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Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa’s first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban’s Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Ashok Sewnarain Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa’s first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban’s Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. “Humbleness takes you everywhere. Arrogance will take you nowhere.” Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa's first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban's Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. Sewnarain was born in Mayville, an Indian designated area in apartheid South Africa. His father ran a small, often struggling, estate agency and taught his son to never give up. When Sewnarain took over the family business, he injected new ideas into it, expanding into the hotel and hospitality industry as the barriers put up by apartheid were dismantled. "It was around 2004 when I overheard a bank teller saying that there is a long waiting list of people who wanted to put their valuables in the bank's vault. I jokingly said that I will open my own vault," Sewnarain says with a wry smile. Sewnarain began to seriously think about opening a vault. He did extensive research, which took him to other countries to look at how the vaults are constructed, the finance involved, security features and a host of other things. He found that there is substantial demand for such sophisticated facilities. In May 2005, Sewnarain opened the first private vault, in Umhlanga's Gateway Mall. "We choose the best malls and prime spots for our vaults. Our first site was selected because of its proximity to significant business and residential developments in KwaZulu-Natal. Also, the layout of the Gateway complex facilitates International Bank Vaults' strict security standards." "It's a risk to have a safe at home because many people have access to your home. We offer a solution, and peace of mind. We add value to the country in a sense that people can safely keep their gold and other assets in the country instead of sending them offshore." International Bank Vaults offers safety deposit boxes in modern-day fortresses. The vaults are built to international standards and specifications, complete with steel-reinforced concrete and protected by a sophisticated, multitiered security system. They are monitored by trained professionals and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Sewnarain subscribes to the philosophy that says one should persevere and be determined to pursue his dreams in whatever business that one chooses. He says, "Business is full of risk and challenges that we must confront on a daily basis." He added that he had had many failures in his business career, but all had made him more knowledgeable and humble. However, Sewnarain says, "You must be bold and have courage to launch business ventures with honesty and respect for staff, customers, suppliers and service providers." " Life is about dreaming big. Dream to make a million dollars, rather than a million rand. The most successful people in the world dream big. It's free. It has no boundaries and borders," he explained. International Bank Vaults' customers have special, reserved parking close to the facilities and many of them drive exotic cars. The IBV Supercar Club has spun off from the vault business; has a membership of more than 700 super-rich car owners and is recognised as one of the world's leading supercar clubs. Sewnarain is its founder, leading patron and chairman. The members of the club often raise funds for charity. In 2014, they won the Guinness world record for raising R1 million for Child Welfare of South Africa in record time. The club has also partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund Unicef in raising money for charity. Sewnarain commented that he tries to create a balance between good business and profit through providing community and social support. This balance is achieved by promoting a spirit of social entrepreneurship, which he believes is an important aspect that every business leader should adopt in their own enterprises. He concluded, "The more that you give the more that you get."

"I believe that I am innovative and not deterred from experimentation with new or unconventional ideas." He added that his success has also been driven,  by the good fortune to have inspirational role models as leaders in most cases." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Charles Henzi "I believe that I am innovative and not deterred from experimentation with new or unconventional ideas." He added that his success has also been driven, by the good fortune to have inspirational role models as leaders in most cases." We must recognise each individual as unique in terms of their potential and make a contribution to their personal growth CHARLES HENZI is a seasoned human resources practitioner having worked in several senior roles, within diverse sectors, and including high profile global enterprises. He is motivated by the need to create, "A world of work which provides purpose and inspiration for all, namely, highly engaged people taking self-inspired action ... for Results!" Upon finishing school, Henzi entered the then University of Natal to study for a degree in geology, based on his interest in the natural sciences. He commented, "Two vacation jobs comprising working in the field as a prospecting assistant and underground in a gold mine convinced me that a fulltime career in this field was not for me. But, as I had gained some exposure to the human resource section on the mine, I decided that this was the field for me. On graduation, I was privileged to be appointed as graduate trainee with Unilever which, I believe set me up for a career in human resources." Henzi says that his career has been driven by his self-belief and his own energy to succeed. "I believe that I am innovative and not deterred from experimentation with new or unconventional ideas." He added that his success has also been driven, by the good fortune to have inspirational role models as leaders in most cases." However, Henzi's self-belief and energy paid off and early on in his career he was afforded the opportunity to set up and lead the human resource function within a top organisation. Although he felt that he not remotely ready for this responsibility, it was for him one of the highlights of his working career. This responsibility was also accompanied by new challenges. Although he assumed this, and later other management roles, when at relatively young age, he had to convince older peers to follow bestpractice. Henzi said that his strengths in this regard were really wanting to understand the details of business processes and his role in contributing to successful outcomes. Henzi says that from a human capital best practice perspective it is essential to regard employees as assets, not commodities. As such, over the years, he has worked within a broad diversity of enterprises; facilitating the implementation of employee performance and reward interventions. The latter part of his career has taken him into providing human resource services with an emphasis on employee performance and reward. He then became a member of the DRG Outsourcing team as Service Line Leader: Employee Investment. DRG Outsourcing is a leading human capital advisory service provider where he has had the opportunity to develop new approaches. Operating in a global capacity, this responsibility has a focus in the field of enterprise leadership. This activity has also provided him with a broad selection of case studies from which to draw on in facilitating practical, effective leadership interventions. In reflecting on his own leadership style, Henzi says that he prefers to collaborate with others. "I enjoy creating a working environment that enables people to grow their skills set, confidence and capacity to take on greater responsibilities." However, Henzi noted that he finds it challenging to work with people who place their personal agendas above their leadership responsibilities to stakeholders. Speaking of the future, Henzi says, "I am 70 years old and hope to continue adding value to enterprises through facilitating the implementation of human capital best-practice, especially in the area of leadership. There is a possibility of relocating to the United Kingdom or Europe and, through networks there, to make myself useful in those environments." Henzi has made a significant contribution to the education of children from disadvantaged communities, in an involvement with a Durban NGO spanning some 40 years. In his free time, Henzi prefers to be close to nature outside of the corporate environment and has over the years, spent time on safari or hiking, often in rather wild and remote areas.

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< Back Next > Sasha Pather Founder, Sasha Talia Counselling Sasha Talia Pather, the founder of Sasha Talia Counselling, runs a private mental health practice based in Durban. Her services are provided through online platforms as well as in-person consultations, making mental health support accessible to a wide range of clients. “It’s not just about counselling,” she explains, “it’s about meeting people where they are and providing the help they need.” With a background rich in both education and volunteer work, Sasha’s experience extends beyond the typical counselling environment. She holds degrees in psychology, social work, and theology, which have shaped her holistic approach to mental health. “My involvement in ministry has definitely influenced my practice,” she acknowledges, “because I believe that healing should address the mind, body, and spirit.” Sasha’s exposure to community work began at the age of nineteen. She was involved with local organisations and government bodies, working at the grassroots level to provide services in communities facing mental health challenges. “I grew up in these communities,” she explains, “so I know first-hand the struggles that people face and the impact that mental health issues can have.” From an early age, Sasha took initiative by founding a community-based organisation to deliver essential services. “I started by going into communities to feed, clothe, and provide mental health support to those who couldn’t afford it,” she says. Her efforts quickly expanded as she connected with others who shared her vision for community empowerment. “It just made sense to me to make this my career,” she adds, “so I took that step and officially launched my private practice.” One of the primary goals for Sasha is to shift how people perceive mental health. “Mental health is often seen as a luxury especially in different cultural contexts or among people who have not been exposed to the idea that mental well-being is as crucial as physical health.” She believes that addressing mental health problems can have an impact on other social issues, such as crime and safety. “If you solve a mental health issue,” she insists, “you’re not just helping one person; you’re contributing to the well-being of an entire community.” “People are sometimes hesitant to discuss mental health because it’s still considered a foreign concept or taboo in many areas. My aim is to normalise these conversations. We need to make it OK to talk about mental health, to seek help, and to believe that things can get better.” Sasha has gained recognition through various media platforms such as SABC’s Lotus FM, and her work has been featured in major publications. “People noticed my work because the need for mental health services is so great,” she states. “Being invited onto platforms like radio and TV wasn’t something I pursued; it happened because people saw the impact of what we were doing.” Despite these achievements, Sasha remains focused on the mission rather than the accolades. “The recognition is nice,” she concedes, “but what really matters are the changes we’re able to make in people’s lives.” Overcoming Adversity Sasha’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. “I’ve faced rejection, financial struggles, and doors shutting in my face,” she admits. “As a woman, I’ve also dealt with violations and discrimination.” However, she attributes her resilience to the strength of the women who raised her. “I was brought up by my grandmother and two aunts,” she shares, “and all I saw was women making things happen, even without a male figure around. They showed me that you could stand on your own, have a voice, and achieve what you set your mind to.” Sasha believes in the power of self-definition. “You don’t have to let your circumstances decide who you are,” she says. “If you’re called a victim, you don’t have to accept that label. You can choose how you define yourself.” This mindset has guided her through the adversity she’s encountered. “Whenever there was no door, I just created one,” she adds. “If there was no table, I built one.” The importance of resilience is a key message Sasha shares, especially with young women. “I tell them to figure out who they are,” she says. “If you know your worth, you won’t need external validation or seek it in the wrong places. As long as you’re following your purpose and doing what makes you happy, that’s what truly matters.” Sasha’s dream is to expand her impact even further. “I want to open a mental health centre in Durban,” she reveals, “focusing on wellness, addiction recovery, abuse support, and women’s empowerment.” The envisioned centre would be staffed by a team of counsellors dedicated to addressing the various needs of the community. “We want to be known for changing lives,” she states, “for being a place where people can come, regardless of their problems, and find hope.” Nature and Well-Being Outside of her counselling work, Sasha finds solace in nature. “I love the outdoors,” she says. “Being in natural settings is calming and therapeutic for me.” She also enjoys spending time with loved ones, whether it’s relaxing at home or enjoying a day at the mall. “It’s important to find activities that relax and ground you,” she adds. “For me, it’s all about balance and ensuring that I’m taking care of myself while taking care of others.” Sasha acknowledges the ongoing nature of her mission. “Mental health is not something you solve overnight,” she asserts. “It’s an ongoing process of creating awareness, breaking down barriers, and supporting people through their healing. The biggest achievements aren’t the awards or recognitions,” she concludes. “They’re the moments when someone tells you, ‘You helped me save my life.’ Those are priceless.” In her view, the work of normalising mental health must continue. “We can all play a part,” she says, “whether it’s through professional practice or simply by being open to discussing mental health.” Sasha’s commitment is clear: “It starts with all of us, recognising the importance of mental well-being and making it a priority. < Previous Next >

Together everyone achieves more. Don’t be afraid to give someone responsibility, more often than not, they rise to their position < 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 have found that determination and a strong mindset can get you anywhere you want to go < Back Esay Reddy CEO RR Group Esayvanie (also known as Esay) Reddy is an accomplished business woman with over 30 years of experience in the petroleum, quick service restaurant, healthcare manufacturing, telecommunications, and distribution industry. The group comprises KZN Oils and KZN Oils Transport, JD Telecoms, Ko-Lay Home of Chicken, Champion Health Care and KVK Property Development. As an astute business leader with a wealth of experience, Esay oversees sound strategic manifestation and delegation across all business functions, ensures profitability and is the chief custodian of the Group’s image from the marketing point of view. The ‘mothership’ of the Group Easy and Rajen Reddy, her late husband, began their business journey in 1990 with a Shell Service Station located in Briardene. Commenting on their many business successes Esay explains, “We got to where we are today through lots of hard work and sacrifice. Both of us had the same goals, which was a better life for our three children. I started working with Rajen when my youngest child was one year old; I had to leave him with the helper to start cashing up and look after the finances in the service station. We worked basically 24/7 in the early days and had to forego holidays.” Due to the huge amount of time required, Rajen decided to sell the service station and move into the stationery business. This opportunity came about when 23 black economic empowerment companies were started at the Port of Durban. The venture was very challenging as Esay and Rajen knew nothing about stationery. However, from that initiative an opportunity to supply fuel and lubrication to the port emerged. “Despite a lot of challenges, we got our first order and that is how KZN Oils was born with the story of four barrels of diesel fuel. KZN Oils, the ‘mothership’ of the group, was established in 2001 and had her twentieth birthday this year. From her, all the other companies were born,” explains Esay. Life challenges Esay is the mother to three children (Kerushin, Venisha and Kreeshan) with Venisha gifting three beautiful granddaughters. Being a mom, a wife and working within the business has always been a challenge for Esay. Her method of balancing her life was to separate the different aspects. “Once I was at work, it was just about work and while I was on my way home, I thought about what I had to cook and what the kids needed. It also was planning. I found separating, organising, and having people to assist, helped me along the way to balance raising kids that are adults now, along with running a business that has become very successful, and maintain a marriage for 37 years.” Esay reflected that her greatest life challenge has been losing her husband earlier this year. Rajen, she says, has left large footsteps for her to follow. However, she has a good knowledge of all the plans, the blueprint, and what he had in mind for the group of companies. Even though it has been a challenge for her to step up to the role of Group Director and Group CEO, she has taken it on with honour. “We have over 200 staff that rely on us and after Rajen passed, the most important thing was to continue with his legacy and honour his memory. I know that is what kept my three children and myself going. With him not here now we have no choice but to step up to the plate and do exactly what he has done. It’s the least that we can do to say thank you for all the work that he has done all these years.” A people-first-focus Throughout Esay’s years of experience, she always maintained a people-first-focus, for with the empowerment of people, comes the empowerment of communities and the socio-economic growth of South Africa. In particular, Esay is passionate about empowering women and the RR Group has an 80% taskforce of women in its companies. She says that one of the most important things about being a female in business is ensuring that you are happy. The RR Group focuses on ensuring their employees’ wellbeing is taken care of through a strong human resources department with initiatives such as flexible working hours for mothers. In addition, Esay is involved in a number of community projects including supplying sanitary pads to youngsters in rural areas. Another passion is to get connectivity to all the schools in the rural areas, which is an ongoing programme. “We believe that education with information technology will connect children to the rest of the world so that they will not just sit where they are right now.” She added, “I believe that the group of companies needs to work hard in order to uplift communities. I don’t believe in giving grocery parcels because you can only do so for a limited amount of time.” In response to the recent looting, the RR Group is currently working on converting containers for informal traders to be used in communities where shops and informal shops have been destroyed. Determination and a strong mindset In conclusion Esay said, “I have found that determination and a strong mindset can get you anywhere you want to go. As women, we are very special, we have so many challenges from the time we are born until we pass on and yet we accomplish them with grace, stamina and most importantly with love. Should we continue in that vein, we will always succeed in whatever we choose to do.” “My advice to all women, always believe and trust in your capabilities and your worth because as women we can accomplish anything and everything we set out to do. I am a walking example of that.”

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< Back Next > Ana Roberts Owns and Manages Just Property Ana Roberts currently owns and manages two real estate companies under the Just Property brand, part of a national franchise network. Ana owns the branches in Upper Highway and Umhlanga. The business primarily focuses on property rentals and sales. Ana has carved a niche for herself by adopting innovative approaches, particularly in marketing and sales strategies. “I don’t have a traditional background in real estate,” Ana admits. “That’s why we do things differently. Our show houses aren’t like the typical ones you see, and we market properties in a way that stands out from the rest.” On the rental side, Ana’s company offers two services. “We either help landlords procure tenants, or we take full responsibility for managing the property from maintenance to rental payments as if we were the landlord,” she explains. “This aspect of the business has become a massive part of what we do.” A Drive for Success Ana’s journey to real estate ownership is an inspiring one, marked by a drive for success. Born in Mozambique, Ana moved to South Africa at the age of eight. “I didn’t speak any English when I arrived,” she recalls. “It was quite a challenge, but I’ve always considered myself a Durbanite since I grew up there.” She studied at the University of Natal, setting her sights on becoming an accountant. “But I quickly realised that people, innovation, and marketing were a lot more fun,” she laughs. “So, I majored in industrial psychology and marketing, which eventually led me into human resources (HR).” For over 27 years, Ana worked in corporate HR, with the majority of her time spent in one organisation. “Although I stayed with one company, I probably changed roles every three to four years, which offered incredible growth opportunities and learning development.” In addition, Ana worked under leaders who inspired her. “One in particular was the most incredible leader who showed me that anything was possible.” By the time she left, Ana had reached the position of HR director, navigating the high-pressure world of corporate leadership. “It was an environment that taught me a huge amount,” she says, “but at 54, I decided it was time to find some balance in my life.” Fast-Paced Approach In January 2020, just before the chaos of Covid-19, Ana made the leap into real estate. “I had zero experience,” she admits. “The only real estate experience I had was buying two homes in my lifetime!” However, Ana saw an opportunity to pivot and learn something new. “Lockdown turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I spent 40 to 50 hours a week doing webinars, training, and absorbing as much as I could about real estate.” By the time lockdown restrictions eased, Ana had acquired a theoretical understanding of the real estate industry. Within two years, by 2022, she had qualified as a principal, a process that normally takes people five to nine years, which reflects her fast-paced approach to life and work. “I don’t have a pause button,” she says. “We just go fast all the time.” Ana’s leadership approach has impacted on both her business and her team. For Ana, the true impact isn’t just the business success but the transformation, through training and coaching, she’s witnessed in her employees many of whom, like her, had no prior experience in real estate. “The biggest achievement has been seeing people grow and achieve amazing things in their lives,” she reflects. “One of my team members, who previously sold fudge, earned over R1.2 million in commission in her first year. Another, who spent 47 years in shipping, became the Rookie of the Year in his first year in real estate.” Three Key Values Ana attributes much of her success to the values she has instilled in her business. “We run our business based on three key values: integrity, innovation, and excellence,” she shares. “Doing the right thing is non- negotiable. We don’t compromise on our values, even if it means walking away from a deal that could bring in money.” Innovation is another driving force behind her success. “We’re constantly looking at how we can be 1% better than yesterday,” she explains. “Even if we only improve once a week, by the end of the year, we’ve made significant progress.” Excellence, Ana believes, is the third pillar of her business philosophy. “You have to aim to be brilliant at everything you do. If you’re aiming to come second, you’re not aiming high enough.” Despite her many achievements, Ana admits that her greatest challenge has been herself. “I’m ridiculously driven,” she says. Ana added that her biggest dream has had two components. One is to be completely self-sufficient. “Although I have an incredible husband, I always wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet and achieve both financially as well as from a goals’ perspective. The second was to ensure that my kids looked up to me as a role model, so doing the right things to get the right results. I want to leave a legacy that I can be proud of, not just in business, but in every aspect of my life.” For a young woman aiming to achieve similarly, Ana advises focusing on your goals and pursuing them relentlessly. Believe in yourself and be prepared to invest the necessary time and effort to reach where you want to be. A strong work ethic is essential, and most importantly, never compromise your values. While her drive has led to business success, Ana acknowledges that finding balance remains a challenge. “For me, the challenges in business are opportunities, but balancing my personal life is harder.” Looking ahead, Ana’s goal is to establish a stronger management structure within her businesses to allow her more personal time with her family, a source of grounding and joy for her. “I’ve got an amazing life,” she concludes. < Previous Next >