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< Back Next > Hlengiwe Koza Chief Operations Officer, Total Serve Facilities Management Hlengiwe Koza is the chief operations officer of Total Serve Facilities Management, a company operating within the built environment sector, specialising in facilities management (FM). Their services cover everything from cleaning and hygiene to land- scaping, horticulture, and to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance. Hlengiwe’s path to the built environment was not a straightforward one as she initially did not set out to work in property or facilities management. “I found myself in this industry more by chance than by choice,” she says. “I was never particularly interested in buildings, but I became fascinated by the property sector as a whole and how we utilise the spaces around us.” Unsurprisingly, Hlengiwe’s educational background is diverse, which she credits as a factor in her ability to adapt and learn. After attending school in Pinetown and Crawford La Lucia, she pursued higher education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal before obtaining her BBA from IMM Graduate School. “I haven’t stopped learning since then,” she notes, listing additional qualifications such as becoming a safety officer, a certification in pest control, and credentials in facilities, construction, and project management. Total Serve’s services go beyond standard maintenance, reflecting the growing needs of the FM industry, especially post-Covid. Hlengiwe observes, “The pandemic has made us more people-centred and aware of how important it is not only to maintain buildings but also to ensure they are safe and healthy environments for the people who use them. We are changing the focal points by adding a soft element to the spaces we manage. A cleaner, better environment enables people to think better and function more effectively.” The journey has not been without its challenges, especially given that facilities management is a male- dominated field. “Being a woman in this field means you often have to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously,” she says. “When you walk into a room, you must know your story inside out. It’s not enough just to be present — you have to be ten steps ahead of the person next to you.” Changing perceptions has been a significant part of her journey. “It’s about proving that we can deliver high- quality work that speaks for itself. But we also have to quantify our results and ensure that we are continually educating ourselves to stay ahead in the industry.” Every day is different—you could be dealing with an engineer one day and something entirely different the next. I continuously push myself to learn more, especially when I come across something I don’t understand,” she says. “It’s frustrating not to understand something, and that frustration drives me to seek knowledge.” Hlengiwe’s pursuit of continuous education aligns with her vision of expanding their services into construction and project management. “We’re shifting our focus as we want to be involved in the construction side of things and understand what that entails.” “The built environment sector is very technical and often does not incorporate softer elements into its thinking. It’s usually very structured, with architects and engineers designing things purely for functionality,” she explains. “But are we considering how these spaces will be used, and how they can serve their purpose long-term; these are questions we need to ask.” A Partnership Hlengiwe does not run Total Serve alone, the CEO and founder of the company is Thandeka Mngomezulu. “It’s not a solo journey; it’s a working relationship,” Hlengiwe says. “Thandeka is an accountant by profession, which complements my less structured, more artistic approach. Together, we bring balance to the business.” The relationship is built on mutual support and a shared vision. “We often talk about the importance of women supporting each other in business,” Hlengiwe shares. “It’s not always about competition. We’ve shown that women can build something significant together.” She credits Mngomezulu and other women mentors for shaping her career. “I’ve been shaped by many remarkable women who have taught me valuable lessons in business and life.” The growth of Total Serve over the past 11 years is a significant milestone. “Being under 35 and leading a business of this magnitude is no small feat. We don’t always stop to appreciate how far we’ve come,” she says. Hlengiwe emphasises that her Total Serve’s success is not just about financial growth but also about the lives it has touched. “The silent prayers of those we have helped keep us going,” she says.“ “We’ve touched many lives through our projects and our foundation, Ink Foundation,” she says. The foundation focuses on social impact initiatives and giving back to the community. “Some people ask for nothing in return, and that makes it all the more meaningful. Knowing that someone is grateful for you because you’ve made a difference in their life is a blessing.” Tackling Challenges Hlengiwe’s advice to young women entering the industry is to avoid self-imposed limitations. “Don’t limit yourself or your thinking. Often, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders and forget to prioritise ourselves,” she says. “I spent a lot of time trying to prove myself to the world. Now, I affirm myself instead of seeking validation from others.” She stresses the importance of switching off external noise and focusing on self-affirmation. “Tell yourself you’re enough. Give yourself the thankyou’s, the recognition, and the yeses that you seek from the world.” Despite her busy schedule, Hlengiwe prioritises rest. “My life is quite structured. If I’m not at work, I’m at home resting and sleeping,” she says. “Sleep is something we don’t give ourselves enough credit for, but it’s essential for maintaining balance.” For Hlengiwe, the future is about pushing boundaries and setting new goals. “I don’t think small. I’m always looking at how we can compete with the giants in the industry,” she says. “Life is ever evolving, and so am I.” < Previous Next >

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

< Back Next Essa Suleman Essa Ebrahim Suleman is the chief executive officer of the Woodford Group Essa Ebrahim Suleman serves as the chief executive officer of the Woodford Group, a position that places him at the forefront of one of South Africa’s most prominent vehicle rental and mobility solution providers. Leading the company he joined at an early age, Essa plays an essential role in shaping the Woodford Group’s future and expanding its reach within southern Africa and beyond. His journey in both education and career started with a unique path. “After matriculating, I studied toward and attained my Private Pilot Licence (PPL), before joining Woodford,” he explains. His journey continued with advanced studies; in 2013, Essa completed an MBA at Wits Business School. This combination of hands-on industry experience and academic pursuit helped equip Essa with the skills to guide and grow the company. Essa began his career at the first Woodford Car Hire branch in Woodford Grove in Durban. Recalling his first role, he says, “My first job was as a rental agent, and I was trained on the front desk by Mr. Zufer Khan – an employee who is still with the company today.” Starting at the grassroots level of Woodford Car Hire gave Essa a firsthand understanding of the customer experience and the daily operations of a car hire business. His foundational experience at the front desk has remained a core element of his leadership style as CEO, giving him insights into every aspect of the customer experience and operations. Commenting on his purpose Essa says, “My purpose is very much similar to that of the company – I want to provide value to every person that I come into contact with through our business,” he says. Essa’s philosophy is grounded in creating positive impacts not only for customers but also for his team and business partners. “Whether it’s our people, our customers, or our suppliers – everything we come across, touch, or feel, we’ve got to make this world better than it was before we got here. We have not lived if we have not added value,” he shares passionately. Among many achievements, Essa highlights a significant milestone with pride: “I feel that becoming a partner of Enterprise (the world’s largest car rental company) in southern Africa was a momentous achievement in our history.” This partnership with a global industry leader represents the Woodford Group’s commitment to excellence and its reputation within the car rental industry. However, Essa’s vision of accomplishment goes beyond accolades and partnerships. He says, “What would make me feel the most proud and the most accomplished would be when every single customer and employee is completely satisfied with our business.” BE HUMBLE Reflecting on words of wisdom that have guided him, Essa shares a profound piece of advice from his late brother, the former CEO of Woodford. “One of the pieces of advice was, ‘Be humble. Take a moment and be grateful for what you have,’” he recalls. Essa believes that gratitude is often overlooked in the fast-paced world of business. “The further and faster a journey goes, the easier it is to forget gratitude,” he notes. “We tend to only think in terms of what we don’t have and what we still need to achieve. Stopping every once in a while to be grateful is something that, I hope, grounds me and reminds me to be humble,” Essa adds. In the ever-evolving business world, challenges are constant, and Essa’s journey has been no exception. Reflecting on his approach to adversity, Essa says, “We have new challenges every single day. It’s often the case where every new challenge feels like it’s the greatest one we’ve faced up to that point.” For Essa, facing obstacles is about resilience and a determined mindset. He shares his strategy: “I don’t know which was my greatest, but I do know that I’m not the type to rest until we’ve put the challenge to bed. We pray, we prepare, and we then face each one head-on. The minute you believe that you can do something is the moment you’ve solved half of it.” Essa’s approach to overcoming challenges has enabled the Woodford Group to navigate difficult situations and to grow. FORWARD THINKING Essa emphasises the importance of resilience and optimism when motivating his team, especially in challenging times. “We are a resilient bunch that appreciates everything we have rather than looking back at what we could have had,” he explains. This outlook helps his team stay focused and energised, even when facing conflicts or obstacles. Essa believes that forward-thinking and positivity are key to keeping morale high. “Everything around us looks positive, despite the scenario,” he adds. Essa finds inspiration in results, a driving factor that influences his leadership and decision- making. “I’m a results-driven person, so I’m very much inspired by results. Good or bad, exceeded or missed targets, success or failure; the results inspire the efforts and decisions required,” he says. He also draws inspiration from nature, describing how, “the vastness of it brings things back into perspective and makes it all seem so small. It helps me try to do even more and take on more.” As a CEO of a KwaZulu-Natal born company, Essa is deeply committed to contributing to the province’s growth and development over the next five years. He explains Woodford’s goal: “Our vision at Woodford is to bring mobility solutions to all.” Essa hopes to expand the company’s footprint across KZN, offering mobility solutions to enable people to “move, grow, and thrive through our services and footprint.” Essa lives by the motto: “A winner is a dreamer that never gives up.” This saying encapsulates his journey, reflecting the resilience and determination that have defined his leadership at Woodford. With a focus gratitude and relentless pursuit of his dreams, Essa is poised to lead the Woodford Group to new heights. Previous Next

< Back Next Mpumzi Swana Mpumzi Swana is the chief operating officer at SAMAC Engineering Solutions Mpumzi Swana, the chief operating officer at SAMAC Engineering Solutions, was born in the Eastern Cape. The Swana family moved to KwaZulu-Natal when he was five years old and Mpumzi completed high school at George Campbell School of Technology. He commented, “I think that was quite an interesting space to be because that’s where my technical skills and acumen were built.” Following matric, as creating finished products from raw materials intrigued him, Mpumzi studied chemical engineering. Much his career has been centred on the development of new products. Mpumzi has completed a number of post graduate degrees. His highest qualification is a manufacturing focused MBA that he obtained from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) through the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing (TWIMS). His first job was at Toyota Manufacturing, where he worked in the paint plant for three years. Of this experience he says, “I had very good supervisors and managers who had quite sharp leadership acumen and I use a lot of the learnings that I gained from them in my leadership at our business.” PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SAMAC is focused on product development for the HVAC or refrigeration industry. The company’s technology is geared towards storing thermal energy during cheaper times of the day, which then can then be used more efficiently like during peak tariff times or during loadshedding so that businesses save money, reduce product spoilage, become more green and more environmentally responsible. “That is why I wake up every morning,” says Mpumzi. Mpumzi’s successes have been recognised on a number of occasions. These include being one of the top five youth innovators in Africa in the energy space, and as the most innovative youth business by SAB Kickstart. However, he says that his proudest moment is seeing the change in and the impact on the young employees who work at the company. “Some of them have started straight out of school, and some of them have only worked one year. To look at how they’ve grown in terms of their own profession and as people and to know that as a company we are contributing to the development of people that are going do great things in their own respective lives is a huge achievement.” Ensuring motivation within his team is important to Mpumzi. “Our philosophy is that you must be able to give someone a vision so that they are able to motivate themselves internally. For example, when we engage our engineers, we say to them that our company is probably one of the few companies where they have free rein to actually design and build products. This allows them to fully express themselves and develop their skills, which we find is a huge motivator.” The best advice that Mpumzi has received is: Don’t sweat the small things. “Focusing on the key things that will get you the most results is essential. Don’t be anxious and want to control everything. That really has come through in the way that we do business and engage with our customers. We focus on what their biggest problem is and how we can help to solve that problem. People see that you’re interested in the things that matter to them.” While KZN is a dynamic province, in the last couple of years it has met with a number of challenges. Covid really impacted on the business as some of the work that they were doing was in commercial buildings. When everyone was told to work at home, projects had to be terminated or put on hold. During the July riots their office and workshop was looted of all stock and completely destroyed. Mpumzi commented that as an entrepreneur there’s no going back and as such started rebuilding from scratch. A key component of this meant that the company engaged with their customers and stakeholders and shared with them their situation and plan to rebuild to be able to fulfil their obligations. “We found that they were very supportive and that different stakeholders came to the party. In fact, in the past two to three years our business has grown quite significantly financially and in new markets compared to the previous years where we even had investors. From the hardships that we came through we are much better off as a business and much better off as human beings.” BE THE BEST One of the people that has inspired Mpumzi in his life has been his grandfather who never left, Lusikisiki or the farm where the family came from. “In that space he always managed to thrive and to be the leader at whatever he was doing. He was in education, a principal, and one of the drivers for early childhood development. I want to build a business that will be the best at what is does and I want to be the best at serving our customers in that space.” In addition, says Mpumzi, he is driven by the belief that each generation has an opportunity to fulfil its own mission. That for me is a core belief that I don’t want to leave without actually fulfilling the mission that we’ve been sent to do it and our company won’t die without fulfilling the mission that it’s sent to do.” Mpumzi believes that KZN can be the platform to build a new industry. He believes that thermal storage technology has the ability to transform specific industries to make them greener and more profitable. In addition, the company really wants to create a platform where young innovators and entrepreneurs can develop their own products using their technology. Mpumzi explains that he lives by the motto: ‘I am the one that is needed for whatever it may be’. Whether it’s growing an industry or business, growing a family, being a great South Africa or being a great African, each of us can take agency and bring change wherever we may be.” Previous Next

< Back Next Yogan Naidoo Yogan Naidoo is the CEO and founder of Business Solutions Africa and Black City Records Yogan Naidoo is the CEO and founder of two distinct businesses: Business Solutions Africa and Black City Records. His journey began in the small town of Isipingo, near the South Coast of Durban, before moving to Chatsworth, which he considers more formative to his upbringing. Chatsworth, according to Yogan, was a “vibrant, gregarious, and socially active” environment, despite being a working-class district. He recalls his time at Apollo High School in Chatsworth, where he was expelled for student activism along with about 30 others in his matric year. Despite this setback, Yogan and his fellow activists were able to write their matric exams at another school, earning exemptions that allowed them to continue their education. Yogan went on to study industrial psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand and subsequently won the Wits Business School New Venture Creation Award. In the early 2000s, he was awarded the prestigious Nelson Mandela Scholarship, which took him to London to complete his MBA. “I met Madiba twice, once at the Dorchester Hotel in London, and secondly at his foundation in Houghton. It was just magical,” he recalls. Reflecting on this experience, he notes, “That was a turning point in my life in terms of taking business a lot more seriously.” He now looks forward to pursuing a PhD, though balancing life, business, and studies presents its own challenges. Yogan’s first job was as a bellhop at the Malibu Hotel on Durban’s promenade during the December holiday season. He recalls this experience with a sense of irony, given his slight frame at the time. “If you think I’m thin now, I was super skinny then, and I was having to lug all this luggage all the way up to all those rooms,” he says, highlighting the physical demands of the job. A PASSION PROJECT Currently, Yogan’s two businesses are as different as they are complementary. Business Solutions Africa is a project management and consulting firm that has been operating for around 20 years. The company focuses on interrogating the business cases for both public and private sector projects. Yogan attributes his success in this field to his “analytical mindset and structured approach to business,” which has enabled him to articulate business cases effectively and deliberate the viability of various ventures. Black City Records, on the other hand, is a passion project that Yogan founded to fulfil a long-held dream of working in the music industry. “My first choice of a career would have been a musician, but you just couldn’t create a healthy income to support a family,” he explains. The Black City Records team focuses on producing world-class music for both national and international audiences. Yogan is the principal songwriter and works closely with a co- producer, and the label has already seen success with two number-one hits on East Coast Radio. “That’s an achievement I’m particularly proud of because I felt a bit vindicated in the sense that we are on the right path,” he says. All of this comes together with a phenomenally talented team of committed individuals. Despite his achievements in music, Yogan recognises that he’s “too old now to be hanging around in clubs at midnight.” Instead, the company focuses on nurturing young talent, writing and producing music, and helping artists like Gwyn, who he describes as “inspirational” due to her work ethic and vision. TRIUMPH AND DISASTER The best advice Yogan has ever received is to “take the emotion out of it.” He elaborates, “Don’t take things personally... the people that succeed are the people that remain calm.” This advice has helped him maintain a level-headed approach to business, especially in challenging situations. He references a line from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.” For Yogan, understanding that both triumph and disaster are part of the same journey has been key to his success. One of the toughest challenges Yogan faced was when he and his wife bought a coffee shop in Montclair Mall. Initially, they believed it to be a thriving business, but soon realised they had “bought a lemon.” Yogan recalls sitting at home on the 25th of the month, with no money in the bank and numerous bills to pay. This experience taught him “the power of negotiation” and the importance of resilience and discipline. Despite the initial setbacks, they managed to run the business for seven more years before selling it and taking a well- deserved nine-month holiday. Yogan believes in reminding his teams of their purpose, especially when facing challenges. “Why are we doing this? Why are we here?” are questions he frequently asks his team. He emphasises the importance of the impact their work has on communities, particularly in creating jobs in a country with a 64% youth unemployment rate. “There’s nothing better than calling somebody and telling them, ‘You’re now employed,’” he says. BE KIND The youth he works with, particularly their dreams, aspirations, and optimism despite challenging circumstances, provide Yogan with much inspiration. “There’s a narrative about our youth that is sometimes misleading, but that’s not the case with the majority of the youth that we’ve met,” he asserts. He is also inspired by the resilience of people in his community, who “wake up every day, no matter how overwhelming those circumstances are, to get up, go look for a job or start a business.” Looking ahead, Yogan is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. He is inspired by the “political maturity” he sees in the province and the renewed sense of energy in the business community. “I’m particularly inspired by the Government of Provincial Unity,” he says, noting that despite the challenges, the investment into the province is “just exponential.” Yogan’s motto is simple: “Be kind.” He explains, “You have no idea what anybody is going through in their lives and what they bring to the workplace.” For Yogan, kindness is not just a personal value but a guiding principle in his approach to business and life. ‘Life is short,’ he concluded. Previous Next

< Back Next Jennifer Reddy Jennifer Reddy is the chief executive officer of Morar Incorporated Jennifer Reddy is the current chief executive officer of Morar Incorporated. She attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal, formally University of Natal and obtained honours in accounting from the former University of Westville. She joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in Durban and completed her articles together with writing both board exams and qualifying as a chartered accountant. Jennifer’s first job was administrative work for a family business to earn a little spending money and keep herself occupied during school holidays. BORN TO BE A LEADER Describing her purpose in her current position, Jennifer says that she was born to be a leader. “I believe everyone is driven by a higher power that leads us along a path. I was fortunately in the right place at the right time and within a crisis an opportunity arose, and there I found my purpose in becoming the CEO of Morar Incorporated. My purpose was to continue a legacy that was already set forth, but to embark on my very own legacy of being a leader in the financial services sector.” One of Jennifer’s proudest moments was having her master’s thesis published by the South African Journal of Business Management (University of Stellenbosch). While this publication had no monetary value, Jennifer believes that this inclusion validated that she knew what she spoke about and that she added meaning and value to a knowledge world. “You sometimes underestimate who you are and what you’re capable of. But in years to come, I can show my children and their children that I am a published author.” In addition, Jennifer received a top student award in that year from Nick Binedell for his subject, Strategy and General Management. The best advice that Jennifer has received was when she embarked on a six-month journey of self-discovery and self-development on an in- augural leadership course for women held by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This course enabled her to regain confidence in herself. “After I had two kids, I was trying to figure out who I was. What should I be in the world? The trainer told me something simple: Have you ever just asked for what you want? In a nutshell, it was just me asking my stakeholders – my husband and my employer – will you be OK if I start this journey of self-discovery? And everyone came to the party – and they ended up being my greatest supporters.” EMOTIONAL JOURNEY The biggest challenge Jennifer has faced was when she assumed the role of CEO of Morar Incorporated. With that position came many issues as her mentor of 13 years suddenly passed on. “I had to face the emotional journey of trying to be strong for my employees and for my fellow directors. Very few people understood there was an emotional side to what I was going through. I was just as lost as the other people in the company. We were employing over 120 people at that point. The hardest part was getting the self-belief that I had the grit, resilience, and stamina to carry the company forward. I had been managing the business, so I knew what had to be done.” Jennifer found the strength within herself and navigated her team through this time of loss by demonstrating to them that within a crisis comes opportunity. In addition, she said that she had incredible people supporting and believing in her, which gave her much comfort as she needed to believe in herself. “We are moving forward, everything goes on. We are going to greater heights and digging deep. We were able to find it in ourselves to take ourselves to the next level,” commented Jennifer. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS Businesses such as Morar Incorporated are very much male dominated, with many personalities at play, which can cause conflicts and obstacles. In dealing with these challenges, Jennifer says that she always goes back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. “Everyone needs something. Everyone needs to feel something. As leaders we need to understand what our people need to keep them motivated.” While monetary value plays a significant role in professional careers, people want to feel valued most. Jennifer explained that it’s small things like remembering people’s birthdays, giving them a personal call or a card, and celebrating moments of achievement when they did well on a project that are important. “It’s making them that feel they are contributing to us moving forward, making them feel part of the team, and making them understand that no one is better than anyone else. We all are working together.” SILVER LINING Jennifer finds her own inspiration in learning about people’s journeys. This inspiration applies especially to those who come from the humble beginnings and who have built everything they have around them. She explained, “When they speak to you, you feel the wealth of their knowledge, empathy, and compassion. Also, the stamina and the resilience they had to show in their lives to get to where they are. It’s the leaders who didn’t come from generational wealth. It’s the leaders who self-made their businesses, who saw opportunities and were brave enough to take risks.” While Morar Incorporated has gained traction within South Africa and across borders, Jennifer would like to grow their international footprint larger. “I believe in the next five years Morar Incorporated will be a name that’s recognised with quality and excellence. I believe we are as competitive as any other company in this market, and we’ll be renowned as leaders in our field.” In conclusion, said Jennifer, “My motto is quite simple: ‘Within every crisis lies an opportunity’, and it is for you to see the silver lining.” Previous Next

< Back Next Usha Jivan Usha Jivan is the managing director and sole shareholder of BEESCORE Usha Jivan has been the managing director and sole shareholder of BEESCORE, a Broad- based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) verification agency, since 2015. Together with three others, she was a co-founder of the company. Whilst most of Usha’s schooling was in Durban, she very much wanted to experience a different environment and attended a convent at a hill station in India where her best friend studied. Consequently, she spent two of her high school years there, which she said was an amazing adventure. Usha added that she had a great childhood, living in a closely knit joint household and she learnt much from her grandparents. Usha is a proud single mum to two children now aged 35 and 33. Her daughter is a counselling psychologist, and her son worked in the private equity space and is currently a venture capitalist across Africa. While she was still in high school, Usha spent her school holidays working in stores similar to our current Edgars and Truworths at that time. However, her first official job was at a law firm in Durban, where she completed her articles of clerkship after which she practised as an attorney. HUMAN RIGHTS “After marrying, I worked as an attorney in Port Elizabeth. In the earlier days we assisted and represented a lot of people dealing with human rights issues. I spent two years doing that kind of work, going into the prisons and to court, which was a wonderful experience.” The importance of human rights has been a consistent theme in Usha’s professional life. She has always been passionate about ensuring that oppressed/minority groups were granted equal rights, and that family laws that empower women and children were upheld. In 1994, she was offered a lecturing position at the University of Durban-Westville where she lectured on various subjects, including criminal law, civil procedure, and family law. USHA JIVAN Usha gave up her lecturing post to start BEESCORE in 2007. The company audits the BEE credentials of businesses and issues BEE certificates. “BEE is a subject that I became very passionate about once the whole concept was introduced to me,” she commented. Speaking of the advice she has received since the business started, Usha says this has been very varied. However, one of her mentors has been Murray Chabant, who was very ‘clued up’ on BEE then, and he assisted her to grow in the business. The other person of note is her ex-principal with whom she served her articles of clerkship. “This is a woman who today is about 87 years old. She still works; she continues going to her office every day. She is someone who has demonstrated power and resilience, which I admired. She was my go-to person, and she still inspires me. To this day, we still chat and meet for an occasional coffee.” A LEARNING EXPERIENCE The biggest challenge Usha experienced was when BEESCORE started operations, BEE legislation had just been promulgated. As the concept was new, it was a learning experience for everyone. The new regulations had no set standards with which to approach them, which was an obstacle and meant that Usha had to constantly upskill herself. A further challenge was that BEE verification was a grudge purchase for clients who were resistant to change. Usha’s role was to explain to clients the importance of this process as well as the potential impact on South Africa’s economic transformation. Shifting focus from being an academic and a lawyer, to adapt to a business mindset is a process that Usha has enjoyed. Being in business for the first time, at the company’s inception and contributing to building a successful business, has been a learning experience that has been extremely exciting for her. As BEESCORE was one of the earlier agencies to be accredited, Usha presented on many BEE seminars to educate business owners, both in Johannesburg and in Durban, which she counts among her achievements. More recently she has presented on BEE webinars for the South African Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom. Since 2015, Usha has been personally involved in all areas of the business. Commenting on her current role she explains: "Every year is different. My purpose now is to work ON my business as opposed to IN my business to grow the business further and to get more clients, while retaining the existing ones.” She would like to move the business from being an exempt micro enterprise to become a qualifying small enterprise. SPIRIT OF HUMANITY In addition, Usha’s goal is to elevate and grow her team so that when she is ready to retire or to slow down, they can take over. Her team members are fully equipped to do so and two employees – who have managerial roles – have been with her for over ten years. “We’re a small team of seven females and one wonderful gentleman who work together very well. We are all committed to playing our part and achieving the company’s mission. Our inspiration comes from weekly meetings. We talk about not only our work, but about ourselves because it’s especially important to inspire your team. We also celebrate our successes.” Usha explains that she likes to live by the spirit of humanity, what we in South Africa call the principle of Ubuntu. Her motto is to be authentic, to live her authentic self, to be honest, and to have a work-life balance. First and foremost, says Usha, investing in herself, physically and spiritually, is important. “I take care of my mind and my body, and my health. I am learning to practice yoga and meditation. I enjoy my brisk walking and running a few times a week.” “Also, I think it’s important to make time for the people I love and the people I want be with, and the closest to me are my son and daughter, as well as my team.” Previous Next

< Back Next Mel Clark Mel Clark is the co-founder and executive director of Black Balance Projects Mel Clark is the co-founder and executive director of Black Balance Projects, a multidisciplinary consulting company in the built environment sector. Mel, together with his business partner Malcolm Biggar, founded the company 16 years ago. Mel is a product of both farm and city. His family were part of the John Dunn clan, and he grew up in an area called Mangethe, which is near the Tugela River mouth. “My upbringing is worth mentioning,” says Mel. “It instilled the value of love for family, love for local community and a strong work ethic, as people from the farm tend to have. At that time in the late 70s and early 80s, I also acquired an appreciation of people from different walks of life. We spoke Zulu and it was a solid grounding as a young child.” CRITICAL THINKING As his high school years were quite a ‘hectic time’ in our country Mel got involved in student anti- apartheid protests. That experience, he said, really installed in him the capacity for critical thinking that has been a cornerstone for his development as a person. However, organisational skills, project management, and team building were big parts of his schooling and education. Mel completed a degree at the then University of Durban, Westville and studied further in industrial relations and law. His involvement in the trade union movement led to his first job as an organiser in the Clothing and Textile Workers Union in Durban. His role included recruiting workers in the Jacobs Mobeni area, getting involved in wage negotiations, learning labour law, and learning from worker leadership. “It was not a normal first working environment where one would learn from bosses. I had to learn from workers, which was very fulfilling in its own way,” he reflected. At Black Balance, Mel’s focus is on building the brand of the business, he also attends to project opportunities, town planning, architecture, quantity surveying, and engineering. He commented, “My role is to try to get the different disciplines to talk to each other around the common goal for a project and make it workable.” BUILDING BRIDGES Mel explained that his ‘why’ is building bridges and connections between people, spaces and ideas. The company’s name Black Balance is based on the photographic principles of white and black balance that make photos more real. A goal of Black Balance is to bring balance between Black and White people in terms of economic empowerment, as well as balance in ‘live, work and play’ spaces, including social and environmental aspects. One of the life accomplishments that stands out for Mel is his involvement with the development of the KZN Provincial Growth and Development Strategy. He says, “In trying to develop a strategy that incorporates the visions of the many stakeholders in our society, we spent an enormous amount of time talking to people from all walks of life – business, trade union, community, government workers, unemployed, and academic and tried to knit that together into something that is workable, and that people can rally around.” While the strategy has become a point of reference for planning in the province, it is a disappointment for Mel that all aspects of that strategy haven’t been implemented. Speaking of who has inspired him Mel says that in his early working days in the trade union movement, he was mentored by John Zikali, a leader who had enormous stature and reputation. “I came in as a young university student, overzealous to beat up the bosses and make sure of workers’ rights, be as militant as young students can. In his wisdom, John taught me that you’ve got to develop the capacity and capability to see things from the other person’s perspective, even the employee’s point of view, and why going for direct conflict is not always the wisest route. “When, I went into government I had to able to appreciate the perspective of people who worked there. After that, going into the private sector, I was able to adapt and understand that perspective of people who worked in that sphere. His example allowed me to grow as a person, and to be able to engage with people in a more empathic and honest way.” NEED FOR BALANCE The challenge of personally coping with failure has been a situation that Mel has had to overcome when Black Balance went through troubled times. He reflected, “I was able to learn that business failure is not personal failure. In fact, like many wise coaches say, failure is there to teach you. I’m glad for that challenge and believe that it’s strengthened me. We have to teach our kids this type of resilience as well. We cannot run away from problems or collapse when we face tough situations.” Mel, as a believer in psychology, tends to dig a bit deeper into the underlying reasons where there is conflict. Generally, this approach means he spends time and energy in trying to understand situations more clearly, which strengthens his team. In terms of motivation, Mel enjoys helping people identify where their passion is when it’s possible to get the most from his team. Mel’s family and those closest to him inspire him to achieve more. However, he explains that one should appreciate the need for balance between applying one’s skills in business and taking care of family. Commenting on his vision for KwaZulu-Natal, Mel says he would want the province to regain and surpass its status as the warmest place with the people with the warmest hearts in South Africa. “Visitors not only enjoyed our natural beauty, but also our people and we need to work at rebuilding that image of KZN as a really welcoming place to be, to unlock the potential for investment.” Mel concluded, “I’m very conscious about the cliché ‘time is precious’. I’m a project manager at heart. Value every moment, value all of the time that you have because time goes by so quickly. Enjoy life, make time for the things that matter, including that 10km run and that round of golf.” Previous Next

< Back Rotoroy Nexus VISIT WEBSITE About Year Establised: 2016 B-BBEE Level Level 4 Industry Marketing & Media Tertiary Category Advertising Secondary Category paragraph Company Description KZN Business Sense is the strategic mouthpiece and premier newsroom for the KwaZulu-Natal regional economy. Far more than a standard publication, it is meticulously curated as a living document and a collector’s item that captures the vibrant pulse of local commerce. Driven by a resolute "Good News" marketing philosophy, the platform is built on the core principle that success breeds success. By prioritizing human-centric branding, Business Sense goes beyond corporate logos to actively put a face to the brand, profiling the dynamic leaders and innovators driving the province forward. It serves as a vital bridge within the B2B ecosystem, seamlessly connecting tens of thousands of decision-makers while celebrating operational excellence, infrastructure growth, and enduring regional achievements. Whether accessed digitally or in its premium physical format, it provides compelling perspectives that elevate regional enterprises, foster community trust, and position KwaZulu-Natal as a premier destination for global investment and long-term economic opportunity. Core Products Corporate Storytelling & Brand Profiling, publishing, Corporate Events, Digital Media & Visibility Services,B2B Networking Key Awards / Achievements paragraph CONTACT DETAILS Title Mr Name Surname Grant Adlam Designation / Job Title CEO Email Address adlam@icon.co.za Mobile Number 0832629529 Office Number 0832629529 Address N/A Reviews READ REVIEWS CEO DETAILS CEO B Phone MANAGEMENT TEAM Company Registration No paragraph paragraph Phone SOCIAL MEDIA Previous Next