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Health is your wealth and wealth is your health, and that’s what we need to teach to empower and influence others < Back Marilyn Beuster Founder iTravelsmart, Marilyn Beuster Wellness and YummyKeto Marilyn Beuster has been in the travel industry for most of her working career; in 2009 she opened her own travel agency, iTravelsmart. Business and life were both bespoke until March 2019, when the entire tourism industry was turned on its head by the Covid-19 pandemic leaving a lifelong passion for travel in threads. However, the pandemic has allowed her the opportunity to undertake two very personal journeys for herself. Marilyn took the time that the pandemic offered to start a wellness and weight loss business, Marilyn Beuster Wellness, and a food range called YummyKeto. Her journey started two years prior to Covid. She had previously lost 40kg of weight in a short period of time with a host of tablets and gym to fit into her wedding dress, only to rebound to her then original weight of 120kg. Marilyn found the need to do a mind and body reset over the following year, and lost 60kg (half her weight), and has kept it off with a formula of whole foods, intermittent and prolonged fasts (healing fasts) ever since. Paying it forward Many people asked Marilyn how she had lost weight and kept it off. She explains, “I had to lose weight for my health, and I researched how to do health first and weight loss as a by-product.” Consequently, she was able to start helping her friends with their lifestyle choices and the word grew. During lockdown, Marilyn says one morning she was out walking in her slippers, probably with the little freedom we had, in tears, and worrying about earning an income, when suddenly she knew that she had a journey to follow. Now in the time of chaos, was her time for creativity. This was the test to act and follow through on this gift of her own health plus the knowledge she’d learnt, to pay it forward. She explains, “I walked into the house, and I said to my husband, Mike (who is a digital developer), you’ll need to make me a website, so let’s formulate this. We spent about a week just getting the structures right. Covid afforded a time when there were no distractions, and we started the Marilyn Beuster Wellness journey.” Marilyn birthed her guided three-month wellness coaching course, and her new company, “Marilyn Beuster Wellness”, which soon became a phenomenal success. To date, over 670 people’s lives have been changed and over 350 people have been coached to renew themselves – not just locally, but also internationally. Story of health Many people were asking what to eat and how to prepare the foods that Marilyn was eating. Although recipes were put onto the website, Marilyn made the decision to put the foods into production under the ketogenic lifestyle genre and birthed the business “YummyKeto”. Her biggest drive is to heal people’s gut and microbiome through her food. She commented, “Imagine the shock and joy in level 5 lockdown, after launching our home-made sugar free ice-creams, bone broths, Kefir Greek yogurt – first on the market, and specially prepared and ‘loaded’ spinach meals, which went into a local home produce store, and fast led to bigger chain stores buying into this story of health.” Marilyn says she is proud that her two new businesses have given local suppliers a boost as well as have employed new staff during lockdown. However, she is prouder of the hundreds of lives she has been able to help and change through her experience. Her goal for the future is to teach people that healing starts in your kitchen and that they need to start thinking about their health differently. Healing starts with food, and with things that are for free – fasting and prolonged fasting, because that is what this journey is about. The future of medicine is changing, and functional doctors are starting to realise that healing starts within. Healing doesn’t start with tablets but with the food you eat, healing your microbiome, your gut health, and your immunity. If Marilyn had to tell the younger version of herself what she knows now, she would say look towards health and the way we perceive our body confidence and the way we look at food. “I would tell her now, how to heal yourself with food, how to fast, and how to treat and heal your hormones.” As she is talking from a women’s perspective, because men are a little bit different, her future goal is to teach young ladies how to heal themselves with food, to take responsibility for their food, and to build their knowledge around health. Empowerment is a journey Since it’s not a diet, but a lifestyle choice, Marilyn has loaded tons of advice onto her website for people to use and practice on their own. “Empowerment is a journey that I’ve walked, and once you have those tools, you can use them and reflect them onto others. The thing about women is that when we get things right, we shout it out from the top of the mountains, so it’s using that influence in this whole journey of health and wellness,” she explained. “My mantra, and what I practice, is that ‘Health is your wealth and wealth is your health’, and that’s what we need to teach to empower and influence others.” However, she added, “It is important to show gratitude and self-love, and if you can project that over someone else, you will empower them and the other people that are looking in from the side-lines, and people that are looking straight at you; it all starts from small things.” Marilyn says that as travel is coming back, she has another challenge, which is how to divide her time. She added that she can’t give up something where she helps people to make memories. She says, “I’ve got fellow women and men (‘my village’) that help me too, just as I help them, as that’s what’s made my success – through their success.” Marilyn concluded, “Take on things that you love, do it in the comfort of your home; you don’t have to find outlets to fix yourself, you can fix it yourself in your own home.”

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) (MCoE) established in 1964, strives to be a leader in environmentally sensitive protection of bathers against sharks and capacity building in the maritime sectorKwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of ExcellenceHarry MbamboThe KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) (MCoE) established in 1964, strives to be a leader in environmentally sensitive protection of bathers against sharks and capacity building in the maritime sector. Currently 37 beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline are safeguarded with shark safety gear owned and maintained by the KZNSB. The organisation positions itself as “The Only Organisation of Its Kind in the World.” “KZNSB is one of the key role-players in coastal and marine tourism in KZN and a major participant of the Oceans Economy, Operation Phakisa. In recent years the role of the organisation has evolved to respond to changes in the province’s economy with the institution’s operations becoming complementary with the functions of other entities, especially tourism. Our protected beaches create a sound basis for exploring other strategic tourism based economic opportunities including the further development of coastal resorts,” said Mthokozisi Radebe, CEO of the KZNSB. Research Development and Planning Division The KZNSB has a research development and planning division that is responsible for conducting research into the biology of sharks and other marine animals. KZNSB scientists are actively involved in many spheres of shark and dolphin research, including maintaining the South African section of the International Shark Attack File and funding alternative methods of protecting bathers. In-depth research, that has already produced vital insight, is conducted into shark behaviour, feeding and breeding. The KZNSB Act, requires that measures to reduce the risk of shark attack and to attempt to reduce the environmental cost associated with those measures are implemented. As a result, the KZNSB continuously looks at ways to reduce the catch of sharks and other non-shark species. Radebe said, “Initially humans were thought to need protection from sharks but nowadays sharks, as they are in their natural habitat, need protection from humans.” As part of the organisation’s drive towards reducing environmental impact, the following measures have been implemented: net reduction, introduction of drumlines, beach clean-up campaigns, introduction of pingers to deter dolphins and whales and the shark repellent technology (SRT). “We believe in innovation. In this regard we are vigorously pursuing SRT as part of our efforts to protecting bathers from shark attacks, which is our public mandate. The repellent cable has proven to be safe so far for humans and marine life, and we hopes that it can soon replace the nets and drumlines,” said Radebe. Public Outreach Dynamic audio-visual shows and dissection of sharks are both educational and entertaining. There are also boat trips to venture out to sea to watch the shark safety gear off Durban’s Golden Mile. Boat trips lasting for two hours leave Wilson’s Wharf at 06:30 and they offer opportunistic viewing of marine life including seabirds. The public can enjoy an informative walkabout at the KZNSB’s renowned Shark Museum that is home to a variety of life-like replicas of sharks, including an 892kg Great White Shark as well as other marine animals. Furthermore, KZNSB undertakes awareness programmes in bather safety, and presents its programmes to the public, through boat tours, static display areas on site, outreach programmes, website, external exhibitions/displays, social media, radio interviews, publications and advertisements. KZNSB has embraced fostering Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in various avenues, mainly the on-going Outreach Programme that delivers a solid marine education to learners in all provinces in South Africa, especially focusing on those learners who do not have the opportunity to visit the coast and know very little about the sea, sharks, and other marine life. Advice on reducing pollution in rivers and on the beaches are all part of the programme presented to the learners and educators. KZNSB hosts beach clean-ups at identified beaches one day a month for two hours. This contributes to the reduction of sea washed debris, including, plastic and other pollution on the popular beaches. The KZNSB invites communities to the beach clean-ups as part of a drive to get them involved in the campaign and ensure that tourists and locals alike have a good beach experience in a clean environment. Maritime Centre of Excellence The KZNSB established a 'Maritime Centre of Excellence' (MCoE) in 2012. The institute facilitates the development of skills in trade, occupation and SMMEs in the environment of ocean and coastal shipping, inland waterways, aquaculture, port activities, maritime security, boat building, boat repair and associated land-based activities, with a focus on youth and previously disadvantaged communities to be beneficiaries of these skills. The MCoE works closely with various Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs) including the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MerSETA), as well as Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) along with a number of accredited training service providers and is a registered ICDL training and assessment centre. Full Name of Company KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence Nature of Business: Public Entity of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal Date Established: Ordinance 101964 Auditors / Accountants: Auditor-General KZN VISION Environmentally sensitive bather protection against sharks and thriving maritime skills sector enhance human economic development. MISSION The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence strives to be a leader in environmentally sensitive protection of bathers against sharks and capacity building in the maritime sector. KEY PERSONNEL Acting CEO: Mr. Harry Mbambo Head of Operations: Mike Anderson-Reade Head of Research: Geremy Cliff CFO: Nelisiwe Bulose Head of Corporate Services: Mr Mxolisi Msomi Executive Business Development: Harry Mbambo CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 1A Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga Postal Address: Private Bag 2, Umhlanga, 4320 Tel: +27 (0)31 566 0400 Fax: +27 (0)31 566 0499 E-mail: info@shark.co.za Website: www.shark.co.za Harry Mbambo New age pioneers in the maritime industry The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) (MCoE) established in 1964, strives to be a leader in environmentally sensitive protection of bathers against sharks and capacity building in the maritime sector. Currently 37 beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline are safeguarded with shark safety gear owned and maintained by the KZNSB. The organisation positions itself as “The Only Organisation of Its Kind in the World.” “KZNSB is one of the key role-players in coastal and marine tourism in KZN and a major participant of the Oceans Economy, Operation Phakisa. In recent years the role of the organisation has evolved to respond to changes in the province’s economy with the institution’s operations becoming complementary with the functions of other entities, especially tourism. Our protected beaches create a sound basis for exploring other strategic tourism based economic opportunities including the further development of coastal resorts,” said Mthokozisi Radebe, CEO of the KZNSB. Research Development and Planning Division The KZNSB has a research development and planning division that is responsible for conducting research into the biology of sharks and other marine animals. KZNSB scientists are actively involved in many spheres of shark and dolphin research, including maintaining the South African section of the International Shark Attack File and funding alternative methods of protecting bathers. In-depth research, that has already produced vital insight, is conducted into shark behaviour, feeding and breeding. The KZNSB Act, requires that measures to reduce the risk of shark attack and to attempt to reduce the environmental cost associated with those measures are implemented. As a result, the KZNSB continuously looks at ways to reduce the catch of sharks and other non-shark species. Radebe said, “Initially humans were thought to need protection from sharks but nowadays sharks, as they are in their natural habitat, need protection from humans.” As part of the organisation’s drive towards reducing environmental impact, the following measures have been implemented: net reduction, introduction of drumlines, beach clean-up campaigns, introduction of pingers to deter dolphins and whales and the shark repellent technology (SRT). “We believe in innovation. In this regard we are vigorously pursuing SRT as part of our efforts to protecting bathers from shark attacks, which is our public mandate. The repellent cable has proven to be safe so far for humans and marine life, and we hopes that it can soon replace the nets and drumlines,” said Radebe. Public Outreach Dynamic audio-visual shows and dissection of sharks are both educational and entertaining. There are also boat trips to venture out to sea to watch the shark safety gear off Durban’s Golden Mile. Boat trips lasting for two hours leave Wilson’s Wharf at 06:30 and they offer opportunistic viewing of marine life including seabirds. The public can enjoy an informative walkabout at the KZNSB’s renowned Shark Museum that is home to a variety of life-like replicas of sharks, including an 892kg Great White Shark as well as other marine animals. Furthermore, KZNSB undertakes awareness programmes in bather safety, and presents its programmes to the public, through boat tours, static display areas on site, outreach programmes, website, external exhibitions/displays, social media, radio interviews, publications and advertisements. KZNSB has embraced fostering Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in various avenues, mainly the on-going Outreach Programme that delivers a solid marine education to learners in all provinces in South Africa, especially focusing on those learners who do not have the opportunity to visit the coast and know very little about the sea, sharks, and other marine life. Advice on reducing pollution in rivers and on the beaches are all part of the programme presented to the learners and educators. KZNSB hosts beach clean-ups at identified beaches one day a month for two hours. This contributes to the reduction of sea washed debris, including, plastic and other pollution on the popular beaches. The KZNSB invites communities to the beach clean-ups as part of a drive to get them involved in the campaign and ensure that tourists and locals alike have a good beach experience in a clean environment. Maritime Centre of Excellence The KZNSB established a 'Maritime Centre of Excellence' (MCoE) in 2012. The institute facilitates the development of skills in trade, occupation and SMMEs in the environment of ocean and coastal shipping, inland waterways, aquaculture, port activities, maritime security, boat building, boat repair and associated land-based activities, with a focus on youth and previously disadvantaged communities to be beneficiaries of these skills. The MCoE works closely with various Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs) including the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MerSETA), as well as Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) along with a number of accredited training service providers and is a registered ICDL training and assessment centre. Full Name of Company KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence Nature of Business: Public Entity of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal Date Established: Ordinance 101964 Auditors / Accountants: Auditor-General KZN VISION Environmentally sensitive bather protection against sharks and thriving maritime skills sector enhance human economic development. MISSION The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence strives to be a leader in environmentally sensitive protection of bathers against sharks and capacity building in the maritime sector. KEY PERSONNEL Acting CEO: Mr. Harry Mbambo Head of Operations: Mike Anderson-Reade Head of Research: Geremy Cliff CFO: Nelisiwe Bulose Head of Corporate Services: Mr Mxolisi Msomi Executive Business Development: Harry Mbambo CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 1A Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga Postal Address: Private Bag 2, Umhlanga, 4320 Tel: +27 (0)31 566 0400 Fax: +27 (0)31 566 0499 E-mail: info@shark.co.za Website: www.shark.co.za KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) (MCoE) established in 1964, strives to be a leader in environmentally sensitive protection of bathers against sharks and capacity building in the maritime sector

Up Home Up Sinqobile Khuluse Sinqobile Khuluse is an attorney by profession. She currently works for Sandock Austral Group Holding Company as the Chief People Officer. Sinqobile is a member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council and is the Chairperson of the Manufacturing Forum. Sinqobile is responsible for everything people related in driving the Human Resource (HR) strategy, planning and policies. The core business of the Group is in the naval ship building and ship repair with operations based in Bayhead precinct. She is responsible for the end-to-end HR offering that includes talent acquisition, organisational development, and organisational effectiveness, helping to support the execution of ship building and other projects in the organisation. After high school, Sinqobile pursued her studies towards a BA and LLB degree. She completed her articles and went into practice. As Sinqobile has always had a love for employment law, she spent some time specialising in employment law. Sinqobile was in the midst of studying towards a masters in employment law when she was offered a great opportunity to join a labour boutique firm. A short while later she was offered an amazing opportunity to become their senior manager heading up their labour relations. Sinqobile moved across into a more corporate role and was then promoted to a sister company as Human Resources Director. She explained, “That’s how I transitioned from being an attorney into being in the HR space and I am thriving. I am really enjoying the challenge. To me it’s much more vibrant than the legal field. It’s agile and flexible, fast paced, and most importantly, I get to interact and impact people’s lives. That for me is one of my passions, it’s my purpose; making a difference in the trajectory of people’s lives and making an impact, that really excites me. I’m enjoying my HR journey – HR has stolen my heart.” HER BIGGEST INSPIRATION Reflecting on what has inspired her, she says that her biggest inspiration is her mom who Sinqobile said has always been a strong, courageous woman. She started working as a social worker and worked her way up in the department of social development. “She steered our family and put us through school. My mom is a real hard worker. Her courage and resilience is what I draw strength from and everything she does, she does with so much care and patience. She has been very supportive in my career,” said Sinqobile. Outside of her mom, Sinqobile draws inspiration from various people like Brené Brown who talks a lot about leading with bravery and courage. She is also a fan of Vusi Thembekwayo – The Black Dragon. “For a lot of young people like me who come from the township, we now know that the world is full of possibilities, and you shouldn’t limit yourself to where you are, there are so many opportunities out there. I draw inspiration from people that take the courage to do things that are less popular and the courage to do the things that are not so easy.” LIFTING AS WE RISE Most importantly, says Sinqobile, she has set a goal for herself to tell her story and to continue to encourage other women and young people. She says, “I strongly believe in lifting as we rise. As my life has had challenges, it’s very important for me to tell my story. It becomes like a treasure map or a guide of sorts to people who are still starting out into their careers.” “Most interestingly, you don’t have to have everything worked out, you don’t have to have everything scripted, it’s quite possible for you to go from studying law into HR and into business, the possibilities are endless.” Sinqobile’s advice is don’t give up; it’s not going to be perfect but it’s definitely going to be worth it. Very often we try to plan as much as we can and picture our lives, we set goals and very often compare ourselves to our peers. “I live by a beautiful quotation I came across, it said – life is tough my darling but so are you. I think it’s that resilience that we need to build into young people, so that they know we are not all going to progress at the same pace. We are not all going to achieve the same milestones and we set high expectations on ourselves. It’s good to be ambitious but know that not everything you want for yourself will come at a time when you want it or plan it. Be strong in your faith, that will build your resilience, I pray a lot, I meditate, and I ask God for guidance, and I know that everything happens for a reason, so I’ve just got to embrace the challenge. So, my advice is to be brave, the thing the scares you the most, that challenges you the most, go for that and grab it with both hands.” In terms of her personal life, Sinqobile is a mom of three, she has two daughters and one little boy who is five years old. They live with her fiancée. Sinqobile says that she is blessed to still have her mom and dad who play a big part in her life and provide that support structure that she needs. Sinqobile says that she loves travelling. “I love seeing new places and tasting new culinary delights. I want to believe that I’m very adventurous. I always want to try something new, if there’s a new restaurant, I’ll be the first one in the queue wanting to see what it has to offer.” In conclusion, says Sinqobile, “The name Sinqobile in Zulu means that we have succeeded. And that’s what I always carry as part of my journey and purpose; that is in the togetherness that we preach as Africans – a culture of Ubuntu. I am because you are, my success is everyone’s success. I hope that I continue to fulfil my parents’ prophecy.”

I’m a firm believer that if you are committed to succeed, you will, regardless of what challenges you face.Shahzaadee Ballim < Back Shahzaadee Ballim Owner of Kwality Home and Dealer Engen uShaka Service Station Shahzaadee Ballim, or Shaz as she is known, is the mother of two wonderful children and the wife of an amazing, supportive, strong husband, and partner for life. Shaz is a passionate businesswoman, with her heart in multiple enterprises. She comments, “Sometimes I wonder where I find the energy to do it all. But I am truly business-minded and I’m driven by passion which, I believe stems from having an entrepreneurial family as well as growing up and learning at my grandfather’s wholesale business and in latter days, my dad’s business.” The two businesses closest to her heart are Kwality Home and Engen uShaka Service Station consisting of a quickshop and Steers franchise. Shaz inherited Kwality Home from her dad after he fell ill and sadly passed away. The company imports, supplies and sources tableware, homeware, as well a wide range of finished goods and absolutely anything their customers require, who are large multinationals such as Walmart, as well as smaller independent retailers. “My journey was quite complicated,” explained Shaz. “I’m an only child. I was studying when my dad fell ill. Halfway through my studies I had to come into the family business. I was fairly young, but I knew that I had to step into his shoes and try to continue, which was not an easy journey.” An achievement that is close to Shaz’s heart, is that she was not only able to step in and restart her father’s business but has grown it. “The business is steadily increasing, and that is an achievement considering the challenges almost all businesses have fought through in the last three years,” explained Shaz. The 35-year-old business is now able to get anything you need from anywhere in the world. She added that she always dreamt of being in the petroleum industry. However, there are only 4% of dealers nationwide that are female. Shaz applied to become a dealer in 2015 with no experience in the industry, she had to jump through some hoops to do so. In 2017 Shaz became the proud owner of the Engen at uShaka in KwaZulu-Natal. “You could say my business achievements are a result of bold calculated steps, faith, and also just sheer circumstance, which required a ‘sink-or-swim’ approach,” said Shaz. “Fortunately, I am someone who thrives under pressure but taking over my father’s business was pressure of a totally new kind. I would say I got to where I am today because of grit and the sheer determination to succeed. I simply could not give up because I had many people who relied on me, not just my family but also all the valuable staff members already employed by the business. I’m a firm believer that if you are committed to succeed, you will, regardless of what challenges you face.” Aside from the sad loss of her parents and being thrust into the family business with little experience, the challenges Shaz has faced are not dissimilar to those of most business owners. Even though owning a fuel station may seem a pandemic-proof business it isn’t, and Shaz had to find a way to carry on. She had to battle the odds with ongoing road closures and terrible storm damage to her property. Cash flow is always a challenge; Shaz has been able to grow her businesses due to strategic planning and deliberate action to keep afloat. On a personal level, she says that entrepreneurship is often a lonely pursuit; it’s late nights and early mornings; it’s trading the things you want to do for the things you simply have to do. In the future, Shaz wants her businesses to continue to thrive and grow.; to find new ways to generate revenue and also to empower others to do the same. Shaz loves to see women succeed and would like to assist in uplifting women on their path to success, especially in the fuel industry, which is steadily growing. Her advice to young women is, “Just do it, don’t be afraid to take the risk. I truly believe that dreams do come true because I have seen it with my own eyes.” Shaz added, “Dreaming is one thing, but you need to genuinely believe that you deserve what you want, and you have to back yourself. It can feel like shark-infested waters out there and you are your only chance at survival. Be positive, get ready to be uncomfortable, and just dig your heels in and all will happen for you.” She added that she owes a lot of her success to her father, who was her biggest supporter and to a strong mother. “Similarly, she wants to leave a meaningful legacy for her kids. “I’d like them to know and aspire to be entrepreneurs and to make a change in this world and to know that nothing is impossible. I want to show my daughter that a woman absolutely can do anything and be happy doing it.” Shaz commented that while it may seem impossible to juggle the role of wife, mother, and businesswoman, it is possible although it takes a lot of hard work. She wants to show her children that balance and self-care is important too. Shaz’s family is her support structure. As they lift each other up, she makes time to give back to them, which means spending quality time together as well looking after herself so she can be at her best for them. “There’s not much spare time once you’re an entrepreneur, but you have to make the time. I would say that the solution is to build a business that’s strong so that you can take the time that you need to deal with your kids and other demands,” she explained. In conclusion, Shaz says that it is a wonderful honour to be part of the KZN Top Business Women.

< Back Nomfundo Mcoyi

Your attitude determines your altitude. Be a sponge. Be prepared to learn at all times. Don’t work with a job description because it limits your growth < Back Thalente Madonda Business Centre Manager for the Hibiscus Coast, Standard Bank KZN Thalente Madonda plays and occupies various roles in her capacity as a woman. Professionally, Thalente is the Business Centre Manager for the Hibiscus Coast area (the south node of Durban). Her current role is in the Business Banking segment, looking after both business banking as well as small enterprise clients. Thalente has been with Standard Bank for 22 years and she has held various roles ranging from junior, middle, and now to senior management. Some of the roles she has held were branch manager, account executive, and small enterprises manager. Speaking of her role she explains, “Being in Business Banking gives me an opportunity to contribute to our economy, indirectly and directly, by assisting our entrepreneurs with their business operations...granting them facilities, short and long term, to fund the growth in their businesses.” “It is an exciting and very rewarding role in a sense that we look after entrepreneurs who are the most important people in our economy. The people that contribute to the growth of our economy. The employers of our professional as well as our ordinary South Africans who contribute directly to the GDP of our country.” On the personal front, a role that she occupies as a woman is being the mother of three beautiful kids – one being a teenager. Other roles are wife, sister, daughter-in-law ... the list is endless. Personal achievements Thalente’s achievements have been based around seeing herself as a ‘young woman’ from Inanda Township who has grown and progressed successfully in a big organisation like Standard Bank. These achievements include moving from junior positions such a teller and progressing to managing a business centre, to looking after a balance sheet of over R6.5 billion with her team. “It is really an honour, and I am grateful to Standard Bank and the team that I work with. Some of my other achievements include winning a Top Performer in Business Banking in 2015 and winning a trip to Portugal with my partner. That was a very special moment.” Shaping the person A number of factors have inspired Thalente to get to where she is today. These include the environment she grew up in, which was a poor community, with a lack of role models, that resulted in girls getting pregnant at a tender age, amongst other challenges. Thalente explains, “I knew that this would not be my destiny as I wanted better. In addition, my mom was my biggest inspiration to achieve.” Once Thalente had joined Standard Bank, she had many great leaders that believed and supported her in her journey. “These were leaders that saw potential in me and helped to shape the person that I am today,” she said. Some of these leaders, says Thalente, are still with the organisation today, while others have left. In addition, much of Thalente’s career in the bank has been driven by her own desire to grow and learn. She explains that after spending a number of years as an enquiries clerk in the bank, she started coming in early to work to learn about other departments. Thalente added, “I used my lunch hour, as well, to get to know what other departments were all about. I started getting invitations to join the meetings in the other departments, invitations to apply for the positions. That’s how I grew...” Challenges faced A major challenge that Thalente faced was when, after being appointed an account executive, she had clients in her portfolio who told her that they would not deal with a black person. “This was an interesting challenge, which I did not take personally because I understood that clients have their preferences. But it was a learning curve for me,” she explained. Thalente dealt with this challenge through engaging with the clients to understand their experiences with black people and their expectations of her as their account executive. The result was that she developed relationships with the majority of these clients through constant engagement and the support of her leadership team. Future goals In the future, Thalente’s goals are to execute her dream, which is to work with young girls in her community around career growth. She has in mind a concept similar to taking a girl child to a business, exposing them to institutions of higher learning such as universities and having career expo days. “I still see young girls showing no signs of a bright future despite education being free now,” she explains. Thalente would also like to do more around growing young women in the workplace. She said, “I play a role of a mentor, sometimes without not even realising it and I would like to continue with my journey of mentoring young women. I am passionate about growing young girls.” “I have contributed to the growth of many young people in my organisation. Because somebody believed in me, I took it upon myself to develop and grow young people in my organisation. Some of the guys are now branch managers, leader of teams etc. Some of the young stars who were not studying and had no reason why not, now have qualifications. It’s a heart-warming feeling.” Advice to young woman In giving advice to young women who may follow in her footsteps, Thalente says that they need to have the right attitude. She concludes, “After all, your attitude determines your altitude. Be a sponge. Be prepared to learn at all times. Don’t work with a job description because it limits your growth. Raise your hand when you are ready for the next role.”

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