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- Dawn DunnDawn DunnRugby Commentator and BusinesswomanIf you’re connected with your inner voice, you will be fine. Trust that voice moreIf you’re connected with your inner voice, you will be fine. Trust that voice more
If you’re connected with your inner voice, you will be fine. Trust that voice more < Back Nozuko Basson Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs Tronox South Africa Nozuko Basson’s role at Tronox, which is based in northern KZN, entails making sure that the mining company honours its responsibility of creating value for its stakeholders, of which, communities take centre stage. The most significant event in Nozuko’s life is, she says, when she became a mother. “I had my daughter when I was fairly young and from the moment she arrived in this world, I knew that the game had changed. It’s an ambition of mine, that when my daughter is asked who your role model is, she mentions my name.” In ensuring that she is an inspiration to her daughter, Nozuko constantly evaluates how she behaves, how she practices professionalism in the workplace, and how she treats other people. Nozuko believes that she has got to where she is today through hard work, dedication, a lot of praying and the support from many people who have crossed her path. “I’m somebody who is focused on her religion. I’m a Christian and I’ve always believed that everything that I do is enabled by my faith. I started my career as a journalist, but I realised that was not the life that I wanted to live. I’m not a social and out-there type of person, so I moved into public relations. I was fortunate to work for an agency where I had an amazing mentor who helped me in building the capability to understand how media relations works.” From there, Nozuko moved onto one of South Africa’s largest medical insurance organisations, Discovery. Here, Nozuko said, she had mentors who helped guide her through her career. “I’ve been fortunate that I had other people lifting me, guiding me, and making sure that I stayed on the right track. My journey has been difficult; it’s always good to be reminded by those who are ahead of you how to remain positive and confident in what you are doing.” Having courage Nozuko says that her decision to move to KwaZulu-Natal has been an amazing journey that has required her to really stretch herself. This meant going into areas where she thought she would never be able to venture. She added, “Just having the courage to really push myself and push the boundaries for my team members so that we all work towards one single vision. This requires that we stay close to the cause and really live our own personal values, as well as the values of the organisation in which I work right now.” In commenting on the challenges that she has faced, Nozuko says that as a young female professional, the first challenge that she would like to focus on, is the “pull her down syndrome”. “When you, as a female, start rising in your career there are times when other females do everything in their power to pull you down. I have a strong view that if one of us rise, we all rise. It’s hard enough being a young female, let alone being black in the workplace; we need to hold each other up and motivate each other.” The second challenge she has faced is working in the mining industry, which is a male dominated sector. Over that, working within the community, which is also a male led environment that still subscribes to traditional practices has brought a great deal of learning, that has come with its own difficulties. Currently, the third challenge has been dealing with unconventional community issues, that pose a serious risk to Tronox’s public reputation. “This is where the company’s values, procedures and policies need to guide you to deal with the challenges in a manner that does not compromise your role or its reputation,” said Nozuko. “Lastly, I have often found myself feeling not quite welcome around the ‘table’, as if I am a token BEE candidate,” says Nozuko. “I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t wait for somebody to offer me a seat at the table. If there’s no seat for a female in the workplace or in this industry, you bring your own, and that’s something that I have really started being vocal about.” Leaving behind a legacy In the future, Nozuko wants to leave behind a legacy that says, “When Nozuko Basson was in that community or was working in that organisation, she made a positive difference.” In terms of her career, she sees herself growing from strength to strength. Right now, she is focused on her work in South Africa, but soon, she wants to share her knowledge and skills with the rest of the world. Nozuko added that she is fortunate to work for an organisation that has the platform that will allow her to do so when the time is right. On the personal side, Nozuko wants to travel the world. “I want to touch other lives in my own personal space. I want to live my best life and it’s something that I’m making a deliberate effort in doing and I know that I’m on the right track.” In advising others, she says, “It’s important not to be side-tracked by other people’s opinions. It’s important to remain true to yourself. It’s important that when you venture out, you understand that not everybody will be cheering for you, so learn to be your own cheerleader and as you’re cheering yourself, cheer those around you because they may not know the power that they have within themselves.” Nozuko believes one needs to put their heart into everything that they do. “I always say to people, if you’re not going to give it your all, rather don’t start. I believe in dazzling people. One of Tronox’s values speaks to doing the right work, the right way in every aspect of our business and that’s really what I subscribe to. I don’t take short cuts; it’s about doing something right all the time. It’s behaving in an ethical way and ensuring that everything I touch, doesn’t only represent organisational integrity, but also my own personal integrity.”
- Brigitte TurnerBRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business.BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business. Having thrived in the male dominated property development industry, Brigitte doesn't believe that women need to take a different approach to men to their careers. "Yes, women are still frequently discriminated against, particularly when it comes to salaries in corporates, but women have more opportunities that ever before. Instead of being daunted by your situation," she says, "you need to trust in yourself, believe that there are opportunities because you have something to offer, and be yourself." She credits her talented and committed team for their huge contribution, and takes guidance from Richard Branson, her "ultimate entrepreneur", in setting high targets for herself. Branson says he never sets a target unless it really frustrates him, and Brigitte agrees that without aiming high, you'll never reach great heights. Making business success meaningful "I'm definitely proud of what I've achieved, but I'm certainly not at the end of my career yet," she points out. "There's so much to be done - and not enough time to do it." Inspired by Branson's philanthropic commitment as well as his business acumen, and by Mother Theresa's service to her community, Brigitte knows that everyone can make a difference. "I only wish I could be even half as selfless as Mother Theresa," she laughs. Business success has allowed Brigette to make a greater contribution to society. As a business, Harvey World Travel Highway supports community events and helps with fundraising projects, but Brigitte feels that this is only part of it. Over the years she's served on the boards of several charities and gives of her time and business skills too. She's particularly committed to her church's social transformation project and headed a business forum to develop business skills for emerging entrepreneurs. "The business forum started as a workshop for three or four entrepreneurs each meeting, and rapidly grew to over 150 people every week, with formal training courses." But Brigitte didn't just set up the business forum, she trained entrepreneurs herself, spending many a Monday evening in Kwadabeka and Lamontville. She's particularly fulfilled by the real success stories that started in these workshops, and one in particular made a real mark. "Mandisa Sithole, who owns the craft shop at King Shaka International Airport, had a small beading business and a big dream. And I'm so honoured to have been a small part of her journey." Brigitte has recently joined Rotary, and notes that, like everything else in life, the more you give, the more you get back. Living a well-rounded life With running a demanding business, her family commitments and community work, it can't be easy to do it all, but Brigitte is adamant that you need balance. "My circle of life includes family, friends, spirituality, career, finances, health and love life, and everything needs to be in balance for my life to work," she says. "If one element is out of balance, I feel it across all aspects of my life. And I need my community work as much as I need my exercise." Needless to say, life is not always perfect, and Brigitte points out that a difficult divorce a few years ago took its toll and she felt she was in a slump across every element. But true to her belief that our time on earth is limited and we need to use it well, she soon got herself back on track. "Whenever I feel things aren't going as well as they should, I take a good look at my wheel of life, pray to God for guidance, and figure out which area I need to deal with. And it works for me." Be kind When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Brigitte says it's the same advice she gives her three children today. "Be kind and be generous, stick to your values, pray often and remember that ethics matter. If you follow this simple dictum, it will stand you in good stead, and you'll always be able to look people in the eye." Be yourself, and live your life in line with your ethics and your values
BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business.Brigitte TurnerBRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business.BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business. Having thrived in the male dominated property development industry, Brigitte doesn't believe that women need to take a different approach to men to their careers. "Yes, women are still frequently discriminated against, particularly when it comes to salaries in corporates, but women have more opportunities that ever before. Instead of being daunted by your situation," she says, "you need to trust in yourself, believe that there are opportunities because you have something to offer, and be yourself." She credits her talented and committed team for their huge contribution, and takes guidance from Richard Branson, her "ultimate entrepreneur", in setting high targets for herself. Branson says he never sets a target unless it really frustrates him, and Brigitte agrees that without aiming high, you'll never reach great heights. Making business success meaningful "I'm definitely proud of what I've achieved, but I'm certainly not at the end of my career yet," she points out. "There's so much to be done - and not enough time to do it." Inspired by Branson's philanthropic commitment as well as his business acumen, and by Mother Theresa's service to her community, Brigitte knows that everyone can make a difference. "I only wish I could be even half as selfless as Mother Theresa," she laughs. Business success has allowed Brigette to make a greater contribution to society. As a business, Harvey World Travel Highway supports community events and helps with fundraising projects, but Brigitte feels that this is only part of it. Over the years she's served on the boards of several charities and gives of her time and business skills too. She's particularly committed to her church's social transformation project and headed a business forum to develop business skills for emerging entrepreneurs. "The business forum started as a workshop for three or four entrepreneurs each meeting, and rapidly grew to over 150 people every week, with formal training courses." But Brigitte didn't just set up the business forum, she trained entrepreneurs herself, spending many a Monday evening in Kwadabeka and Lamontville. She's particularly fulfilled by the real success stories that started in these workshops, and one in particular made a real mark. "Mandisa Sithole, who owns the craft shop at King Shaka International Airport, had a small beading business and a big dream. And I'm so honoured to have been a small part of her journey." Brigitte has recently joined Rotary, and notes that, like everything else in life, the more you give, the more you get back. Living a well-rounded life With running a demanding business, her family commitments and community work, it can't be easy to do it all, but Brigitte is adamant that you need balance. "My circle of life includes family, friends, spirituality, career, finances, health and love life, and everything needs to be in balance for my life to work," she says. "If one element is out of balance, I feel it across all aspects of my life. And I need my community work as much as I need my exercise." Needless to say, life is not always perfect, and Brigitte points out that a difficult divorce a few years ago took its toll and she felt she was in a slump across every element. But true to her belief that our time on earth is limited and we need to use it well, she soon got herself back on track. "Whenever I feel things aren't going as well as they should, I take a good look at my wheel of life, pray to God for guidance, and figure out which area I need to deal with. And it works for me." Be kind When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Brigitte says it's the same advice she gives her three children today. "Be kind and be generous, stick to your values, pray often and remember that ethics matter. If you follow this simple dictum, it will stand you in good stead, and you'll always be able to look people in the eye." 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
- Zululand District Municipality
Mayor: CLLR Thulasizwe Buthelezi KZN Top Business Subscribe Zululand District Municipality Zululand District Municipality borders on the Kingdom of Swaziland, a trading partner of South Africa. The district’s local municipalities comprise eDumbe, uPhongolo, AbaQulusi, Nongoma and Ulundi An Extraordinary Experience Zululand District Municipality borders on the Kingdom of Swaziland, a trading partner of South Africa. The district’s local municipalities comprise eDumbe, uPhongolo, AbaQulusi, Nongoma and Ulundi. The major towns of Vryheid and Ulundi are both well located in relation to the national road and rail networks. Approximately half of the area is under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities, while the remainder is divided between commercially owned farms and conservation areas. Zululand’s rich wildlife attracts many tourists, both international and local. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the largest reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, is a popular destination for big five sightings, and its rhino conservation programme is well known. The Ithala Game Reserve offers an extraordinary experience of geological diversity as the rock formations found here date back 3 000 million years. Zululand is also home to the second oldest reserve in the world, the Pongola Game Reserve. Approximately half the Ulundi Municipal area consists of commercial farms and the area supports a substantial agricultural community. Ulundi town represents the only urban area in the municipal area and therefore plays an important role in the provision of social and economic facilities to the total population of Ulundi. Ulundi lies at the hub of the old Zulu Kingdom and has many cultural resources which are not being capitalised on. The tourism attractions include game reserves, historical and cultural sites, cultural events and guest lodges. The KwaZulu Cultural Museum houses interesting displays relating to Zulu history and archaeology. The beehive huts and the layout of the original Zulu village have been reproduced. The eMakhosini Conservancy (Valley of the Zulu Kings), birthplace of King Shaka, is a public private sector project that aims to preserve the culture and history of the Zulu people. Nongoma Municipality shares its name with the town of Nongoma, the seat of the municipality. The municipality is the home of King Goodwill Zwelithini, the leader of the Zulu nation, and his royal palaces are among the tourist attractions in the region. EDumbe Municipality is situated in the north western part of KwaZulu-Natal. Most of population live in the rural hinterland of the municipality and lack basic services and facilities. Forestry and agriculture are the two key economic activities. There is a small manufacturing sector in Paulpietersburg/eDumbe and an informal sector providing a convenience service to the public. Agriculture and tourism form the basis for the uPhongolo Municipality’s economy. Located around Pongola and the Pongola River, the municipality contains areas of commercial agriculture. While much of the agricultural activities consist of sugar cane farming, smaller areas are under citrus and crop planting. The uPhongolo Municipality has within its area of jurisdiction two key tourism attractions; the Ithala Game Reserve and the Pongolapoort Dam. These attractions are complemented by many private game farms and game reserves on which several lodges and other tourism related facilities are located. AbaQulusi is a largely rural community with low income levels endowed with various resources, which have not yet been fully developed. AbaQulusi’s tourism potential lies in its well-developed infrastructure, links with the Battlefields Route, its conference potential, eco-tourism and outdoor adventure events. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: B400 uGagane Street, Ulundi, 3838 Postal Address: Private Bag X76, Ulundi, 3838 Tel: +27 (0)35 874 5500 E-mail: info@zululand.org.za Website: www.zululand.org.za Back
- Fatima Moolla
We need to develop our young people to meet the needs of their generation and of the future, to create positive change < Back Fatima Moolla Centre Manager SmartXchange Port Shepstone Fatima Moolla is one of the KZN South Coast’s leading businesswomen. She has completed a B. Com (Accounting and Economics), PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), an MBA, as well as a certificate in Incubation Governance and Management. As a child growing up in a business-oriented family, Fatima developed her astute business sense from a very young age by observing and working alongside her parents in their family-owned businesses. Their mentorship and guidance provided the platform for her to pursue her dreams to succeed in business. Before joining the business world, Fatima was a teacher at Port Shepstone Secondary for eight years. However, the desire to take up a new challenge and a sense of a ‘calling’ saw her joining SmartXchange in 2015 as centre manager at the newly established branch in Port Shepstone. Fatima’s dynamic leadership produced amazing results as the Port Shepstone incubator grew beyond expectations and exceeded its three-year targets within the first year. This success, says Fatima, was ‘awesome’ as she was concerned that they would not be able to get the type of incubates and businesses that SmartXchange was looking for in a small town. The incubator has received local recognition by winning the Port Shepstone Mayoral Award twice since inception and contributed to the overall recognition of SmartXchange as a provincial and national leader in the incubation ecosystem. The success at Port Shepstone served as a stimulus to establish a township Digital Hub in KwaMashu with further replication plans on expanding into rural areas. Rewarding beyond expectation Fatima says that working at SmartXchange and being part of the entrepreneurial and innovative journey, supporting and contributing towards the success of a small business or the development of an innovation has rewards that are far beyond any expectation. “I get super excited to see the growth and development of our start-ups during our coaching, mentoring and business development sessions. I am proud to announce that four innovations, which are currently being commercialised, were developed at Port Shepstone.” Innovate Logistics is an optimisation of delivery loads; Eazi Health ID is a 360-degree medical app that manages patients’ records, bookings, referrals etc., Smart Beehive Management uses technology to manage the harvesting and well-being of a beehive and SA Smart Film Art is a platform promoting and linking local producers, scriptwriters, actors and aspirant filmmakers. Fatima admits that while this job comes with its fair share of challenges, the opportunities encourage her to persevere and draw on her own strengths. “I prefer to look at myself as someone who stands alone, who believes in what she does and who goes out there and does it.” She adds that she does not have the space for the male/female argument or agenda in her life. Fatima prefers to see projects as team directed rather than focusing on individual differences. Building prosperous communities In reflecting on the general challenges her ecosystem faces, Fatima says, “The accessibility of cheap, reliable internet connectivity is still one of our major challenges in township and rural areas as we strive to build communities and societies that can prosper through fair and equitable access to information, data and resources. It was exciting for our team when we onboarded a company that provides internet connectivity to township and rural areas using the concept of Television White Spaces (TVWS). The roll out of this technology means that previously disadvantaged and inaccessible communities now have an opportunity to digitise their products and services enabling the democratisation of technology and transfer of knowledge.” With her experience in setting up the Port Shepstone SmartXchange Incubator, Fatima was given the opportunity to lead the establishment of the Living Labs, funded by the National Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in KwaMashu. This project presented the opportunity of incorporating the Living Labs within the SmartXchange KwaMashu Digital Hub. One of her current goals is to see the KwaMashu centre completely functional. The Digital Hub in KwaMashu has created a strategic link to the township economy and her team is now working on co-creation projects with their stakeholders and township communities to address the challenges faced by a lack of digitisation of local businesses and also problems around domestic and industrial waste, crime and the lack of technology in early childhood centres. All the co-creation projects are focused on the integration of youth, women, and people with physical challenges as the economic empowerment opportunities within these groups is miniscule. Fatima says, “I am blessed to be part of an organisation that is constantly evolving. My opportunities to learn and grow have increased exponentially as we embrace the 4IR and my passion to explore new opportunities for our SMME’s often keeps me awake, feeding my dreams of growing both rural and township economies to become a reality.” Creating positive change In the future, Fatima would like to use her knowledge in the education space to develop innovations and systems that would allow our education system to function better to be meaningful and impactful. “We need to develop our young people to meet the needs of their generation and of the future, to create positive change,” she says. In advising other women, Fatima says, “Firstly, I would like women to educate themselves holistically to develop as innovators, leaders and globally recognised persona. The spectrum of education is infinite and there is so much you can learn at different levels. Once you have the empowerment of education, follow your passions and chase your dreams. It is your life, and you have to write your own story.” In her personal capacity Fatima serves on the executive of an organisation called Sisters for Humanity (S4H). Their core focus is providing relief to impoverished societies wherever they may be. This is achieved through intensive fundraising within our networks and communities. “The impacts achieved give us joy, and adds meaning to life as well,” concludes Fatima.
- This is a Title 02 | KZN Top Business Nexus
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- Rob Kelso | KZN Top Business Nexus
Rob Kelso Next Previous Rob Kelso is the chief executive officer of SA Home Loans Rob Kelso is the chief executive officer of SA Home Loans. He is a proud ‘Durban boy’ who was schooled at Westville Boys High School and then studied for a BCom at University of Natal, Howard College campus. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 2001, completing articles at the Deloitte Durban office and thereafter spent two and a half years in the audit and consulting practice. Rob has been with SA Home Loans for 19 years and during this time has worked across the breadth of the organisation including ten years as the chief financial officer. In this position he focused on entrenching and diversifying the securitisation and funding platform of the business, which he says is ’the life blood of what we do’. Rob then moved into the chief operating officer role, where he spent five years looking after the broader operations across the group, before being appointed CEO in 2021. His role is to execute on the strategy of the business across the SA Home Loans group, which includes the home loan, short term insurance and life insurance pillars. CHANGING LIVES Its unique position as a Durban based financial services head office and a national pioneer in the securitisation markets is, said Rob, what attracted him to SA Home Loans. “It was a rare opportunity in Durban to get into a business, which was in financial services, in the debt capital market side, and which was pioneering and offering an investment banking type of career.” Much of Rob’s career with SA Home Loans has been driven and inspired by the positive impact that the business has on people’s lives, especially first-time home owners. “Our mission statement is about changing lives; it’s about creating home ownership for all South Africans. That is a purpose which really resonates with me and has taken me a step beyond investment banking and accounting into a business where I feel we have a daily impact on our clients and the people around us.” In addition, as a corporate citizen, SA Home Loans prides itself on being an active and positive role model to the people and the communities it serves, which is equally important to him. On a professional level Rob counts among his accomplishments his participation in the team that built the SA Home Loans business from a small ‘newcomer’ into an established player in the national housing market and widely recognised as the preeminent securitisation issuer in the country. CAREER DEFINING MOMENT Rob says that the biggest career challenge he has faced was the global financial crisis back in 2009 and 2010, which had a profound impact on SA Home Loans, a relatively small, non-bank lender at the time. “The global financial markets were in turmoil and liquidity was really tough to come by. As a young newly appointed CFO that was a career defining moment in terms of the pressures and the lessons learned. But while stressful at the time, invaluable in terms of moulding and forging a way forward. Crisis often does teach the best lessons, and I look back at that period and say it was unpleasant, but for the business and personally, it was a hugely valuable growth experience.” While every business has its tough patches, the property market is cyclical so there is a continual need to motivate and keep people focused within the business. “As a team, good times are easy, the tough times are where the true mettle shows. If you build a team that trusts each other, who trusts the journey you’re on and doesn’t start to question the strategy or the direction as soon as things get tough, that’s a big step in terms of managing and getting through obstacles,” explained Rob. In addition, SA Home Loans are believers in ensuring that everybody is engaged in the business operations. “We’ve obviously had a number of challenges in KZN and South Africa in recent years where we as a business had to come together. If you as a management team are seen as present and engaged, that gives people the confidence to ride out those tough periods.” SA Home Loans are true believers in KZN’s potential as an employment and lifestyle destination of choice in the country. Rob said, ‘We are that rare animal with a financial services head office here in KZN, and the potential is enormous. We have the skill sets, there are people who live here and who want to live here. The question is, ‘How do we get everyone to work together to reclaim that space?” A ROLE MODEL Rob is guided to achieve by a number of principles. At a personal level he is inspired by the people closest to him and strives to act in a way that is admired and respected by his family and those around him, and which is true to his faith – no matter the role. To accomplish these goals, the best advice Rob has adopted is to ‘Be true to yourself’ and to be consistent and authentic in all avenues of life. “It’s great to have role models and people you look up to who have been successful. However, if you’re going to be successful, you can’t emulate others or be something that you’re not. In leadership that is a principle I hold quite close. I need to present in my professional career as I am in my personal life, so be true to my values, my morals, and my frameworks. An important cornerstone for me is to be able to say I deliver that in every aspect of life.” He believes in the power of asking the question ‘what is best?’. “What is the best about the person we work with? What is the best about the country where I live? I think that changes the narrative somewhat. There’s a lot to be positive about if you slip through the negativity, which I think we should all be looking to unlock,” concluded Rob. Previous Next







