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< Back Next Jonathan Naidoo Jonathan Naidoo is the chief executive officer at SmartXchange Jonathan Naidoo is the chief executive officer at SmartXchange. His formative years took place in Port Shepstone on the south coast of KwaZulu- Natal. Thereafter, he attended university in Durban, where he studied to become an educator specialising in mathematics. This background provided fertile ground for Jonathan to springboard into other career opportunities. “I’m a firm believer that education is your biggest liberator and a level of empowerment that nobody can take from you. As an educator you are multi skilled; you become an event organiser, a sports individual, a programme director, and public speaker among other roles,” commented Jonathan. Furthermore, his pursuit of knowledge continued, and he went on to obtain qualifications in economics, geographic information systems (GIS), and in trade and investments. Jonathan was also a politician, serving as deputy chair on two government entities: the Ugu District Council and the Port Shepstone Transitional Council. In 1999, Jonathan was offered a job at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry as head of economics, policy and advocacy. He served five years in that portfolio, until taking up the position as chief operating officer of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal. Thereafter he accepted an appointment by the Austrian company Toll Link to head the tolling portfolio, travelling frequently into sub-Saharan Africa and to Austria, reporting to the head office in Gratz. Consequently, said Jonathan, “It was a pleasure to come back home and to head SmartXchange in 2011.” IMPACT POSITIVELY He says, ‘I think my purpose in my current position is to offer an ‘ubuntu’ solution to startups, caring for and moulding them so that they grow and become sustainable. We’re contributing to economic growth and creating more jobs within communities.” The other exciting part for Jonathan is working with innovative young people with much passion and drive who he can direct to develop amazing solutions. “Working with these young bright individuals that want to impact positively on the quality of people’s lives spurs me on,” he remarked. Speaking of his proudest moments, which Jonathan says are multifaceted, he turns first to 2016 when the then Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr Naledi Pandor, presented him with the innovation award for SmartXchange’s work. Secondly, in 2019 SmartXchange was recognised, by a division of the United Nations, for a global Inter- national Telecommunication Union (ITU) award. “They presented SmartXchange with the award for building a world class ecosystem. The replication modelling looked at incubation based on the metro economy within Durban,” explained Jonathan. Subsequently, SmartXchange has developed a small- town incubator in Port Shepstone, the KwaMashu Township Digital Hub and a Rural Incubation Hub in Bongweni, Kokstad. Their fifth project is on commercialising research material linked to universities. EFFORTS OF A COLLECTIVE Jonathan added that SmartXchange’s journey has been surrounded by top class support teams and amazing staff. “It is never an individual that wins an award, it’s the efforts of a collective and I’m proud to be just one part of that collective, ‘he reflected. SmartXchange’s main asset is its human resources who need exceptional care, explained Jonathan. “It’s a proactive stance because we are a caring organisation. I’m hoping that level of care adds to their motivation.” He added that most of the team were interns that were groomed and have grown along their career paths. Further, the primary means of keeping his team motivated is for Jonathan to lead by example. He explains, “There is no task that the CEO should not be allowed to do. When you do those simple things, the ripple effect goes along the entire staff and the institution as well.” In addition, he says that it is always great to recognise hard work, which is managed via performance appraisals and appropriate monetary compensation. SERVING MANKIND Reflecting on his main source of inspiration, Jonathan says that this comes from his family and from religious teachings about serving mankind and doing good. “If you’re guided by the principle of having a good intention that should motivate you endlessly to continue to reach greater levels of excellence. If you link that up with working with young people, you couldn’t get a better chemistry in terms of keeping going every day.” Jonathan added, “If your purpose in life is unselfishly serving, then your job becomes extremely rewarding. My job is about serving startup companies that want to grow and I’m excited to be a part of programmes that sees impactful outcomes. If you have a selfless view, the rewards are gratifying.” The biggest challenge that Jonathan has faced is when startup companies do not have a good ethical value system linked to corporate governance. “In some instances, these unfortunate situations leads to nasty processes where legal gets involved. When these individuals are forced to exit your programmes, they make negative utterances against the organisation that help them along their startup journey. SmartXchange has an open-door policy where one is free to engage with management to sort out any differences.” Fortunately, these cases number not more than five out of over 600 startups that SmartXchange has supported to date. Looking to the future, Jonathan says that Smart- Xchange’s vision for the next five years and hopefully for all businesses throughout South Africa, is to focus on how to impact positively on the seventeen sustain- able development goals adopted and supported by all countries at the of the United Nations. “Being successful in business is not necessarily having an impressive bottom line in terms of excessive profits. Businesses need to leave legacy projects or statements in terms of what have they done, to leave this planet a better place for future generations.” “My motto and encouragement to all startups is three faceted. Number one, work hard; number two, faith in God; and number three, a little bit of luck. With those three components, I think we’ve got the best formula for a success story,” concluded Jonathan. Previous Next

< Back Next Terry Flack Terry Flack is the Business Success Leader of Cannect Digital Terry Flack is the Business Success Leader of Cannect Digital, a Performance Marketing company based in Morningside, Durban. As the business enters its 11th year, Terry speaks with pride about what has been built, which is rooted in commercial success, and in the culture, longevity and shared purpose that underpin the company. Although his formal title could easily be managing director or CEO, Terry has chosen something different. “We have been very intentional about giving ourselves meaningful titles,” he explains. “My title is Business Success Leader, because my role is about enabling success across the business, not just managing it.” This distinction reflects his leadership philosophy, one that prioritises people, clarity and collaboration over hierarchy. EARLY LESSONS Terry’s educational and career journey began with a defining conversation at home. His father, whom he describes as one of his greatest inspirations, offered guidance that was both humorous and profound. “He said to me, you have three choices. You can make it, you can sell it, or you can account for it. I have seen your woodwork, please do not make it. I have seen your maths, please don’t do an accounting degree. So marketing and sales is the way forward for you, my son.” That advice set Terry on a clear path. He studied at Technikon Natal during the 1990s, spending three years studying full time and working full time in sales. Life then took him further afield. Travels through the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia led him to Australia, where a personal relationship gave him a reason to stay. “I met a girl and had to find a reason to remain in Australia,” he says with a smile. That reason became academic, as he completed a Master’s Degree in International Marketing at the University of Technology Sydney. The degree remains, the girl, not. When asked about his first job, Terry goes back further than most. At the age of 11, as a freshly qualified Scout, he entered a flower bulb selling competition. the support from his wife, Heather. “That experience taught me two things. Do not put all your eggs in one basket, and relationships matter. On the strength of relationships, you can overcome so much adversity.” The prize was a Swiss Army knife, but the real reward was learning how to connect with people. “I walked the posh suburbs of Kloof, knocked on doors, selling f lower bulbs,” he recalls. “That experience taught me how to target my audience, engage, relate and sell. Unbeknownst, this taught me targeting, marketing and solution selling.” These early lessons in showing up, speaking to people and following through would later define his leadership style and entrepreneurial resilience. AFRICA IMPACT Terry is thoughtful when speaking about purpose. “I have explored purpose for many years, and I still do not have a clear definition of it,” he admits. For him, purpose is practical and local before it is grand. At Cannect Digital, this is expressed through a philosophy called Africa Impact. “The pebble in the pond starts in our little place in Morningside, then moves to Durban, to KZN, to South Africa and to Africa,” he says. “If there is a purpose for me, it is to make a meaningful difference to the growth and acceleration of businesses. Ultimately, I want to see the success of this country and I want my children to always have a profound connection to this beautiful country and continent of ours.” One of Terry’s proudest accomplishments comes from outside the boardroom. In 2013, through what he describes as “pure Irish luck and just showing up,” (as well as a lot of training) he qualified to represent South Africa at the ITU World Championships in Triathlon in London. He commented, “Even though I didn’t place anywhere of significance, it was a phenomenal experience and something I will always treasure.” The biggest challenge of his career, however, was far more sobering. Terry once held the licence for a major automotive clothing brand, only to have it abruptly terminated. “We had six weeks to move or destroy stock worth millions,” he says. “It took me about a decade to recover financially.” What carried him through was the strength of his relationships and LEADING THE CANNECT CREW At Cannect Digital, Terry supports his two leaders, Carmin and Nabell (who is now a director and soon to be shareholder of Cannect). They in turn lead the team to deliver results at the highest level. Each team member has three functions, designed to keep them focused on their own path to mastery and growth. “My three core functions, are very clear: relationships (team, clients, suppliers and community), culture (nurturing our exceptional crew to fulfil their true potentiality) and strategy (for both clients and our businesses).” Continuous learning is embedded in the business, with structured learning objectives and incentives. “We are all in it together,” Terry says. “Learning is rewarded, encouraged and shared.” Alongside this, we laugh a lot. We bring our quirks. That is why, along with creating a “Circle of Safety”, we retain such incredible people for the long term. And I am proud of that as it means we are making a difference in the lives of our crew.” Looking ahead, Terry is deeply optimistic about KwaZulu-Natal. Having lived abroad for over a decade, he chose to return because of his deep love for South Africa and his brimming optimism for the province’s potential. My vision for the next five years is that we’re going to see exponential growth and we want to be part of enabling, supporting and driving this growth.” His personal motto captures his philosophy simply. “How do I spend each moment?!” Terry says, “The question is are we spending each moment, moments that we will never get back, by harnessing them for the greatness that is our lives? This doesn’t mean playing full out, all the time. Are we resting consciously, are we spending precious moments with our loved ones, are we nurturing our beings and are we giving our very best to our path to success? Previous Next

< Back Serena Jagadasan Next Growing up in Phoenix, Serena knew people mattered and she needed a career where she could help others. She decided she wanted something in the medical field and settled on radiography and chose to study in Pretoria and it was in patient care that she really excelled When Serena Jagadasan qualified as a radiographer, she never dreamed she'd become the managing director of a retailing group with a staff of a 1000 people. Growing up in Phoenix, Serena knew people mattered and she needed a career where she could help others. She decided she wanted something in the medical field and settled on radiography and chose to study in Pretoria and it was in patient care that she really excelled. She loved her work, and the knowledge that she could make a difference for her patients. However, it wasn't long before she returned to Durban, married Ravi Jagadasan, and began her retail journey. Although neither of them had any retail experience, Ravi had been approached by Spar to open a store in Phoenix, an opportunity they couldn't pass up, and together they set out to grow the business. Now managing director of Starwood Investments and the Star Retailers Group, Serena leads her 'dream team' of 60 managers and a staff of 1000 people across nine business units: seven world-class Spar and Superspar stores, a wholesale bakery and an accredited training academy. She credits her husband with introducing her to the retail world, and describes him as her business partner and mentor. "He really is an exemplary person and an inspiration. I strive to emulate him," she says. She describes her shift from radiography to retailing as simple. "It's all about people. People matter. In radiography, my strength was patient care. In retail, my strength is still caring for people. But now it's my staff and my customers that I care for." The power of emotional intelligence Describing herself as a highly emotional, Serena certainly doesn't see this as a negative. "Women do behave differently in business, because we are emotional beings. And if you have high emotional intelligence (EQ), this is a real attribute. Successful leaders need a high EQ to understand behaviour and motivation, and as an emotionally intelligent leader you can generate greater loyalty and commitment in your staff, and motivate them to give of their best." When Serena talks about her staff her commitment is clear. "I strongly believe that human capital is our most valuable asset and I focus on that. I'm passionate about the people. I care, I show I care, and that's why our business is successful." Apart from the obvious demands of her role as managing director of a successful business, Serena also manages her roles as wife and mother to three boys under the age of nine with assurance. She is confident she has a good balance between work and the rest of her life. "It takes a good deal of planning, time management and self-management, but it's important to get it right and I make it a priority." Serena's an early riser and keeps a regular schedule. She hits the gym first thing in the morning before heading to work. "I'm strict about office hours and work from 9am to 3pm, so I have plenty of time with my boys." She also puts aside time for her husband, and says that spending time together on shared interests makes it easier to maintain their close bond and keep the spark alive. "We both love ballroom dancing so we do that twice a week, and we play golf too." Find your purpose Asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Serena doesn't hesitate. "Find your purpose as soon as possible," she says. "To live a fulfilled, contented, happy life, you need a purpose. Develop a clear understanding of who you are, find your purpose and you can be the highest version of yourself." And Serena certainly knows herself and her purpose. She attributes much of her success to her willpower. "I have the courage to take on challenges, the self-belief to stay the course when things get tough, and a heart strong enough to accept constructive criticism. I have a positive attitude to life and to business, and I accept that even when things don't go my way, I can learn and grow from the experience." Empowerment through education Serena is grateful for her accomplishments, and is clearly enjoying her journey, but she still has two major goals she's determined to achieve: "Firstly, I have a big goal for 2020. I completed a postgraduate diploma in business management a couple of years ago, but now I want to take it further, and I'm embarking on an MBA next year. Secondly, I want to see our employees grow too. Most of our staff have no tertiary education but empowering people is central to their growth, and education is a key part of that empowerment. So it was a clear strategic intent to introduce our Raising the Bar training academy. It is my goal to see that each one of our employees achieves at least an NQF2 qualification, and our academy is a vital part of achieving that goal." Previous Next

The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is to advance sound agricultural practices that stimulates comprehensive economic growth, food security and advancement of rural communities. The Department's strategic objectives are: To provide agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. To provide veterinary services to clients in order to ensure healthy animals, safe animal products and welfare of people of South Africa. Subscribe Subscribe Agriculture and Rural Development MEC: Bongi Sithole-Moloi Contact details Physical: 1 Cedara Road, Cedara Postal: Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Tel: 033 355 9100 Fax: 033 355 9122 Web: www.kzndard.gov.za The mission of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is to advance sound agricultural practices that stimulates comprehensive economic growth, food security and advancement of rural communities. The Department's strategic objectives are: To provide agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. To provide veterinary services to clients in order to ensure healthy animals, safe animal products and welfare of people of South Africa. Back to government departments

< Back Brigitte Turner Next 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 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." Previous Next

As Wealth Head for Standard Bank Group in KwaZulu-Natal, Mano Singh is accountable for four business units that contribute over R600 million to the provincial revenueMano SinghAs Wealth Head for Standard Bank Group in KwaZulu-Natal, Mano Singh is accountable for four business units that contribute over R600 million to the provincial revenueAs Wealth Head for Standard Bank Group in KwaZulu-Natal, Mano Singh is accountable for four business units that contribute over R600 million to the provincial revenue. "When I started out, the corporate culture was steeped in race," she recalls. "And I had to work hard to get permission to even participate, where you were consciously and deliberately side-lined even if you were the best candidate. I quickly learned that if I were to grow and succeed in that environment, formal education was key to validating me as a person firstly, while also keeping my mind focused on the future. Education gave me the confidence that I could take on new challenges as they arose. It also allowed me to quickly walk away from any situation that questioned my self-worth." Looking to beacons of hope Mano has always been inspired by the people who were beacons of hope. "There were so many people who were simply born in the wrong era and forced into serving when they really should have been leading." Her father was a big influence on her life, and she learnt from a young age that education was vital. "He taught me that education was the golden key to unlocking any door, and as long as I kept my mind active and learning, that would be the gift that would give me the hope and courage I'd need on my journey in the workspace." But education alone was not enough. He also taught her the value of humility and respect for all, and that when it came to integrity there was no room for compromise. Her mother was also a driving force in her life, bringing another dimension. "My mother was bold, audacious and confident and she made sure I learned that I should never give up, no matter the circumstances." Mano is also very grateful for the support she gets from her husband, and he too has helped define her character. "I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful man who inspires me to remain patient and calm, even when storms are brewing, and he has inspired me to take the lead and fulfil my life's ambition." Declaring work-life balance to be a myth, Mano admits that her journey has not always been easy. "I've had to juggle, trying to balance family and work responsibilities. I've also studied almost continually my whole life while climbing the ladder. I've relocated to further my career and often been pushed out of my comfort zone." Her willingness to take on challenges has been part of her growth, but it hasn't fostered balance. Women should invest in their networks Taking a somewhat controversial stand, she says that women have much to learn from men. "I'm not saying we need to do business in the same way as men," she says. "But leadership can be lonely, and I admire the tenacity with which men form networks that create a structure to carry them through their journey. This helps them maximise their success. As women we're not that good at investing in our networks. But this takes time, and there's no doubt we have greater demands on our time." Being driven and a perfectionist, Mano still looks to the future. "I have so much I still want to achieve," she says, "and I still have a lot to contribute. On a daily basis I see people struggling to navigate their life journey and career path, struggling to make decisions about the way forward, and the trade-offs they may need to make to achieve the success they want." Mano wants to make a contribution here and mentions that altruism gives one purpose in life. And as she relishes the opportunity to mentor a new generation of leaders, she thinks back on her early career. Asked what advice she would give her younger self, Mano is succinct: Be assertive. It's not always easy to stand up for your rights, but don't walk away from challenging situations. Never sacrifice your personal principles; be true to yourself and you will earn respect. Mano points out that when she was starting out, society schooled people to be submissive to partisan bosses. "But had I been more assertive, particularly when I felt that I was deliberately overlooked for senior positions, my journey would have been catalysed in different conditions." Knowledge and education are self-empowering "When I started, I was hungry to learn about leadership and strategy, and I read voraciously. I would buy a leadership book every single month when I was paid. Later on, while I was doing my MBA, I realised that everything I was searching for was encapsulated in my MBA syllabus. I just wish someone had taken me aside early on and pointed me in the right direction - it might have made a big difference in my choices and the trajectory of my career." She acknowledges that each adversity she faced prepared her for her personal journey, and takes pride in never compromising her principles and the respect she has earned in the industry. "And when times were tough, I studied harder. My father's voice in my head kept reminding me that the reward of knowledge and education is self-empowering." 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

Tracy Engelbrecht Support Specialist

< Back Linah Marijeni Director at Tyson Properties Richards Bay Linah Marijeni is a dedicated professional, a wife, and a proud mother of three boys. She serves as a realtor and is one of the directors of Tyson Properties Richards Bay, where she and her team specialise in the selling and leasing of both residential and commercial properties. Linah’s career in real estate began in 2010. “My real estate journey started with another agency,” she recalls. “After receiving a call from the principal asking me to join his team, my quickest response was, ‘I would like to ask my husband first and I’ll get back to you’.” JOINING A TRUSTED BRAND Linah’s decision to join Tyson Properties in 2017 was influenced by the company’s strong reputation and values. However, her decision to join Tyson wasn’t made lightly. We evaluated different franchises and even spoke to other agencies,” said Linah. “But Tyson Properties kept coming to mind. The fact that it is a trusted brand, and I was able to relate myself to that, made it an easy choice,” she explains. Transitioning into Tyson’s was a pivotal shift from her previous agency and was not without its challenges, but Linah embraced the opportunity with courage and faith. “Coming from a different work environment, it felt like a career shift and hence challenging as well. Nevertheless, fate was stubborn. With the support of my family, my real estate journey has been successful.” Becoming a realtor built on Linah’s goals as her early dream was clear and ambitious: “My biggest dream back then was to be the most trusted and successful agent in South Africa.” Throughout her journey, Linah has drawn inspiration from those closest to her. “My family has been the biggest driving force,” she says with pride. “Not forgetting to mention Chris Tyson, our group chief executive officer. He’s been my biggest cheerleader and mentor." Working alongside her husband, Regis, has added a personal layer to her professional life. “I have worked with my husband for eight years. Of course, it has been difficult balancing our personal life and work,” she admits. “But through experience, we’ve managed to find balance. We do have our moments, of course people fight, but we do balance each other, and we are successful.” LEADERSHIP AND WORK ETHIC Linah believes in leading by example and maintaining strong professional values. “Luckily, I’m not a lazy person,” she laughs. “I lead by example. When I’m with my employees, I roll up my sleeves and show them how things should be done.”She emphasises that realtors need empathy, passion and attention to detail especially as real estate is about people. “Maintaining high levels of integrity and confidentiality define who we are,” she says. “My biggest strength is that I’m trustworthy. When I’m handling personal information, I manage it with confidentiality, especially in sensitive matters like divorce. I make sure I deal with both parties well.” The real estate industry has faced significant headwinds in recent years. “Our market has been volatile due to rising interest rates and inflation, leaving people with low disposable incomes,” Linah notes. “The economy has remained depressed with no meaningful growth. However, the current drop in interest rates has had a positive impact on the market.” Linah and her team have played a key role in expanding the Tyson Properties’ brand across the Zululand region. “We successfully introduced the Tyson Properties brand in Zululand and developed it into one of the leading real estate brands,” she shares. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed. “Our company has won Tyson Properties Top Office in KwaZulu-Natal Award three times,” she says proudly. “Personally, I have won the prestigious Chairman’s Award and have been a Double Diamond Achiever for the past five years. ’ve even been to the Maldives and Sicily through the company rewards programme." FUTURE GOALS AND VISION Linah encourages anyone entering the field to embrace its challenges and rewards. “Real estate is worth every penny and it’s rewarding,” she advises. “Focus, hard work, resilience, persistence, and passion are the key ingredients for success.” Regulatory compliance has also tightened. With Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act) in full force, doing things right matters more than ever. Linah commented, “Tyson Properties has implemented the systems, controls, and training to ensure we uphold every legal and ethical standard.” Looking ahead, Linah aims to make a lasting impact through development and youth empowerment. She explains, “I want to recruit and develop youth, as they are the future of real estate.”She added, “My future goals are to become a successful developer for residential properties, especially for low- and medium-income earners.” Her vision includes building quality residential estates in Richards Bay. “A good residential estate should have schools nearby, parks, and shops. It should have most of the amenities close by,” she commented.” COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Balancing work and personal life remain a priority for Linah. “I’ve set up efficient organisational systems, and I practise effective delegation,” she says which help ensure time out. “During my spare time, I spend time in my kitchen cooking and baking, and I also love gardening.” Linah’s story is one of determination, faith, and passion which are a reflection of a woman who has not only built a successful career but also inspired those around her through integrity, balance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Previous Next

< Back Lucrisha Polton Next As owner and director of AfriCrafters, Lucrisha Polton says her days are as varied as fingerprints. "I do what whatever it takes to get the job done." Drawing on skills from finance to design, and from sourcing materials to tracking down exceptional rural crafters, Lucrisha is a true all-rounder As owner and director of AfriCrafters, Lucrisha Polton says her days are as varied as fingerprints. "I do what whatever it takes to get the job done." Drawing on skills from finance to design, and from sourcing materials to tracking down exceptional rural crafters, Lucrisha is a true all-rounder. Exposed to business from an early age, Lucrisha travelled around South Africa with her family, as her father's work took him to small towns and rural villages across the country. "He always believed the best education comes from personal experiences, and the travelling gave me a sense of freedom." Having seen the impact of apartheid on black South Africans for herself, she was acutely aware of the hardships they faced on a daily basis. She was also deeply inspired by the spirit, warmth and the talent of people she met on her trips. "Images of artists selling their work on the side of the road stayed with me for most of my life, and I hoped that one day I'd be able to play a role in showing them off to the world." Even at school, Lucrisha realised she wanted to help people. "My desire to empower people grew, and today I still look for opportunities to assist people, and serve with no expectations. My motto is Pass the favour on and this approach has created the most incredible ripple effect." After school, Lucrisha's journey took her through various jobs and business ventures. She joined her family's business supplying fresh cut potato fries and vegetables to fast food chains including Nando's and Spur. "I was a buyer, sales person and quality control," she laughs. She also travelled with her father, advising rural farmers, helping them develop their crops and improve yields. Once she'd completed her studies, she travelled abroad, landing an exciting position at a media company in Scotland. But South Africa was always home, and eventually Lucrisha returned and started her first entrepreneurial venture, a bistro in Cape Town. A second restaurant followed shortly, but two years later she sold them, moved back to KwaZulu-Natal, and took time out to be a wife and mum. Bringing Africa to the world She soon realised that it was time to follow her passion for humanitarian causes and in 2017 she founded AfriCrafters. "The seed for this had been planted in my childhood. We link artists with the global supply chain, giving our artists a foot in the international market, and creating a sustainable living for them. Artists are so often exploited but I believe they should earn an income equal to their talent and creativity." "Every step I've taken has led me to where I am today," she says. Crediting her grandmother and parents for instilling in her a sense of confidence and tenacity, Lucrisha points out that AfriCrafters is driven by her love for people and watching them develop. "I see inspiration everywhere, in people, animals, nature, my children and life itself. I love telling stories and couldn't think of a better way than to do it than through arts and crafts. Each artwork is unique and made from recycled material, and each piece tells a story." "Culture is a big factor in my industry," she says. "My crafters come from a diversity of communities and I need to understand that a woman is treated differently in some cultures. I have to be mindful of this, particularly when dealing with men of a patriarchal culture." While this is a significant factor in her approach to business, Lucrisha doesn't believe it has held her back. "If anything, my respect for cultural differences has allowed me to create stronger, better business relationships." Despite this, she feels strongly that women should not shy away or hide their abilities when dealing with men. "It's your expertise in your industry, and your confidence that will set you apart, not just as a businesswoman but as a businessperson. And we are the nurturers, building a base on which future generations of women will succeed. We should never lose sight of this, and the way we can inspire other women." Taking Africa to the world Lucrisha is deeply grateful for her accomplishments. "It is my mission to take Africa to the world, and I've achieved far more than I ever thought possible in such a short time. I planted a seed and let the universe water it and nourish it. There's still a lot to do, and I'll continue to live my mission and vision, and I'm confident we'll progress steadily, one goal at a time." Believing in work-life harmony rather than work-life balance, Lucrisha explains that there is always an ebb and flow to obligations to family, business, friends and community. "And to myself." she adds. "I set aside time for my family and friends just as I do for business, and I make sure I have me-time to do the things I love too. After all, one must nourish to flourish. Time-management is key to getting it right, and you have to know your limits." Asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Lucrisha points out that we are taught to train our bodies and value our intellect, but we need to learn to regulate our emotions and deal with our sensitivities and sensibilities. "Trust your intuition, dream big, and create your reality. Choose love. Choose inner peace. Choose joy. Choose you!" Previous Next