Up Home Up Jacquie Bhana Jacquie Bhana, after following a successful career spanning over 30 years in the corporate world, and after much thought about her future goals, has recently started her own business initiatives. She commented, “I wanted flexibility with my time, to dance to my own drumbeat, and to make an impact beyond the gates of a single organisation.” Her primary business, Jacquie Bhana Consulting, focuses on coaching and mentoring of leaders, managers and graduates in general as well as offering teambuilding interventions. After working at executive level and having worked her way up the corporate ladder, she knows that she can add enormous value in this space. A strong need nationally has been identified for the development of graduates, so this is one of Jacquie’s keen interest and focus areas. The second focus group is that of women. Jacquie says, “I can relate well to them, having been through my own corporate journey as a lone female in a man’s world.” A second leg of her consulting business is that of mental health counselling for executives and leaders. Another venture that Jacquie is pursuing is that of a start-up for exclusive ladies’ garments. She has identified a manufacturer, and is close to launching this enterprise. ACHIEVING MANY GOALS Jacquie has achieved a number of goals at business and community level. At corporate level, she has worked extensively on increasing the number of graduates employed; focussing on bright young talent, and leading their mentorship programmes to build their capability and productivity in the business. In this regard, she has previously formed strategic relationships with tertiary institutions. Jacquie has also worked vigorously at getting young women into technical apprentice roles, in an environment that was at first hostile. However, building a critical mass of female apprentices helped to make it easier to build diversity at this level. Another area that she impacted was increasing the number of women in leadership, by recruiting, then supporting them accordingly. At a community level, Jacquie is an active member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she has been elected onto the board as First Vice President. Jacquie works with the Chamber’s leadership team to address the many challenges experienced in the city, such as during the looting and the flooding. “I led the task of working with various players in the country, to get the shelves in the supermarkets re-stacked, having engaged with various retailers and transporters. The Chamber leadership kept a close eye on the progress being made in this space and their leaders in turn worked with senior government officials, to facilitate this process at a higher level.” After the floods, Jacquie worked with various community leaders and communities to get blankets, clothes and food transported by helicopters to inaccessible places, facilitated by the Chamber. She also linked up with the organisations, Women on Boards and Limitbreakers, to get food and clothes to areas that they were servicing. TRULY INSPIRATIONAL One of the people who inspires Jacquie is Nokuthula (Nokky) Ndlovu – who is young, driven and a successful global influencer. Nokky is the founder of the organisations, Limitbreakers and Women on Boards, both of which Jacquie is a member. Jacquie commented, “Through our sessions I have met incredible women who have been truly inspirational, such as Mandisa Dlamini, who runs the Gugu Dlamini Foundation. Mandisa’s mother was Gugu Dlamini, who was stoned to death in the township, because she was an HIV activist. Mandisa continues her work to this day, herself having overcome the toughest challenges, and making a difference in the community.” “I am also inspired by Palesa Phili, the CEO of the Durban Chamber, a woman who is driven, fearless and energetic. She tirelessly tackles and deals with her mandate, i.e. advocating for business and being in business for a better world - in the interest of ensuring that Durban is a viable, economically successful city, and is effectively able to garner support of various players, from international government delegations and international investors, through to national government leadership.” Other international leaders who Jacquie has found inspirational include the ex-Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and the young Afghani and world-renowned activist for the education of females, Malala Yousafzai. LEAVING THE CORPORATE WORLD Jacquie says that her biggest challenge ever has been leaving the corporate world and working in the exciting and exhilarating world of small business. She said, “Getting used to the idea of no longer having the name of a blue-chip company and a senior title has been difficult, and having no admin staff and technicians for IT support has been tough. However, there has been a major upward spike in my own empowerment and capability, and it has been a great journey so far.” MAKING A DIFFERENCE “My future goals are to make a difference to the very universe I am targeting to work with, i.e., getting our youth capable, employable, competent and confident; the same with women, executives and managers” – in line with our national agenda. I want my mental health counselling to take off. In this regard, I want to grow my business and profitability by 10% per annum, and to employ staff and get them to grow – and I want to be an inspiration to other women who want to be upwardly mobile or even open their own business. In advising young women Jacquie says, “I think it is important to be good at what you do, to grow incrementally, develop credibility, show integrity and then move from there. Women also have to be confident, strong and not hide their lights under a bushel. They need to find their voice and raise their voice, appropriately.” Jacquie has been married to Mahesh for 30 years, who is a successful Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Fertility Specialist who owns the Durban Fertility Centre with his partner at the St Augustines Netcare Hospital. Their 20-yearold daughter Kereena is following in her dad’s footsteps; she is studying medicine at UCT and loves it. In her off-work times Jacquie loves reading, spending time with family and going to the gym. She also plays golf socially and enjoys travelling which she thinks is the best education.

< Back Nerusha Maharaj

Dynamic Shipping Services Up Home Up Latest News Dynamic Shipping Services MISSION To make international trade accessible to as many companies & individuals as possible. And inspiring and adding employment and value to our communities along the way. Bashini Mahomed GLOBALLY CONNECTED, LOCALLY INVESTED Dynamic Shipping Services is a logistics business that is focused in the logistics and exports of timber related products and other commodities. The business is Durban based, with easy access to the Port of Durban, allowing accessible, efficient and cost-conscious solutions to be provided. Bashini Mahomed, the rainmaker at Dynamic Shipping Services, is more than a businesswoman; she’s a determined leader. Bashini identified an untapped opportunity in the timber industry in Durban and decided to set up a timber packing facility, to service and facilitate the export of timber from South Africa to the rest of the world. Resigning from her corporate job in February 2020, Bashini left the comfort and financial security of a stable career. Five days later, she received a call from a customer in need. His logistics service provider had decided to offer exclusivity to his competitor, and he needed help urgently. “Within 24 hours I had the task of packing and getting ten containers into the Durban port stack for export. It was a baptism of fire and the beginning of a whirlwind journey,” says Bashini. “In business, your reputation matters, thanks to this and my network I was able to deliver.” Dynamic Shipping Services focuses on harvesting strong, mutually beneficial and collaborative partnerships. Their customer centric and innovative approach is what sets them apart from their competitors. “One of our core principles,” Bashini shares, “is to build strong relationships with our clients. We want them to see us as an extension of their family, not just another business entity. We’re not aiming to be the biggest corporate clearing and forwarding company; we want to be known for our family-oriented, customer-centric approach.” Consequently, Dynamic Shipping Services is committed to ensuring consistent, excellent service levels, with their goal to achieve complete customer satisfaction with every shipment they handle. Their industry platform is broad and strong, and as a reliable partner, they will surpass your expectations and build valued trust. They pride themselves on the solid relationships they have built within their industry. Their expertise, coupled with their ethical and collaborative approach is what ensures success in all their endeavours. Values First Principles Thinking : The act of boiling a process down to the fundamental truths that you know are true and building up from there. To align with partners that share the same ethos as ourselves, with trust, ethics and integrity at the forefront of our business. Cost-Consciousness: Provide pricing to our customer base that will allow them to grow, with a view to developing our economy, for all South Africans. Responsibility: Giving and taking responsibility are ways to grow and develop as individuals. Lead by example. Daring to be Different: We innovate and create efficiency in everything that we do. People & Planet Consciousness: We care and strive for awareness to make a difference. Not just on paper. Bashini’s journey isn’t just about the path she’s taken; it’s about the unique way she’s shaping her destination, it’s about creating something special. “I don’t like to measure success only by turnover and numbers, but I am proud of our achievements,” she said. Bashini started the business on her own, and the headcount has increased to seven, but her impact extends beyond this. “I’m very proud that I’ve managed to provide employment in the last three years, particularly in view of Covid, the floods and the riots. And not just directly to my own staff,” she points out. By collaborating with service providers and extending her packing services to them, Bashini has indirectly created employment of more than 65 people from the Durban area. “It’s very important to me that our business has been instrumental in creating employment that supports all these families.” Bashini is contributing to the local economy, creating opportunities, and helping families thrive – a testament to her belief in business as a force for positive change. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Tel: +27 (0)83 77 55 085 Cell / WhatsApp : +27 (0)83 77 55 085 E-mail: sales@dynamicshipping.co.za or bashini@dynamicshipping.co.za Website: www.dynamicshipping.co.za 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

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< Back Next > Brenda Ndlovu Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Imbokodo Electrical Construction Brenda Ndlovu, the founder and CEO of Imbokodo Electrical Construction, shares her story with a blend of pride and humility. “I was always curious about business,” she says, tracing her entrepreneurial roots back to her childhood in Hammarsdale, west of KwaZulu-Natal. “My mother was a street vendor, and I was exposed to the world of sales at the tender age of six. From then on, the idea of being employed by someone else never really appealed to me.” Her company’s work involves electrifying rural areas that previously lacked power, and recently, has moved into transmission, building substations and pylons. “We’re involved in vegetation management, including clearing alien trees along power lines. Our clients include municipalities, Eskom, and private entities,” she explains. The company, which began as a small endeavour in 2002, has grown into a key player in the industry, electrifying over 100,000 homes and constructing thousands of kilometres of power lines throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Brenda’s introduction to the electrical sector came by chance. While still in school, she was offered a job by an electrical contractor who used to give her lifts. “I was curious and eager to learn, and within a year, I’d taught myself everything in the office,” she recalls. It was during this time that she realised her potential in the field. With the encouragement of her foster father, Rob Hill, Brenda registered her own business at just 22 years old. She acknowledges the unique opportunity that came with being a young, black woman entering a male- dominated space. “My company was the first black- owned, female-led electrical construction business in the area. It definitely gave us a boost, but we’ve earned our place through hard work and consistency over the last 23 years.” Brenda’s company has been recognised as the Eskom Contractor of the Year 2012, as well as runner up as both the Sebenza Women of the Year in Construction 2022 and FMI Impactor of the Year. Balancing Business and Motherhood Brenda’s motivation has always been her children. “I have four girls, ranging from young adults to a nine- year-old,” she says. “Growing up, my dream was to be a mother who could provide for her children in ways I never experienced. Being my own boss was the ideal way I could achieve that.” Balancing her role as a business owner and a mother has been a central theme in Brenda’s life. Following her divorce, she reshaped her company to allow more flexibility. “I didn’t want to be tied to an office all day. I structured my business so I could have the freedom to parent and still run things effectively. In the past two years, I focused on expansion, but I made sure I could spend quality time with my youngest daughter and six- month-old grandson,” she shares. Brenda’s parenting approach extends beyond her own children, impacting her employees and the communities they serve. “In the early days, I would visit schools to scout for workers. Many of my employees are people whose families I know well. It’s not just a business; it’s a family affair,” she says with pride. Her dedication to uplifting rural areas through electrification is not merely a job but a passion that she finds deeply fulfilling. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they get electricity for the first time is priceless.” Overcoming Challenges Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry has not been easy. “In the beginning, being both black and a woman was an issue. I had to prove myself three times over to be taken seriously,” she says. This reality demanded that she learn quickly and work harder than her peers. “Being a Zulu woman brought its own set of expectations, and I wasn’t given time to grow into the role of a boss. I had to hit the ground running.” The lack of mentorship in the early years slowed her progress compared to her contemporaries. “I was self- taught, and there was no one to show me the ropes,” Brenda reflects. “When I see others who started later but moved faster, I realise they had access to coaching that I didn’t.” Despite these setbacks, she has maintained a steady momentum, which has kept her business strong over the decades. For Brenda, setbacks are simply indicators of where to make changes. “I don’t see business highs and lows as different. I think my mother shielded me from the tough times growing up, so I learned to handle business as a constant. When things dip, it’s just a sign that we need to adapt.” This resilience was especially tested during the Covid-19 pandemic, but her positive outlook remained intact. Looking to the future, Brenda is eager to expand Imbokodo Electrical Construction into the independent power producer business. “I want to move into biomass and wind turbines. South Africa, and Africa at large, has a massive need for innovative energy solutions, and I want to be part of that trend,” she says. The government’s recent move to open up the energy sector presents an opportunity that she is ready to seize. Her advice to young women aspiring to follow her is straightforward: “Just start. You don’t need all the skills right away because the industry will teach you what you need. It’s the action that matters — it’s doable.” Brenda’s spirituality plays a role in her journey. “I start my day with personal devotions, it’s a routine that grounds me, especially with my children being such a big part of my life.” Brenda’s story is not just about building a business; it’s about creating a legacy. “For me, business is more of a hobby,” she admits with a smile. “I love strategising, seeing my plans come to life, and watching my team grow. The real reward is knowing that I’m making a difference, not just in my own life, but in the lives of my employees and the communities we serve.” Her journey continues to light the way for others, illuminating not just homes, but the path for the next generation of women entrepreneurs. < Previous Next >

< Back Sharon Butler Next Transport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport business Transport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport business. "Women have stepped up to the plate over the last 20 years, and several successful transport companies are run by women. It's a tough industry, especially right now with the attacks on truck drivers, but men face the exact the same struggles that we do. Success boils down to hard work, perseverance and believing in yourself." Trained as a secretary, Sharon found her entrepreneurial spirit as a young mother. She'd loved her secretarial job but once her son Ross was born, she didn't want to go back to work. Instead, she created a business from home - a fresh vegetable pack house. Buying produce straight from the market, she developed a range of convenience packs; cleaned, sliced and packaged vegetables for coleslaw, soups, stir-fries and a large microwave range. Now commonplace, this was a new concept and it wasn't long before she was supplying hypermarkets and supermarkets in Howick, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg and throughout Durban. Building a new business After a chance meeting with Darryl Ouzman, who owns D&H Deliveries, Sharon changed course going to work for him as a sales rep. Spotting business opportunities in Gauteng, she negotiated a partnership and moved her ambition in business to Johannesburg to focus on growing the business for their new company, Expressway. Finding a niche in the market, Expressway's key business is offering Johannesburg logistics companies access to a broad KwaZulu-Natal footprint. "There are plenty of transport businesses that don't have their own infrastructure in KZN," says Sharon. "And this is where we succeeded, partnering with them and ensuring Expressway provides their clients and efficient and reliable delivery service in KZN. Expressway is a third-party wholesale carrier." Sharon's role includes managing the marketing, finance, insurance and administration, while Darryl and his team handle the operations and fleet. "I wouldn't be here today without Darryl," says Sharon. "He's a brilliant business partner and we work very well together." Inspired by many people, her administration manager in Johannesburg stands out. "Erika Venter is a little dynamo. She's full of ambition and fastidious about deadlines, scheduling and filling trucks. She has the same values and drive as I do, and her loyalty and commitment are inspiring, as a woman in a tough business." Focused on her goals Sharon is clearly proud of her achievements, and the way they've grown the business, but there's no doubt that it's taken a lot of work. "No, I don't really have a life-work balance," she admits. "I spend a lot more time at work than I do at play, but it takes a lot to build and maintain a business. So, I'm proud of what I've achieved and I'm lucky to have a very supportive family, which has helped me along the way. But it takes focus and perseverance." A strong believer in goals, Sharon points out that this has helped her focus. "I have a good work ethic, and I've always strived to set a good example for my son Ross, who also works in the business, and show him the value of hard work and perseverance. I've also aimed to build a business that might create opportunities for him one day too, and hopefully I've achieved that." Sharon works with a life coach, Lynne McNamara, who she credits with giving her the confidence to chase her goals. "I've always set goals, but she has held me accountable and challenged me. She has also had a very calming effect on me when needed, which was very comforting. I believe that when you're prepared to push the boundaries, the sky is the limit. And I've proved to myself that I can do things I never really thought possible. I truly value her advice." Another new beginning? A farm girl at heart, Sharon can't wait to get back to her home in the KZN Midlands after a week in Johannesburg. But it's not just to relax and recharge. Always the entrepreneur, she'd spotted that berries were becoming a growth area in the fresh fruit market and planted 2 000 gooseberry seedlings in her rather large three hectare property at the beginning of the year. "After a little research I learnt that gooseberries are hardy and they don't need tunnels. Basically, you're growing weeds!" she laughs. But this is more than just a weekend hobby. Despite the intervening years since she'd had her vegetable pack house, Sharon managed to reconnect with some of her old contacts who offered useful advice and her first crop yielded 3 000 punnets . Sharon focused on the fresh fruit while her mother made gooseberry jam - that rapidly sold out in farmers markets and wholesalers in KZN. "But this isn't a once-off," she says, pointing out that her second crop is due in November. "Maybe I've discovered my exit plan," she smiles. Previous Next

"The airport is more than just the physical buildings, we don't take stakeholder engagements for granted and we keep on working on them. ACSA's been around for 26 years, and we wouldn't have been one of the most successful state-owned enterprises if we didn't invest in our stakeholder partnerships. The political, economic and financial climate changes constantly and we have had to adapt." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Colin Naidoo "The airport is more than just the physical buildings, we don't take stakeholder engagements for granted and we keep on working on them. ACSA's been around for 26 years, and we wouldn't have been one of the most successful state-owned enterprises if we didn't invest in our stakeholder partnerships. The political, economic and financial climate changes constantly and we have had to adapt." Service first COLIN NAIDOO's long career in the airport industry has spanned 25 years. Soon after joining Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Naidoo realised that he had found his professional calling and enjoyed the airport environment. Over the years, he has moved up the corporate ladder to reach the position of Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs of King Shaka International Airport (KSIA). Naidoo says that his position includes a multitude of tasks with a focus on mainly managing external stakeholder relationships, although his responsibilities does extend to internal stakeholders. He also deals with media reporting and queries. In addition, he is responsible for managing the King Shaka International Airport brand, which he is passionate about growing. Regarded as one of the best airports in the world, passenger numbers and flights have been on the increase since KSIA opened nine years ago. From its inception in 2010, KSIA has garnered many accolades over this period. KSIA is a major economic catalyst for investment and growth in the region and celebrated a major milestone in 2019 of reaching almost six million passengers by the end on the 2018/19 financial year. "The airport is more than just the physical buildings, we don't take stakeholder engagements for granted and we keep on working on them. ACSA's been around for 26 years, and we wouldn't have been one of the most successful state-owned enterprises if we didn't invest in our stakeholder partnerships. The political, economic and financial climate changes constantly and we have had to adapt." Due to this approach, another major accolade was the commencement in October 2018 of three flights a week, by British Airways, directly from London to Durban with B787 900 aircraft. This was achieved through the collaboration of the KZN Route Development Committee now called DURBAN DIRECT (involving the city, province, ACSA, Dube TradePort, Tourism KZN, Trade & Investment KZN) and other stakeholders. The relationships that he has built with people have contributed to his success, said Naidoo. He added that he is inspired by the people that he meets every day. "Each time I walk through the airport, I feel the vibe of the space. I meet external people as well as those from the different levels of the operation itself. Over the years, I have built deep-rooted relationships based on mutual respect, which I keep on renewing." He added, "I have also built solid partnerships with the business, tourist and airport related sectors. The spirit of the airport and the industry never changes and that keeps me going and grounded." However, the one thing that stands out for him in his daily tasks, and which is the motto that he lives by, is the importance of 'service first'. He uses this motto to shape his response to any challenges that he confronts and says that this outlook is what drives him daily. He added that he is always ready to help other people, both at the airport and outside of it, whenever required. Naidoo's years of experience in the airport industry has prompted him to want to leave a legacy and share this wisdom with others. "With all my years at the airport it is of no use to me to keep all this knowledge. As part of my legacy, I would like to find ten people and before I retire, pass on all that I have learnt about this industry." Each of Naidoo's days at the airport is demanding. He says that as he has a long drive to work and back each day, he enjoys listening to 'good soul music' to switch off (and switch on). On the weekends, he says that he likes to dress down, so that people don't recognise him as he enjoys keeping his family life private, and visits flea markets as often as he can to unwind.

Colette Tanner Next Previous Colette Tanner is the chief operations officer at DRG Outsourcing Colette Tanner is the chief operations officer at DRG Outsourcing. Her story began in Boksburg, where she was raised in a stable and disciplined household. One of four children and a twin, she describes her upbringing as strict but typical of family life at the time. After matriculating, the family moved to Durban, where Colette’s educational journey truly began. She completed a BTech in consumer sciences, followed by a BCom in human resources with honours, and an MBA. Currently, she is undertaking a BCom in law. Colette’s very first job came when she was just 16 years old. She began working at Edgars on the weekends, starting in grade ten and continuing through to her matric year. “It was a casual job, and in the 80s, it was very much about being a shop assistant,” she explains. A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE For those unfamiliar with DRG Outsourcing, Colette describes it as a fit-for-purpose business that navigates a myriad of disciplines. In her words, she says, DRG is “an incredible engine of activity.” The company operates in the Employer of Record space, managing employment relationships on behalf of international clients who employ local employees. DRG handles everything from onboarding to payroll, ensuring that both the employer and employee have a seamless experience. DRG’s primary goal is to ensure that the client has an optimal experience while also highlighting the capabilities of South African employees. “We are really showcasing South Africa and South African employees and skills,” Colette proudly states. Colette’s purpose in her role is closely tied to the client experience and operational efficiency. “It’s about navigating a penetrable space for an international client in a highly regulated and complicated local environment,” she explains. The challenge lies in helping clients understand the complexities of the local market and ensuring that their expectations are met, if not exceeded. “That’s the purpose,” she says, “navigating a very challenging space and ensuring that the client has an experience that they can take away.” Colette’s vision for KwaZulu-Natal over the next five years is closely tied to DRG’s social impact. “We are involved in so many local projects,” she says, emphasising the importance of supporting and assisting people in managing their businesses and their employees. For Colette, the next five years are about contributing to the growth and success of small businesses in the region. A PROUD MOMENT Professionally, the accomplishment that makes Colette the proudest is completing her MBA dissertation. “I worked very hard for that dissertation,” she says, noting that many MBA students tend to drop the ball at this stage, it’s a long degree, but for her, it was the culmination of everything she had learned and a wonderful opportunity to apply learnings. Her dedication paid off when she achieved the highest award in the country for her dissertation, the highest award the institution had ever granted. “It was a proud moment for me because I was able to navigate that space successfully,” Colette adds, highlighting her ability to balance full-time work and home life. The biggest challenge Colette has faced in her life has also become her greatest personal achievement – raising her son, Camryn, who was born differently abled. Faced with a dismal diagnosis and the suggestion to place Camryn in a home, Colette resolutely refused. “I was determined to get Camryn to live a normal life as we know it, "she recounts. Today, Camryn is thriving, and Colette attributes much of her own life’s joy to him. However, she acknowledges that “disability is largely misunderstood,” bringing a complex mix of grief and joy. Colette explained that she constantly balances the grief of unrealised potential with the contentment and absolute bliss of living a life with someone who is completely different from everyone else. Rather than overcoming such challenges, Colette believes in coping with them, stressing the importance of contentment and acceptance. “You don’t overcome it, you just cope,” she says, reflecting on the profound impact Camryn has had on her life. “Throughout my life, I thought I’d have to make sure that I prepared for every single eventuality to ensure that Camryn had a life of joy. But in fact, that’s actually what Camryn brought me.” AUTHENTIC SELF For Colette, inspiration comes from traits rather than individuals. “Humility inspires me tremendously,” she says. She admires those who show up as their authentic selves, without posturing or relying on titles, qualifications, or material possessions. “Humility is enormously impressive,” she concludes, highlighting its impact on her personal and professional life. The best advice Colette has ever received came from her boss in her early 20s. She was grappling with a difficult disciplinary decision at work, and her boss told her, “When you lose your heart in human resources and dealing with people, stop dealing with people.” This advice has stayed with her, reminding her to always keep her heart in check when making tough decisions. “We need to consider that just because we can’t see the struggle, it does not mean that someone is not struggling,” Colette reflects, emphasising the importance of empathy in her work. Colette believes that trust is the key to keeping her team motivated, both at home and at work. “You have to trust your people,” she asserts. Trust empowers people, giving them the confidence to make decisions and contribute positively. “That brings about enormous creativity and innovation and excitement,” she adds, noting that her team delivers because they know they are trusted. Open communication and feedback are also crucial components of her management style. Colette lives by a simple but powerful motto: “Just do it.” Although it echoes the famous Nike slogan, for her, it means not overthinking and simply getting things done. “There’s no point in wrestling with fear, just get it done,” she advises, advocating for action over hesitation. Previous Next

< Back Mavis Naidoo Next DR MAVIS NAIDOO is the principal of the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, which is based in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal. The school takes in children with a hearing loss from the age of 3 to 20, from the poorest communities in rural areas all over KZN DR MAVIS NAIDOO is the principal of the KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, which is based in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal. The school takes in children with a hearing loss from the age of 3 to 20, from the poorest communities in rural areas all over KZN. KwaThintwa offers full boarding and follows the mainstream CAPS curriculum. The school was established by Archbishop Dennis Hurley. While he on a visit to Thintwa (meaning touched), he was touched on his cloak by an 11 year old boy. On questioning why the child was not at school, he discovered that there were limited opportunities for Deaf children. KwaThintwa was opened in February 1981 with 40 Deaf learners. Mavis reflected that Archbishop Hurley had been someone she always had a deep admiration for as he had stood up for social justice and actively campaigned against apartheid. She said, "I couldn't believe that he was the chairperson of the interview committee when I applied for the job." Subsequently, Archbishop Hurley became a mentor to her in her various management roles within the school. "When I applied for the position, I had no ambition other than the need to make a difference. There is never a day when I am not touched by working at the school, I often have goose bumps when I drive into the school grounds." She explained that she had a steep learning curve when she joined the school and went from a level one to a level three post in a very patriarchal school. She was a young Indian female who had no understanding of Zulu culture, no knowledge of Zulu language and no Sign Language. "I really believed that my appointment was the will of God and I trusted that his Grace would keep me," she says. The person in the principal's office Her experiences at KwaThintwa informed the content of her PHD dissertation, which was an auto ethnographic study entitled, "The Person in the Principal's Office". Mavis was awarded her PHD in 2013, which she completed studying part-time in two years and eight months. She explains that she had been inspired to study further by her mother who had studied continuously throughout her life and uncalculated in her a love for education. Mavis juggles many balls and plays a pivotal role in Deaf education. Over and above managing the 361 learners who are full time boarders and the 120 staff complement, she is the deputy president of Deaf Education Principals Association - South Africa (DEPASA) and has served as deputy president of South African National Association for Special Schools (SANASA). In addition, Mavis has been chancellor for the National Institute for the Deaf (NID) and has publications in international journals. Her passion for the school is apparent in the active fundraising campaigns that she has undertaken since most the learners are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds resulting in minimal payment of fees. Mavis has secured millions of rands in funding, which has resulted in the building of classrooms, a library as well as a road to the school among other much needed facilities. "South African businessmen are very generous, especially when they can see tangible results," she says. Running the school has required that Mavis acquire business skills and she is grateful for the support that she has received. "As a professional person, I was not prepared for a management role, however, my friend the late Hanu Singh, showed me the ropes and inspired me for the first five to six years on how to run the school as a business." A place of excellence Being goal orientated, Mavis sets the bar for herself, as well as the school, high, which she sees as a place of excellence. "I have a strong belief that the Deaf are not different to their hearing counterparts. They often suffer from low self-esteem, as the hearing community often puts a ceiling on their potential. However, I believe that they can achieve as well if not better than typically hearing children. Deaf education is fast changing, and this rapid change inspires me to do more." Over the past eight years, the school has had a 100% matric pass rate including learners obtaining distinctions. The learners take South African Sign Language (SASL) as their Home Language and English First Additional Language (FAL). South Africa is the first country in the world to have Sign Language as a school subject. The schools 2018 Dux, Thabile Qondani, was placed second in South Africa for SASL Home Language and is the first Deaf individual to study law in KZN. Other learners have gone on to become chefs, teachers, and work in IT. A heart for the marginalised "I have proved that a marginalised child can achieve against all odds by creating an environment that is conducive for learning with committed staff. The children at KwaThintwa are living testaments to this. Mavis also reflected that she is very proud of the achievements of her two sons - who she says are successful role models that have a heart for the marginalised in South Africa. If she could give advice to her younger self, Mavis would say, "Some things can be left undone. I am an overachiever and I don't need to do everything at once." "I am very happy and content with what I have achieved. If I could turn back the clock, I would do this all again. KwaThintwa is the legacy that I leave behind," she concluded. Previous Next