Mayor: Cllr T S Mkhombo KZN Top Business Subscribe Umkhanyakude District Municipality Umkhanyakude District Municipality is situated in the north-eastern region of KwaZulu-Natal. The district extends from Mtubatuba (St Lucia) in the south to Kosi Bay in the north, across to the Lubombo Mountains in the west Wildlife and Conservation Umkhanyakude District Municipality is situated in the north-eastern region of KwaZulu-Natal. The district extends from Mtubatuba (St Lucia) in the south to Kosi Bay in the north, across to the Lubombo Mountains in the west. The district is strategically linked to the provincial markets of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga and to the neighbouring market of Swaziland. Umkhanyakude District Municipality consists of the local municipalities of: Jozini, Mtubatuba, uMhlabuyalingana and Big 5 Hlabisa. Rich and Diverse Tourism The Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality is in one of the world’s richest tourism areas. Renowned game and nature reserves such as St Lucia, Hluhluwe/iMfolozi and Mkuze are located here. Easily accessible off the N2 National Route, it incorporates part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is the starting point of the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative corridor, which links Hluhluwe to Mozambique. The town of Hluhluwe, which contains major shopping and light servicing facilities, as well as the municipal offices, services the municipality. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, located 280km north of Durban is the oldest proclaimed park in Africa. The reserve consists of 960km² of hilly topography in central Zululand and is known for its wildlife conservation efforts. The north eastern parts of the municipality are occupied by densely settled rural traditional communities. Natural Beauty The Jozini Municipality borders Swaziland and Mozambique. The Lebombo Mountains and Makhatini Flats provide a beautiful terrain, which includes water features and fossil sites. Both Ndumo and Mkuze Game Reserves can be found straddling the borders of the municipality. Jozini town is the access point for northern Maputaland. The business centre is situated close to the Pongolapoort Dam, better known as the Jozini Dam, one of the largest in South Africa. The dam draws its water from the Pongolo River, which is the principal river of Maputaland. The Pongola River, in its path to the sea, supports a large population of fish, crocodiles and hippos, as well as the people of the area, it is an integral part of the economy of the region. Tourism has been prioritised as the major economic development opportunity and its success is dependent on local community initiatives. Administrative Centre Mtubatuba Municipality is situated along the northern coastal belt of KwaZulu-Natal and is the most urbanised local municipality. Mtubatuba town and St Lucia are the main towns within the district. Mtubatuba town is a strong sub regional commercial, service, transport, and administrative centre for the entire north eastern Zululand region. District Management Area Umhlabuyalingana Municipality comprises several District Management Areas that fall under the municipal jurisdiction of the district as well as the urban settlements of Manguzi, Mbazwana, Mseleni, Sikhamelele and Mboza. Umhlabuyalingana. Tourism is increasingly contributing to the local economy. The entire coastal strip is administered by the greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Harlingen No. 13433, Kingfisher Road, Mkuze, KwaZulu-Natal Postal Address: P.O. Box 449 Mkuze, 3965 Tel: +27 (0)35 573 8600 E-mail: communications@ukdm.gov.za Website: www.ukdm.gov.za Back

Dr Kenny Naidoo Next Previous Dr Kamalanathan (Kenny) Naidoo is the President of the Verulam Child Welfare Society Dr Kamalanathan (Kenny) Naidoo, the President of the Verulam Child Welfare Society, began his professional career as a high school mathematics teacher, teaching up to grade 12 at various schools across KwaZulu-Natal. Over time, he was promoted to the position of head of department for mathematics and eventually rose to become a principal and later, a superintendent of education. At the time of his retirement, he was overseeing 66 schools in the Pinetown district. In terms of educational qualifications, Dr Naidoo’s journey is both extensive and impressive. He began with a teachers’ diploma before pursuing a BCom degree at the University of South Africa. He furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and later, a specialised Bachelor of Education in Educational Management. Not stopping there, in 2000, he enrolled for an MBA at the University of Durban-Westville, which he successfully completed. Dr Naidoo then went on to achieve a PhD in Education. While serving as a Superintendent of Education, he also completed a senior management course at Level 13. At the age of 64, he was nominated by the department to undertake a course in forensic investigation, which he also completed. Dr Naidoo dedicated 45 years to education before retiring in September 2020, at the age of 65. However, his contributions to society extend beyond education. While still working in education, in 2001, he was elected President of the Verulam Child Welfare Society. Reflecting on his purpose, Dr Naidoo explains that whether in education or welfare, his aim has always been to implement the policies of the organisation and give effect to its constitution. In his current role, he is focused on enforcing the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) and, together with colleagues, maintaining tight financial controls within the organisation. This is critical as the society operates with a significant financial deficit, receiving a limited subsidy from the Department of Social Development. Dr Naidoo recalls the moment he learned that the organisation’s subsidy would be cut by 22,000 Rand per month due to budgetary constraints. This increased their operational deficit to around 122,000 Rand per month. Despite the economic downturn and reduced donations, the society has managed to navigate these challenges through the influence and support of its members, who come from various professional backgrounds, including the business community. PROACTIVE APPROACH One of the society’s proudest accomplishments is the development and implementation of the “Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsorship” programme, which encourages companies to donate to the organisation by providing them with a Section 18A certificate for tax benefits. Dr Naidoo credits his colleague, Mr Pat Moodley, for initiating this programme. Through this initiative, and the Spring Ball (initiated by the Nankhoo Family), the society has secured several sponsors, partially covering their deficit. Dr Naidoo credits the success of the Verulam Child Welfare Society to its proactive approach and innovative projects designed during strategic planning sessions, which have enabled the organisation to sustain itself despite operating with a significant financial shortfall. He hopes that by sharing the organisation’s story, more businesses will recognise the opportunity to support NGOs like theirs, especially given the potential tax benefits and the vital role these organisations play in complementing government efforts. Dr Naidoo shares that the best advice he has received on his journey is to avoid procrastination. “Procrastination is a thief of time,” he says, emphasising the importance of meeting deadlines and tackling tasks immediately. He believes in living each day as if it were his last and attributes his success to this philosophy. By prioritising prompt action, especially in tasks like writing letters to sponsors, Dr Naidoo ensures that the organisation stays ahead of the competition and maintains a proactive approach to fundraising. When asked about his personal motivation, Dr Naidoo states that passion is key. In his words, “If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, especially in the voluntary sector, you won’t be able to fulfil the objectives.” He notes that volunteerism in the community is declining and stresses the importance of being motivated by others. Dr Naidoo draws strength from figures like Mr KN Rajoo, who served as President of the Verulam Child Welfare Society for 23 years and remained with the organisation for 50 years. Rajoo’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable, providing mentorship and guidance to Dr Naidoo and others on the board. Mr Rajoo was also the architect, of the popular Charity Fair, a concept that is used by most NGOs today. Dr Naidoo believes that experiential knowledge is far more valuable than theoretical knowledge and credits his success to the wisdom shared by senior colleagues like Mr Rajoo. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT To keep his team motivated amidst these obstacles, Dr Naidoo emphasises the importance of positive reinforcement and emotional intelligence. He recognises that understanding body language and providing timely support to staff are crucial in maintaining a productive and content workforce. Additionally, the organisation is committed to fostering public awareness of children’s rights and conducts work- shops for educators to equip them with knowledge about the Children’s Act and related matters. These initiatives have proven beneficial in addressing and preventing child abuse and neglect in the community. Looking ahead, Dr Naidoo envisions a future where networking plays a critical role in overcoming challenges faced by non-profit organisations. He sees potential in connecting with businesses and international organisations that might offer funding and support to child welfare initiatives. For instance, through networking, the Verulam Child Welfare Society recently learned of an opportunity with the “Million Dollar Club” and received a generous donation of 4,000 USD, which provided significant financial relief. DEEP COMMITMENT In conclusion, Dr Naidoo’s life and career are characterised by a deep commitment to service. Whether in education or child welfare, his dedication to implementing policies, promoting positive change, and sustaining organisations is unwavering. His motto, developed by the society, “Your care strengthens our care in child and family welfare,” encapsulates his approach to leadership and service, driven by passion, persistence, and a belief in the power of collective effort. Previous Next

In his current role as Provincial Head of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Imraan is at the helm of the vibrant retail and business banking operations and is leading a dynamic and energetic team of executives and senior managers. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Imraan Noorbhai In his current role as Provincial Head of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Imraan is at the helm of the vibrant retail and business banking operations and is leading a dynamic and energetic team of executives and senior managers. Over and above being a servant leader, leading by design is also a key success factor in being an effective leader of today IMRAAN NOORBHAI, Standard Bank Provincial Head KwaZulu-Natal says, "Standard Bank is an African-focused, client-centric, digitally enabled and integrated financial organisation. In line with our vision of being the leading financial services organisation in, for and across Africa delivering exceptional client experiences and superior value, we continue to work more closely with our clients to ensure that we can deliver fully integrated, full-service solutions that meet all their financial services needs." Imraan has a deep and diverse financial services background spanning over 20 years with Standard Bank across various roles, from sales and distribution to being Director of Finance for the Customer Channels division within Personal and Business Banking South Africa as well Head of Retail Banking for KwaZulu-Natal. In his current role as Provincial Head of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Imraan is at the helm of the vibrant retail and business banking operations and is leading a dynamic and energetic team of executives and senior managers. Whilst embracing a continuously evolving leadership style, Imraan is the first to admit that servant leadership is at the core of his leadership philosophy. Imraan says, "Over and above being a servant leader, leading by design is also a key success factor in being an effective leader of today. Leading by design involves creating frameworks for problem solving that enable your teams to explore the endless possibilities that exist within their DNA." A seasoned banker with a proven track record, Imraan's successful and highly impactful professional career has been deeply rooted in his accounting training and qualification acquired after completing articles with Desai Jadwat Inc. This success and contribution has been widely recognised through nominations for various prestigious leadership interventions with GIBS as well as learning experience immersions in New York, China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Sweden and Berlin over many years to gain invaluable banking exposure. Imraan is passionate about entrepreneurship, empowerment and the digital revolution. He believes that the current digital revolution presents immeasurable opportunities to navigate the complex economic landscape to enable businesses to serve their clients better. Imraan continues to contribute actively in shaping the dialogue in industry through his membership in the KZN Growth Coalition, SAIPA, SAICA, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Minara Chamber of Commerce and and most recently as a Non-Executive Director on the Diners Club SA Board. "My vision is to leave a legacy at Standard Bank where I am remembered for my positive contribution to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where digitisation creates an enabling environment for our customers to transact seamlessly. More importantly for me is to leave the business in a better shape than I found it, to inspire leaders that follow to be motivated and have the entrepreneurial flair and innovation mindset. We must be courageous, embrace change, empower teams to make decisions and never stop seeking knowledge. My ultimate dream is to see the growth of the economy of KZN at a point where all can benefit from its rich resources and diverse cultures."

Mayor: Cllr ZD Nxumalo KZN Top Business Subscribe Harry Gwala District Municipality Harry Gwala District Municipality includes the southernmost part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park adjacent to Lesotho and borders the Eastern Cape Province in the west. Unique And Attractive Resources Harry Gwala District Municipality is situated in southern KwaZulu-Natal. The district includes the southernmost part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park adjacent to Lesotho and borders the Eastern Cape Province. Harry Gwala comprises four local municipalities: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Umzimkhulu, Greater Kokstad and Ubuhlebezwe. Ingonyama Trust land makes up a large proportion of the municipality and includes several tribal authorities areas of administration. The district has an abundance of high quality soils, a high altitude, much water, and experiences climatic extremes. Commercial farms and commercial plantations form the bedrock of the economy of the region. A significant portion of dairy consumed in KwaZulu-Natal is produced here. There is potential for the development of agriculture and tourism. Service Centre and Commercial Hub The town of Kokstad in the Greater Kokstad Municipality is strategically located on the N2 Development Corridor, the main transport arterial linking KwaZuluNatal and the Eastern Cape. The local municipality has an abundance of unique and attractive natural, cultural resources and open space amenities that could be used to enhance the local economy. Well Located Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality is well located between Pietermaritzburg, Kokstad and the Eastern Cape. The seat of the Harry Gwala District Council is the town of Ixopo, which is approximately 85km south east of Pietermaritzburg, capital of KwaZulu-Natal. Ixopo plays an important role in terms of the possible location for industry, commerce and other economic activity. The town is a major education and health centre and assists in the diffusion of new ideas and technologies to the rural areas. Many government departments and essential service providers are based here. Largest Local Municipality Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality is the largest municipality within the district, constituting 35% of the area. Much of the municipal area consists of tribal lands, which dominate the area. The municipality is known for the World Heritage Site of uKhahlamba, which brings local and foreign tourists to this mountainous area. The relatively unspoilt natural environment has high eco-tourism and adventure tourism potential. Greater tourism diversity could be achieved through a wider range of facilities and attractions including historical, cultural events and ecotourism adventures. Subsistence Living Umzimkhulu Local Municipality neighbours Ugu District in the east, Msunduzi in the north, Lesotho in the east and the Eastern Cape in the south. Of the population, about 90,8% reside in rural areas, while the remaining 9,2% are urban based. While development projects are centred on infrastructure and service delivery, backlogs remain vast with respect to water, sanitation and electricity provision. Currently agriculture comprises cattle (red meat and dairy), poultry, wool, maize, sugar cane, citrus, vegetables and timber. Much of the farming operations are at subsistence level, despite the potential for commercial-scale ventures. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 40 Main Street, Ixopo, 3276 Postal Address: Private Bag X501, Ixopo, 3276 Tel: +27 (0)39 834 8600/ 8700 Fax: +27 (0)39 834 1750 Website: www.harrygwaladm.gov.za Back

I just embrace life and live each day and take it as an opportunity to make things right, to empower others with my own life’s journey < 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.”

Dr Sooliman explained that he was inspired to assist others by the teaching of the Prophet Mohamed who said that God will not answer your prayers if you neglect fellow beings Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Imtiaz Sooliman Dr Sooliman explained that he was inspired to assist others by the teaching of the Prophet Mohamed who said that God will not answer your prayers if you neglect fellow beings Best among people are those who benefit mankind IMTIAZ SOOLIMAN is the founder, director and chairman of Gift of the Givers, a disaster relief agency, which has been in existence for 27 years. Sooliman says that he is driven by his motto and that of the Gift of the Givers which is simple. The motto states: "Best Among People are those who Benefit Mankind". Thus far the Pietermaritzburg headquartered organisation has disbursed in excess of R2,1 billion in aid to needy individuals and communities. Dr Sooliman matriculated from Greyville's Sastri College in 1978, following which, he completed his medical degree at the then University of Natal's medical school. Dr Sooliman's work as a humanitarian began while providing medical care at the Nacala Hospital in northern Mozambique, as part of the Islamic Medical Association's relief work efforts. Dr Sooliman explained that he was inspired to assist others by the teaching of the Prophet Mohamed who said that God will not answer your prayers if you neglect fellow beings. He added, "I emphasize this because the person who has the greatest right over you is your hungry neighbour. The essence of all religions is love, its mercy and human dignity." In addition, in 1992, while visiting Istanbul in Turkey, Dr Sooliman was introduced to a Sufi Sheikh, an Islamic mystic, who instructed him to form an organisation called the Gift of The Givers. The Sheikh said to him, "You will serve all people of all races, of all religions, of all colours, of all classes, of all political affiliations and of any geographical location, and you will serve them unconditionally." Over the following two years, his involvement grew to the point that Dr Sooliman closed his medical surgery in 1994, to pursue his humanitarian commitments full-time. Gift of the Givers has delivered lifesaving aid in the form of search and rescue teams, medical personnel, medical equipment, medical supplies, medicines, vaccines, anti-malarial medication, high energy and protein supplements, food and water to millions of people in 42 countries, South Africa included. The organisation, due its staff and infrastructure, has extended its activities beyond providing disaster relief to 21 categories of projects. The diverse activities include bursaries, agricultural self-sustainability, water provision, counselling and life skills services, entrepreneurship and job creation, establishment of primary health care clinics and medical support to hospitals, winter warmth and supply of new clothing and shoes, sports development, feeding schemes and food parcel distribution, supply of household and personal hygiene packs, educational support and toy distribution, provision of housing, care of the physically and mentally challenged, orphans and the elderly as well as intervening in hostage situations. These efforts have earned Gift of the Givers, 124 individual and organisational accolades and awards, including four Presidential awards. Gift of the Givers is the only organisation in South Africa to have received awards from two successive South African presidents, including the President's Order of the Star of South Africa (the highest civilian award in the country). In 2010, President Jacob Zuma honoured Dr Sooliman with the Order of the Grand Counsellor of the Baobab: Silver award. In 2016, Dr Sooliman was awarded the prestigious Global Citizen Award® by the international advisory firm Henley & Partners. Dr Sooliman commented that the work of the organisation is done through him and not by him and out of a sense of gratitude that he is not in a situation of need. He says that he is driven by integrity, honesty and transparency. "Always keep your promises and go beyond that what you said that you would do," he added. Dr Sooliman believes that it's the conditions of others less fortunate than him that keeps him going. "You want to help over and over when you see the pain and suffering of others. The most satisfying thing is the smile on a person's face when they are lifted up."

I just embrace life and live each day and take it as an opportunity to make things right, to empower others with my own life’s journey < Back Claudette Sigamoney Entrepreneur and Founder of of CiaLeeTeez (Pty) Ltd and Impilwenhle Claudette Sigamoney is a visionary entrepreneur and wears many hats as a business and community leader. As managing director of CiaLeeTeez (Pty) Ltd and Impilwenhle, she empowers and enhances the skills of both women and youth entrepreneurs. Claudette is the former vice president and former chairperson of SMME and entrepreneurial development of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Being the vice president of the Chamber has given me more exposure than I’ve ever had before and enabled me to be part of various platforms. This role has also empowered me to work with other businesses. I have learnt a lot of skills and have grown myself as an entrepreneur. I lead by example,” says Claudette. She added that being the SMME Forum chairperson of the Durban Chamber has given her an edge and that she is passionate about the growth of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). During her term, Claudette has set the tone in terms of development. As an ambassador and as a voice of SMMEs, she has mentored successful entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Claudette is proud to have had hundreds of mentees come through her hands and who have been equipped with the necessary skills to take their businesses to another level. A business strategist In addition to the various business formations, Claudette has forged many relationships with stakeholders in business and government. She is a business strategist and influence maker who drives dialogues and business engagements between a range of stakeholders. Claudette has been very involved with round table conferences where she spends much of her time concentrating on marrying SMMEs with big corporates to promote procurement opportunities. Her leadership ability has also diversified into roles such as keynote speaker, public speaker and programme director on various business and government platforms. Claudette’s business CiaLeeTeez specialises in township talk and rural development, entrepreneur development, SMME development and growing small businesses. She is passionate about giving to the community through her business, Impilwenhle, which is a Seta accredited company that undertakes skills development and empowerment of unemployed youth and women. “We go out into the rural areas and identify the needs that are present in the municipalities. This includes skills that are needed such as sewing, upholstery, agriculture, and baking. In addition to skills development, Impilwenhle assists in growing businesses through developing the entrepreneurs. “In this case someone who is thirsty to take a calculated risk but doesn’t know how to do it,” explains Claudette. “We assist by helping with aspects such as registration on the various government platforms required to be a proper business.” “We also identify the needs for skills amongst individuals – a school leaver, a woman sitting at home, or a gogo taking care of her grandchildren. We teach the required skills over a 12-week Seta accredited programme. After completing the course, each participant receives an appropriate tool such as a sewing machine so that they may continue to use their craft. Through learning a skill, each woman is then able to take care of herself and provide for her family.” Further to her desire to give back, Claudette is a lay minister within the Anglican Church of South Africa. “That is my ministry and that is my way of giving back to the community,” she says. Opportunities for all Claudette has faced many challenges, both on the business front and personally. She says that being a woman in business always comes with challenges. However, says Claudette, “I didn’t want to be the first black women to find herself on a board, I wanted to open the doors to others.” She says that to make a success of a business you need to find the time to both work in and on a business. Consequently, Claudette uses every opportunity to network with other business owners. “I network to create strategies, find synergies and collaborate. There are opportunities for all of us,” she explains. Smile amidst the pain Her personal challenges were rather difficult. Claudette has been a single parent to three sons, two of whom suffered from muscular dystrophy, a disorder that only affects men. Clerrade and Tyronne were wheelchair bound at the ages of 13 and 10 respectively. Sadly, Tyronne was on life support for two years before he died in 2016. Her eldest son, Lyronne is an industrial engineer, married and living in Cape Town. Claudette became vice president at the encouragement of Tyronne who was in ICU at the time. He said that she should take up the position as ‘opportunities come once in your lifetime, take it with both hands and embrace it’. Her term of office was very difficult as she often had to show up at functions after a sleepless night of caring for her son and continue with her role even through the pain of losing him. Amidst this turmoil, Claudette saw the need to empower others and smile amidst the pain. “Everyone in business knows that I am always a cheerful person and always have a smile. Amidst all the struggles that I have had, I just embrace life and live each day and take it as an opportunity to make things right, to empower others with my own life’s journey. If I can do that for one person, I have done my fair share.” Claudette has formed the T25 Foundation to raise awareness about muscular dystrophy. In conclusion, Claudette says. “You need to empower yourself more than anything else – read, be part of business formations, be part of women’s organisations if you can. Celebrate your best life and just embrace it.”

< Back Masha Padayachi Chief Executive Officer of FT Engineering Masha Padayachi is the chief executive officer of FT Engineering, a company that has shaped the telecommunications landscape for three decades. “We do telecommunication work for MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, and ATC, which is an American based company and we are also into construction,” she explains with pride. Her success is rooted in determination, resilience, and a steadfast belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to. “I started from very humble beginnings,” says Masha. “I married into a very humble family,” she adds, acknowledging that she never had the luxury of financial advantage or a straightforward path. Instead, she was inspired by the powerful example of her mother and mother-in-law, who were the sole providers for their families. “They encouraged us in pursuing our goals and taught us that nothing is impossible. By looking at what they did, I knew that women could do it.” A BUSINESS WITH HEART Masha’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by her biggest dream which was to give her children the opportunity that she was not allowed or did not have. And she added her motivation was, ‘to serve the community and help the poor’. She recalls the early days of FT Engineering clearly. “The business was established in 1995. I started with just three staff members and myself, and I ran it from my living room.” Without tertiary education in engineering or telecommunications, she forged ahead through determination, on the job learning and a strong partnership at home. “It was all self-taught and with the help of my wonderful husband, I managed to persevere and get to where I am today.” Today FT Engineering stands as a respected player in South Africa’s telecommunications and construction sectors. What began in Masha’s living room has One of the achievements Masha treasures most is the empowerment of women within her workforce. “Of that staff, I empowered many women, and I now have them holding high positions in our local offices and in the rural areas.” This transformation within her business reflects a core principle of her leadership: opportunity must be accessible to those whom society often overlooks.Masha has long been an advocate for giving people the chance to gain experience rather than excluding them for not having it. “You go out for interviews and the first question you are asked is: ‘What is your experience?’. If everybody closes the door on you because you had no experience, when are you going to get that experience? I gave many people the chance to get that experience at FT Engineering.” Many of those early employees have now grown into respected professionals. “There are a few who have their own business now. I feel very good that I empowered these people.” She describes the workplace she has built as a community. “We are a family at FT Engineering, more than the staff and employer.” With pride Masha adds, “My oldest staff member has been with us for 28 years.” WEATHERING STORMS Success did not come without challenges. “In the beginning, obviously it was finance, but I managed to overcome that.” As one of the few women in her field, Masha faced scrutiny on sites where her knowledge and authority were dismissed. “Going out to sites, I was not acknowledged and I could hear comments, but that did not intimidate me at all. In fact, that made me more determined to make it work.” The Covid pandemic tested her leadership further. “During Covid, I really concentrated on my staff and managed to stretch my budget so that I could keep them.” Support programmes such as Covid loans helped her maintain salaries. She remains proud that most of her team stayed intact through those difficult years Reaching the 30-year company milestone was a moment of fulfilment for Masha. She hosted a celebration that recognised every person who helped build FT Engineering. “I invited all my clients, my suppliers, and most importantly, all my staff to show them my appreciation. Because without them, there is no FT Engineering.” Some staff members experienced luxury hospitality for the first time. “They did not know what it is like to go and sit in a hotel. And that gave me so much satisfaction.” LIVING WITH PURPOSE Masha’s work does not end at the company gates. Community upliftment and faith-based service are essential parts of her life. “I belong to a women empowerment group where we help the poor in our community. I also belong to a Hindu organisation where I help to deliver food hampers.” Charity work brings her peace. “I find doing this service very relaxing, and I get fulfilment out of it.” As she looks to the future, Masha hopes to embrace a slower pace. “I would love to spend time with my grandchildren now.” She lists with joy the ages of the young ones who brighten her life. “I have a two-year old, a six-week-old, and I have a son who has a twenty year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son.” She says that she would also like to do some travelling to Seychelles or Maldives with her ‘lovely husband’. “The beaches would be ideal. Somewhere to relax where there is not too much activity and where I know I can just chill.” Masha’s message to young women is firm and inspiring. “Never underestimate your ability. You must set your goals and work towards them. And remember, nothing comes for free. Everything is hard work. And you must get up, dress up, and go get it.” Masha concludes by crediting her strength to the women who raised her. “Looking at them working so hard has shown me that women can do it. They were my role models. I am sure they are somewhere up there looking at me and very proud of me." Previous Next