perpetual challenge, particularly when pitching for her business in the boardroom and all the questions are then put to her husband. "Unfortunately, women have to have a different approach to men in business, simply because we're wired differently. The story of 'Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars', is absolutely true." Speaking from experience, she adds: "Together, as a team, men and women are amazing. We both have different ingredients that we can add to this amazing build up... We work together, I work hand in hand with men." Achieving a work-life balance is not a struggle for Trisha who, after initially feeling guilty for returning to work after becoming a mother, rationalised her position in the workplace by acknowledging that she needs to serve a higher purpose where her skills are needed and she can add value. Her advice to her younger self would be, "That was awesome. I'm so happy you did what you did!" She continues: "For me, if I didn't do all of what I did then, I wouldn't be where I am today so there would be no other advice...Live every day to what your heart wants to try and see what you can be." Previous Next

< Back Sheryl Smithies Next Becoming a dentist was never her plan, but Sheryl Smithies has proved that just because your life doesn't go exactly to plan, it doesn't mean you can't make a success of it Becoming a dentist was never her plan, but Sheryl Smithies has proved that just because your life doesn't go exactly to plan, it doesn't mean you can't make a success of it. Sheryl overcame her disappointment when she didn't get into medical school, and found a new path. She grabbed her opportunities, found a mentor to guide in her early career, and once she'd earned the experience she needed, launched her own dental practice. She's grown the business to three chairs, and gained a reputation for cutting-edge technology that helps clients look and feel their best. Sheryl had always planned to study medicine and it was huge blow when she wasn't accepted into medical school. Distraught and confused about her next move, she took the advice of a family friend who suggested she submit a late application for dentistry. He pointed out that sometimes students who were accepted, decide not to take up their offer. So at the last minute, Sheryl was offered a place at the University of Pretoria and grabbed it with both hands. "Originally I planned to try for a transfer to medicine after my first year, but once I was in dentistry, I realised I loved it." Describing herself as blessed in many ways, Sheryl notes that while many parents still prioritised education for boys, hers were 100% behind her - and were both willing and able to support her through university. "Dental school is a challenge for anyone," she says, "it's not just the academics, but the other challenges like limited access to dental labs and conflicting schedules." Sheryl remembers that some of her classmates had other responsibilities too, like jobs and children, while she was lucky to be able to focus all her energies on her studies. "I take my hat off to them," she says. "Not that everything was handed to me on plate," she points out. "I was always made aware that it was up to me to work for what I wanted, but it was certainly easier for me since I didn't have to worry about holding down a job while I studied." Skills and ethics are a sound basis for success Straight out of university, she joined a dental practice where she slotted straight in. "I believe that everyone needs a mentor. It's not always easy to find your feet in the working world straight out of university and I was lucky enough to find a boss and mentor who had strong ethics as well as great dental skills. I learnt so much from him and it was a great foundation for opening my own practice." Sheryl launched the Smile Emporium, eight years ago. "This was my dream, and I can't believe it's been eight years. It has gone in a blink. They say you need 10 000 hours before you're really proficient at what you do," she laughs. "I have more than 20 000 now, so I'm confident in my skills." Sheryl has a particular interest in aesthetics. Her number one focus is cosmetic dentistry which includes teeth alignment, whitening and digital smile design, and dental rehabilitation such as crowns, bridges and implants. But while she was perfecting her dental skills, Sheryl also studied some aesthetic medicine and offers non-invasive facial aesthetic treatments too. "It's makes perfect sense," says Sheryl. "No one knows facial structure quite like a dentist, and whether it's peels, Botox, fillers, thread-lifts or micro-needling, we have a sound foundation in the science behind every treatment we offer." Sheryl is continually inspired by businesswomen around her. "I belong to a networking group and I've met some amazing women. Some of them have really had to fight a lot harder to forge their path. I've worked really hard too, but perhaps I've had it easier by comparison. Just being part of a profession is a big help in earning respect." A firm believer that women don't have to take a different approach to business, Sheryl suggests that they just do. "Women tend to lead from the heart. We want to build people up and support them, especially other women, and not just use them to reach our goals or climb the ladder." Sheryl is justifiably proud of her achievements, her practice, and the quality of their work. And she confesses she's driven and a bit of a workaholic. "I struggle to find a work-life balance, and that's something I still aspire to," she says. "But growing a business is hugely demanding." Looking to the future Pointing out that dental technology is making enormous strides, Sheryl hopes to use this to make a greater contribution in community outreach. "If you have dental problems, the government will take out problem teeth - but that's as far as the help goes. You won't get dentures." It's not easy to do dental work in the communities as there's a host of essential dental equipment that simply isn't transportable. But Sheryl is looking forward to harnessing new technology as soon as it's within reach. "With 3D scanning and 3D milling, we'll be able to measure, manufacture and fit dentures while patients wait. And we're nearly there." Looking back, Sheryl says that if she had to give herself one piece of advice it would be clear: "Don't be so easily led. Trust in yourself and your own judgment too." Previous Next

< Back Cheryl Govender Next 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 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. Previous Next

< Back Lindiwe Rakharebe Next Lindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teams LINDIWE RAKHAREBE, the CEO of the Durban ICC, is affectionately known as the "mother of the house" by her team. Lindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teams. She has served in a management capacity for all four of South Africa's major banking institutions. Consequently, the forward momentum of the Durban ICC has been propelled by Lindiwe's strong background in corporate management as well as her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu- Natal economy. Lindiwe said, "I am driven to achieve excellence in every way in my duty and delegation." Since its foundation, the Durban ICC has made an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies. During the past financial year, R6.3-billion was added to South Africa's GDP and no less than 14 000 jobs were created and sustained as a result of the Durban ICC's activities. A Concerted Effort Lindiwe said, "I believe our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between the Board, our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This effort coupled with our balanced strategy and diligent management at all levels of the organisation all help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC." Lindiwe strongly believes that the Durban ICC has an important role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth for eThekwini, especially in the area of job creation. "For every individual attending a conference or exhibition at the Durban ICC, either as an exhibitor, delegate or visitor, there are positive economic spin-offs for local businesses. I would like to see continued meaningful enterprise development for SMMEs taking place at a grass-roots level." Under her leadership the Durban ICC has won several awards including the World Travel Awards as Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and a KZN Premier's Service Excellence Award in 2018. The Durban ICC is ranked in the top 1% of all convention centres globally and is the only convention centre on the African continent to make that list. Exceed our clients' expectations She says, "Whilst we celebrate all the good strides we have made in business, we must be mindful that there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The most important thing in remaining Africa's leading conference centre is that we exceed our clients' expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host. We need to make sure that when we open the doors to our customers that they experience the warmth and the great service that we have at the Durban ICC." Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Lindiwe's daily activities. "I believe I have an ability to bring the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My staff tells me that I lead with love and respect, which motivates them to give their best effort and this ultimately benefits the organisation," said Lindiwe. A woman influences everything she touches As a staunch advocate of gender-equality and women empowerment, Lindiwe has made a personal and professional pledge to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Her passion for women's empowerment issues has resulted in her serving on the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Network on Violence Against Women.. In addition, Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the often male-dominated world of business. She commented, "As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural life-giver and whatever you give life to will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it's leading a company or propelling a cause. I believe a woman influences everything she touches." Companies must put strategies and action plans that are measurable and sustainable in place to advance women. Only when people are held accountable to these plans will their full impact truly be felt," she said. Serve a higher purpose Lindiwe is a self-confessed perpetual learner who places a high value on education and imparting knowledge in order to uplift the lives of others. "We are born with different skills-sets and have been put on earth to serve a higher purpose in life. The extent to which your unique skills are used to uplift others is the extent to which your fulfilment will be found," she said. "Treat others the way you would like to be treated. As a champion of equality, I have a vision for a world in which all human beings are comfortable with cultural diversity and where uncompromising respect exists for one another. It all starts with teachings at home." The mother of four and grandmother of two, says nothing supersedes the value of being a mother and the importance of belonging to a family. Lindiwe places a premium on the importance of work-life balance. Lindiwe said in the quest for success, it was important to respect yourself and have your feet firmly on the ground. "Humility is an important quality. Believe in yourself and love what you do. Be open to learning and make the best of opportunities that are available." Previous Next