Together everyone achieves more. Don’t be afraid to give someone responsibility, more often than not, they rise to their position < Back Fée Halsted Founder of Ardmore and Creative Director of Ardmore Ceramics Studio Fée Halsted an academic and award-winning artist, with manifest passion and tenacity. Amongst some of her awards, she and her protégé, Bonnie Ntshalintshali, jointly won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 1990. Fée was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2016 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2021, Fée was awarded the South African Presidential Award ‘The Order of Ikhamanga’ for her contribution to the visual arts and generous transferring of skills to others. Fée describes Ardmore as being, “recognised by its colourful and quirky designs and is proudly South African”. She recounts, “Ardmore started with one-of-a-kind ceramics and ten years ago we developed our wonderful designs into fabrics and homeware products. We also collaborate with British wallpaper company Cole & Son, and we are just about to launch into the fashion accessories industry.” Ardmore was established in 1985 and has since grown with Fée currently mentoring approximately 50 artists. Commenting on the growth of her company Fée says, “I believe my greatest achievement is giving people, without opportunity and little education, self-worth. I have grown rural people, people with disabilities and learning disorders into people who stand tall in their community and can feed their families.” Modern day collectables Today Ardmore is a successful international business. Ardmore’s ceramics have been acknowledged as a “modern day collectable” by prominent auction house Christies of London. Fée believes that the success of Ardmore is based on her brave pioneering spirit, her tenacity, self-belief and her determination to strive for excellence. She, however, couples these characteristics with having a ‘heart’ in the business by acting as a ‘mother’ to her artists with a nurturing forgiveness, and sometimes with tough love. In commenting on what has challenged her along her journey, Fée says her biggest challenge was dealing with the impact of HIV/AIDS. “We lost many artists. Bonnie Ntshalintshali passed away in 1999 and Wonderboy Nxumalo passed away in 2008. It was a traumatic time in my life. We created a hospital at Ardmore and educated the artists about safe sex and antiretrovirals. As the subject was ‘taboo’ we taught the artists about HIV/AIDS through story telling sculptures that are now housed in our museum. During this time my attention was not focused on my husband and family. In 2002 my husband and I divorced, and I had to create a new home for my three children and set up a new studio. My family, especially my mother and many special caring friends, helped me get through these incredibly challenging times.” In 2008 South Africa went through a major recession and the country was hugely affected economically. Fée remained constant yet thrifty and adapted Ardmore accordingly. In 2010 South Africa hosted the Football World Cup and Fée developed the idea to create a series of ceramics called the “African Travelers”. They proved to be a huge success and saved Ardmore and the artists financially. More recently the Covid-19 pandemic shook the world. The travel restrictions and lockdowns meant South African tourism and travel was hard hit. The artists suffered due to the lack of sales, but Ardmore kept producing artworks to keep the artists in work so they could support their families. Unfortunately, Ardmore was unable to hold any exhibitions, locally or internationally. In response, Fée’s recounts how Ardmore adapted, “Thank goodness my children were there to assist me. We very quickly had to shift the business from an in-store sales model to an online sales model, as so many have had to do. We held online auctions and exhibitions to try and boost sales. I knew we could get through the hardships if we again remained steadfast, reduced expenditure and told the story of the pandemic through our artworks. During Covid we have created ceramic artworks that have delighted our collectors by using animals that have symbolism and meaning. We used the pangolin as a major theme of the pandemic. The pangolin symbolizes hope. Its scaly exterior and defensive curled posture, when threated, are symbols of protection and safety. Our artists created masked monkeys teaching the rules of safety to prevent catching Covid, men pushing wheelbarrows filled with contraband and elephants sanitising monkeys’ hands. We created masks from our fabric designs and gave the proceeds to our local community food bank.” Maintain one’s authenticity The future for Ardmore lies in the hands of the next generation. Fée’s children Jonathan, Catherine and Megan are all passionate about the business and many of the artists adult children have now joined the Ardmore studios and are developing into talented artists themselves. Recently, Ardmore has created an Arts Trust, as art education is sadly lacking in local schools. Ardmore hopes to provide creative education for under-privileged children in the community and have partnered with Thebilithle School in Howick. Fée’s advice to young women wanting to follow in her footsteps is to maintain one’s authenticity and be humble. “One cannot have an answer for everything, and one must do what you are best at doing. Do not be afraid to ask for help. People are so kind, and love being asked advice. Build a great team around you, as together everyone achieves more. Do not be afraid to give someone responsibility, more often than not, they rise to their position. If you want detail, ask a woman to do the job. Always ask your team their opinion and value what they have to say on how to do something better. Communication is key to everything and if your staff feel part of the decision-making process, they feel like they are truly part of the business, and you will have their commitment.” Fée concludes by saying: “Do not shy away from hard work; in tough times we all work harder. But do not compromise on striving for excellence, always remain constant and find positive in bad circumstances.”

< Back Next > Iris Naidoo Partnership Manager, Do More Foundation Iris Naidoo is the partnership manager for the Do More Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by RCL Foods. “I have always been passionate about people and connecting with them,” she reflects. “So it felt natural to pursue public relations and communication science,” she explains. “After my studies, I entered the non-profit sector, which aligned perfectly with my desire to connect with people and make a tangible difference.” Growing up in a family dedicated to community work, Iris feels her personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. “Community work is part of who I am,” she says. Her early experience placed her at a non-profit where she learned the fundamentals of community development and the challenges faced by impoverished areas. From there, she transitioned into corporate social investment roles, ensuring her focus remained steadfast: making a positive impact wherever she served. “I always believe we should leave a place better than we found it, and that’s been my driving force for over 22 years,” Iris adds. Iris attributes much of her motivation and inspiration to her faith and family. “My family is my moral compass. My faith teaches me to do good, even when no one’s watching, and that truly drives me forward.” This personal ethos guides her work, where she strives to empower and inspire others to perform small acts of kindness. Iris shares, “I live by the principle of doing good, even when no one is watching.” Consequently, Iris has spent her career focused on building brighter futures for young children, specifically those aged 0 to 5. “Our goal is to provide these children with the best possible start to life through various initiatives that focus on early childhood development. These programmes are designed to support vulnerable children, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.” The Power of Relationships For Iris, her greatest professional achievement is not a single project or accolade, but the relationships she has built and sustained over the years. “Forging strong relationships and keeping them is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she notes. “Whether it’s with municipalities, government bodies, or the non-profit sector, relationships are the backbone of any successful initiative.” Iris added that she believes that the key to success, whether in the corporate or non-profit world, lies in building strong, meaningful connections. “It’s through these relationships that we can deliver the work we aim to do in communities,” she explains. “Maintaining these relationships over time has been essential to making a long-lasting impact.” However, the challenges of the work can often be overwhelming, especially when faced with the vast needs in the communities she serves. “The need in our country is immense,” Iris admits. “It can be daunting at times, and people often ask how I’ve managed to do this for 22 years. But for me, it’s about knowing that every little bit counts.” She draws strength from the metaphor of the ‘one starfish at a time’ story, reminding herself that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. “Yes, the need is overwhelming, but if we each do our part, even if it’s just one act of kindness, we can make an impact.” The inequalities in South Africa, particularly the lack of access to quality education, are barriers that Iris is determined to address. “Poverty creates such stark lines of inequality,” she says. “But we persevere, doing what we can, knowing that even the smallest actions count towards a bigger goal.” Inspiring Others Looking ahead, Iris remains focused on inspiring others to do good, both in their personal lives and through their organisations. “My goal is to continue motivating people to look within themselves and ask how they can do more— how they can inspire others to do small acts of kindness,” she says. “If each one of us does one small act, this world will be a better place.” At the Do More Foundation, Iris is especially proud of two flagship programmes that embody her commitment to empowerment and inclusivity. The first is the Township Economy Programme, which supports young women in business from impoverished communities. “This programme helps these women professionalise their businesses, grow, employ more people, and most importantly, realise their own value,” she explains. The initiative not only empowers individual women but also strengthens township economies, which Iris describes as “the lifeblood of our society.” The second programme, Do More Play, focuses on inclusivity by training disabled youth to make wooden toys for young children’s cognitive development. “This is such an amazing programme,” Iris says with pride. “It provides disabled youth with an income, but more than that, it gives them a skill and a sense of purpose. We’ve heard so often from the participants how much this has changed their lives.” Balancing Work and Life Despite her demanding role, Iris ensures she takes time for herself and her family. “When I have time off, I love to cook and spend time with my family,” she shares. “Fun and family are my two big passions.” As a mother of two, family is a constant source of strength and energy for her. “My family fuels me, and cooking is one of the ways I relax and connect with them.” Iris also offers advice to young women entering the non- profit or corporate sectors. “Let’s not compete with one another,” she urges. “It’s easy to fall into competition, especially when recognition and affirmation are limited in our space. But instead, we should support each other.” She thinks that there is room for everyone to succeed, a belief she sums up with a simple yet powerful motto: “There’s always room for one more at the table.” Iris’s message is clear: by empowering others, supporting one another, and doing small acts of kindness, we can all contribute to making the world a better place. “That’s what I stand for,” she concludes. “Empowering and inspiring people to do good, no matter how small the act may seem.” < Previous Next >

Join the KZN Top Business Nexus. Beyond a directory, we offer active networking for regional leaders. Connect with Top Business Award winners, access exclusive insights, and grow your footprint in the KZN economy. KZN Top Business NEXUS Exclusive Offer Join the Business Revolution Directories are Dead. The Nexus is Here. We aren't just revealing the technology. We’re revealing the future of KwaZulu-Natal business Step-by-Step Activation Step 1:Join "The List" (The Discovery Phase) Every legitimate business in KZN belongs on the map. Joining The List is your first step. Because we believe in the power of this network, we have removed the financial barrier. Your entry is immediate, and you won’t pay a single cent in annual fees until 2027. This is our confidence in action. Step 2: Upgrade to "Connectors Club" (The Engine Room) Visibility is the start; connection is the fuel. The Connectors Club is the high-velocity heart of the Nexus ecosystem. This tier is designed for businesses that don’t just want to be seen, but want to drive active engagement and real-time results. Your Marketing Powerhouse: Daily Agility The standout advantage of the Connectors Club is your ability to add and edit digital coupons daily. This isn’t a static listing; it’s a dynamic marketing tool that gives you the power to: Pivot Promotions: Update offers instantly to match your inventory or seasonal demands. Drive Immediate Traffic: Launch daily "Connectors-only" incentives to a captive audience of decision-makers. Own the Narrative: Take full control of your marketing message as it evolves, ensuring your brand stays fresh and relevant. Step 3: Reach "The Platinum Club" (The Inner Circle) The Platinum Club is the pinnacle of the KZN Top Business Nexus. This tier is reserved for those who want to shape the narrative of the province. Membership is bespoke, providing maximum leverage, priority media placement, and exclusive influence within the ecosystem. The "High-Velocity" Approach Unlock Your Digital Dividend "🏆 Redeem Your discount! See how the Nexus turns your business data into digital gold." Read the Strategy → The " Psychological Handshake" The Power of the Digital Handshake The "Ecosystem" Approach Stop Drifting. Start Dominating. "🚀 Escape the Sandbox. Learn how the Nexus puts you at the top of the food chain instantly." See the Blueprint → "🤝 Why a Coupon is Better Than a Business Card. Discover the psychology behind our 'Warm Feel' handshake and collect your launch discount. Go to the Blog → " Ready to Extend the Handshake? Now that you understand the psychology behind the Nexus Connectors, it’s time to stop reading and start connecting. Don't just exist in the market—anchor yourself to the top. Join the List Get Listed MEDIA KIT AI Unlocked at The Oyster Box Explores the Future of Smarter Business in KwaZulu-Natal GROW YOUR VISIBILITY THROUGH THE NEXUS KZN Top Business Nexus-Digital Liberation Transforming KZN Market Dynamics with the Benjamin Franklin Close The KZN Top Business Nexus - Early Bird officially closed The Simplicity of the Struggle

Lindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teamsLindiwe RakharebeLindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teamsLINDIWE RAKHAREBE, the CEO of the Durban ICC, is affectionately known as the "mother of the house" by her team. Lindiwe holds a bachelor's degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State as well as other qualifications in marketing management and management development. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high-performance teams. She has served in a management capacity for all four of South Africa's major banking institutions. Consequently, the forward momentum of the Durban ICC has been propelled by Lindiwe's strong background in corporate management as well as her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu- Natal economy. Lindiwe said, "I am driven to achieve excellence in every way in my duty and delegation." Since its foundation, the Durban ICC has made an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies. During the past financial year, R6.3-billion was added to South Africa's GDP and no less than 14 000 jobs were created and sustained as a result of the Durban ICC's activities. A Concerted Effort Lindiwe said, "I believe our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between the Board, our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This effort coupled with our balanced strategy and diligent management at all levels of the organisation all help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC." Lindiwe strongly believes that the Durban ICC has an important role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth for eThekwini, especially in the area of job creation. "For every individual attending a conference or exhibition at the Durban ICC, either as an exhibitor, delegate or visitor, there are positive economic spin-offs for local businesses. I would like to see continued meaningful enterprise development for SMMEs taking place at a grass-roots level." Under her leadership the Durban ICC has won several awards including the World Travel Awards as Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and a KZN Premier's Service Excellence Award in 2018. The Durban ICC is ranked in the top 1% of all convention centres globally and is the only convention centre on the African continent to make that list. Exceed our clients' expectations She says, "Whilst we celebrate all the good strides we have made in business, we must be mindful that there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The most important thing in remaining Africa's leading conference centre is that we exceed our clients' expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host. We need to make sure that when we open the doors to our customers that they experience the warmth and the great service that we have at the Durban ICC." Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Lindiwe's daily activities. "I believe I have an ability to bring the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My staff tells me that I lead with love and respect, which motivates them to give their best effort and this ultimately benefits the organisation," said Lindiwe. A woman influences everything she touches As a staunch advocate of gender-equality and women empowerment, Lindiwe has made a personal and professional pledge to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Her passion for women's empowerment issues has resulted in her serving on the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Network on Violence Against Women.. In addition, Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the often male-dominated world of business. She commented, "As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural life-giver and whatever you give life to will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it's leading a company or propelling a cause. I believe a woman influences everything she touches." Companies must put strategies and action plans that are measurable and sustainable in place to advance women. Only when people are held accountable to these plans will their full impact truly be felt," she said. Serve a higher purpose Lindiwe is a self-confessed perpetual learner who places a high value on education and imparting knowledge in order to uplift the lives of others. "We are born with different skills-sets and have been put on earth to serve a higher purpose in life. The extent to which your unique skills are used to uplift others is the extent to which your fulfilment will be found," she said. "Treat others the way you would like to be treated. As a champion of equality, I have a vision for a world in which all human beings are comfortable with cultural diversity and where uncompromising respect exists for one another. It all starts with teachings at home." The mother of four and grandmother of two, says nothing supersedes the value of being a mother and the importance of belonging to a family. Lindiwe places a premium on the importance of work-life balance. Lindiwe said in the quest for success, it was important to respect yourself and have your feet firmly on the ground. "Humility is an important quality. Believe in yourself and love what you do. Be open to learning and make the best of opportunities that are available." 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

< Back Orange Drizzle Loaf Prep Time: 55 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes Serves: 5 Servings Level: Beginner About the Recipe 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. Ingredients ingredient 1 ingredient 2 ingredient 3 ingredient 4 ingredient 5 ingredient 6 ingredient 7 ingredient 8 Preparation Step 1 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Step 2 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Step 3 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Step 4 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Previous Next

< Back Next > Raksha Laghari Director, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer, AML Group Raksha Laghari, director, co-founder, and CEO of AML Group, has built a thriving business empire. With ventures ranging from cement distribution to mining and logistics, her story is one of hard work, vision, and an unyielding commitment to growth. Raksha’s journey with AML started off as a cement wholesaling and distribution company dealing with local giants like Afrisam and PPC. But she explains, “We quickly branched off into other locally produced hardware and construction materials.” This expansion included collaborations with brands such as Marley Roofing, Etex Building Systems, and Corobrik. Over time, AML diversified its portfolio to include a logistics division. What began with just two trucks has grown into a premium fleet of over 50. “Today, our logistics division is extremely crucial to our core business because you can’t get materials to customers without a truck,” she states proudly. The expansion didn’t stop there. AML also entered the mining industry, with a focus on dolerite production in Northern Natal, supplying construction projects across the region. Raksha beams with pride as she describes their success: “We are one of the few suppliers of dolerite in the area.” AML has further diversified into the ready- mix concrete business, a sector where they have earned a reputation for premium quality. Testament to Growth Perhaps the most significant testament to AML’s growth is its venture into construction and real estate. The company has firmly established itself across multiple sectors, with Raksha at the helm, guiding the business through its various stages of development. Raksha’s academic background has played a pivotal role in her business success. With a BA Law degree from the University of Natal and further studies in Dublin, where she qualified as a legal executive, she attributes much of her journey to the skills gained from her education. “I have this firm belief that if you can read and comprehend, you can do anything,” she says. “As long as you can understand what is before you in an educated manner, you will probably be able to equip yourself with the skill set required for any endeavour.” This philosophy has guided her through the many challenges of building a business from scratch. Raksha is quick to point out that she didn’t come from a privileged financial position. “We didn’t start with money behind us,” she explains. “The journey has been about finding a vision, realising our goals, and adapting our strategies to forge ahead. In the beginning, I didn’t have the vision I see myself living today,” she admits. “But once one vision was accomplished, a new one emerged, and with it, new challenges. That’s how AML has grown.” For Raksha, AML is not just a business. “I don’t see AML as just a company,” she explains. “I often talk about my AML family because I’m highly motivated by them. I want to keep them all employed, growing, and happy.” Her leadership style is rooted in the belief that success comes from empowering the people around her, a lesson she credits to her first employer, Niall Sharon. “Niall taught me to grow the people around you and make them feel important,” she recalls. This sense of responsibility also stems from her relationship with her father, who was her first role model. “He never held me back from asking questions,” Raksha reflects. “We would often talk about bank documents and legal jargon when I was just 10 years old. Watching him overcome challenges inspired me to follow in his footsteps.” Raksha’s determination to leave a legacy behind has always been at the forefront of her mind. “Whether it’s a small or big legacy, I wasn’t sure at the outset,” she confesses. “But as the business grew, the legacy grew with it.” Operating in male-dominated industries like construction, logistics, and mining, Raksha has faced her share of challenges. “There are very few women in these sectors in South Africa,” she acknowledges. “In the early days, it was harder to be taken seriously. But with time, perseverance, and knowledge, you make inroads.” Raksha’s commitment to understanding every aspect of her business has been a key factor in overcoming these challenges. “Elon Musk once said you don’t need to know everything to build a business — you just need to employ people who do. But I’ve never agreed with that statement,” she asserts. “You need to have the fundamental knowledge to operate your business, and once you understand that you can bring in professionals to help you grow.” One of her greatest achievements, she believes, is becoming one of the few female miners in South Africa. “The mining industry was completely new to me two years ago,” she admits. “But I’ve learned every aspect of that business — from managing the workforce to the machinery we use. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned from them.” The Next Vision Looking to the future, Raksha asks, “Why do we need to import nails from China when we have the resources to produce them locally?” My next vision is to support South African companies and invest in local production to reduce our reliance on imports.” Raksha’s advice to young women entering the business world is grounded in realism. “Be prepared for hard work, sleepless nights, and equipping yourself with new skills,” she advises. “It’s all about you in the beginning days, and no matter how much effort you put in, you’ll probably feel like it’s never enough. But if you persevere, you will eventually see the fruits of your labour.” She encourages women to embrace failure as part of the journey. “The people who stand forward in this race are the ones who understand that one failure is just a stepping stone to another success.” Raksha’s journey with AML is not over. “I feel like I’m just getting started,” she admits. “There’s so much more I want to do in South Africa, for South Africa.” With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to her family, community, and business, Raksha is undoubtedly shaping a lasting legacy. < Previous Next >