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- Mpume Langa | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back Mpume Langa Next Being an accomplished business executive, Mpume has had over 20 years' experience in strategy, leadership and portfolio management in the financial services industry. She holds several qualifications in finance, marketing and executive leadership from various universities in South Africa, China and United Kingdom MPUME LANGA lives by the motto "Life is Beautiful" which is that of living life free from fear and doubt. Being an accomplished business executive, Mpume has had over 20 years' experience in strategy, leadership and portfolio management in the financial services industry. She holds several qualifications in finance, marketing and executive leadership from various universities in South Africa, China and United Kingdom. Looking back to see how far she has come, Mpume said that she set her heart on becoming a bank manager after she got into United Bank on a learnership programme. After several junior roles, Mpume has filled management roles in a number of different banks. She was the first African woman to be appointed head of ABSA Private Bank KZN and more recently was regional executive of Bidvest Bank, KZN. Mpume is a member of The Institute of Directors SA and holds non-executive directorship positions on several boards in South Africa. She sits as the chairperson of Women in Business at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and is the former regional chairperson of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa. Her passion for business transformation is evident in the successful implementation of turnaround strategies for various businesses at start-up and corporate levels. Mpume has developed several leadership development programmes for local and multinational organisations in line with their business growth and talent retention strategies. She is also an active driver of woman and youth empowerment. Her advice to young people is "be clear on a goal you want to achieve and implement a plan that you will follow." Storytelling moments Mpume says that her inspiration to succeed has come from her mother whom she lost over 20 years ago. "She raised three daughters on her own during the most trying times in South Africa. My mother always shared her dream and life lessons with us during storytelling moments. Her dreams somehow became my dreams onto which I built my future." "My mother's passion to serve her community and her village in Watersmeet with the very little that she had, instilled in me that there is always something to share with your neighbours to make their life a little better than what it was yesterday. My mother supported many other families just to give them a chance of a better life, if not for themselves, then for their children. I continue to live my life under her influence and hope to be able to share a bit of me with those who can benefit from it." In order to help make her life and her mother's life better, Mpume started working from an early age. Her first business was selling sweets and ice lollies. Mpume learnt to speak English and how to operate a computer in her teens; was runner up in a beauty pageant and won a modelling course. "Modelling made me think I was not good enough. This allowed self-doubt to get in the way - and fear. I reached a really low point in my life and almost ended it, but I was helped out of this pit of despair by the man who was to become my husband," she explained. Mpume attended school from the age of four, but had to walk for miles, and take a bus, to get there. "Once when I got lost, an old lady of 80 helped me find my way home. There have always been people in my life who have helped me to overcome my fears and find my way home." In commenting on women's approach to business Mpume says that human beings are born to live their purpose, which is often displayed through their choices and behaviours. "When the purpose is starved, the soul will live in destruction. Women tend to be more in touch with their emotional side, which is where the soul sits, leading to them living more aligned to their purpose. People with purpose make fair, ethical and dedicated leaders, which is what the world has come to realise. Based on this premise, women look at success and business in a more sustainable way, which is how they tend to approach business and social activism." Seeking solutions Mpume says that looking from where she has come from, she is happy with her accomplishments, and still looks forward to more to come. "I would really like to be more involved in areas that influence the social structures of Africa to seek solutions to move Africa to be an economically thriving continent. The potential in Africa needs to be realised sooner rather than later. It is a big ambition and hope that I will be able to make it a reality. I believe that the future leaders required to make this happen are feminine." Mpume is married to Ndabo Langa, and they have two children, an eleven-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. "I love life and count at least one blessing every day. I have been blessed with good children, family and friends in a beautiful country. When I am not working, I am in nature, with family and friends - on a hike, a road trip or somewhere I have not been before. There is so much I still need to see and discover in life, and my spare time is spent seeking those adventures." If Mpume could advise her younger self, she would say: "You are enough as you are, your past will not define your future. The future is as good as you will choose it to be for yourself." Previous Next
- Serena Jagadasan | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back Serena Jagadasan Next Growing up in Phoenix, Serena knew people mattered and she needed a career where she could help others. She decided she wanted something in the medical field and settled on radiography and chose to study in Pretoria and it was in patient care that she really excelled When Serena Jagadasan qualified as a radiographer, she never dreamed she'd become the managing director of a retailing group with a staff of a 1000 people. Growing up in Phoenix, Serena knew people mattered and she needed a career where she could help others. She decided she wanted something in the medical field and settled on radiography and chose to study in Pretoria and it was in patient care that she really excelled. She loved her work, and the knowledge that she could make a difference for her patients. However, it wasn't long before she returned to Durban, married Ravi Jagadasan, and began her retail journey. Although neither of them had any retail experience, Ravi had been approached by Spar to open a store in Phoenix, an opportunity they couldn't pass up, and together they set out to grow the business. Now managing director of Starwood Investments and the Star Retailers Group, Serena leads her 'dream team' of 60 managers and a staff of 1000 people across nine business units: seven world-class Spar and Superspar stores, a wholesale bakery and an accredited training academy. She credits her husband with introducing her to the retail world, and describes him as her business partner and mentor. "He really is an exemplary person and an inspiration. I strive to emulate him," she says. She describes her shift from radiography to retailing as simple. "It's all about people. People matter. In radiography, my strength was patient care. In retail, my strength is still caring for people. But now it's my staff and my customers that I care for." The power of emotional intelligence Describing herself as a highly emotional, Serena certainly doesn't see this as a negative. "Women do behave differently in business, because we are emotional beings. And if you have high emotional intelligence (EQ), this is a real attribute. Successful leaders need a high EQ to understand behaviour and motivation, and as an emotionally intelligent leader you can generate greater loyalty and commitment in your staff, and motivate them to give of their best." When Serena talks about her staff her commitment is clear. "I strongly believe that human capital is our most valuable asset and I focus on that. I'm passionate about the people. I care, I show I care, and that's why our business is successful." Apart from the obvious demands of her role as managing director of a successful business, Serena also manages her roles as wife and mother to three boys under the age of nine with assurance. She is confident she has a good balance between work and the rest of her life. "It takes a good deal of planning, time management and self-management, but it's important to get it right and I make it a priority." Serena's an early riser and keeps a regular schedule. She hits the gym first thing in the morning before heading to work. "I'm strict about office hours and work from 9am to 3pm, so I have plenty of time with my boys." She also puts aside time for her husband, and says that spending time together on shared interests makes it easier to maintain their close bond and keep the spark alive. "We both love ballroom dancing so we do that twice a week, and we play golf too." Find your purpose Asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Serena doesn't hesitate. "Find your purpose as soon as possible," she says. "To live a fulfilled, contented, happy life, you need a purpose. Develop a clear understanding of who you are, find your purpose and you can be the highest version of yourself." And Serena certainly knows herself and her purpose. She attributes much of her success to her willpower. "I have the courage to take on challenges, the self-belief to stay the course when things get tough, and a heart strong enough to accept constructive criticism. I have a positive attitude to life and to business, and I accept that even when things don't go my way, I can learn and grow from the experience." Empowerment through education Serena is grateful for her accomplishments, and is clearly enjoying her journey, but she still has two major goals she's determined to achieve: "Firstly, I have a big goal for 2020. I completed a postgraduate diploma in business management a couple of years ago, but now I want to take it further, and I'm embarking on an MBA next year. Secondly, I want to see our employees grow too. Most of our staff have no tertiary education but empowering people is central to their growth, and education is a key part of that empowerment. So it was a clear strategic intent to introduce our Raising the Bar training academy. It is my goal to see that each one of our employees achieves at least an NQF2 qualification, and our academy is a vital part of achieving that goal." Previous Next
- Thabisa Nkanzela | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back Thabisa Nkanzela Next As Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and Business Banking division in Standard Bank, Thabisa Nkanzela is part of the provincial executive leadership team and is directly responsible for providing financial management support at a strategic and operational level As Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and Business Banking division in Standard Bank, Thabisa Nkanzela is part of the provincial executive leadership team and is directly responsible for providing financial management support at a strategic and operational level. This means that Thabisa and her finance team have a responsibility to ensure that the business operates within budget parameters and adheres to financial and governance requirements. Embrace every opportunity Thabisa attributes her career success thus far, firstly to the grace of God and secondly, to a combination of opportunity and hard work. Throughout the various stages of her career, she has been blessed to have been afforded opportunities to show up. "We all need both exposure and opportunity so we can demonstrate what we're really capable of," she says, "and I've constantly challenged myself to give of my best in every task or project allocated to me and embrace every opportunity." But Thabisa is also adamant about the importance of having a dream and working hard to pursue it. "I'm blessed to be entrusted with various positions of influence in the community and at work today. But I grew up in a rural village near Flagstaff and as a young girl, I always had big dreams about myself and my surroundings. I am only realising now that the environment around me was neither conducive nor enabling for these dreams to become a reality, but I dreamt anyway." "Your dreams, aspirations and imagination keep you open to opportunities and to something bigger than yourself. You can only do the best you can with what you have, but if you have a dream, you have something to work towards." Inspired to make an impact As she grew up, Thabisa began to see more potential for her future, and says that she's inspired to make an impact. "We can all make a difference wherever we are, and I always strive to leave things in better shape than I found them. This forces me to bring my A - game, and to be the best possible version of myself wherever I am." Thabisa points out that women naturally have a different approach to business than men, and that contributes to their success. "Ability and skills can be taught, but we women have an innate ability to bring our whole selves to everything that we do, and that can be very powerful in business. However, most importantly we are all unique beings offering diverse thinking, perspectives and abilities, and each person should be recognised for what they have to offer, regardless of their gender." Thabisa is extremely grateful and humbled by her journey and accomplishments to date. But she also points out that she still has a lot to offer - not just on the work front, but also to her family, her community and her generation at large. "I was raised by a strong and highly accomplished mother, who continues to positively influence her family and her community at large through the various leadership roles that she assumes. It is through observing her that I know how important it is to use whatever influence and success you may achieve for the enrichment of those around you." "I also consider myself to be a highly teachable person, so I'm always open to learning new things. Continuous development has been one of the biggest and most important contributors to my progress thus far, both on a personal and professional level, and I strive to continue with that journey of growth." Build a strong support system When asked whether she manages to achieve a work-life balance, Thabisa answers that she always tries to live life to the fullest in every way, including pursuing a rewarding professional career. "But it's not easy,' she points out, "and it certainly requires a lot of trade-offs, but it is possible. For me, it means identifying what I'm passionate about outside of work, then being deliberate about investing time in those things." Thabisa points out that you can't do it all on your own. Building a strong support system around yourself makes all the difference. Thabisa also has some advice for her younger self, and for other young businesspeople setting out to make their mark on the world. "Ask more questions. It's okay to ask, and you gain greater insights. You don't always have to figure everything out for yourself. Secondly, you have a lot to learn, but equally so you have a lot to offer this world. In everything you do, strive to learn and to create at the same time, then you'll find fulfilment. Lastly, and very importantly, don't define yourself by what you have today. Circumstances around you may seem limiting right now, but keep dreaming, keep imagining. Never close yourself off to opportunities." Previous Next
- This is a Title 02 | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back This is a Title 02 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next
- Premi SubramanyIt is important to keep gender equality going between males and females
It is important to keep gender equality going between males and femalesPremi Subramany < Back Premi Subramany Owner and Managing Director of Chemsol (SA) Adhesives Premi Subramany is the owner and managing director of Chemsol (South African) Adhesives, which is based in Durban. The company manufactures chemicals and adhesives used for paper and packaging. The company’s focus and strengths are specialised waterborne adhesives for paper and packaging. Premi started off her career as an accountant and has worked for many corporate companies over the years. After qualifying, she moved to a manufacturing business where she played the role of management accountant. Thereafter, she moved on to a corporate company where she was the financial director of the business. In 2005, said Premi, “I decided it was time to move on my own. Let me try and take on the risks of owning my own business.” The company Chemsol Adhesives CC was sold to her, and she commented that she had to take on the company and grow it to another level. Premi explained, “It was incredibly challenging, but I made it work. We started off making solvent adhesives for the footwear industry. In 2013, South African Adhesives was founded, and thereafter, we started manufacturing waterborne adhesives. Know your product Reflecting on the numerous challenges in the manufacturing environment, Premi said that she thinks firstly knowing your product before you go out to market the product is essential. “I was highly successful in getting to know my product. The challenge was getting out there and meeting people on the floor to introduce my product and getting them to understand what I actually do. And if I say falling in love with my product that I could supply.” “In addition, I needed to work with ground staff, getting them to know the product, how it performs, and its ability to give them their results that are required and that was a great challenge. I think achieving that and knowing how their machinery would work with my product was very satisfying.” The manufacturing sector is also a male dominated environment and particularly challenging for women. “Just getting them to believe in me, that yes, the product can work and make their job easier was challenging. At the end of the day they have to achieve results and ensure that there is less downtime and that their end products are excellent.” However, says Premi, “I am passionate about what I do, I think my customers motivate me more when they come with a new development and I take on the product and ensure that I achieve the required result with my team and their technical expertise. There is much satisfaction when the product works. There are a lots of trials and there are many steps in ensuring that the product is what the customer really needs and that’s what they will sign off at the end of the day.” In addition, says Premi the new developments within the changing environment and ‘going bio and green’ is making manufacturing chemical products more exciting nowadays. “Lots of avenues have been opened up for me in supplying biodegradable products, biodegradable adhesives, and biodegradable HDP polymers for our plastic division – they are our go-getters at the moment. We’re looking forward to providing our customers green products to ensure that the environment is safe. We’ve got to ensure we sustain both the environment and our business.” Future goals While Premi has several projects on hand at the moment, she also has future goals. “Looking at my business as a whole, we need customers, we need to go green, and we need to be sustainable. However, there’s a lot of training and development happening currently. There is a focus on the youth in our business to get them to enjoy what we are doing. We have lots of technical expertise in the business and we’re trying to pass that on to our graduates. My goal is to ensure they are trained, that they know what’s happening and they understand what they are doing.” Gender equality While Premi is conscious of the need to empower women in the workplace, she has a 50/50 split of male and female employees. She explained that it is important to keep gender equality going between males and females as this adds value to the business and is enabling. “The interlink is important because the ideas that are discussed between a male and female achieve the results required,” Premi explained. However, 50% of the company’s women employees are in management roles. “We have empowered our younger women, who we have brought in as young graduates, to take on senior roles and to become involved in decision making processes within the business as well.” Reflecting on the impacts that she has made in her field, Premi says that she uses both her business environment and her family environment to empower the people around her. “I ensure and give them confidence to believe in me that I can lead my team members. That’s what gives us excellent results in the business, and I see that right through my business. I think that what I enjoy most in my business is my staff, and my family around me. My staff and my family members work together as a team, which gives me much satisfaction.” Never give up In advising younger people, Premi says that her advice is to never give up. She explains, “Work can be very challenging, and it can also be very uncomfortable in different environments. But again, it’s how you will allow yourself to accept rejection. I think that’s important. If you’re rejected, do not give up, just continue. Just see how you could improve on rejection, and it happens almost all the time. You will be rejected, guaranteed, but it’s what you do. Just take it as a challenge, go sit down, think about it, and see how you can better it and never give up.” In order to have time out, Premi explains that she shuts off at 6 p.m. every day when she goes home. In addition, her focus on the weekends is for herself and her family who are extremely important to her. “So,” she says, “the weekends are for me. I love my cooking, I love my naps, I read, and I enjoy documentaries. So that’s how I relax.”
- KwaZulu-Natal Top Business PortfolioGrant AdlamThe KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio has been published annually since 1998. The Portfolio’s ongoing success has been achieved through the ability to constantly adapt to change and to use of a variety of communication methods. These include our newly developed multimedia website which is well optimised on a variety of search engines, an A5 hard copy handbook as well as a digital version, social media tools and a growing series of videos.
The KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio has been published annually since 1998. The Portfolio’s ongoing success has been achieved through the ability to constantly adapt to change and to use of a variety of communication methods. These include our newly developed multimedia website which is well optimised on a variety of search engines, an A5 hard copy handbook as well as a digital version, social media tools and a growing series of videos. KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio Price Duration Free consultancy 30 minutes Application < Back About the memberships and subscriptions KZN Top Business Portfolio The ongoing success of the KZN Top Business Portfolio, which has been published annually since 1998, has been achieved using several communication tools. These include an A5 hard copy handbook as well as a digital version, a comprehensive multimedia website, which is well optimised on a variety of search engines, a range of social media platforms and a growing series of videos on the KZN Top Business YouTube channel. In summary The KZN Top Business Portfolio: • Provides an opportunity to both emphasize your contribution to the economy and to market your products and services through a range of communication platforms • Has an established community platform for business that represents KwaZulu-Natal • Reaches a targeted audience of South African companies and organisations at extremely competitive rates • Highlights news, developments and opportunities through regular e-mails that are sent to an established national database • Uses a range of social media platforms to share articles and videos including our dedicated YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness) • Ensures that your brand is kept visible through content search engine optimisation (SEO) services. On-page SEO involves everything that audiences see on the website and the various social media platforms we use. Off-page SEO is driven by the ranking of the various channels and the traffic that is driven to these channels. Let's connect Grant Adlam Now can you imagine the power of the KZN Masterclass We linked this back to been a KZN Top Business Gurus, to been a specialist. Now make use of KZN Top Business Press room The content The webinar The YouTube The blog The articles The network of our Business Community Set up an appointment and let's expanded on the KZN Masterclass and it and how ultimately how this all links back to dynamics of the KZN Top Business & Leaders Portfolio
- Kim WoodsKim WoodsCo-owner of Tyson Properties DurbanYou keep finding out new things about people, about yourself and about your team; it’s just about applying that to everyday lifeYou keep finding out new things about people, about yourself and about your team; it’s just about applying that to everyday life
You keep finding out new things about people, about yourself and about your team; it’s just about applying that to everyday life < 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.”
- Kelly Parker
This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Kelly Parker HR Representative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890
- This is a Title 03 | KZN Top Business Nexus
< Back This is a Title 03 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next
- Lyndall Moodley
Up Home Up Lyndall Moodley LYNDALL MOODLEY is a 42-year-old wife and mum of four. She was born and bred in Phoenix, Durban and currently resides in Umhlanga Rocks. Lyndall has a BCom Honours in Marketing and Business information Systems, which has held her in good stead for the business she now owns. After spending 15 years in corporate South Africa, Lyndall left ULSA as a marketing manager and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with the purchase of the Kids Emporium KwaZulu-Natal franchise. She started the Hannah Grace Maternity brand in 2014 when she noticed the great need in our country for affordable maternity wear. Lyndall says, “I believe businesses exist to solve consumer needs and I have found great fulfilment in providing quality products to expectant and new moms.” The brand is sold online on an e-commerce platform (www.hannahgrace.co.za ) as well as on six other local and international e-commerce platforms. During Covid, the decision was made to move manufacturing in house and all of their products are now manufactured in their Durban based factory. Hannah Grace was recognised in 2017 in the Standard Bank Mercedes Benz Business Accelerator programme called Threads. In 2022, the company had the honour of being shortlisted in the KZN Top Business Awards in the innovation category. MOTHERHOOD ACTIVISM As part of their corporate social responsibility, Hannah Grace donates a flat machine to one home-based machinist every two months. The company provides the materials to the machinist from the Hannah Grace factory and buys back the products from the machinist to sell on their e-commerce platforms. Hannah Grace are also a proud sponsor of one of the Gauteng based FLOURISH franchises, which supports disadvantaged LSM B and C mothers with antenatal and postnatal support. Lyndall is part of an activism movement called the Embrace Movement for Mothers, and she became a Mamandla fellow in 2022. The movement aims to empower women in their parenting journey through both social and policy change. In addition, Lyndall serves on the board of trustees at Khanyisa, which is a local Umhlanga based school for children who are differently abled. She is also the Kids Church Leader at Berea Church in Phoenix. A DREAM TO PURSUE Lyndall says, “I have always been inspired by my own parents who raised us on humble means. Their vision to provide their daughters with an education and a dream to pursue was fulfilled through my sisters and I. My dad was a dairy truck driver, and my mum would sell jackets, jerseys, and dresses door to door to provide for us. Through my dad, I learnt about having a consistent work ethic and my mom taught me perseverance and faith. In addition, I’ve always had a deep sense of community which compels me to give back.” A personal challenge faced as a female entrepreneur has been time management especially as a wife, mom, daughter, and business owner. “Over the years,” says Lyndall, “l have learnt to hand over control to trusted people in my circle and to focus on the most impactful tasks at hand.” A business challenge has been competing with cheaper imports on e-commerce platforms. “Being a responsible small business in South Africa means that you pay above minimum wage and make sure all your suppliers are local. It means supporting and building our local economy. I am confident in our vision and products that are comparable to other local quality brands. When you buy local you are building our country!” says Lyndall. As the e-commerce arena is just beginning to boom, Lyndall says that they have been privileged to bring on board the young dynamic local team from HASHUB, who handle their ecommerce and digital needs. Her future goal is firstly to create a legacy for her children, especially her daughters, to enter the e-commerce and manufacturing space. Secondly, as she regards her employees as her family, she desires that her employees achieve their dreams and goals for their families through their employment at Hannah Grace. Lyndall’s practical advice to young women would be to make sure that they have a nest egg to cover their expenses for three months or more when they step out into business because they are not likely to make money from the first day. She added, “Always be reading and learning, business can be lonely place, so you need to be responsible for your own personal development and network.” BREAKING BARRIERS Lyndall is married to Desmond Moodley who owns Plastipak and Timmemo – which are flexible plastic manufacturing and recycling plants based in Berea, Durban. She commented, “Apart from being a qualified electrical engineer, Desmond also holds various community leadership positions and much of my strength and knowledge is drawn from him.” Her eldest son, Erian Moodley (14 years old) has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. However, through grit and determination, Erian, who is a junior weightlifter, has attained the prestigious honour of World Fitness Federation brand ambassador in the 2022 WFF Champs. “We are very excited for what the future holds for him,” says Lyndall. “He has also taught us that perseverance pays, and we hope that he is able to make a difference in the world of sport for differently abled children and young adults.” She also has a 12-year-old daughter Evana, a 10-year-old son Emiel and 7-year-old daughter Elianne. When asked about what she does to relax, Lyndall says “I’m not a relaxed person naturally, I do enjoy the rush of a busy yet purposeful life. However, in order to maintain balance, I love long walks on the beach with my family.” In conclusion she says, “We hear so often that entrepreneurs should support one another. I believe that small businesses are the future of South Africa, and that we have to start at a micro level – my advice would be to support local as the FIRST option always.”









