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As a national law firm, Cox Yeats is well positioned and able to render a range of legal services across provincial borders, regardless of locationCox YeatsAs a national law firm, Cox Yeats is well positioned and able to render a range of legal services across provincial borders, regardless of locationWith offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Cox Yeats is a leading national law firm recognised for its depth of expertise in both commercial and personal legal services. Founded in KwaZulu-Natal in 1964, the firm has navigated six decades of change with an unwavering commitment to innovation, integrity, and client service.Whileits footprint hasexpanded significantly, its core values - integrity, approachability, and individuality- remain firmly in place. These principles continue to guide its work and inspire confidence in clients across South Africa and beyond. Comprehensive Expertise Cox Yeats delivers specialist legal services across provincial borders, with expertise in: ■ Administrative and Procurement Law ■ B-BBEE & Transformation Advisory ■ Business Rescue, Restructuring and Insolvency ■ Competition Law ■ Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure Law ■ Corporate and Commercial Law ■ Corporate Investigations, Fraud and Cybercrime ■ Dispute Resolution ■ Employment Law ■ Energy and Natural Resources ■ Environmental Law ■ Banking and Finance Law ■ Healthcare Law ■ Insurance Law ■ Maritime, Transport & International Trade Law ■ Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) ■ Notarial Law ■ Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Law ■ Pro Bono and Human Rights ■ Real Estate and Property Law ■ Regulatory and Compliance Law ■ Tax Law ■ Trusts & Estates Each practice area is led by highly skilled professionals who combine technical precision with a commercial mindset. Teams collaborate across disciplines to offer clients forward-thinking, practical solutions that anticipate legal challenges and capitalise on opportunities. People and Culture Cox Yeats believes its greatest strength lies in its people. The firm fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to reach their full potential. Work-life balance, career development, and employee well-being are central to its culture, contributing to exceptional talent retention and a highly engaged workforce. This positive environment enables the firm to attract top graduates and seasoned professionals alike, ensuring its clients benefit from both fresh perspectives and extensive experience. Awards and Recognition Cox Yeats has earned consistent recognition in leading national and international legal rankings, including Best Lawyers, Legal 500, Chambers Global, the African Legal Awards, and PMR Africa. In 2023, the team received the Best Lawyers Award for Property and Insurance Law Firm of the Year, as well as the 2022 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Award in the Employee Wellbeing category. Recent accolades also include the PMR Africa Diamond Arrow Award, where the firm was ranked First Overall and achieved Diamond Status among medium-sized law firms in South Africa. Physical Address: 45 Vuna Close, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4320 Postal Address: P.O. Box 913, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 DBN Tel: +27 (0)31 536 8500 I JHB Tel: +27 (0)10 015 5800 CT Tel: +27 (0)218792516 E-mail: coxyeatsmarketing@coxyeats.co.za Website: www.coxyeats.co.za MICHAEL JACKSON's strong adherence to the core values of integrity and client service, as well as a good sense of humour, have served him well in his professional career. He was appointed as managing partner of Durban law firm Cox Yeats in 2011. In January 1998, Jackson joined Cox Yeats as a candidate attorney. He commented that starting there was really tough. Jackson was articled to Graham Cox, who checked every document that he produced. Jackson said, "Graham Cox told me that I needed to learn the basics of writing and suggested that I read a book or two." This advice came as quite a shock especially after having studied at university for seven years. "This somewhat Victorian introduction to law and work taught me that in law you are never an expert. You must always remain humble and you must take nothing for granted," added Jackson. His early career, he says, was based on a lot of hard work and some luck. In addition, Jackson said that he was fortunate to work with some good people. "I was privileged to work closely with Graham Cox (who at that time was undoubtedly the best lawyer in Durban) and with Jeremy Yeats. In many respects they were complete opposites. Graham economic with words and decisive; Jeremy amiable, who pondered and weighed the various options in committee." A highlight of his career was making partner in 2000, after only one year out of articles. From the outset, Jackson said that he was exposed to large clients and important matters. A big opportunity arose when Jeremy Yeats fell ill, and Jackson took over the work that he handled for Richards Bay Minerals and Tongaat Hulett on land, the environment and minerals. It was through this exposure that he then specialised in natural resource law, which was something that he had not considered at university, where he had focused on tax, finance and corporate law. Jackson says that he is quite old fashioned in his approach to his career as he believes that "You should make a place work, if it is an environment that works". His 30 year employment history at Cox Yeats is in great contrast to the modern trend of job hopping, which is also a challenge for employee retention. Jackson says that it is important to have a culture that builds people from a young age and grows their careers so that they stay with the firm. However, this does require a reciprocal relationship of trust and organisational commitment. Leading a law firm and dealing with a range of diverse personalities requires much responsibility, especially with 28 partners making a total of 45 professionals. As such Jackson favours a participative management style and is as inclusive as possible in allowing everyone to air their voices to reach consensus. He commented that it has been very fulfilling to develop a team of professionals around him and work collectively, as opposed to individually. The Cox Yeats' way values independence and participation. However, he added, "We have found that focussing on our core values and measuring all decisions in reaction to these values has given us much relevance. Our model in recent years of living true to these values has been very successful." An important part of these values is offering outstanding client service and being quite bold. "We regard ourselves as the best KZN law firm and have an increasing amount of international reach, which in the future we would like to grow," concluded Jackson. Jackson is married to Helen who is also a lawyer and has two children. In his free time, he enjoys rowing three times a week on Durban Harbour, the office exercise class and hobbling around the neighbourhood. Apart from international travel, a favourite breakaway spot is a cottage on the Transkei wild coast, which has been in the family for nearly 80 yearsPhysical Address: 45 Vuna Close, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4320 Postal Address: P.O. Box 913, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 DBN Tel: +27 (0)31 536 8500 I JHB Tel: +27 (0)10 015 5800 CT Tel: +27 (0)218792516 E-mail: coxyeatsmarketing@coxyeats.co.za Website: www.coxyeats.co.za Up Home Up Cox Yeats Latest News Andrew Clark Leaders Profile With offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Cox Yeats is a leading national law firm recognised for its depth of expertise in both commercial and personal legal services. Founded in KwaZulu-Natal in 1964, the firm has navigated six decades of change with an unwavering commitment to innovation, integrity, and client service.Whileits footprint hasexpanded significantly, its core values - integrity, approachability, and individuality- remain firmly in place. These principles continue to guide its work and inspire confidence in clients across South Africa and beyond. Comprehensive Expertise Cox Yeats delivers specialist legal services across provincial borders, with expertise in: ■ Administrative and Procurement Law ■ B-BBEE & Transformation Advisory ■ Business Rescue, Restructuring and Insolvency ■ Competition Law ■ Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure Law ■ Corporate and Commercial Law ■ Corporate Investigations, Fraud and Cybercrime ■ Dispute Resolution ■ Employment Law ■ Energy and Natural Resources ■ Environmental Law ■ Banking and Finance Law ■ Healthcare Law ■ Insurance Law ■ Maritime, Transport & International Trade Law ■ Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) ■ Notarial Law ■ Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Law ■ Pro Bono and Human Rights ■ Real Estate and Property Law ■ Regulatory and Compliance Law ■ Tax Law ■ Trusts & Estates Each practice area is led by highly skilled professionals who combine technical precision with a commercial mindset. Teams collaborate across disciplines to offer clients forward-thinking, practical solutions that anticipate legal challenges and capitalise on opportunities. People and Culture Cox Yeats believes its greatest strength lies in its people. The firm fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to reach their full potential. Work-life balance, career development, and employee well-being are central to its culture, contributing to exceptional talent retention and a highly engaged workforce. This positive environment enables the firm to attract top graduates and seasoned professionals alike, ensuring its clients benefit from both fresh perspectives and extensive experience. Awards and Recognition Cox Yeats has earned consistent recognition in leading national and international legal rankings, including Best Lawyers, Legal 500, Chambers Global, the African Legal Awards, and PMR Africa. In 2023, the team received the Best Lawyers Award for Property and Insurance Law Firm of the Year, as well as the 2022 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Award in the Employee Wellbeing category. Recent accolades also include the PMR Africa Diamond Arrow Award, where the firm was ranked First Overall and achieved Diamond Status among medium-sized law firms in South Africa. Physical Address: 45 Vuna Close, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4320 Postal Address: P.O. Box 913, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 DBN Tel: +27 (0)31 536 8500 I JHB Tel: +27 (0)10 015 5800 CT Tel: +27 (0)218792516 E-mail: coxyeatsmarketing@coxyeats.co.za Website: www.coxyeats.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

Up Home Up Jacquie Bhana Jacquie Bhana, after following a successful career spanning over 30 years in the corporate world, and after much thought about her future goals, has recently started her own business initiatives. She commented, “I wanted flexibility with my time, to dance to my own drumbeat, and to make an impact beyond the gates of a single organisation.” Her primary business, Jacquie Bhana Consulting, focuses on coaching and mentoring of leaders, managers and graduates in general as well as offering teambuilding interventions. After working at executive level and having worked her way up the corporate ladder, she knows that she can add enormous value in this space. A strong need nationally has been identified for the development of graduates, so this is one of Jacquie’s keen interest and focus areas. The second focus group is that of women. Jacquie says, “I can relate well to them, having been through my own corporate journey as a lone female in a man’s world.” A second leg of her consulting business is that of mental health counselling for executives and leaders. Another venture that Jacquie is pursuing is that of a start-up for exclusive ladies’ garments. She has identified a manufacturer, and is close to launching this enterprise. ACHIEVING MANY GOALS Jacquie has achieved a number of goals at business and community level. At corporate level, she has worked extensively on increasing the number of graduates employed; focussing on bright young talent, and leading their mentorship programmes to build their capability and productivity in the business. In this regard, she has previously formed strategic relationships with tertiary institutions. Jacquie has also worked vigorously at getting young women into technical apprentice roles, in an environment that was at first hostile. However, building a critical mass of female apprentices helped to make it easier to build diversity at this level. Another area that she impacted was increasing the number of women in leadership, by recruiting, then supporting them accordingly. At a community level, Jacquie is an active member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she has been elected onto the board as First Vice President. Jacquie works with the Chamber’s leadership team to address the many challenges experienced in the city, such as during the looting and the flooding. “I led the task of working with various players in the country, to get the shelves in the supermarkets re-stacked, having engaged with various retailers and transporters. The Chamber leadership kept a close eye on the progress being made in this space and their leaders in turn worked with senior government officials, to facilitate this process at a higher level.” After the floods, Jacquie worked with various community leaders and communities to get blankets, clothes and food transported by helicopters to inaccessible places, facilitated by the Chamber. She also linked up with the organisations, Women on Boards and Limitbreakers, to get food and clothes to areas that they were servicing. TRULY INSPIRATIONAL One of the people who inspires Jacquie is Nokuthula (Nokky) Ndlovu – who is young, driven and a successful global influencer. Nokky is the founder of the organisations, Limitbreakers and Women on Boards, both of which Jacquie is a member. Jacquie commented, “Through our sessions I have met incredible women who have been truly inspirational, such as Mandisa Dlamini, who runs the Gugu Dlamini Foundation. Mandisa’s mother was Gugu Dlamini, who was stoned to death in the township, because she was an HIV activist. Mandisa continues her work to this day, herself having overcome the toughest challenges, and making a difference in the community.” “I am also inspired by Palesa Phili, the CEO of the Durban Chamber, a woman who is driven, fearless and energetic. She tirelessly tackles and deals with her mandate, i.e. advocating for business and being in business for a better world - in the interest of ensuring that Durban is a viable, economically successful city, and is effectively able to garner support of various players, from international government delegations and international investors, through to national government leadership.” Other international leaders who Jacquie has found inspirational include the ex-Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and the young Afghani and world-renowned activist for the education of females, Malala Yousafzai. LEAVING THE CORPORATE WORLD Jacquie says that her biggest challenge ever has been leaving the corporate world and working in the exciting and exhilarating world of small business. She said, “Getting used to the idea of no longer having the name of a blue-chip company and a senior title has been difficult, and having no admin staff and technicians for IT support has been tough. However, there has been a major upward spike in my own empowerment and capability, and it has been a great journey so far.” MAKING A DIFFERENCE “My future goals are to make a difference to the very universe I am targeting to work with, i.e., getting our youth capable, employable, competent and confident; the same with women, executives and managers” – in line with our national agenda. I want my mental health counselling to take off. In this regard, I want to grow my business and profitability by 10% per annum, and to employ staff and get them to grow – and I want to be an inspiration to other women who want to be upwardly mobile or even open their own business. In advising young women Jacquie says, “I think it is important to be good at what you do, to grow incrementally, develop credibility, show integrity and then move from there. Women also have to be confident, strong and not hide their lights under a bushel. They need to find their voice and raise their voice, appropriately.” Jacquie has been married to Mahesh for 30 years, who is a successful Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Fertility Specialist who owns the Durban Fertility Centre with his partner at the St Augustines Netcare Hospital. Their 20-yearold daughter Kereena is following in her dad’s footsteps; she is studying medicine at UCT and loves it. In her off-work times Jacquie loves reading, spending time with family and going to the gym. She also plays golf socially and enjoys travelling which she thinks is the best education.

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Up Home Up Benita Ardenbaum Benita started her practice in 1999 from a room in her house. She explains, “The reason that I decided to go out on my own was the fact that the legal profession was a male orientated profession, and I was in a firm that did not resonate with my values. I wanted to deal with family law in a unique way by bringing in a more feminine aspect and that is where the heart of law was created. I always say lead with your heart, and it will lead you true. This should not be interpreted as a weakness but rather as a strength. I recognised that I loved people more than I loved the law but that I could use the law as a tool to assist my clients. ” The practice was started with just Benita and her secretary and slowly, over the years, through sheer hard work, determination, drive and showing up daily and consistently she expanded the firm into what it is today. “I have an incredible all women’s firm where we have mastered the art of collaboration and work together as a team to assist our clients to transition and navigate through often traumatic times in their lives,” explained Benita. “My passion is to give a voice to the voiceless.” These are vulnerable people and in particular women and children as the scales of injustice are tipped against them, although there are many men who suffer severe injustices as well. The reason that Benita is so passionate about fighting for children and vulnerable people is because her mother fell pregnant when she was 16 years old, and she starved herself so that nobody would see until she was seven months pregnant. When her parents discovered her pregnancy, she was whisked away to a convalescent home in another city. As she was considered to have brought shame on her family, she was forced by her family to give Benita up for adoption. “My birth mother did not have a choice or a voice,” explained Benita. “When I was six years old, I was sexually abused and also did not have a voice.” Benita has had to endure many challenges including immigrating overseas when she was 12 and where again she did not have a voice. She said that as she was rebellious, she left school at the age of 15 and worked in a shoe store and as a waitress at night. When Benita was 17, she met an old schoolteacher and was encouraged to go back to study; within a few months she finished her matric. Benita then went into the army for just over two years. She felt that her voice was not being heard and so ended up staying in base camp for many weekends washing pots in the kitchen and cleaning toilet as punishment. Benita had a longing to come back to South Africa as she missed this country and felt that this is where her roots were. “I came back to SA with nothing but a suitcase. With the support of my husband, I began to study and so began my journey.” AN INCREDIBLE PURPOSE “These life circumstances have shaped my life and gave me an incredible purpose which I live daily because we as individuals can choose to be victims of our circumstances, or we can rise and assist people in similar circumstances. I have the privilege of helping children and their caregivers to make a difference and change the trajectory of their lives. That is what drives me to get up at 4.45 am in the morning and get to work. I love what I do and do what I love. I make my vocation my vacation.” Benita has appeared in various cases, which have been featured in the media. She has a strong international presence and is a member of the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers, whereby the members are recognised by their peers to be the most skilled family law specialists in their country. Benita has been involved in various international divorces and international cross border abductions of children between parents. Benita has had various mentors in her life but says that her greatest supporter and mentor is her husband of 35 years and her adult children. She says, “I attribute much of my success to him as he has been my rock and he is happy for the light to be shone on me. My children are my biggest fans and often share their incredible wisdom with me. FULL OF POSSIBILITIES In giving advice to others, Benita says that you must be passionate about what you do and live your purpose as then you are full of possibilities and success will follow. “You are enough, your power is expressed through asserting your boundaries and that NO is a full sentence. However, you should always remain humble in life.” “When people come to our offices they step into another world where they feel safe and secure. Our aim is to empower people with knowledge because with knowledge and education comes power and then they feel a lot more in control of their process.” Benita runs inspirational retreats for women, some of whom have been clients. She has worked, and continues to work where she can, as a strategic life coach. Benita added, “I am constantly studying and doing self-development courses. I walk and trail run and paint by numbers and sometimes do pottery. I also sometimes binge watch on Netflix.” In conclusion Benita says, “I want to say to women that each one of us has a unique gift and once we discover our gift it will lead us to our purpose in life. When that passion is ignited, we are unstoppable. When we as women stand together, when we share in each other’s successes and support each other’s failures we stand in true sisterhood and that is when the magic happens!”

KZN Top Business Women 2024 Collection

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Portio Dlamini Managing Director of Emakheni Cleaning & Industrial Solutions I would start a business that would not only be profitable and sustainable but a business that will empower people Portio Dlamini

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The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Thobeka Dlongolo Managing Director Biza iAfrica Consultants If you have the passion and the focus, and if you have the dream; you can take yourself to a better level and independence Thobeka Dlongolo

Mayor: Cllr PMS Ngubane KZN Top Business Subscribe uMzinyathi District Municipality The uMzinyathi District Municipality is in the northern central area of KwaZulu-Natal. The district lies between the main N3 corridor from Durban to Gauteng and the coastal corridor, running along the east coast Substantial Agricultural Activity The uMzinyathi District Municipality is in the northern central area of KwaZulu-Natal. The district lies between the main N3 corridor from Durban to Gauteng and the coastal corridor, running along the east coast. uMzinyathi consists of the local municipalities of Endumeni, Msinga, Nquthu and Umvoti. In conjunction with its north western neighbour, Amajuba District Municipality, uMzinyathi is branded as the ‘Custodian of the Battlefields’ region of the Zulu Kingdom. The battlefields form a vital role in the spatial economy of the province from a tourism perspective. Other tourist sites include private game reserves and one 18 000 ha proclaimed conservation area. There are two natural heritage sites: Fugitives Drift and Hlathikulu at Wasbank. Most of the industry in the area is associated with agriculture or handwork (carpets, beadwork) by trained artisans. The municipal area has extensive grasslands in the north, supporting the primary agricultural sector based on cattle ranching for beef, small scale sheep and mixed farming and maize cultivation. In the southern areas substantial forestry is prevalent. Sugar cane and smaller scale fruit farming such as avocado and kiwi fruit cultivation also occur. The area has high potential for growth in agricultural crop production (maize, soybean and sugar cane). Endumeni Municipality is a key administrative, education and economic centre for northern KwaZuluNatal. Endumeni, with the smallest population, but the largest economy of the district, comprises the towns of Dundee, Glencoe and Wasbank as well as several farms. Dundee is the administrative seat of Umzinyathi and can be viewed as a strong regional centre. This municipality is unique; its population is predominantly urbanised or based on commercial farms and unlike the other local municipalities there is no tribal authority land. Endumeni’s diversified economy includes commercial cattle farming, dairy production, and tourism. Dundee and Glencoe form part of the Coal Rim of KwaZulu-Natal, that have over the past decade been negatively affected by a substantial decline in the coal mining sector, which previously formed the economic base of the areas. The Umvoti Municipality comprises urban areas, commercial agricultural areas, and tribal authority areas, all of which exhibit typical characteristics associated with these settlement types. The main town is Greytown, which is the agricultural centre of the district and contributes substantially to the economic viability of the region. Nquthu Municipality is located along the north eastern boundary of the district, with expansive rural settlements being one of the major features. Nquthu Town is a small urban area that has established itself as the primary commercial, administrative, and service centre for the municipality. Msinga Municipality is largely located in deep gorges of the Tugela and Buffalo Rivers, isolated from the immediate surrounding municipal areas. The population dynamics result in a growing rural area and a declining urban area in Msinga, contrary to other areas in the country. Although the area has its challenges, there are historic sites, beautiful scenery, and interesting topography in some parts, suitable for cultural and eco-tourism. CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 39 Victoria Street, 1st Floor, Princess Magogo Building, Dundee, 3000 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1965, Dundee, 3000 Tel: +27 (0)34 219 1500 Website: www.umzinyathi.gov.za Back

Market leader is both the local and international footwear industry by expanding our operations.Arena TrimsMarket leader is both the local and international footwear industry by expanding our operations.In 2003, Kevin Naidoo took a bold step that would shape an enduring legacy in South Africa's industrial and manufacturing landscape.What began in a modest Chatsworth garage with just four employees has since grown into a thriving enterprise. Today, the business encompasses three distinct yet complementary divisions, employs hundreds of people, and continues to drive socio-economic development in KwaZulu­ Natal and beyond. Tribute to the Beier Family Drawing on extensive experience gained during his career at the Beier Group and with the encouragement of his long-time mentor, the late Hans Beier, Chairman Emeritus of the Beier Group, Naidoo founded Arena Trims. He credits Hans Beier not only for guiding Arena Trims' early success but also for instilling the highest ethical principles in every aspect of its operations. Naidoo continues to value the support of Hans' son, Wolfgang Beier, for which he remains deeply grateful. Growth Rooted in Expertise and Vision Arena Trims was established to supply high-quality footwear components for the safety, industrial, and fashion footwear sectors. Its success rests on an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, supported by ISO 9001 and 13485 accreditations, as well as its standing as a B-BBEE Level 1 company. By delivering reliable products that meet stringent international standards, Arena Trims has earned its place as a trusted partner to leading names in the footwear industry. Arena Footwear: Women-Owned Excellence In 2014, Arena Footwear (Pty) Ltd was established by Sharon Naidoo, wife of Kevin Naidoo, and stands proudly today as a 100 percent black woman-owned, B-BBEE Level 1 company. Managed under Kevin Naidoo's leadership, Arena Footwear was created to provide CMT (Cut, Make and Trim) services to the BBF Safety Group, a leader in protective footwear. The business focuses on sewing safety boot uppers for some of South Africa's most recognised brands, including Bova, Maverick, Sabaton, Lemaitre, Sisi, Fram and Neoflex. With both manual and automated production lines, Arena Footwear has the capacity to manufacture more than 2,500 pairs of safety footwear per day, contributing to the protection of workers across multiple industries. Arena Protective: Rising to the Challenge The global outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 presented extraordinary challenges. It also became the catalyst for the creation of Arena Protective (Pty) Ltd. Responding to the government's call for local businesses to support the production of PPE, Naidoo drew on his knowledge and experience to establish a manufacturing line dedicated to disposable and material masks. Working under the well-known Nikki brand for BBF Safety, Arena Protective supplied much-needed protection at a critical time for South Africa. Unlike many companies that shut down after the pandemic's peak, Arena Protective has continued to grow, building a loyal clientele and expanding into a sustainable enterprise. Empowering Communities The impact of Arena's businesses extends far beyond manufacturing. From the outset, Naidoo has been dedicated to uplifting communities and building sustainable livelihoods. Today, through Arena Trims, Arena Footwear, Arena Protective, and associated co-operatives and SMEs, the group has created more than 350 jobs. Significantly, Arena has actively supported the establishment of small businesses, many run by black women, to assist with manufacturing outputs. These enterprises not only contribute to Arena's supply chain but also empower women to provide for their families and uplift communities, particularlywidows and orphans. A Future of Shared Growth Looking ahead, Arena continues to innovate in ways that align business growth with social impact. The company is currently building eight mini factories on its premises, with the aim of enabling workers to transition into entrepreneurs. This initiative encapsulates Naidoo's vision of fostering visionaries, people with the skills, resources, and confidence to become leaders in their own right. It reflects a long-term strategy of empowering people not just to work within Arena, but to grow beyond it. Recognition Through Impact Arena Trims was the recipient of a KZN Top Business Award in 2025. However, Naidoo insists that true success lies in making a tangible difference. "It is not the titles and recognition that matter," he reflects, "but allowing every person, of every race, the opportunity to earn an income and mentoring them to become leaders." Up Home Up Arena Trims Latest News Kevin Naidoo Leaders Profile In 2003, Kevin Naidoo took a bold step that would shape an enduring legacy in South Africa's industrial and manufacturing landscape.What began in a modest Chatsworth garage with just four employees has since grown into a thriving enterprise. Today, the business encompasses three distinct yet complementary divisions, employs hundreds of people, and continues to drive socio-economic development in KwaZulu Natal and beyond. Tribute to the Beier Family Drawing on extensive experience gained during his career at the Beier Group and with the encouragement of his long-time mentor, the late Hans Beier, Chairman Emeritus of the Beier Group, Naidoo founded Arena Trims. He credits Hans Beier not only for guiding Arena Trims' early success but also for instilling the highest ethical principles in every aspect of its operations. Naidoo continues to value the support of Hans' son, Wolfgang Beier, for which he remains deeply grateful. Growth Rooted in Expertise and Vision Arena Trims was established to supply high-quality footwear components for the safety, industrial, and fashion footwear sectors. Its success rests on an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, supported by ISO 9001 and 13485 accreditations, as well as its standing as a B-BBEE Level 1 company. By delivering reliable products that meet stringent international standards, Arena Trims has earned its place as a trusted partner to leading names in the footwear industry. Arena Footwear: Women-Owned Excellence In 2014, Arena Footwear (Pty) Ltd was established by Sharon Naidoo, wife of Kevin Naidoo, and stands proudly today as a 100 percent black woman-owned, B-BBEE Level 1 company. Managed under Kevin Naidoo's leadership, Arena Footwear was created to provide CMT (Cut, Make and Trim) services to the BBF Safety Group, a leader in protective footwear. The business focuses on sewing safety boot uppers for some of South Africa's most recognised brands, including Bova, Maverick, Sabaton, Lemaitre, Sisi, Fram and Neoflex. With both manual and automated production lines, Arena Footwear has the capacity to manufacture more than 2,500 pairs of safety footwear per day, contributing to the protection of workers across multiple industries. Arena Protective: Rising to the Challenge The global outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 presented extraordinary challenges. It also became the catalyst for the creation of Arena Protective (Pty) Ltd. Responding to the government's call for local businesses to support the production of PPE, Naidoo drew on his knowledge and experience to establish a manufacturing line dedicated to disposable and material masks. Working under the well-known Nikki brand for BBF Safety, Arena Protective supplied much-needed protection at a critical time for South Africa. Unlike many companies that shut down after the pandemic's peak, Arena Protective has continued to grow, building a loyal clientele and expanding into a sustainable enterprise. Empowering Communities The impact of Arena's businesses extends far beyond manufacturing. From the outset, Naidoo has been dedicated to uplifting communities and building sustainable livelihoods. Today, through Arena Trims, Arena Footwear, Arena Protective, and associated co-operatives and SMEs, the group has created more than 350 jobs. Significantly, Arena has actively supported the establishment of small businesses, many run by black women, to assist with manufacturing outputs. These enterprises not only contribute to Arena's supply chain but also empower women to provide for their families and uplift communities, particularlywidows and orphans. A Future of Shared Growth Looking ahead, Arena continues to innovate in ways that align business growth with social impact. The company is currently building eight mini factories on its premises, with the aim of enabling workers to transition into entrepreneurs. This initiative encapsulates Naidoo's vision of fostering visionaries, people with the skills, resources, and confidence to become leaders in their own right. It reflects a long-term strategy of empowering people not just to work within Arena, but to grow beyond it. Recognition Through Impact Arena Trims was the recipient of a KZN Top Business Award in 2025. However, Naidoo insists that true success lies in making a tangible difference. "It is not the titles and recognition that matter," he reflects, "but allowing every person, of every race, the opportunity to earn an income and mentoring them to become leaders." 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