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Mayor: Mr Mxolisi Kaunda KZN Top Business Subscribe eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Recognised as one of the 7 Wonder Cities of The World, Durban is ranked as the top South African city with the highest quality of life The Highest Quality of Life EThekwini Municipality is a metropolitan municipality in the South African Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The municipal population is the largest in the province and the third largest in the country with over 3 442 398 people (Census 2011). Recognised as one of the 7 Wonder Cities of The World, Durban is ranked as the top South African city with the highest quality of life. The Municipality is unique amongst major urban centres in that only 35% of the metropolitan area is predominantly urban, with over 60 000 households living in traditional rural style dwellings. Due to the diverse society the city faces various social, economic, environmental and governance challenges. Social The Municipality in its operations has recognised its responsibility, as the sphere closest to communities, to provide sustainable service delivery to its residents. The municipal vision is that “By 2030 the eThekwini Municipality will enjoy the reputation of being Africa’s most liveable city, where all citizens live in harmony”. The vision will be achieved by growing eThekwini’s economy and meeting people’s need so that all citizens enjoy a high quality of life with equal opportunities in a city that they are truly proud of. To this end, the city has made a concerted effort to ensure service delivery to the poorest of the poor. Economy EThekwini ranks as the second largest economic centre with the second most significant industrial region in South Africa. The Municipality is home to Africa’s busiest port, Durban Port, Dube Tradeport – a multimodal logistics platform and King Shaka International Airport. These facilities provide vital links between the regional economies of Pietermaritzburg (and onward to Gauteng) and Richards Bay. The inner city is home to the primary tourism assets of the region and a hub for office and business activity. The City is also widely acknowledged as a global player with world-class facilities to host international conferences with Durban again hailed as Africa’s “Leading Meetings and Conference Destination” at the World Travel Awards Africa 2019. Sporting events such as the Durban July and Comrades Marathon attract millions of domestic tourists annually. There are ongoing efforts to ensure that emerging businesses benefit from the City’s inclusive Radical Economic Transformation Framework (RETF) plan. This has been done by empowering and assisting businesses to identify and exploit available opportunities. The Durban Business Fair is held regionally, which gives SMMEs opportunities to showcase their work, to be empowered by conferences, demonstrations and partnerships with big business and to contribute meaningfully in the City’s economy. EThekwini Municipality is increasingly exploring strategic factors to achieve competitive advantage over its counterparts, locally and internationally. The City has identified a number of catalytic projects in key areas to look at creative ways of utilising limited resources to stimulate the economy. The provision of support to facilitate investment into these key catalytic projects is a major drive. Environment A variety of projects linking tourism, environmental clean-ups and alien eradication, recycling and job creation are underway. These schemes include the drive to increase local content, boosting metal fabrication across sectors, the promotion of black industrialists, promoting exports and the over-arching eThekwini Industrial Development Policy Action Plan. The Durban Green Corridors Programme is implemented by the Green Corridors Non-Profit Company. The Programme seeks to re-habilitate and conserve important natural resource areas associated with eThekwini’s river catchments and develop their social and economic value through outdoor leisure, ecotourism, youth development, and SMMEs. Governance Local government is in the 4th generation of democratic local government. Like any other organisation, good corporate governance remains at the centre of eThekwini Municipality’s operations. Hence, deliberations, decisions and actions of the eThekwini Municipal Council have been based on ethical values underpinning good corporate governance, namely, responsibility; accountability; fairness; and transparency. Municipal Demarcation Board Code: ETH Location of municipal seat: Durban Municipal Area (km2): 2297 km2 Population (estimated): 3 442 398 people (as per 2011 Census) KEY PERSONNEL Mayor: Mr Mxolisi Kaunda Deputy Mayor: Philani Mavundla Municipal Manager: Musa Mbhele (City Manager) Acting Head of Communications: Mr Mandla Nsele CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: City Hall, 263 Dr Pixley Ka Seme (West) Street, Durban Postal Address: P.O. Box 1014, Durban, 4000 Tel +27 (0)31 311 1111 Fax +27 (0)31 311 2170 Website: www.durban.gov.za Back

Finance Services/ Products Bookkeeping services/ Payroll administration/ Taxation services/ Compliance Austral Accounting Finance Services/ Products Bookkeeping services/ Payroll administration/ Taxation services/ Compliance Austral Accounting is a professional accounting and business advisory firm based in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. Since its inception, the firm has grown into a trusted partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), non-profit organisations, and individuals who require expert financial management, tax strategy, and business growth support. Austral Accounting has a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and personalised service. Founded in 1991 and now managed and owned by Lynette Pretorius, a qualified professional accountant (SA), Austral Accounting was established with a vision to deliver accessible, expert-driven accounting services to the growing entrepreneurial sector in South Africa. Over the years, the firm has expanded its service offering, embraced cloud­ based technology, investment management, and built long-term relationships with clients across various industries including retail, manufacturing, real estate, legal, and hospitality industry. From humble beginnings, Austral Accounting has transformed into a digitally enabled practice, continuously investing in professional development, automation tools, and client education to remain at the forefront of the accounting profession. Key People Pretorius serves as the principal of Austral Accounting. With over 28 years of experience, she is known for her technical proficiency as well as for her strategic advisory skills and deep community engagement. Pretorius has served in various boards and committees in leadership roles across several organisations. Under her guidance, the Austral team combines professionalism with a strong sense of ethics and service. The firm is supported by a dedicated team of accountants, tax practitioners, and administrative professionals who are passionate about client success. Products and Services Austral Accounting offers a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond traditional accounting. These include: ■ Cloud-based bookkeeping and accounting using Xero and DEXT ■ Tax planning and compliance for individuals, companies, and trusts ■ Company secretarial services and CIPC compliance ■ Payroll administration ■ Financial reporting and management accounts ■ Business rescue support and restructuring strategies ■ Estate and retirement planning ■ SMME mentoring and advisory services As a Xero-certified practice, Austral Accounting ensures that clients benefit from real-time data, automated workflows, and compliance peace of mind. Competitive Edge Austral Accounting's competitive strength lies in its ability to blend technology, personal service, and deep local market knowledge. The firm's proactive use of cloud accounting tools such as Xero, DEXT, and Microsoft Copilot ensures greater efficiency and transparency. Additionally, Austral's tailored approach means that clients - whether startups or established businesses - receive strategic guidance that is rooted in a deep understanding of their goals and challenges. The firm's ethos is centred on empowering clients through education and support, ensuring that financial compliance is matched with real business growth. The firm's growing reputation has been recognised through several accolades, most recently as a finalist for the Xero Digital Practice Champion Award 2025, affirming its place among South Africa's most innovative accounting firms. Austral Accounting is proudly affiliated with The Core Group, a network of legally independent professional firms that collaborate under a shared identity, while maintaining full ownership and operational independence. This strategic affiliation grants Austral access to a broad suite of specialist service companies, enabling clients to benefit from a comprehensive advisory ecosystem all within one trusted network. Beyond traditional accounting and audit services, clients can access tailored expertise in areas such as branding, business development, valuations, trusts and estates, risk management, BEE compliance, etc. This extended offering means Austral can provide clients with seamless value­ added services - enhancing strategic growth, delivering professional branding and digital communication tools, simplifying compliance, and enabling access to specialist technical support - all in one cohesive package. Client Base Austral Accounting serves a diverse and loyal client base across South Africa. Clients include: ■ SMMEs in the retail, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality sectors ■ NGOs and public benefit organisations ■ Property developers and investors ■ High-net-worth individuals and professionals ■ Trusts and family-owned businesses The firm prides itself on long-term relationships, many of which have grown alongside Austral from the very beginning. Achievements Some notable milestones include: ■ Selection as a finalist in the Xero Awards 2025 for Digital Practice Champion ■ Strategic partnerships with industry organisations like the Graca Machel Trust's Women Creating Wealth Programme, where Austral provides pro bona mentorship and cloud accounting tools to support women entrepreneurs ■ Ongoing mentorship and leadership training through the FASSET-Duke IWFSA Executive Programme ■ 2024 KZN Top Business Women nominee Looking Ahead Austral Accounting is committed to future-forward growth. The firm's goals for the next five years include: ■ Deepening its community impact by expanding support for SMMEs ■ Investing in next-generation accounting tools and Al-driven financial planning ■ Pursuing partnerships with incubators and accelerators across KwaZulu-Natal ■ Growing the team through graduate recruitment and mentorship programmes At Austral Accounting, the future is one of empowerment - where financial knowledge meets technology, and where every business, no matter its size, is equipped to succeed. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Suite 5, 8 Richefond Circle Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga Tel:+27 (0)31 536 8222 E-mail: lynette@australacc.co.za Website: www.australaccounting.co.za CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Suite 5, 8 Richefond Circle Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga Tel:+27 (0)31 536 8222 E-mail: lynette@australacc.co.za Website: www.australaccounting.co.za Up Home Up Austral Accounting Latest News Lynette Pretorius Leaders Profile Austral Accounting is a professional accounting and business advisory firm based in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. Since its inception, the firm has grown into a trusted partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), non-profit organisations, and individuals who require expert financial management, tax strategy, and business growth support. Austral Accounting has a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and personalised service. Founded in 1991 and now managed and owned by Lynette Pretorius, a qualified professional accountant (SA), Austral Accounting was established with a vision to deliver accessible, expert-driven accounting services to the growing entrepreneurial sector in South Africa. Over the years, the firm has expanded its service offering, embraced cloud based technology, investment management, and built long-term relationships with clients across various industries including retail, manufacturing, real estate, legal, and hospitality industry. From humble beginnings, Austral Accounting has transformed into a digitally enabled practice, continuously investing in professional development, automation tools, and client education to remain at the forefront of the accounting profession. Key People Pretorius serves as the principal of Austral Accounting. With over 28 years of experience, she is known for her technical proficiency as well as for her strategic advisory skills and deep community engagement. Pretorius has served in various boards and committees in leadership roles across several organisations. Under her guidance, the Austral team combines professionalism with a strong sense of ethics and service. The firm is supported by a dedicated team of accountants, tax practitioners, and administrative professionals who are passionate about client success. Products and Services Austral Accounting offers a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond traditional accounting. These include: ■ Cloud-based bookkeeping and accounting using Xero and DEXT ■ Tax planning and compliance for individuals, companies, and trusts ■ Company secretarial services and CIPC compliance ■ Payroll administration ■ Financial reporting and management accounts ■ Business rescue support and restructuring strategies ■ Estate and retirement planning ■ SMME mentoring and advisory services As a Xero-certified practice, Austral Accounting ensures that clients benefit from real-time data, automated workflows, and compliance peace of mind. Competitive Edge Austral Accounting's competitive strength lies in its ability to blend technology, personal service, and deep local market knowledge. The firm's proactive use of cloud accounting tools such as Xero, DEXT, and Microsoft Copilot ensures greater efficiency and transparency. Additionally, Austral's tailored approach means that clients - whether startups or established businesses - receive strategic guidance that is rooted in a deep understanding of their goals and challenges. The firm's ethos is centred on empowering clients through education and support, ensuring that financial compliance is matched with real business growth. The firm's growing reputation has been recognised through several accolades, most recently as a finalist for the Xero Digital Practice Champion Award 2025, affirming its place among South Africa's most innovative accounting firms. Austral Accounting is proudly affiliated with The Core Group, a network of legally independent professional firms that collaborate under a shared identity, while maintaining full ownership and operational independence. This strategic affiliation grants Austral access to a broad suite of specialist service companies, enabling clients to benefit from a comprehensive advisory ecosystem all within one trusted network. Beyond traditional accounting and audit services, clients can access tailored expertise in areas such as branding, business development, valuations, trusts and estates, risk management, BEE compliance, etc. This extended offering means Austral can provide clients with seamless value added services - enhancing strategic growth, delivering professional branding and digital communication tools, simplifying compliance, and enabling access to specialist technical support - all in one cohesive package. Client Base Austral Accounting serves a diverse and loyal client base across South Africa. Clients include: ■ SMMEs in the retail, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality sectors ■ NGOs and public benefit organisations ■ Property developers and investors ■ High-net-worth individuals and professionals ■ Trusts and family-owned businesses The firm prides itself on long-term relationships, many of which have grown alongside Austral from the very beginning. Achievements Some notable milestones include: ■ Selection as a finalist in the Xero Awards 2025 for Digital Practice Champion ■ Strategic partnerships with industry organisations like the Graca Machel Trust's Women Creating Wealth Programme, where Austral provides pro bona mentorship and cloud accounting tools to support women entrepreneurs ■ Ongoing mentorship and leadership training through the FASSET-Duke IWFSA Executive Programme ■ 2024 KZN Top Business Women nominee Looking Ahead Austral Accounting is committed to future-forward growth. The firm's goals for the next five years include: ■ Deepening its community impact by expanding support for SMMEs ■ Investing in next-generation accounting tools and Al-driven financial planning ■ Pursuing partnerships with incubators and accelerators across KwaZulu-Natal ■ Growing the team through graduate recruitment and mentorship programmes At Austral Accounting, the future is one of empowerment - where financial knowledge meets technology, and where every business, no matter its size, is equipped to succeed. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Suite 5, 8 Richefond Circle Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga Tel:+27 (0)31 536 8222 E-mail: lynette@australacc.co.za Website: www.australaccounting.co.za Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

With secure roots in KwaZulu-Natal, Bell Equipment is today recognised globally as a company that designs, manufactures, distributes, and supports a wide range of earthmoving and material handling equipment into various industries around the world.Bell Equipment LimitedWith secure roots in KwaZulu-Natal, Bell Equipment is today recognised globally as a company that designs, manufactures, distributes, and supports a wide range of earthmoving and material handling equipment into various industries around the world.With headquarters and a South African factory based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, Bell Equipment is a proudly local original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with a truly global footprint gained largely through the market acceptance of its core product, the Bell Articulated Dump Truck (ADT). The 2025 introduction of the Bell Motor Grader positions the company to evolve into a broader 'yellow metal' manufacturer. Forestry & Agriculture While Bell is well established in mining and construction, it has its roots in sugarcane farming and forestry. The company's namesake, Irvine Bell, first established the company in 1954 as a small engineering and agricultural repair business in nearby Empangeni. His ability to listen to customers' needs and his passion for innovation saw him manufacture various inventions, including a self­ loading sugar cane trailer and an overhead transfer crane for local farmers. His development of a tri­ wheeled cane loader in the 1960s revolutionised the sugar industry and irrevocably changed the company's trajectory. The cornerstone of Bell in its formative years, the company sees long-term value in strengthening and growing its Bell Forestry & Agriculture business unit. The well-established Tri-wheeler, Haulage Tractor and Timber Truck have evolved to keep abreast of technology advances to offer improvements in safety, comfort, and productivity. Many older models remain in operation, which speaks volumes about the build quality and longevity of Bell machines. New products introduced by Bell to provide niche mechanised solutions include the Skogger, Log Pro, Cane Pro and UltECO Slew Loader. And, within South Africa, Bell distributes the JCB Agriculture range alongside the Bell Forestry and Agricultural range providing a customised range of equipment that appeals to the broader farming community. Mining & Construction When the first ADTs were imported from Europe in the early 1980s, although effective and versatile, Bell saw room for improvement and fine-tuned their design to better cope with the harsh operating conditions common in Africa. Today, the company is recognised as a global ADT specialist and manufacturer with the largest and most advanced range in the world. The current E-series includes trucks from 18 to S0t to provide solutions for construction, infrastructure, bulk earthworks, mining, and quarrying, along with a niche 4x4 ADT range, led by the ground-breaking 60- ton 4x4 crossover concept, the B60E, for operations not requiring the same off-road ability as a 6x6 ADT but wanting to retain its all-weather suitability. The Bell Versatruck programme complements the ADT range with niche custom equipment, such as water tankers, hooklifts, flat decks and fire trucks based on the proven Bell ADT chassis. As a technological innovation leader, Bell has pioneered several features geared at improving productivity and safety, including its fleet monitoring system, Fleetm@tic• that enables customers to manage their fleet. Choosing to be technology agnostic, the E-series range has an advanced platform ready to integrate with third party proximity detection (PDS), collision avoidance (CAS), and autonomous software. Newer additions to the Mining & Construction range include Bell Tracked Carriers, which are highly customisable and provide a durable short-haul solution for construction sites with soft underfoot conditions that require low ground pressure machines either for environmental or traction reasons. Production commenced in Q3 of 2025 of the Bell Motor Grader range, the company's next major export product. The ADT is recognised as a market leader in innovation, performance, and durability, and the same core values have been designed into the Motor Grader, which has a South African local content of about 70%, with over 1 000 local suppliers feeding into the factory daily. The range has three base models, each available in either a 4WD or 6WD configuration. The G140 is well suited to maintenance and light to medium construction tasks. The G160 is designed for heavy construction applications, and the G200 for bulk earthworks and the mining industry. Bell has started production with the G140 Eco - the base spec unit for the G140 - which is well suited to public sector opportunities, lighter construction and agricultural applications. Bell Equipment Sales South Africa In South Africa, Bell owns its dealer network which, thanks to strategic partnerships with global manufacturers such as JCB, Finlay and Kobelco, is a full range materialshandling distributor and an equipment supplier. This enables Bell to complement its own mining and construction range with diverse equipment including wheel loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders, telehandlers, skid steers, forklifts, compaction machinery and a material processing product line. Distribution and support take place through Bell Equipment's network of 22 Customer Service Centres strategically located throughout the country. The Bell Culture The strength of the Bell brand lies in the strong family values of integrity, honesty, accountability, and respect that are the foundation of the business. Customers are valued as part of the extended Bell family, creating a unique and healthy working environment. The motto 'Strong Reliable Machines, Strong Reliable Support' represents Bell's customer-devoted beliefs, ideals and ethical stance throughout its manufacturing, distribution and support network that provides technical backup and advice to customers around the globe for the company's world-class products. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 13 - 19 Carbonode Cell Road, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900 Postal Address: Private Bag X20046, Empangeni, 3880, South Africa Tel:+27 (0)35 907 9111 E-mail: Stephen.McNeill@bellequipment.com Website: www.bellequipment.com https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/post/ashley-bell-s-inspirational-path-a-leader-s-perspective-on-achieving-successHEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 13 - 19 Carbonode Cell Road, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900 Postal Address: Private Bag X20046, Empangeni, 3880, South Africa Tel:+27 (0)35 907 9111 E-mail: Stephen.McNeill@bellequipment.com Website: www.bellequipment.com Up Home Up Bell Equipment Limited Latest News Gary Bell Ashley Bell Leaders Profile With headquarters and a South African factory based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, Bell Equipment is a proudly local original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with a truly global footprint gained largely through the market acceptance of its core product, the Bell Articulated Dump Truck (ADT). The 2025 introduction of the Bell Motor Grader positions the company to evolve into a broader 'yellow metal' manufacturer. Forestry & Agriculture While Bell is well established in mining and construction, it has its roots in sugarcane farming and forestry. The company's namesake, Irvine Bell, first established the company in 1954 as a small engineering and agricultural repair business in nearby Empangeni. His ability to listen to customers' needs and his passion for innovation saw him manufacture various inventions, including a self loading sugar cane trailer and an overhead transfer crane for local farmers. His development of a tri wheeled cane loader in the 1960s revolutionised the sugar industry and irrevocably changed the company's trajectory. The cornerstone of Bell in its formative years, the company sees long-term value in strengthening and growing its Bell Forestry & Agriculture business unit. The well-established Tri-wheeler, Haulage Tractor and Timber Truck have evolved to keep abreast of technology advances to offer improvements in safety, comfort, and productivity. Many older models remain in operation, which speaks volumes about the build quality and longevity of Bell machines. New products introduced by Bell to provide niche mechanised solutions include the Skogger, Log Pro, Cane Pro and UltECO Slew Loader. And, within South Africa, Bell distributes the JCB Agriculture range alongside the Bell Forestry and Agricultural range providing a customised range of equipment that appeals to the broader farming community. Mining & Construction When the first ADTs were imported from Europe in the early 1980s, although effective and versatile, Bell saw room for improvement and fine-tuned their design to better cope with the harsh operating conditions common in Africa. Today, the company is recognised as a global ADT specialist and manufacturer with the largest and most advanced range in the world. The current E-series includes trucks from 18 to S0t to provide solutions for construction, infrastructure, bulk earthworks, mining, and quarrying, along with a niche 4x4 ADT range, led by the ground-breaking 60- ton 4x4 crossover concept, the B60E, for operations not requiring the same off-road ability as a 6x6 ADT but wanting to retain its all-weather suitability. The Bell Versatruck programme complements the ADT range with niche custom equipment, such as water tankers, hooklifts, flat decks and fire trucks based on the proven Bell ADT chassis. As a technological innovation leader, Bell has pioneered several features geared at improving productivity and safety, including its fleet monitoring system, Fleetm@tic• that enables customers to manage their fleet. Choosing to be technology agnostic, the E-series range has an advanced platform ready to integrate with third party proximity detection (PDS), collision avoidance (CAS), and autonomous software. Newer additions to the Mining & Construction range include Bell Tracked Carriers, which are highly customisable and provide a durable short-haul solution for construction sites with soft underfoot conditions that require low ground pressure machines either for environmental or traction reasons. Production commenced in Q3 of 2025 of the Bell Motor Grader range, the company's next major export product. The ADT is recognised as a market leader in innovation, performance, and durability, and the same core values have been designed into the Motor Grader, which has a South African local content of about 70%, with over 1 000 local suppliers feeding into the factory daily. The range has three base models, each available in either a 4WD or 6WD configuration. The G140 is well suited to maintenance and light to medium construction tasks. The G160 is designed for heavy construction applications, and the G200 for bulk earthworks and the mining industry. Bell has started production with the G140 Eco - the base spec unit for the G140 - which is well suited to public sector opportunities, lighter construction and agricultural applications. Bell Equipment Sales South Africa In South Africa, Bell owns its dealer network which, thanks to strategic partnerships with global manufacturers such as JCB, Finlay and Kobelco, is a full range materialshandling distributor and an equipment supplier. This enables Bell to complement its own mining and construction range with diverse equipment including wheel loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders, telehandlers, skid steers, forklifts, compaction machinery and a material processing product line. Distribution and support take place through Bell Equipment's network of 22 Customer Service Centres strategically located throughout the country. The Bell Culture The strength of the Bell brand lies in the strong family values of integrity, honesty, accountability, and respect that are the foundation of the business. Customers are valued as part of the extended Bell family, creating a unique and healthy working environment. The motto 'Strong Reliable Machines, Strong Reliable Support' represents Bell's customer-devoted beliefs, ideals and ethical stance throughout its manufacturing, distribution and support network that provides technical backup and advice to customers around the globe for the company's world-class products. HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 13 - 19 Carbonode Cell Road, Alton, Richards Bay, 3900 Postal Address: Private Bag X20046, Empangeni, 3880, South Africa Tel:+27 (0)35 907 9111 E-mail: Stephen.McNeill@bellequipment.com Website: www.bellequipment.com Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

874ef221-76f8-4806-aacd-3d8d578cb923 < Back Chelsea Brand Multimedia Field Journalist Multimedia Field Journalist for KZN Top Business, where she blends sharp analytical writing with immersive on-camera engagement. Previous Next

Helping business leaders and entrepreneurs build compliant, productive, engaged, and sustainable businesses.BusinessFit SAHelping business leaders and entrepreneurs build compliant, productive, engaged, and sustainable businesses.BusinessFit is a South African professional services company established in 2012, specialising in SME deve lopment, business mentoring, and quality assurance. As a Level 2 Black-Owned B-BBEE enterprise, BusinessFit is committed to strengthening small and medium enterprises by helping entrepreneurs and business leaders build compliant, productive, engaged, and sustainable businesses. The company was founded on the belief that small businesses should have access to the same structured governance disciplines, practical tools, and strategic support systems that enable larger organisations to grow sustainably. In many cases, SMEs possess entrepreneurial drive and market opportunity, but lack the frameworks needed to manage complexity, reduce risk, and scale responsibly. BusinessFit addresses this gap through structured enterprise development methodologies that combine governance, practical diagnostics, and measurable improvement. Our Mission BusinessFit’s mission is to normalise the creation of thriving enterprises that uphold strong governance, ethical conduct, and quality assurance standards.The organisation views SMEs as critical drivers of economic participation, employment, and local resilience. Its work is therefore focused on ensuring that smaller businesses are not only entrepreneurial, but structurally capable of sustaining growth, managing risk, and participating confidently in formal economic ecosystems.Our Core Methodology: The 5-Stage Quality Assurance Programme BusinessFit applies a proprietary “building better businesses” methodology through a structured 5-Stage Quality Assurance Programme designed to mentor, quality assure, and strengthen SMEs over time. The methodology helps enterprises move progressively from legitimacy and compliance toward functional maturity and market credibility. It enables entrepreneurs to clarify strategic intent, strengthen internal discipline, and address operational weaknesses before they become barriers to growth. Through this process, businesses are guided to: Build leadership confidence and define measurable business intentions Identify operational gaps, risks, and internal blockages Strengthen legitimacy through structured compliance and governance checks Improve quality assurance and delivery discipline Align business practices with recognised sustainability and responsible business principles This framework provides a practical governance pathway for SMEs that wish to engage larger corporates, funding institutions, and formal supply chains. BusinessFit 360: Digital Assessment and Guidance at Scale. A central pillar of the BusinessFit offering is BusinessFit 360, a digital self-assessment and guidance platform designed to extend mentorship at scale. BusinessFit 360 was developed in response to a common challenge among entrepreneurs: while daily operations demand constant attention, strategic reflection is often neglected. The platform creates structured time for business owners to step back, review their enterprise comprehensively, and identify what requires focused attention. The platform evaluates the business across all major functions, including finance, leadership, governance, operations, people, market positioning, technology, and risk. It then converts assessment data into practical outputs, including: Gap identification Maturity insights Prioritised action plans Practical guidance aligned to business stage and need In this way, BusinessFit 360 acts as a mentorship multiplier, making structured enterprise support accessible beyond traditional one-on-one interventions. The BusinessFit Blueprint Model At the heart of Stage 4 of the methodology is the BusinessFit Blueprint Model, which defines how a business functions as an integrated system. The model is built around four core dimensions: 1. Leadership, Ethics and Value Creation This examines the entrepreneur’s leadership approach, ethical discipline, and ability to create sustained value. 2. Functional Foundation, Quality Assurance and Risk Management,This focuses on whether the business has reliable systems, controls, and operating discipline. 3. Outcome Intentions, Governance and Stakeholder Measures, This considers strategic intent, accountability, and whether success is being measured meaningfully. 4. Organisational Culture and Workforce,Effectiveness This evaluates employee engagement, role clarity, and the internal culture required for growth. The Blueprint Model ensures that development is not fragmented. It connects enterprise improvement across all functions. Commitment to Responsible Enterprise Development BusinessFit promotes responsible corporate citizenship by encouraging enterprises to understand that business success carries legal, social, and environmental responsibilities. The organisation believes sustainable growth must be achieved responsibly — with governance, account ability, and awareness of broader societal impact. This approach strengthens credibility, improves internal discipline, and encourages long-term resilience. Network and Strategic Collaborations BusinessFit has developed relationships and contributed to programmes linked to local and international enterprise development platforms, including collaborations associated with: South African Chamber of Commerce UK Commonwealth Secretariat The Africa Marketing Initiative KZN Growth Coalition These engagements reflect BusinessFit’s broader commitment to strengthening enterprise ecosystems beyond individual business interventions. Our Purpose Our purpose is to help business leaders and entrepreneurs build businesses that are compliant, productive, engaged, and sustainable. We do this by combining practical mentorship, structured diagnostics, governance thinking, and digital tools that help eliminate operational blockages, reduce entrepreneurial time poverty, and build leadership confidence. Our Value Proposition BusinessFit exists to make quality mentorship and structured enterprise support more accessible. Our value proposition is built on the belief that every entrepreneur should have access to disciplined frameworks that improve decision-making, strengthen resilience, and support growth. We are committed to helping SMEs become stronger economic contributors — capable of creating employ ment, participating in supply chains, and driving sustainable local development. Our long-term vision is an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where smaller enterprises are equipped not only to survive, but to lead growth in the economy. Physical Address: 12 Braehead Office Park, 1 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)31 767 0625 E-mail: david@businessfitsa.co.za Website: www.businessfitsa.co.za AKHONA MAHLATI is the CEO of BusinessFit, director and principal strategist for Ewe Sana Marketing and Communications, and he chairs the management committee of a school. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing and Business Management from the University of Natal as well as a Strategic Marketing Certificate awarded by the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business. Akhona's working life started with a number of small part-time jobs, but his professional career commenced when he obtained a position at British American Tobacco as a marketing management trainee in Stellenbosch in the early 2000s. Mahlati then moved a few years later and worked for Capitec Bank as their brand manager. During his tenure, the bank moved from a micro-lending 'hangover', to being perceived as a challenging competitive retail bank. Post this position, Mahlati moved to Johannesburg where he worked at the Standard Bank Group and held a number of positions in the Diners Club International franchise. During the last year of his time at Diners Club, Mahlati started a business with a partner, which prompted him to drop everything in Johannesburg and move down to Durban to give the business muchneeded focus. "Needless to say, three years later the business was no longer in operation. It's after this failed business that I started lecturing part-time and started my marketing and communications business," said Mahlati. Akhona's strengths and key sources of success are believing in himself and his abilities, being resilient to the challenges of life and being self-disciplined. He says, "My children and my need to live and enjoy my dreams in this present life drive me to give of my best. I'm inspired by many events and episodes, which teach me life's great lessons." "I believe that it's in overcoming our challenges that we're able to know how strong we really are and this strength enables us to reach greater heights in our lives. It's by defeating the demons on a particular level that you're able to get to the next level." "I'm a driving visionary. When I lead, I offer the team long-term vision as I have a natural ability to inspire and communicate my vision to others. I'm insightful and perceptive, and I genuinely care about the development of others. I want to influence people positively not only in South Africa, but in other countries on our beautiful continent and globally. I want to see young people starting and growing sustainable businesses which dramatically reduce our unemployment and crime rates. Moreover, I want to see young African people pushing the boundaries of development and innovation." Mahlati added that his 'drive' is natural and not contrived. "Business and life in general are about adding value to other people. We must always try to keep things simple and not over complicate them. You can only do good business with good people. We need to try our best to remove ourselves from negative associations and unbecoming practices. The path to success is never straight and narrow. It's more of a journey of self-discovery, which eventually plants you in the path of your purpose. Once you've found your purpose, try your best to live it, enjoy it and monetise it." He reflected that he has worked with and has relationships with some of the best minds in the country. However, these are ordinary people who make things happen without seeking attention. "I've also been fortunate enough to share rooms and speaking stages with well esteemed leaders," said Mahlati. During his spare time Mahlati loves listening to music, chilling with good quality friends and enjoying meat around a braai. He sees himself as an amateur wine and champagne collector. "I also enjoy a few glasses of single malt whisky coupled with a cigar on lazy weekends. I'm not much of a TV person, but I from time to time, enjoy watching programmes related to properties, religion and travel." Physical Address: 12 Braehead Office Park, 1 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)31 767 0625 E-mail: david@businessfitsa.co.za Website: www.businessfitsa.co.za Up Home Up BusinessFit SA Latest News David White Lindiwe Bhadi Leaders Profile BusinessFit is a South African professional services company established in 2012, specialising in SME deve lopment, business mentoring, and quality assurance. As a Level 2 Black-Owned B-BBEE enterprise, BusinessFit is committed to strengthening small and medium enterprises by helping entrepreneurs and business leaders build compliant, productive, engaged, and sustainable businesses. The company was founded on the belief that small businesses should have access to the same structured governance disciplines, practical tools, and strategic support systems that enable larger organisations to grow sustainably. In many cases, SMEs possess entrepreneurial drive and market opportunity, but lack the frameworks needed to manage complexity, reduce risk, and scale responsibly. BusinessFit addresses this gap through structured enterprise development methodologies that combine governance, practical diagnostics, and measurable improvement. Our Mission BusinessFit’s mission is to normalise the creation of thriving enterprises that uphold strong governance, ethical conduct, and quality assurance standards.The organisation views SMEs as critical drivers of economic participation, employment, and local resilience. Its work is therefore focused on ensuring that smaller businesses are not only entrepreneurial, but structurally capable of sustaining growth, managing risk, and participating confidently in formal economic ecosystems.Our Core Methodology: The 5-Stage Quality Assurance Programme BusinessFit applies a proprietary “building better businesses” methodology through a structured 5-Stage Quality Assurance Programme designed to mentor, quality assure, and strengthen SMEs over time. The methodology helps enterprises move progressively from legitimacy and compliance toward functional maturity and market credibility. It enables entrepreneurs to clarify strategic intent, strengthen internal discipline, and address operational weaknesses before they become barriers to growth. Through this process, businesses are guided to: Build leadership confidence and define measurable business intentions Identify operational gaps, risks, and internal blockages Strengthen legitimacy through structured compliance and governance checks Improve quality assurance and delivery discipline Align business practices with recognised sustainability and responsible business principles This framework provides a practical governance pathway for SMEs that wish to engage larger corporates, funding institutions, and formal supply chains. BusinessFit 360: Digital Assessment and Guidance at Scale. A central pillar of the BusinessFit offering is BusinessFit 360, a digital self-assessment and guidance platform designed to extend mentorship at scale. BusinessFit 360 was developed in response to a common challenge among entrepreneurs: while daily operations demand constant attention, strategic reflection is often neglected. The platform creates structured time for business owners to step back, review their enterprise comprehensively, and identify what requires focused attention. The platform evaluates the business across all major functions, including finance, leadership, governance, operations, people, market positioning, technology, and risk. It then converts assessment data into practical outputs, including: Gap identification Maturity insights Prioritised action plans Practical guidance aligned to business stage and need In this way, BusinessFit 360 acts as a mentorship multiplier, making structured enterprise support accessible beyond traditional one-on-one interventions. The BusinessFit Blueprint Model At the heart of Stage 4 of the methodology is the BusinessFit Blueprint Model, which defines how a business functions as an integrated system. The model is built around four core dimensions: 1. Leadership, Ethics and Value Creation This examines the entrepreneur’s leadership approach, ethical discipline, and ability to create sustained value. 2. Functional Foundation, Quality Assurance and Risk Management,This focuses on whether the business has reliable systems, controls, and operating discipline. 3. Outcome Intentions, Governance and Stakeholder Measures, This considers strategic intent, accountability, and whether success is being measured meaningfully. 4. Organisational Culture and Workforce,Effectiveness This evaluates employee engagement, role clarity, and the internal culture required for growth. The Blueprint Model ensures that development is not fragmented. It connects enterprise improvement across all functions. Commitment to Responsible Enterprise Development BusinessFit promotes responsible corporate citizenship by encouraging enterprises to understand that business success carries legal, social, and environmental responsibilities. The organisation believes sustainable growth must be achieved responsibly — with governance, account ability, and awareness of broader societal impact. This approach strengthens credibility, improves internal discipline, and encourages long-term resilience. Network and Strategic Collaborations BusinessFit has developed relationships and contributed to programmes linked to local and international enterprise development platforms, including collaborations associated with: South African Chamber of Commerce UK Commonwealth Secretariat The Africa Marketing Initiative KZN Growth Coalition These engagements reflect BusinessFit’s broader commitment to strengthening enterprise ecosystems beyond individual business interventions. Our Purpose Our purpose is to help business leaders and entrepreneurs build businesses that are compliant, productive, engaged, and sustainable. We do this by combining practical mentorship, structured diagnostics, governance thinking, and digital tools that help eliminate operational blockages, reduce entrepreneurial time poverty, and build leadership confidence. Our Value Proposition BusinessFit exists to make quality mentorship and structured enterprise support more accessible. Our value proposition is built on the belief that every entrepreneur should have access to disciplined frameworks that improve decision-making, strengthen resilience, and support growth. We are committed to helping SMEs become stronger economic contributors — capable of creating employ ment, participating in supply chains, and driving sustainable local development. Our long-term vision is an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where smaller enterprises are equipped not only to survive, but to lead growth in the economy. Physical Address: 12 Braehead Office Park, 1 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)31 767 0625 E-mail: david@businessfitsa.co.za Website: www.businessfitsa.co.za Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Home Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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By ‘peeling the onion’ layer by layer, you realise that our hearts beat the sameCaptain Londy Ngcobo < Back Captain Londy Ngcobo Managing Director, Womaritime Experts and Founder, Global Maritime Youth Captain Londy Ngcobo, is by profession, a ship navigational officer and notably is Africa’s first female dredge master. Londy is managing director of Womaritime Experts, a company that does consulting in the oceans economy, offers training, special projects as well as manning and recruitment. She is also the founder of Global Maritime Youth, which facilitates skills supply and demand globally of youth seeking a career in the ocean industry. Londy’s career choice was simply a progression of her love for the ocean where she felt she belonged. As a young girl, Londy felt a pure connection with the ocean, and commented with a laugh, “As a teenager, it didn’t help that I loved horoscopes, and my sign was Pisces.” She went on to study maritime studies and began working on container ships for Maersk Shipping Lines where she started as an officer and worked her way up the ranks to third officer. Londy then moved to Africa where she worked on dredges and became Africa’s first female dredge master. Over this time Londy noticed the many challenges within this industry and felt that she needed to be the ‘voice of the change she wanted to see’. And so, her company, Womaritime Experts, was born. A man’s world Being a woman in the maritime industry is still unusual today, where there is only 2% female participation globally. This is the reason why her company was derived from women in maritime, to edify women within their maritime professions, and through the work her consultancy does, to multiply the number of women within the maritime industry. In this challenging, yet exciting industry, Londy shares that she has been motivated by a lot of different people. But, what has made her stay within the industry, is the authentic feel of the ocean and knowing that this is where she belongs. Londy’s business means that she is now land-based most of the time. However, that she still gets to go on board ships when required as part of the services offered by her consultancy. Londy’s peers around her have, over the years, motivated her to move from one vessel to another and to climb the ranks. Many of the men within her industry have inspired her through their passion and dedication. These are men who leave their families for months at a time yet stay connected with their wives and children. Men have also seen her fit to go behind the wheel, rise in the ranks, and to represent women in this industry. “I know that it’s cliché,” says Londy, “that although it’s very small in number, but men, to some degree, are very supportive, and I’ve been inspired by a few captains within my industry.” Facing challenges Londy believes that the challenges she has experienced in her industry, are common to what most women experience in a predominantly male environment, such as feeling excluded and unwanted. However, many women are now coming out to talk about and address these issues. “When I started my career, I was a very young teenager of only 18 years of age, and being away from home, I was homesick. To chase a dream and miss out on life, was a challenge,” shared Londy. “However, with time, you realise that it’s all worth it.” For Londy, remaining grounded in how she was raised, who she was, and keeping rooted and focused on why she was doing what she was, helped her overcome the challenge of being homesick. The tangible reward for Londy was coming back to Africa and being a first in her industry, which made the dream visible and fulfilling. She added that she got to realise that as much as she felt different most of the time on board the ships, that people experienced the same challenges. “Although time on board the ships was challenging,I came to realise that by ‘peeling the onion’ layer by layer, the layer of colour, or of gender, you realise that our hearts beat the same, and you begin to see people as people.” Londy would like to see the industry being more balanced and inclusive. “Diversity is a numbers game where the current 2% stats can rise to 50-50 tomorrow, but inclusion is cultivated,” she says. Londy’s wish is to get into rooms where men are for women in the workplace and walk alongside them. Ocean opportunities Her future goal for tomorrow’s youth is that their eyes will be opened to the vast number of careers available on the ocean and that they are ‘beautifully blended with the land’. A range of careers such as a makeup artist, a DJ, a mechanical engineer, an electrician, a diver, a singer, and many more, are well accommodated on board ships and within the ocean's economy. “Interestingly, kids call me the black mermaid and I find it so intriguing that they want to be like Captain Londy. Which is why waking up and showing up for the young girls who want to be like me, even on social media, has become a mission for me,” says Londy. Londy chuckles, “A joke that we still listen to is that a black man can’t swim.” She added, “We’re cultivating a pure love for the ocean so that the youth can know very early that should they get to their grade 12, there is more options than the land provides.” We see you Londy misses the silence of the ocean. So to unwind and relax, she focuses on quietening the noise experienced on land, through meditation and journaling, and little moments of silence, and reminds herself why she shows up every single morning. “The KZN Top Business initiative means everything to me as a woman entrepreneur, who is navigating unchartered waters. Amidst the noise we often question ourselves. So, for me, this nomination is a validation that says, we see you. This anchors me in many ways,” concluded Londy

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