< Back About the chamber While the Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry is autonomous to the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation, the Foundation community park continues to provide a home for its associated organisations. The Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry continues to enjoy a close relationship with the Foundation while Business Against Crime no longer reports to the Foundation. The Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry continues to grow with increased membership and during 2009 the Chamber Executive Committee had 19 sub committees reporting to it.At the Executive Committee meeting held on the 8th August 2007 under the chairmanship of Mr Garth McCartney, the Chamber took the decision to become affiliated with SACCI (South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry, formally known as SACOB). President: Hlengiwe Mvubu President: Hlengiwe Mvubu Manager: Vanessa Ncobela ZCBF Community Park, Gate 5, Business Community Centre, 1st Floor, Guldengracht Street, Alton,Richards Bay Tel:+27 35 797 1870 Fax:+27 35 474 4102 info@zcci.co.za https://www.zcci.org.za/ Appointment

< Back Nondumiso Mthwa

ELENI KWINANA has notched up an admirable list of top positions. She began climbing the corporate ladder as an 18-year-old student who, after walking into CNA to request a job, within three months was tasked with taking up her first management role. A few years later, she was requested to draft a business plan - without a template, or previous exposure to such a big responsibility - overnight! It gained her boss the new store he wanted, and wet her appetite for bigger and better things in business.Eleni KwinanaELENI KWINANA has notched up an admirable list of top positions. She began climbing the corporate ladder as an 18-year-old student who, after walking into CNA to request a job, within three months was tasked with taking up her first management role. A few years later, she was requested to draft a business plan - without a template, or previous exposure to such a big responsibility - overnight! It gained her boss the new store he wanted, and wet her appetite for bigger and better things in business.ELENI KWINANA has notched up an admirable list of top positions. She began climbing the corporate ladder as an 18-year-old student who, after walking into CNA to request a job, within three months was tasked with taking up her first management role. A few years later, she was requested to draft a business plan - without a template, or previous exposure to such a big responsibility - overnight! It gained her boss the new store he wanted, and wet her appetite for bigger and better things in business. Eleni's career includes positions at the Spar Group, Clicks, Musica and Dimension Data among others. These diverse experiences have enabled her to provide on-point business advice in a range of fields. As well as running the business units of Vodacom enterprises, she is on the board of SmartXchange, Durban, which nurtures entrepreneurs and incubates businesses to achieve success. Achieving growth through technology Eleni describes her role in Vodacom as enabling start-ups and SMMEs to thrive in the 4IR digital era, achieving growth through technology. The pride Eleni feels in providing a supportive role is apparent when she describes her business venture, Pure Pharmacy, which supports small pharmacies in rural areas and mining towns to withstand the threat posed by corporate pharmacy groups, thus ensuring their sustainability. Eleni is happy with her accomplishments saying, "not many can tick all the boxes at my age". Adding that she's realised that "Either I would die young, having done everything, or I would live to give back to others." Eleni looks at people who have great ideas, but lack skills and experience, and can't wait to start imparting her learning to fast track their success. She's enthusiastic about being their cheerleader and "seeing them grow to be a billionaire one day!". She attributes her success to her formal education, and the support of others. She graduated with a psychology degree after transferring from medicine. "It was the right decision as now, in the 4IR, doctors could be replaced with robots capable of making diagnoses while my focus on emotional intelligence makes me less likely to become redundant." Eleni disagrees that women need a different approach from men to achieve success in business and stresses the importance of being yourself. "There's nothing more precious than being authentic," she maintains. Being an inspiration Her greatest support has been her mom who, as a domestic worker being paid less than the minimum wage, was able to leverage a network of people who assisted to support Eleni. While she stayed with a friend to get to and from school each day, her mom subsidised her studies by waking at three each morning to cook and sell 'magwinya' (vetkoek). "So", Eleni adds, "every woman I see who works in her tuckshop, or sews traditional dresses, is my 'Shero', and that's what inspires me... A lot of people have big stars as their inspiration; for me it's the millions of women sitting in rural areas and townships with children, who come up with great entrepreneurial ideas to sustain themselves and their children, and one day go to a graduation for their children, going into whatever field it may be, from nothing." Eleni herself feels under pressure to be an inspiration. "Because I was the first one to have a car, a degree, all my cousins look up to me; failing or dropping out is not an option. I cannot fail, because otherwise I will give them a reason to fail... I push myself to inspire them to be able to grow as well." Being fully present On maintaining a work-life balance, Eleni admits that the boundaries are blurred, "Because I love what I do... it doesn't feel like work," she smiles. Concerned she was spending too much time working, her daughter's affirmation was welcome, "Mom, I want to be like you... You do so many things, love what you do, and give us the best of everything." The trick, Eleni feels, is being fully present in whatever she does. Eleni's approach to life has been coloured by her life experiences. Although born into apartheid SA, she shuns the label 'previously disadvantaged'. "That's not the way I see it," she says, although she describes the dichotomy of never being quite enough of one thing or another to fit in, always feeling something of a misfit. After graduating, Eleni married, raising her two children while struggling to survive a violently abusive marriage. When she decided to leave the marriage, she was empowered by the fact that she had the financial independence to set up her own home. Eleni's advice to her younger self, who stressed a lot and wondered 'why me?', would be to enjoy every step of the journey; when having fun, have GOOD fun, and know that everything you go through is going to make sense one day. Rather than being bitter about challenges she's faced, Eleni is gracious and pragmatic about how they've enabled her to strengthen her connection with others. Partnerships are important to Eleni. As a business leader, Eleni loves her team; she never talks only about KPAs, but connects instead with the person inside, assisting them to reach their personal goals. She enjoys the warmth of KZN, and the opportunities to partner with government leaders and businesses to achieve pockets of excellence. Eleni urges people to stop exporting their skills: "Keep them here and make do with what you have because we are sitting on a pot of gold... That's how I got here". She pauses momentarily, then adds, "and because of my Mom... my biggest champion". Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

KZN Top Business host online master classes that address a range of current business topics. These are facilitated by experts in their fields. KZN Top Business Masterclass Price Duration Free consultancy 30 minutes Application < Back About the memberships and subscriptions For purposes of structuring the masterclasses, robust and thought-provoking conversations, rather than formal presentations are proposed. A suitable expert will be invited to chair each webinar. This interaction will be streamed to a wider audience on YouTube and on our social media platforms. Webinars are among the best marketing platforms available for businesses in this digital age and are an easy and efficient means of connecting with our target audiences. 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

KZN Top Business Woman 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension/Provident Funds (NJMPF)SAM CAMILLERI is the CEO and Principal Officer of KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension/ Provident Funds (NJMPF), which currently administers a total of R 18 billion. Camilleri’s professional career has included being appointed as a general manager for the Invivo Group in Australia - a large financial services company. He was then offered a position in South Africa as an asset manager for Sanlam, which he said has been a huge advantage to his current position. These experiences he said, have equipped him with a level of understanding that has been critical to his role at NJMPF. He was able to take his knowledge from the investment side of fund management and apply this acumen to administrating the pension fund. Camilleri was appointed as CEO of the NJMPF in July 2007 and has spent the last eleven years dramatically transforming the organisation from an old-fashioned paper-based bureaucracy to a local and international multi-award-winning retirement fund. His first task was to modernise the NJMPF’s operating policies and procedures. He says, “This was a journey that we were going to undertake, we were going to transform the business. It was difficult as we had to train staff and still deliver a service – it was an interesting experience.” An initial requirement was to upskill employees, which took place over a two-year period. Basic computer skills and programmes were taught and the almost five million paper files, which filled much of the office space, had to be captured on computer. “I had staff threatening to go on strike, one Friday afternoon, I removed the adding machines from everyone’s desks and from the Monday morning insisted that all calculations had to be computer based,” says Camilleri. The staff also needed to understand that they were employed by a non-profit organisation and were working for their clients’ benefit, which was a major culture change. The change in the ethos of the NJMPF was dramatic as from an old school institute, the staff were now required to strive for excellence and meet the expectations of their members and pensioners. Furthermore says Camilleri, the various awards that the NJMPF has since received have promoted the staff to want to achieve more. “They are very competitive, they enjoy winning and they see the awards we have received as their awards, which recognise their efforts.” In contrast to the previous closed-door policy, where staff were summoned by bells, Camilleri operates a very flat business structure with open communication. His staff are also welcome to participate and provide suggestions for procedures or innovations that will enhance value for the members and pensioners and other beneficiaries of the NJMPF. Even though there have been negative economic times, the NJMPF has had only one negative return in the last eighteen years. “We have pensioners now being paid more than when they are working. Throughout the last decade, we have always given our pensioners full CPI and in one year, we gave them a thirteenth cheque and special increase in less than three months. The result is that they are getting returns way above inflation,” said Camilleri. He added, “We now compete against the biggest investment funds and our returns are compatible against the best of best, such as Coronation and Investec.” “We are looking after our pensioners. Looking forward, we will be offering a living annuity fund and have recently introduced a new website as well as a mobile app, which allows them greater access to information about their funds.” Through running financial literacy programmes, the NJMPF is also trying to educate the municipal workers that it services and send the message that the more they save now, the better they will be in the long run. Camilleri says that he enjoys relaxing at home in his free time and usually spends his weekends watching his son’s various sporting activities. Up Home Up Latest News KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension/Provident Funds (NJMPF) Bongi Mkhize A PROUD LEGACY OF PROTECTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES SINCE 1942 For more than eight decades, the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension/Provident Funds (NJMPF) has remained one of South Africa’s leading retirement funds, dedicated to safeguarding the financial futures of municipal employees and pensioners across KwaZulu-Natal. Established in 1942, the Fund was created to provide secure retirement benefits for municipal employees. Today, NJMPF administers retirement benefits on behalf of approximately 23,000 active members and more than 9,000 pensioners, making it one of the largest municipal retirement funds in South Africa with assets approaching R50 billion. Throughout its history, the Fund has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of its members while maintaining the highest standards of governance, responsible investment, and member service. Its philosophy remains simple yet powerful: Putting members first. Leadership Driving Excellence The Fund’s success is driven by experienced leadership, strong governance and a highly skilled workforce committed to serving municipal employees. Among the key leaders is Mr Bongi Mkhize, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer, whose visionary leadership has accelerated the Fund’s transformation into one of Africa’s most innovative retirement funds. Mr Mkhize also serves as Chairperson of Batseta, the Council of Retirement Funds for South Africa, further demonstrating the Fund’s influence within the retirement industry. Supported by an experienced Board of Trustees, executive management team, and resolute employees, NJMPF has built a culture centered around: Good governance Ethical leadership Financial sustainability Innovation Continuous improvement Member education This leadership culture has enabled NJMPF to consistently outperform expectations while maintaining long-term financial stability. Products and Services NJMPF offers a comprehensive range of retirement and member support services designed to protect members throughout every stage of their working lives and into retirement. The Fund has also embraced technology to improve accessibility through its website, digital publications, SMS campaigns, online education, and virtual engagement platforms. Following South Africa’s implementation of the Two-Pot Retirement System, NJMPF became one of the country’s leading retirement funds in educating members on the new legislation while ensuring efficient administration of withdrawals. Clients Served NJMPF proudly serves local government employees throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Its participating employers include municipalities across all ten districts of the province, serving: municipal employees, pensioners, deferred pensioners, beneficiaries, human resources departments, payroll departments and municipal leadership. The Fund’s footprint continues to expand through district satellite offices, bringing retirement services closer to members in rural and underserved communities. Why NJMPF is a Leader in Retirement Fund Management NJMPF’s leadership is built on much more than financial performance. The Fund has become recognised locally and internationally for combining strong investment returns with exceptional member engagement. Several initiatives distinguish the Fund: Financial Education Rather than simply administering pensions, NJMPF actively empowers members through ongoing financial literacy campaigns, retirement planning seminars, train the trainer workshops, wellness initiatives and educational roadshows conducted throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Accessibility Recognising that many members live far from Durban, NJMPF has established satellite offices across KwaZuluNatal, improving access to retirement services while reducing travel costs for members. Strong Governance NJMPF consistently demonstrates exemplary governance, responsible investment practices, and regulatory compliance. The Fund maintains prudent investment strategies designed to preserve members’ retirement savings while delivering sustainable long-term growth. Achievements and Awards NJMPF’s commitment to excellence has been recognised both locally and internationally. Recent accolades include: CFI.co Awards: Champion of Financial Literacy Best Pension Fund Leadership The European Awards: Best Managed Retirement Fund South Africa Pension Fund of the Year South Africa Multiple International Business Awards Finalist in the World Pension Summit Pension & Investments Awards Recognition for innovation, governance, ethical leadership, and retirement fund management excellence. These achievements reflect not only financial success but also the Fund’s unwavering commitment to members. Future Goals NJMPF remains focused on shaping the future of retirement fund administration in South Africa. Its strategic priorities include: Growing assets under management beyond R50 billion. Expanding satellite offices throughout all 10 districts of KwaZulu-Natal. Increasing financial literacy among municipal employees. Strengthening digital transformation and member self-service platforms. Enhancing retirement outcomes through member education and responsible investment. Continuing to lead innovation in pension administration. Strengthening partnerships with municipalities and stakeholders. Promoting financial inclusion through accessible retirement services. Maintaining world-class governance and ethical leadership. Investment Performance With assets approaching R50 billion, the Fund continues to demonstrate strong fiscal management despite global market volatility. The Fund has consistently protected members’ long-term retirement outcomes while remaining financially resilient. Employee Excellence NJMPF invests significantly in employee development, continuous professional training, and skills enhancement, ensuring members receive knowledgeable, efficient, and professional service. www.njmpf.co.za CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 5 Derby Place, Derby Downs Office Park, University Road, Westville, 3630 Postal Address: P.O. Box 33, Westwood, 3633 Tel: +27 (0)31 279 5300 Email: info@njmpf.co.za Website: www.njmpf.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

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Marcus Harris Account Director 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

Dylan Naidoo Multimedia Field Journalist

Up Home Up Jasmeena Shiba JASMEENA SHIBA is a director at Royal Tyres, which is a leading tyre fitment centre and part of the Bestdrive franchise. Royal Tyres is a family run business that was started by Jasmeena’ s grandfather in 1939 and celebrates its 83rd anniversary in 2022. The company is South Africa’s oldest tyre dealer. Jasmeena was born in the heart of the Indian casbah in Victoria Street, Durban and later moved to Reservoir Hills. She studied Business Administration through ML Sultan Technikon, which led to her being exposed to many industries over the years where she also garnered international experience. Jasmeena lived in London, United Kingdom for 13 years between 1998 and 2011 where she worked as an IT Analyst for investment banks (Alexander Forbes, Deutsche Borse Bank), Media (Sky News), and Health Care (NHSU). Jasmeena joined the family business in 2011 as the first female director at Royal Tyres, which is predominantly male-orientated. This, together with Jasmeena’ s international business administration experience, has brought a new dimension to the business. She says, “Being the first female director in the history of the business is a difference in itself. I have added some female qualities to the business and always look at the female aspect. “Consequently, Jasmeena has been able to contribute to the business and the client experience, from a female perspective, bringing into the equation what a female client would like to experience when having her vehicle fitted with tyres, and has made these types of changes. Jasmeena has also implemented company policies and processes to assist staff in working efficiently and effectively. Her goal being to build a strong workforce and create an inclusive company culture. MOTIVATED AND ACCOUNTABLE For Jasmeena, her motivation comes from knowing the responsibilities she has as a director and employer. This motivation includes the responsibility she has for the livelihood of all the employees relying and depending on her. Her motivation extends to the responsibility she has for the sustainability and success of the business. “Being accountable for the business and its people, keeps me motivated and on track,” she commented. Her inspiration has been her father and mother who, she says, have gone through so many challenges with the business over the years. They have been her mentors and inspired her and her fellow directors. Jasmeena says, “They have definitely inspired us to take the business to the next level, they guide us if they see us making a wrong decision that could cost us.” Her father, who is CEO, is still actively involved in the business, to provide direction. Jasmeena commented, “We don’t do expensive school fees so to speak – we go to my dad who says, ‘no don’t do that or yes do that. So that has been a huge help.” TEAMWORK OVERCOMES CHALLENGES For Jasmeena, the most obvious challenges are being in the motor industry as a female in management. Despite this, she is well supported by the team and management board. Recent challenges, faced by Royal Tyres, as with many businesses, was Covid, and in Durban it was the floods, looting and protesting which broke many Durban businesses who could not recover their losses. “We worked with these challenges collectively as a team and a business. These were not challenges that I personally faced alone, we faced them as a team and this is how we overcame the challenges,” explains Jasmeena. “There were tough decisions that had to be made to survive, and our priority was our staff and the family’s dependent on them. For us working as a team, trusting our team, and constantly adapting to the changing environment, is how we overcame these challenges,” she said. “My future goals are simple but important,” says Jasmeena, “to be healthy, to be happy, support my team, support my staff, and strive to always do my best in all my endeavours.” VALUES ARE IMPORTANT In advising young women who are entering the business world, Jasmeena cautions, “Don’t lose yourself to prove yourself. Stay true to yourself and your values which are so important. Don’t get lost trying to make your mark or make a difference in a space that is not aligned with who you really are. Be humble and always trust your gut when it comes to a big decision. And be consistent, consistency delivers results.” Jasmeena has been married for 21 years and has three children. The boys are aged 16 and 12 and her daughter is 9, which, she says, means life is pretty busy. To stay balanced, she likes to keep fit and active as this allows her time to recalibrate. As a family they stay active by doing bike rides and going to the gym. CONSISTENCY IS KEY Jasmeena concludes by saying: “Sometimes when we start off, we cannot see the finish line. But don’t give up, keep going and the key is to be consistent. You won’t see the results immediately, but just keep going and be consistent as it’s a long-term thing, the results will come.”

Up Home Up Zanele Luvuno ZANELE LUVUNO has an extensive career spanning over two decades. She has primarily worked in the people space in the area of coaching, talent acquisition, executive search, and partner profiling for transactions. Her broader business portfolio includes e-commerce as well as property investment. Zanele’s client base has included blue chip clients on projects throughout the African continent. She is a vocal figure about transformation in South Africa and has her finger on the pulse particularly about establishing and promoting the future of female leaders. Zanele has been featured in many publications as a thought leader in the national conversations around transformation and gender equality especially as these issues relate to business and careers. HELPING ORGANISATIONS SHIFT She has recently started a new business – Metamorphosis Integrated Solutions. Zanele explains, “Having been in the people space for the last two decades I have seen a shift. As we move into the age of information it’s now all about innovation, it’s about innovative people who can come up with new concepts that are going to change the world. I think we as individuals need to look at how we approach careers and how we approach work and the space that we occupy. The business is really centred around solutions that can help organisations shift – whether its culture, whether its leadership as we move into this new age.” Zanele commented that her business focus has always been around the upliftment of women. She said, “I think that the golden thread that runs through all the work I have done is that I have had a very strong focus on putting women into leadership positions and into business opportunities or board positions to try and create that critical mass of women in that top tier of South African business.” She added that she can give specific numbers and data to quantify her success and that this has been the keyway in which she has made a difference. PLENTY OF CHALLENGES However, says Zanele, she has faced plenty of challenges – some specific to being a woman, some specific to being a black woman as well as socioeconomic challenges. She added that other challenges included raising capital and finding the right people. Although, she added that as she is in the people game that has not been difficult to resolve. Zanele commented, “I think that the challenges are very many. We function very much in a patriarchal society, and it’s been incredibly difficult to get the same opportunity that may be presented to a man. We have to fight harder, scrap harder – demand your seat at the table. It hasn’t been easy to have to constantly justify while you are at the table.” “Very often we are not allowed to take up space and you have to push your way through. As you can imagine that rubs a lot of people the wrong way. But you must really decide what is important to you. Are you determined to take up space? Are you determined to drive what is important to you? Or are you more focussed on the likeability aspect? If you want to succeed you have to be clear about who you are, stand in your truth and find a way to forge forward.” KNOW YOURSELF In speaking of advice to other women, Zanele says that the most important aspect is to know yourself. When you know who you authentically are, it is very difficult for external circumstance to be able to disempower you. She says, “A lot of the disempowerment that we face in business is when we give our power away to situations – we feel that we don’t really belong at the table, or we have imposter syndrome or that someone is doing us a favour, or I need someone to endorse me in order to do. Once you come into a state of knowing who you are, and you are firm in this in all situations, I think that it become so much easier to navigate choppy waters.” Zanele commented that many people say it’s a man’s world and you have got to learn to play a man’s game. However, she says that she does not believe that. “I am a woman; I am comfortable in that fact, and I believe that I can still access opportunities in my authentic self. It probably works better for me to show up authentically then when I try to show up as somebody else.” IMPACT GREATER SOCIETY Speaking of future goals Zanele says that she busy working them out currently. Her coach recently said to her that she had achieved all the goals that she wanted to achieve in this chapter and so she is looking around to see what comes next. She said, “Very interestingly what I think comes next is being able to impact greater society – to have more reach and put my message and my experience out in different ways and on different forums. I think that is a big one for me. I think that those who follow after us shouldn’t have such a difficult path as we have had if we start to tell our stories. So, I am very much focused on building an intellectual property focused business to be able to put the collective intellectual property around women’s stories and the knowledge that we have accumulated out into the world. I want to be able to help people shift their organisations, shift their careers and probably change a bit how we interact with work as a society.” Zanele is married and is mom to a son. While a lot of the work that she does is based in Johannesburg, she moved to Durban before the covid lockdown as she wanted to have a change in pace and lifestyle. In order to create balance in her life Zanele says, “I love being in nature and I am deeply spiritual. I start every day with about two hours meditative walking or practice and mediate throughout the day.” In conclusion, she says, “I say to people that you can do absolutely anything that you set your mind to. I strive to do anything that I set my mind to, and I want to encourage others to do the same.