Partner Engagement Services Promote your brand through KZN Top Business. Through our partner programmes we provide a platform to market products and/or services. THE TEAM Hello. Chief Executive Officer Grant Adlam Phone +27 0832628529 Mail grant@kzntopbusiness.com Business Development Angela Alderton Phone +27 662065654 Mail Angela@kzntopbusiness.com Chief Digital Strategist & Operations Lead Maryke Dickinson Phone +27 828777906 Mail maryke@kzntopbusiness.com Multimedia Field Journalist Dylan Naidoo Phone +27 71 126 5075 Mail Dylan@BusinessSense.co.za Editor-in-Chief Gayle Adlam Phone +27 836530465 Mail gayle@kzntopbusiness.com Art and Creative Director Kerri Adlam Phone +29 832284789 Mail Kez@kzntopbusiness.com Support Specialist Tracy Engelbrecht Phone +27 84 902 5357 Mail Tracy@BusinessSense.co.za Multimedia Field Journalist Chelsea Brand Phone +27 760919547 Mail Chelsea@BusinesSense.co.za

T he book S helf KZN Top Business connects businesses and customers, in relevant and profitable ways. We create and distribute relevant information about your business through a range of channels: print, digital, social, video, mobile etc. We assist in driving the visibility of your brands, including growing relationships and improving client retention through targeted campaigns KZN Top Business is an innovative content marketing company driven by the desire to keep learning, about people, about companies, and about what styles of communication work to promote business opportunities that drive businesses and communities forward. We are committed to positively impact on business in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond through growing a network of inspired, motivated and enterprising individuals and organisations with a vision to strive sustainable business success for the benefit of all. Back

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Nomfundo Xaba Broadcaster and Change Agent One of the beauties about life is that if your passion and your heart are focused on something, somehow the universe brings it to you Nomfundo Xaba

Kervin Budram Next Previous Kervin Budram heads up the finance department of Aberdare Cables Kervin Budram heads up the finance depart- ment of Aberdare Cables. Alongside his finance responsibilities, he takes on business analyst roles and some general management duties. His journey began and continues in the City of Pieter- maritzburg. Kervin attended various primary schools before completing his high school education at Heather Secondary School, where he matriculated. After finishing school, Kervin initially pursued studies in electronic engineering. However, due to financial constraints to support his studies, Kervin worked part-time, which caused him to change career paths, choosing finance and business studies. Kervin mentioned that while studying electronics engineering, he worked part-time at Tastic Rice Mills. His days were challenging, attending lectures from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then working night shifts from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to sustain himself. “It was quite difficult,” he recalls, as he balanced work and studies. EVOLVING CAREER Kervin started his professional journey as a data capture clerk in the creditors’ department of Aber- dare Cables. While working, he pursued a national diploma in financial and corporate accounting, majoring in accounting and law. He later went on to complete postgraduate studies (passed Cum laude), including the Programme for Management Development at the University of Cape Town (completed with distinction). Kervin’s academic growth paralleled his career advancement, moving from a data capture clerk to a creditors’ clerk, and eventually into cost accounting roles. He became a cost analyst, then a cost accountant, and finally, a financial controller, a position he held for several years. During his time as a financial controller, Kervin was introduced to SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products), specialising in financial and costing aspects. He attended the SAP Graduate School in Sandton, where he honed his skills in this area. When asked about his purpose in his current role, Kervin emphasises continuous growth and improvement. “I think we all seek to see some kind of continuous growth and improvement, to just be better than where we were before,” he says. He believes in striving to be better each day, whether through small, gradual improvements or major breakthroughs, both for himself and for the company. ETHICS AND INTEGRITY One of Kervin’s proudest accomplishments came early in his career while studying electronics engineering. At the time, he was working in a subsidised repair centre. One day, an elderly lady who was a pensioner brought in a television set that only needed a small repair, costing just a few rands. However, the owner of the business insisted on charging her an exorbitant amount. Kervin stood his ground, refusing to overcharge her. “I will struggle, but I will do it ethically,” he told the owner. This experience led Kervin to leave the repair business and enter the cable industry, where he has remained ever since. “Standing up for what I believed was right at the time might seem insignificant to others, but it was a significant accomplishment for me as it opened another door while keeping my ethics and integrity intact,” he reflected. In terms of the best advice he has received, Kervin fondly remembers a teacher who encouraged students to envision their future. The teacher would ask them to ‘Envision where we see ourselves in one year, five years, ten years’ time and to dream big’. This advice had a lasting impact on Kervin, who continues to set goals and chase after his dreams. Kervin has faced many challenges throughout his career but is indeed grateful to his close circle of family and friends who helped him overcome many obstacles in both his work and personal life. STAY OPTIMISTIC Keeping his team motivated during challenging times is something Kervin takes seriously. “I tend to be the one who almost always goes around smiling or creating a smile in others,” he says. Kervin understands that if he stays optimistic, his team is likely to follow suit. He focuses on highlighting the good in situations and encourages his team to look beyond the challenges. “If they see that you are looking forward and you’re leading from the front, then they tend to follow you and go by your lead.” Kervin draws inspiration from various sources, including books and successful people around him. The stories of people who have overcome challenges to achieve success are a source of motivation. “I love success stories... and just putting my hand to the plough with them,” he says. Looking ahead, Kervin is optimistic about the future of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the challenges and low economic growth, he believes in the potential for positive change. “We’re going to have a much better five years to come than probably the last five or even ten years that we’ve had,” he says. Kervin finds inspiration in the diverse opportunities in the region and the resilience of the people working to make a difference. “At work we’ve got a thing called ‘Gemba’ which is Japanese for ‘go and see’. A lot of us sit behind our desks and read online or in the newspapers how bleak things might be. But when we go and see, you suddenly see how much growth potential is out there.” In his personal life, Kervin actively seeks opportunities to serve the community, mainly through churches and non-profit organisations. He is a director on the board of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Kervin continues to study, and recently completed his studies at the Calvary Bible Institute, finishing as the top student and passing summa cum laude. He is also building quite a reputation as a Toastmaster, master of ceremony and even a stand- up comedian! Together with his wife, Kogi, Kervin is part of KwaZulu-Natal Aquatics, initially fulfilling the role of timekeeper and recently as a judge in the various swimming galas within the province. He pursues this avenue to be close to his twin daughters who aspire to swim at the highest level. Kervin lives by a motto shared by one of his teachers: “Hang loose but stay vibrantly alive.” It is a motto that is real challenge but reflects his approach to life and work. Previous Next

Benita Ardenbaum Next Previous Benita Ardenbaum is the managing director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys Benita Ardenbaum, the dynamic managing director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, is a formidable presence in KwaZulu-Natal’s business landscape. With nearly three decades of legal expertise, she has not only shaped the field of family law but has also emerged as a powerful force in the province’s business community. Born into challenging circumstances, Benita’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading legal figure is a testament to her resilience and strategic foresight. Adopted at birth, her early life involved a move overseas with her family at age 12, where she faced significant challenges, including the decision to leave school and support herself at 15. Her experiences of working day and night enabled her to travel across Europe at 16, honing her communication skills and fostering a deep understanding of diverse cultures. This early exposure prepared her for the complex world of legal and business leadership. Reflecting on those formative years, Benita says, “Traveling and working so young gave me a unique perspective. It taught me to respect different view- points and to see challenges as opportunities. That perspective has shaped the way I approach the law.” After receiving life-changing advice, Benita returned to her education and later pivoted from a BCom degree to pursue law, earning both a BA and LLB. This strategic decision set the stage for her to establish one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most respected family law practices. Her firm quickly gained a reputation for handling some of the most challenging cases, from international child abductions to high-stakes divorces, underpinned by her commitment to justice and advocacy for the vulnerable. FINDING JUSTICE Benita’s personal history steered her toward family law. “There was this fiery passion within me to find justice for people and to defend the underdog. My whole purpose was to give people, especially children, a voice and enable them to have a choice,” she explained. As a female leader in the competitive world of family law, Benita’s approach is anything but conventional. She has redefined the practice by viewing law as a strategic tool for achieving justice and setting new legal precedents. This innovative mindset has propelled her firm to the forefront of the industry, setting benchmarks in both legal excellence and business acumen. Commenting on her practice, Benita elaborates, “If I can help one person in a family, it impacts the children. They then grow up in a more stable environment, creating a ripple effect that makes a difference. I think families are the backbone of society. People often think of family law as ‘soft law,’ but it is extremely complex, as you’re dealing with people’s emotions.” POWER OF THE LAW For business leaders in KwaZulu-Natal, Benita’s story offers a blueprint for success. Her ability to transform a legal practice into a thriving enterprise that not only delivers top-tier legal services but also influences broader societal change is a testament to her visionary leadership. Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys is not just a legal service provider; it is a beacon of innovation in the legal field, driven by a clear strategic vision that prioritises both client outcomes and market expansion. Under her leadership, the firm has grown from a small practice to a powerhouse in the South African legal landscape, recently expanding into Cape Town with plans for further growth in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Her vision is clear: to continue expanding its influence and market share by leveraging the power of the law to drive business success and societal impact. A THOUGHT LEADER Beyond her immediate business achievements, Benita has emerged as a thought leader in the legal industry. Her insights on complex family law issues are highly sought after, and she has reshaped the discourse around family law by advocating for a more strategic, results driven approach to resolving disputes. Benita added that she is inspired by people’s stories. “I feel incredibly grateful when I can actually help people, and I can see the tangible results where, for example when children or people are not caught up in conflict any longer. Communicating with people, helping them to try and resolve the issues that they have, is what inspires me, because without people to help we wouldn’t have this business.” Her influence extends beyond the legal community, inspiring a new generation of business leaders and lawyers to adopt a more feminine and effective approach in their fields. A COMPELLING EXAMPLE For KwaZulu-Natal’s top business leaders, Benita’s journey serves as a compelling example of how strategic pivoting, resilience, and a clear vision can align business success with a higher purpose. Her ability to blend empathy with business acumen has earned her respect in the legal community and established her as a model of purposeful leadership in the broader business world. Benita’s story is a powerful reminder of how one female leader’s vision and determination can transform an industry, inspire a team, and create lasting impact. Her legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, making her not just a leader in family law but a pioneering figure in KwaZulu-Natal’s business community. In conclusion, Benita encourages others to embrace a purpose beyond themselves. “At our firm, we believe in the power of connection, it’s never just about one person, but about the collective impact we can have. My team and I live by the principle that staying true to our core purpose and values is what drives us. We often remind clients of the importance of gratitude, which helps them find resilience through life’s transitions. It is about appreciating what we have and finding growth, even in the midst of adversity.” Previous Next

Angela Alderton Business Development

Andrew Barnes Next Previous Andrew Barnes is the owner of Barnes Properties Andrew Barnes, the owner of Barnes Properties, specialises in residential and retail property development in and around the Pietermaritzburg area in KwaZulu-Natal. Andrew was schooled in Pietermaritzburg and initially followed in his parents’ footsteps into conservation. His first job, at 18 years old, involved running an anti-poaching unit, but Andrew quickly realised that his passion lay elsewhere. “Animals don’t speak back, and I enjoy working with people,” he reflected. This marked the beginning of his journey into the property industry, a field he entered “by absolute default” over 30 years ago. His early mentors played a crucial role in his development, particularly his parents, who were government employees. One of his first employees was his mother, a situation that added some pressure to his early career. “If I didn’t pay her salary, she’d probably kick me out!” he quipped. SPORT AS A FOUNDATION Andrew’s passion for sport has influenced his business approach. Over the years, he has participated in numerous events, including half a dozen Duzi canoe races, nonstop Duzis, the Comrades Marathon, mountain bike races, and has climbed some of the highest mountains in the world. “Things that I’ve learned from sport are probably some of the greatest lessons that I’ve learned outside of the business world,” he said. “Things like tenacity and making a plan; because to a large degree, as with sport, the business environment requires absolute zest and a need to come out on top. That doesn’t mean you need to get one over anybody else. It means that you’ve got to work with people.” This belief extends to his leadership style. Andrew emphasises the importance of leading by example and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. “You’ve got to constantly look for a balance between big decisions and careful thought,” he noted. His approach recognises that people are motivated by a variety of factors, and that as a leader, you must be willing to take risks, make difficult decisions, and remain humble in the process. “Working hard and being prepared to do anything that you ask people to do creates a strong foundation for trust and respect,” he explained. NAVIGATING CHALLENGES Andrew’s involvement in the community extends beyond property. When his children started school, he became involved in education, initially serving on the board of Cowan House, a local independent school, and later the regional committee of South Africa’s Independent Schools’ Association. A challenge Andrew faced was during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The first confirmed case of the virus in South Africa was linked to Hilton, a neighbouring town, and the infected individual’s children attended Cowan House. This situation placed Andrew at the centre of a crisis that required action. “Engaging with various ministers, the community, and the media was probably one of the most trying times in my life,” he recalled. “I think I navigated the crisis well for my community of people. A lot of my upbringing has been one of engaging with people and sorting out problems off the front foot, and that’s what I’ve tried to do constantly.” Andrew’s believes that success is not just about personal achievements but about contributing positively to society. “My why is that I think that you owe it to society and to yourself to be the very best at whatever you do every minute of the day,” he explained. “I deliver on my mandate, for all those people that I work with.” His approach to business and life is shaped by a genuine love for people. “I believe that I have the ability to deal with a plethora of people from different backgrounds, from captains of industry to bricklayers and plasterers, who need to be heard and understood,” he said. “The best advice I’ve ever received is to face things head on... And in life, you need to love people for where they are at and laugh. I think that’s incredibly important. These three things have helped keep me real, kept me grounded and enabled me to work with different people constantly.” A CRITICAL SKILL Andrew’s leadership style is also characterised by his emphasis on listening. He believes that truly hearing what others are saying, as well as what they are not saying, is a critical skill. “The ability to listen is probably the greatest, most undervalued skill,” he emphasized. “It’s something I’ve learned and I don’t always get right, but I work at it every day.” In the challenging environment of first-generation property development in South Africa, Andrew has faced significant obstacles, particularly when competing with larger, more established players. “There’s a lot of really deep pockets, and you are often on the outside looking in,” he admitted. “But the best way to combat that is to work hard, work honestly, and face challenges head-on.” Andrew works at keeping up his team’s morale by understanding that you need to be human because people don’t follow robots. “That means you need to be humble, caring, conscientious and genuine. If you apply those traits, the right people will follow you. And people will put themselves on the line for you.” Andrew is inspired by people who have built businesses from the ground up. “Anybody can buy an asset; not everybody can create one,” he stated. He holds a deep respect for simple, hardworking individuals who often must overcome significant life challenges. “You can learn an exceptional amount from simple people,” he says. Looking ahead, Andrew is optimistic about the future of business in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands, which he believes has significant potential for growth, especially with the rise of the middle class over the past few decades. He sees opportunities for those willing to work hard and collaborate with others. “You’ve got to decide whether you’re a half-empty glass or half-full glass kind of person,” he said. “And I’d like to think that I’m the latter.” Andrew’s motto, “Pitch up at the start line and put your ears back,” captures his approach to life and business. He advocates giving your best effort in every situation, regardless of the competition. Previous Next