Belinda Putterill Next Previous Belinda Putterill is the managing director of Use- it Waste Beneficiation Belinda Putterill, the managing director of Use- it Waste Beneficiation, a non-profit company operating within the waste value chain, reflects on her origins with a sense of nostalgia. “My story began in a small town,” she shares. Born in Pietermaritzburg, Belinda grew up in Bergville and spent her childhood in Colenso, a town that shaped much of her early life. “I attended Estcourt High School for a while and then matriculated from Ladysmith High School,” she says. Growing up in an era where “we got up to mischief because it was the normal thing to do,” Belinda developed a strong sense of community and resilience that would define her professional journey. Belinda’s entry into the professional world was swift. “My first job was actually three days after completing matric,” she recalls. Having just finished her final exam, Belinda embarked on her career as a legal secretary for an attorney in Ladysmith. “It was quite an experience,” she notes. A DIVERSE BACKGROUND However, Belinda’s journey into the waste industry was not a direct one. “I have a diverse background, not specifically in the waste industry, but it’s always been environmentally focused,” she explains. Her path led her to Use-it nearly a decade ago, where she discovered her true passion. “Waste is so holistic,” she states. “You might think it’s just rubbish on the street, but when you look at the impact it has on our environment in its entirety, it’s a global problem.” Initially, the magnitude of the waste issue seemed overwhelming. “It was almost too big for me,” she admits. However, she soon realised that by making even a small impact, she could contribute to a larger change. “If I could only just do one thing that could have an impact, it would snowball,” she says. At Use-it, Belinda finds purpose in addressing waste management challenges and making a tangible difference in communities. “We sit above the value chain of waste, identifying where the problematic waste streams are and what the roadblocks are,” she explains. But what drives her the most is the social responsibility aspect of the work. “We work with communities on the ground, and it gives me purpose every day to wake up and do more because of the impact change has on the beneficiaries with whom we work.” Balancing a demanding career with personal responsibilities is no small feat, and Belinda is particularly proud of her ability to do so as a single mother. “Being a single mum for 16 years and a full- time working mum at that, while managing this all-encompassing job, has been challenging,” she acknowledges. “I’m proud to say that I’ve raised two amazing children who are both now in the final years of their studies. Hopefully, Mum will get a break soon,” she adds with a chuckle. A LASTING IMPACT The wisdom passed down from Belinda’s mother has played a significant role in shaping her outlook on life and work. “The best advice always comes from your mum,” she asserts, noting that it’s often a generational thing. One piece of advice, in particular, has had a lasting impact on her. “My mum told me not to look back on your past mistakes and see them as failures,” she shares. Instead, she was encouraged to view them as lessons from which to grow. “You can’t change what’s happened in the past, but you can definitely use the lessons learned to do better in the future,” Belinda explains. In a field dominated by highly qualified academics, one of the biggest challenges that Belinda faced, she admits, has been that of self-doubt. Surrounded by peers with PhDs and extensive academic credentials, she found it difficult to see herself as their equal. “It’s intimidating,” she confesses. However, over time, Belinda has earned the respect of her colleagues and peers, which has significantly boosted her confidence. “I’m happy to say that my peers see me as their equal, which has really been amazing for me,” she says. Belinda describes the team at Use-it as a family, with all the complexities that such a dynamic entails. “Use-it has a mantra: it’s the Use-it family,” she explains. “Sometimes we don’t like each other very much, but we’re stuck with each other, and we kind of stick together,” she says. “Our team, does have conflicts, but we resolve them in-house,” she notes. “We need to understand each other as individuals with different cultures and what our circumstances are at home to be able to support each other in the workplace.” The non-profit environment, with its inherent funding challenges, adds another layer of difficulty. “Being in the non-profit environment, it’s not conducive to job security because we’re so funding dependent,” Belinda explains. SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION Belinda draws inspiration from her faith. “I will be honest, God, my faith, it’s a daily affirmation for me,” she says. This spiritual foundation provides her with strength and guidance in both her personal and professional life. Reflecting on the past five years, Belinda acknowledges the challenges that the region has faced. “The past five years have been tough,” she says, noting the loss of significant industry in Durban and the resulting job losses. However, she sees hope on the horizon, particularly with the development of the Dube TradePort. “I think that is going to have a significant impact on Durban and Hammarsdale specifically,” she predicts. Belinda also notes a shift in local government’s approach to the green economy. “Our local government has become more invested in the green economy,” she observes. This increased focus on environmental impact, combined with efforts to keep Durban’s River systems healthy and its beaches clean, gives her optimism for the future. “I think Durban is going to go a long way in the next five years,” she says with confidence. Belinda’s personal motto reflects her innovative and open-minded approach to challenges. “My motto has always been: Don’t break out of the box; there is no box, anything is possible,” she shares. Previous Next

Isaac Mbatha Next Previous Isaac Mbatha is the founder and CEO of Sky Tents Isaac Mbatha is the founder and CEO of Sky Tents. Isaac grew up in Newlands East and attended Barracuda Primary School. His schooling continued at a number of high schools, but he ended up at a school in Sydenham called Bechet Secondary School. Following the completion of his schooling, Issac immediately started working. Commenting on his business career, Isaac said, “My first job was actually a taxi conductor. Obviously, you aspire to be a taxi driver. A few years later I got my license, I became a taxi driver and after that I became a taxi owner as well.” Entering the tent industry was not something that Isaac intended. He was involved in washing and cleaning tents, but he never considered being a manufacturer as he was a middleman. However, he was regularly asked by clients to repair a tent if there was a tear from a windy event or to make an extra side wall, an extra window or extra roof if something went missing. “As I was trusted by my clients, I was often asked to make something and then the curiosity started building of how do I make it? What do I need? And Sky Tents was born in 2015,” explained Isaac. The company started in a very small scale making old fashioned peg and pole tents, which were either blue and white or red and white. From these beginnings the company’s range of products has grown to include stretch, frame, and dome tents, for a wide range of applications. In addition, Sky Tents services include the supply of tables and chairs, draping, mobile toilets, and mobile chillers. The company has also ventured into injection moulding. CREATE AND GROW Isaac said, “I think my purpose now in life is to create and grow an incredible company. I would like to become a better leader for my staff, clients, and suppliers. I would like to encourage people and show that it is possible to achieve in life. People say it’s hard or you need capital or whatever, but you’ve got to start somewhere. My purpose is forcibly pushing on, making people grow and looking for a better future.” While Isaac’s accomplishments say much about his career success, he believes that they also say very little. He explained, “Every level is a new ball game, a new figure. I feel like currently where I am, I’m just touching the surface of manufacturing and what can be done. I still underplay myself quite a lot.” While people around Isaac are extremely proud of what he has achieved and tell him how much he has grown, he still feels like there is so much more than he can do. “I really can’t put a point to to say that I’m extremely proud now. Maybe in a few years…” WISE WORDS Speaking of the best advice he has received, Isaac said that his father had always inspired him and was a man of wise words. “He always made sure that he drilled into my head that when you want something you’ve got to go for it no matter what. You’ve got to just keep knocking on the door. Eventually that door is going to break down. He said consistency is the only way forward. I think that’s what I keep doing. And that’s also a part of Sky Tents’ journey of what makes us different from the rest as well.” Isaac’s biggest challenge is growth. “You know growth is your blessing in disguise because the minute you feel like everything is crumbling down, you just become resilient, and you just keep going forward.” While Isaac says that his biggest challenge is overcoming setbacks, he has learned to manage these occasions by being consistent in what he wants to achieve and pushing forward. A COMPETITIVE APPROACH In order to keep his staff motivated, Isaac uses a competitive approach. He explains that as in sport, his various teams want to come out on top. “I just keep asking them, who won this week? Which department is pushing out a proper quality or faster product or has found even better ways of innovating? For example, a team may say that they have discovered that if we turn the processes around, this saves us 15 minutes on manufacturing time. So, while there is always teamwork, competition is always better at providing motivation.” Isaac’s vision for the future of his company is sustained growth. Currently Sky Tents has opened quite a few branches around South Africa. The company has started to penetrate into Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions around South Africa. “So, I’m hopeful that in the next five years that we would be dominating Africa and the globe,” he explained. “My motto is always, ‘tired rhymes with fired’. You know when you get tired you are going to get fired,” explained Isaac. “You have to keep just going always.” However, he added that consistency is always a key element that comes to mind. “There’s not one day that you can come into work and you can put your guard down. It’s just business and having that energy to always be confident and go for what you want,” Isaac concluded. Previous Next

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Donna Barnard Business Owner and Founder of Greenheart Organics Pty Ltd and Organic Farmer, Member of PGSSA / Greenpeace Activist We all need to play our part in making positive social, environmental and economic changes by supporting local and ethical producers Donna Barnard

If you have the passion and the focus, and if you have the dream; you can take yourself to a better level and independence < Back Thobeka Dlongolo Managing Director Biza iAfrica Consultants Thobeka Dlongolo joined Biza iAfrica Consultants as a partner in 2007, with the goal to drive the growth of the business and put it where it is today. The company was established in 2001 by her mother, Frances Dlongolo, who saw opportunities in the landscaping and horticulture business. “We have been in the business of horticulture and landscaping for the past 14 years and have grown from strength to strength,” said Thobeka. “We started landscaping in the rural Eastern Cape, and are now based in Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal. Our goal is to reach as many provinces as possible within South Africa and we would like to expand outside the country in the future.” The company works with landscape architects to install and maintain plants in a variety of locations such as schools, community parks and recreational spaces. In 2010, Biza iAfrica Consultants was provided the opportunity of being part of the company that supplied plants to King Shaka International Airport. “We had to source over 900 000 plants that were installed at King Shaka, as well as at Dube TradePort,” explained Thobeka. Recently, the company was awarded a contract to maintain the site for three years. Delivering better service In commenting on their growth, Thobeka says that over the years, they’ve been able to build their name by always ensuring that their company was not competitive just because they were black female owned but because they could deliver better service than their competitors. She explained, “Our competition takes us seriously, they see us as no nonsense women that are here to take up a share of the market. We ensure that we built capacity through learning and that we have the right people in our company, who are able to deliver a service. This ensures that our customers are happy, which is how we have built our recognition.” Over the years, Biza iAfrica has developed the capacity to undertake projects up to R20 million of value. The company finances all its projects and, consequently, has been able to succeed because they have the trust of their clients that they will deliver the services required. Biza iAfrica is proud of its achievements and especially of the training provided. Thobeka explains, “We have tried to ensure that wherever we work, we empower youth and women. We educate and basically leave skills behind, before we move onto the next project. We’ve organised courses that are accredited and many of our learners have been able to learn horticulture as well as set up their own businesses. What we’ve also done, is that we have employed some of the youth within our company, and they’re grown in our business. I greatly believe that we have impacted positively on the various communities in which we have worked to ensure that there is continuity in the work that we do.” Create your own opportunities Thobeka commented that the person who has most inspired her along her journey has been her mother. She says, “I’ve watched my mother work very hard, and I think her energy and drive has given me the strength to become who I am today.” However, Thobeka added that you create your own opportunities in life. “If you have the passion and the focus, and if you have the dream; you can take yourself to a better level and independence.” In the future, Thobeka would want people to see her hard work in attempting to make a difference in society. She added, “I think I’ve been able to slowly do that. But I still have a huge mountain to climb.” Biza iAfrica has had to face challenges as horticulture is a very white male dominated industry. As black women, there is stigma attached to obtaining the opportunities that come your way as there is often the opinion that you got the job because you’re a black person. Thobeka commented, “No-one realises the hard work that we have put in to this business. We have never focused our energy on being black; we’ve focused on working hard, improving our skills, and delivering a good service to our clients. We’ve managed to overcome many struggles and we’ve had much recognition within the industry. I believe that anyone who has the drive to succeed, can succeed.” Thobeka says that it is important to ensure that each client is happy, as you’re likely to get good recommendations for future jobs. “We focus on what the customer requires, and I think that has been our greatest success and is what each individual should strive for.” They have ensured that each job that they have started has been successfully completed and there’s never been a period where their contracts have been cancelled. Thobeka’s future goals are to provide a full facility management company for various clients where Biza iAfrica will be able to take care of both the outdoor and indoor areas. The company would also like to establish a commercial nursery. Focus on your skills The advice that Thobeka would give to others is firstly, “Focus on your skills, understand your business, your market, and the needs of your customers. Don’t be scared if you get put down, don’t give up, life is all about not listening to the negative talk. Focus on what you want to achieve; focus on really building your business.” Secondly, she says once you make money, re-invest back into your business. “Don’t waste it, ensure that you build your capacity to be able to get more contracts, and be more reliable in the business.” Lastly, concluded Thobeka, “Learn as much as you can, never think you know it all, train and educate yourself continuously, and learn from other businesses and from other people.”

KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council Chairman: Paul Ngema info@nafcockzn.org.za Website: www.kznchamber.co.za UK South African Chamber of Commerce SA Chapter leader: David White Email- david@drg.co.za Address– Cournswood House, Clappins Lane, North Dean, Buckinghamshire, UK, HP14 4NW Website- https://southafricanchamber.co.uk Tel: +27 (0)31 767 0625 Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry President: Prasheen Maharaj CEO: Palesa Phili 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban Country Club. View Directions Tel:+27 31 335 1000 Fax:+27 31 332 1288 info@durbanchamber.co.za www.durbanchamber.co.za https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/en/kzntopbusinessnewsblog/categories/dcci-durban-chamber-of-commerce-a iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CEO: Cobus Oelofse Unit 14, The Quarter, 1 Stewart Drive, Ballito Business Park,Ballito 4420 Tel:+ 27 87 354 6343 Fax:+27 86 666 1164 info@ilembechamber.co.za www.ilembechamber.co.za Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business President: Bongi Mshengu CEO: Melanie Veness Parkhaven Centre, 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park,Pietermaritzburg,3201 Tel:+27 33 345 2747 Fax:+27 33 394 4151 pmcb@pmcb.org.za www.pmcb.org.za Northern KZN Chamber of Business Manager: Jennifer Wallace 33 Francis Road, Ladysmith, 3370 Tel:+27 36 631 0541 Email: manager@nkcb.org.za Minara Chamber of Commerce National President : Solly Suleman Suite 4, GMH Centre, 32 West Riding Row, 45th Cutting Mosque,Sherwood Tel:+27 31 208 1898 Fax:+27 31 207 5813 kzn@minara.org.za www.minara.org.za South Coast Chamber of Commerce & Industry President: Dick Basday 54 Mitchell Drive, Port Shepstone Tel:+27 39 682 0631 admin@sccci.org.za National African Federation Chamber Of Commerce (NAFCOC) Chairperson: Paul Ngema Secretary: France Nhlapo Queens Court Building, 5 Samora Machel Street, Durban, 4001 Tel:+27 31 3059867 info@nafcockzn.org.za https://nafcockzn.org.za/ Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Industry 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/ Home KZN CHAMBERS

< Back Next > Beverley Murray Owner, Bev’s Beauty and Wellness Beverley Murray has dedicated her life to the world of beauty therapy and now operates from her salon Bev’s Beauty and Wellness located in Hirsch’s Umhlanga. Over her 44-year career, she has cultivated not only a love for her profession but also for the people she serves. “I love my clients, I just love to know that they feel at home, and that’s my main priority,” she says. Raised in a family of beauty therapists, Beverley’s career path was predetermined. Her mother, Isabel, owned a beauty school and salon – Mondeor Institute of Beauty, and from an early age, Beverley was immersed in this environment. She reminisces, “I grew up in a salon, and from the time I was a little girl, I would ask, ‘Please, can I paint the ladies’ nails, Mum?’ They used to love me and allowed me to work on them. So, I think the passion had always been there.” Beverley worked with her mum for 20 years and then started her own business. She has had her own salon for 24 years. Not only did Beverley learn the trade from her mother, but her own daughter Mechelle has also followed in their footsteps. Beverley briefly dabbled in hairdressing when her mother bought a hairdressing salon, but she realised where her heart truly lay. “My passion was beauty,” she reflects. Her dream of owning her own salon became a reality in Johannesburg, where she built a large, thriving business. At one point, she managed a team of six, with her daughter occasionally helping out, making it a true family affair. Relocating to Durban 13 years ago, however, forced Beverley to start from nothing. “One of my major challenges was trying to get a salon off the ground with absolutely no clients,” she recalls. Yet, her tenacity saw her through. “I went post box to post box, walking the streets and putting flyers on windscreens. You just have to do what it takes.” Navigating Loss Beverley’s career is marked not only by her professional achievements but by personal challenges, including profound loss. She had moved to Durban to be with a childhood sweetheart, only for him to fall critically ill shortly thereafter. “He was misdiagnosed, and they only realised what he had in April. He died in August,” she recounts with sorrow. “After he passed, I realised I had to get up. I had to get going. A week later, I was back at work, pushing all my energy into the business.” During this challenging time Beverley met Viv, who introduced her to Umhlanga Women Achievers. “Networking was crucial for me because I didn’t have any other way to connect with people,” Beverley says. Through the group, she not only built her client base but found personal growth. “I used to be quite introverted, but through the Achievers, I learned how to speak in front of people. Now, if I get asked to do a talk, I’ll do it without hesitation.” Of note Beverley won the Umhlanga Women Achievers of the Year 2022. Beverley credits much of her success to the support she’s received from people along her path, including Margaret Hirsch, a major influence and mentor. “Margaret has done so much for women, and she’s done so much for me,” she says. Resilience in Adversity Covid-19 brought another set of challenges for Beverley. Having opened a new salon at Hirsch’s Umhlanga, the timing couldn’t have been worse. “I had taken my finances to do the shop up, and three weeks later, Covid hit,” she explains. However, Beverley says when Covid struck, Margaret was one of the first to offer support. “She said, ‘Bev, don’t worry about the rent right now,’ and that meant the world to me.” Beverley’s resilience once again saw her through. “What saved me was that I was alone in the shop. People didn’t want to go into big salons during Covid, but with me, they could come one by one. It was just what people wanted.” Despite the difficulties, Beverley’s passion for beauty therapy never wavered. Throughout her career, Beverley has remained steadfast in her belief that beauty therapy is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “For me, I want people, when they come in, to leave feeling better than when they arrived,” she says. Whether that’s through physical pampering or emotional support, Beverley’s goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of her clients and creating a space where clients feel valued and cared for. “People have so much trauma in their lives, and I think since Covid, they’re not where they were five years ago. For me, it’s important to be there for them.” For Beverley, success is about more than just financial gain—it’s about building lasting relationships. “I’ve always said, you come as a client and leave as a friend,” she reflects. Looking Ahead In addition to her work in beauty therapy, Beverley is deeply committed to charitable causes. Through her involvement with Umhlanga Women Achievers, she has organised numerous charity initiatives, supporting organisations like Hospice, Open Door Crisis Centre and the Jess Ford Foundation. One of her proudest accomplishments is the monthly coffee club she organises to support a small coffee shop. “It’s been going for four years now, which we also use as a platform for charity,” she says. Looking to the future, Beverley hopes to continue growing her business while finding more time for herself. “I’ve got a wonderful lady, Nondumiso, who’s been working with me for two years. I’d love to one day be able to say to her, ‘You can run the shop more, and I can start taking a bit more time off,’” she muses. In her free time Beverley enjoys sitting and watching the ocean, finding peace in its presence. “I go to church on Sundays—that’s where I get my soul food from. She expressed her gratitude for the community, noting, “They’ve been incredible for me on my path in life; they’ve been wonderful,” she concludes. < Previous Next >

Mayor: Cllr Sizwe Ngcobo KZN Top Business Subscribe Ugu District Municipality Ugu District Municipality with its coastline of 112 km, is characterised by unspoiled subtropical bushland and forest, lazy beaches, small rural villages, extensive coastal sugar plantations, and major industrial complexes Ideal for Development Ugu District Municipality with its coastline of 112 km, is characterised by unspoiled subtropical bushland and forest, lazy beaches, small rural villages, extensive coastal sugar plantations, and major industrial complexes. The district comprises the local municipalities of: Umdoni, Umuziwabantu, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni. The modern N2 highway runs through Ugu parallel to the sea, passing Port Shepstone, the seat of the district and the main commercial centre. Other coastal towns include Pennington, Margate and Scottburgh. The highway serves as both a link and gateway to the neighbouring Eastern Cape and in the opposite direction to Durban and Johannesburg. Economically this district is the third largest contributor to the provincial GDP. Ugu boasts numerous historical, religious and cultural assets as well as growing business investment opportunities. The South Coast has the distinction of having five Blue Flag beaches namely Hibberdene, Umzumbe, Southport Marina and Trafalgar. The South Coast is also well-known as the country’s ‘Golf Coast’ boasting 11 diverse courses stretching from Umkomaas in the north to Wild Coast Sun in the south. The municipality’s proactive improvement of its infrastructure, education, health and recreational facilities contributes immensely to its appeal. Concentrated Economic Hub The Ray Nkonyeni Municipality is the most concentrated economic hub within the Ugu District Municipality. The main features of the economy are tourism and agriculture. Some manufacturing is centred around Port Shepstone. Commercial agriculture in the district produces one-fifth of all bananas consumed in South Africa, with numerous companies successfully exporting these and other products including macadamia nuts to some of the most exclusive packers in the United Kingdom. The municipality’s hilly terrain contains extraordinary features such as the Oribi Gorge. The Oribi Gorge’s activities include the wild swing, rock climbing, abseiling, and more. Providing Services Umdoni Municipality’s seat is in Scottburgh, which is located on the mid-south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The economy of the town is based on tourism, commerce, industry, agriculture and government offices. Scottburgh has a well-developed infrastructure system, providing services to a sound commercial sector and has residential component. One of the area’s mature lifestyle estates attracting substantial interest is Renishaw Hills, situated on the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development just outside Scottburgh. Largely Rural Umuziwabantu Municipality consists of a largely rural area. Features include: an urban development, the town of Harding, farmland, commercially grown forests and Traditional Authority areas. Apart from Harding, which is the seat of the municipality, 56% of the municipal area is occupied by individually-owned commercial farms and the Weza afforestation region. Ideal for Development The Local Municipality of Umzumbe extends along the coast for a short stretch between Mtwalume and Hibberdene, and then balloons into the hinterland for some 60 km. Umzumbe Municipality has been strategically identified as ideal for the development of Umzumbe River Trade where tourists will enjoy all available activities on this development. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 28 Connor Street, Port Shepstone Postal Address: P.O. Box 33, Port Shepstone, 4240 Tel: +27 (0) 39 688 5700 E-mail: enquiries@ugu.gov.za Website: www.ugu.gov.za Back