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Eleven years ago, Marlene Powell become ActionCOACH's first woman business coach in South Africa. Marlene says she reached a crossroad in her life. After 27 years of working in the financial sector of the corporate world, she realised she was been hold back from her family and her quality of life was poor, even though she was been taking care of financiallyMarlene PowellEleven years ago, Marlene Powell become ActionCOACH's first woman business coach in South Africa. Marlene says she reached a crossroad in her life. After 27 years of working in the financial sector of the corporate world, she realised she was been hold back from her family and her quality of life was poor, even though she was been taking care of financiallyEleven years ago, Marlene Powell become ActionCOACH's first woman business coach in South Africa. Marlene says she reached a crossroad in her life. After 27 years of working in the financial sector of the corporate world, she realised she was been hold back from her family and her quality of life was poor, even though she was been taking care of financially. "I felt that the corporate world was only interested in getting the best out of me but was not fulfilling me as a human being. I felt like a human doing. I realised that there was more to life than doing things for everyone else and not for me." Recognising that she'd reached a ceiling in her position and as a woman in a male dominant environment, there was no further opportunities, Marlene left her job. She explained that she loved entrepreneur and author, Brad Sugars, the founder of ActionCOACH's vision and saw the possibilities in becoming a franchisee. As the first woman ActionCOACH franchisee in South Africa, and with more than 10 000+ coaching hours, Marlene is a specialist in her field. She is a certified business coach, providing help, advice, coaching and mentoring services to small and medium sized businesses. "I guide my clients to implement simple and practical tools into their businesses, which will allow their businesses to create more money and time for themselves so that they can enjoy the finer things in life," explains Marlene. Marlene believes she is living her dream, and has strong support from her husband Geoff, and son Dylan, who encouraged her to turn her ambition into a reality. Marlene's personal brand is defined by precision in all that she does, so it is not surprising that the Westville based franchise has consistently been placed in the Top 100 in the world. She attributes her success to discipline and consistency. "I have continued to focus on the positives; the vision and my purpose on why I became a coach. Significantly, Marlene says success revolves around the word action. "We literally took a pact to take ACTION and help our clients to do the same. Results must be forthcoming or else what's the point?" I hold my clients accountable for their results and just like a sports coach, push them to perform at optimal levels." Marlene has turned people's businesses around - achieving between 46% to in excess of 100% growth. "Clients have more than tripled their bottom line in a recessionary economy; won entrepreneurial awards; developed exit strategies; taken time out with their families and found the financial freedom to pursue what really matters." Marlene is inspired by her clients' results, especially when she sees them reaping the rewards of their hard work and knowing their businesses are taking care of them. "Instead of their business controlling them, they have taken back control of their business. That's what does it for me!" Marlene has made it to the 4% Club (The 4% who survive ten years in business) of which she is very proud. Being her own first client, she has proved that the ActionCOACH system does work despite trying times. She has endured two 'recessions', sold an intangible product at a premium price and worked with businesses who are dealing with their own challenges. "These past 11 years have moulded me into who I am today. I know that I've found my purpose, which is to give back to budding entrepreneurs and to provide platforms to impart my knowledge and skills to prepare them for the big wild world of business. They too can be part of the 4% Club, which I would like to believe will increase from 4% to 10% in 10 years." She added that the meaning of success is very different for each entrepreneur. In particular, men and women have different approaches to business success. "Having worked with both men and women entre-preneurs, they each bring different strengths to business. I strongly believe that there is place for everyone to make a success. I always say that women wear their 'balls' on their chest. One thing that stands out is the maternal instinct of moms and the longing to be with their children, which I don't see as prominently in fathers. That is almost always the number one priority for women, to free up their time so they can be a mom to their children." Marlene also strongly believes that she can coach more business owners to enjoy quality of life by spending more time on themselves, their family and friends, which will in turn improve relationships and marriages. She added that she has used the ActionCOACH methodology to achieve her own work-life balance. "My business provides me with time and money to have work-life balance and it allows me flexibility. I can choose when I work, who I work with and what I do - that for me is a true business. I can choose to turn the tap on/up/down depending on my dreams, goals and my bucket list." In giving advice to her younger self, Marlene would say, "Dream and believe anything is possible. Don't compare yourself to anyone else, as you are the only one in the world who is you (nobody has your ID number, so nobody can be you!). Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way and get out of your own way. It's got nothing to do with you what other people think and do." Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

ACSA’s vision is to be a world leading airport business and has since transformed its South African airports into internationally renowned, structurally, and functionally advanced, customer focussed and award-winning aviation businessesKing Shaka International AirportTerence DelomoneyAirports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA) with a network of nine airports throughout South Africa handles over 98% of the country’s commercial air traffic. The ACSA airports have implemented its operating model that seeks to transform all their airports into multifaceted, global gateways for travel, trade, job creation and commerce opportunities. ACSA’s vision is to be a world leading airport business and has since transformed its South African airports into internationally renowned, structurally, and functionally advanced, customer focussed and award-winning aviation businesses. The ACSA business has a network of nine airports, six of which are regional airports, and three that are international gateways - OR Tambo International, Cape Town International and King Shaka International. Within South Africa, ACSA has built airports with a combined capacity of 54 500 million passengers. ACSA formed part of a consortium that took over the expansion and management of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India. In partnership with the Brazilian company, ACSA was successful in a bid to manage the development, maintenance and operations of Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, the busiest international airport in Latin America. King Shaka International Airport From its inception in 2010, KSIA has garnered many accolades over this short period. Amongst many other awards, King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) was voted the second-best airport in Africa for 2021 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards (the top spot went to Cape Town International). KSIA is a major economic catalyst for investment and growth in the region. The airport celebrated a major milestone in 2019 of reaching almost six million passengers by the end of the 2018/19 financial year. Since 2010, passenger seat capacity has increased from 6 million to 7.5 million. Durban is rated as the “event city” of South Africa and the airport works closely with strategic partners including, eThekwini Municipality, Durban Convention Bureau, ICC Durban, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tourism KZN, Durban Tourism, Dube TradePort, Trade and Investment KZN and others to ensure the airport is always ready to welcome tourists, business and conference delegates. KSIA is a strategic member of the KZN Route Development Committee. Attracting long-haul international flights, which provide greater opportunities for the local manufacturing sector to export globally and removes potential hurdles for international travellers visiting the province is a key focus. This has allowed the province of KwaZulu Natal to expand the potential to grow both its tourism business and trade. Socio Economic Development People and society are a key indicator of ACSA so investment in Socio Economic Development (SED) is a vital response to the socio-economic imperatives of the country. Therefore, ACSA’s social investment projects include mobility, health and welfare, job creation, community development, youth development, women empowerment, people with disabilities, environment and education; with focus on projects that boost infrastructure and education based on promoting tourism and jobs in South Africa. Annually Airports Company South Africa, support various projects that are aligned to the country’s National Development Plan, the King III report, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment and the Skills Development Act. As part of its ongoing commitment to clean energy generation and sustainability, ACSA has rolled out a series of photovoltaic solar power plants at George, Kimberley and Upington Airports. To date four of ACSA airports have been awarded Level 1 Carbon Accreditation and includes KSIA who has been awarded the ISO 14001 Environment Accreditation. ACSA Focus ACSA’s vision is to become the most sought-after partner in the world for the provision of sustainable airport management solutions. The pillars that will ensure ACSA’s sustainability into the future is very clear; RUN AIRPORTS, DEVELOP AIRPORTS and GROW OUR FOOTPRINT. The ACSA strategy is underpinned by that decisions and actions taken will be based on its impact on people and society; to remain environmentally sustainable and to focus its business to continue contributing to the economic growth of the South Africa. Full Name of Business: Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA) Nature of Business: Airport Management and Airport Infrastructure Development Date Established: 1993 Subsidiaries: OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Bram Fischer International, George, East London, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth International, Upington International Footprint: Management contract in Guarulhos, International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India, MOU in Ghana and Munich B-BBEE Status: Level 3 KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Mpumi Mpofu COO: Ms Fundi Sithebe General Manager: Mr Terence Delomoney Assistant GM Airport Services: Mr Nkosinathi Myataza Assistant GM Client and Passenger Services: Ms Azwifaneli “Fani” Mphaphuli CONTACT DETAILS Airports Company South Africa Head Office Physical Address: 24 Johnson Road, The Maples Office Park, Bedfordview, Johannesburg Postal Address: P.O. Box 75480, Gardenview, 2047 Tel: +27 (0)11 723 1400 KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Postal Address: P.O. Box 57701, King Shaka International Airport, 4407 Tel: +27 (0)32 436 6000 Website: www.airports.co.za / www.acsa.co.za Terence Delomoney Global Gateways for Travel Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA) with a network of nine airports throughout South Africa handles over 98% of the country’s commercial air traffic. The ACSA airports have implemented its operating model that seeks to transform all their airports into multifaceted, global gateways for travel, trade, job creation and commerce opportunities. ACSA’s vision is to be a world leading airport business and has since transformed its South African airports into internationally renowned, structurally, and functionally advanced, customer focussed and award-winning aviation businesses. The ACSA business has a network of nine airports, six of which are regional airports, and three that are international gateways - OR Tambo International, Cape Town International and King Shaka International. Within South Africa, ACSA has built airports with a combined capacity of 54 500 million passengers. ACSA formed part of a consortium that took over the expansion and management of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India. In partnership with the Brazilian company, ACSA was successful in a bid to manage the development, maintenance and operations of Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, the busiest international airport in Latin America. King Shaka International Airport From its inception in 2010, KSIA has garnered many accolades over this short period. Amongst many other awards, King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) was voted the second-best airport in Africa for 2021 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards (the top spot went to Cape Town International). KSIA is a major economic catalyst for investment and growth in the region. The airport celebrated a major milestone in 2019 of reaching almost six million passengers by the end of the 2018/19 financial year. Since 2010, passenger seat capacity has increased from 6 million to 7.5 million. Durban is rated as the “event city” of South Africa and the airport works closely with strategic partners including, eThekwini Municipality, Durban Convention Bureau, ICC Durban, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tourism KZN, Durban Tourism, Dube TradePort, Trade and Investment KZN and others to ensure the airport is always ready to welcome tourists, business and conference delegates. KSIA is a strategic member of the KZN Route Development Committee. Attracting long-haul international flights, which provide greater opportunities for the local manufacturing sector to export globally and removes potential hurdles for international travellers visiting the province is a key focus. This has allowed the province of KwaZulu Natal to expand the potential to grow both its tourism business and trade. Socio Economic Development People and society are a key indicator of ACSA so investment in Socio Economic Development (SED) is a vital response to the socio-economic imperatives of the country. Therefore, ACSA’s social investment projects include mobility, health and welfare, job creation, community development, youth development, women empowerment, people with disabilities, environment and education; with focus on projects that boost infrastructure and education based on promoting tourism and jobs in South Africa. Annually Airports Company South Africa, support various projects that are aligned to the country’s National Development Plan, the King III report, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment and the Skills Development Act. As part of its ongoing commitment to clean energy generation and sustainability, ACSA has rolled out a series of photovoltaic solar power plants at George, Kimberley and Upington Airports. To date four of ACSA airports have been awarded Level 1 Carbon Accreditation and includes KSIA who has been awarded the ISO 14001 Environment Accreditation. ACSA Focus ACSA’s vision is to become the most sought-after partner in the world for the provision of sustainable airport management solutions. The pillars that will ensure ACSA’s sustainability into the future is very clear; RUN AIRPORTS, DEVELOP AIRPORTS and GROW OUR FOOTPRINT. The ACSA strategy is underpinned by that decisions and actions taken will be based on its impact on people and society; to remain environmentally sustainable and to focus its business to continue contributing to the economic growth of the South Africa. Full Name of Business: Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA) Nature of Business: Airport Management and Airport Infrastructure Development Date Established: 1993 Subsidiaries: OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Bram Fischer International, George, East London, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth International, Upington International Footprint: Management contract in Guarulhos, International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India, MOU in Ghana and Munich B-BBEE Status: Level 3 KEY PERSONNEL CEO: Mpumi Mpofu COO: Ms Fundi Sithebe General Manager: Mr Terence Delomoney Assistant GM Airport Services: Mr Nkosinathi Myataza Assistant GM Client and Passenger Services: Ms Azwifaneli “Fani” Mphaphuli CONTACT DETAILS Airports Company South Africa Head Office Physical Address: 24 Johnson Road, The Maples Office Park, Bedfordview, Johannesburg Postal Address: P.O. Box 75480, Gardenview, 2047 Tel: +27 (0)11 723 1400 KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Postal Address: P.O. Box 57701, King Shaka International Airport, 4407 Tel: +27 (0)32 436 6000 Website: www.airports.co.za / www.acsa.co.za King Shaka International Airport ACSA’s vision is to be a world leading airport business and has since transformed its South African airports into internationally renowned, structurally, and functionally advanced, customer focussed and award-winning aviation businesses

< Back Dr Wendy Dhlomo Gynaecologist, Founder and Co-owner of Femiclinix Wendy Dhlomo is a gynaecologist and the founder and co-owner of Femiclinix. Situated in the Upper Highway area of Hillcrest, Femiclinix is a pioneering women’s health clinic that merges comfort, compassion and clinical excellence. Wendy describes Femiclinix as ‘a home away from home’ kind of clinic. Expectant mothers can experience childbirth in a relaxed, family-centred setting while retaining the assurance of medical safety. Her vision stems from the belief that pregnancy is a natural process rather than a medical condition. “At the end of the day, being pregnant means you are not sick. We wanted to create an environment that allows for a natural, safe and supported birth experience,” she says. “You get the comfort of giving birth outside of a hospital, not at home, but with the safety that you would get in a hospital,” she explains. “Midwives do the delivery, but as gynaecologists, my business partner and I are there for back up should it be required.” Hospitals, she admits, do not always lend themselves to such experiences. “Our model is a different offering to women,” Wendy explains. “We have midwives, dieticians, psychologists and other healthcare providers all working together. It is truly collaborative care. We are a one-stop shop offering women’s health services.” FROM CLINICIAN TO CHANGEMAKER Although Wendy’s professional roots lie in clinical medicine, her path has evolved into something broader and deeply impactful. “I am a gynaecologist by training, but I also specialised in public health,” she says. “The space I am in now allows me to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for public health advocacy.” Her enthusiasm for systemic change is palpable. “I like things that have a huge impact such as improving health outcomes, improving access and creating health solutions for every single woman. That is what drives me." This commitment to transformation led to the birth of Femiclinix and what Wendy describes as her proudest entrepreneurial achievement. “Transitioning from being a clinician to an entrepreneur in healthcare has been interesting and deeply fulfilling. To be part of something that is bigger than myself, that has always been my dream. Anything at scale, I am the girl for it,” she says. Her approach to leadership is a blend of a strong academic background and an innovative mindset. Wendy reflects, “I am not just looking at one person but at how to create systems that can help many. The clinic’s slogan,’ Women’s Healthcare Reimagined’, perfectly encapsulates her philosophy. “We allow our minds to go wild in thinking about how best to deliver healthcare that is both safe and progressive. Healthcare can be rigid, but flexibility and adaptability are my superpowers,” she says with conviction. Her achievements extend far beyond entrepreneurship as she recently completed a PhD, which was a huge milestone. Her doctoral research focused on the human papilloma virus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. “We studied what factors put women at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. It was very rewarding research because cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost completely preventable.” Femiclinix has also taken this research to heart through community action. “In August, we partnered with AMPATH laboratories to offer free cervical cancer screening for women who could not afford it,” Wendy explains. “It was incredibly successful. People brought their domestic workers and friends. We donated our services because we wanted to promote access to care.” CREATING CHANGE Wendy’s journey, while rewarding, has not been without challenges. “Personal setbacks are part of life,” she admits. “Sometimes you must slow down when life happens, even when your goals remain in sight.” “Time is one of the hardest resources to manage,” she says. “As a mother, businesswoman and healthcare provider, there are moments when it all feels like too much. Finance is another challenge. Setting up what is essentially a mini hospital is not cheap, and scaling up adds more pressure."Yet her resolve remains unshaken, and she is committed to mentoring others. “My advice to young women is simple,” she says. “Each of us has a purpose. Never lose sight of that. You are never too young or too old to find it and pursue it.” She also stresses the importance of continuous learning. “Always upskill yourself. What you learn today might only make sense ten years from now. But when that moment comes, you will be grateful that you invested in yourself.” Equally important, she believes, is surrounding oneself with the right people. “Never feel embarrassed to ask questions. Nobody knows it all. Have people who are ahead of you to guide you, and as you grow, be that person for others. We are all part of a larger community, and we rise by lifting one another.” Wendy is passionate about fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. “We should be creating job creators, not just job seekers,” she says. “For us, it is not only about business for profit. We are also creating jobs and contributing to society. Every small effort forms part of a bigger ecosystem.” Looking ahead, Wendy envisions scaling Femiclinix and contributing to national healthcare reform. “South Africa’s health system is divided between an overburdened public sector and an expensive private sector. We are trying to bridge that gap by offering quality services at affordable prices,” she explains. “Our goal is to improve access and relieve pressure on the public system while maintaining high standards of care.” Despite her demanding schedule, Wendy is intentional about maintaining balance. “I make time to reset every weekend, whether through hiking, walking on the beach or spending time with friends,” she shares. “Every six to eight weeks, I take a short break to recalibrate. You cannot wait for the end of the year to rest. Those small pit stops keep me grounded.”Smiling, she concludes, “Reading nourishes my mind, and sunsets nourish my soul. Give me a sunset, and I feel completely at peace." Previous Next

We need to develop our young people to meet the needs of their generation and of the future, to create positive change < Back Fatima Moolla Centre Manager SmartXchange Port Shepstone Fatima Moolla is one of the KZN South Coast’s leading businesswomen. She has completed a B. Com (Accounting and Economics), PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), an MBA, as well as a certificate in Incubation Governance and Management. As a child growing up in a business-oriented family, Fatima developed her astute business sense from a very young age by observing and working alongside her parents in their family-owned businesses. Their mentorship and guidance provided the platform for her to pursue her dreams to succeed in business. Before joining the business world, Fatima was a teacher at Port Shepstone Secondary for eight years. However, the desire to take up a new challenge and a sense of a ‘calling’ saw her joining SmartXchange in 2015 as centre manager at the newly established branch in Port Shepstone. Fatima’s dynamic leadership produced amazing results as the Port Shepstone incubator grew beyond expectations and exceeded its three-year targets within the first year. This success, says Fatima, was ‘awesome’ as she was concerned that they would not be able to get the type of incubates and businesses that SmartXchange was looking for in a small town. The incubator has received local recognition by winning the Port Shepstone Mayoral Award twice since inception and contributed to the overall recognition of SmartXchange as a provincial and national leader in the incubation ecosystem. The success at Port Shepstone served as a stimulus to establish a township Digital Hub in KwaMashu with further replication plans on expanding into rural areas. Rewarding beyond expectation Fatima says that working at SmartXchange and being part of the entrepreneurial and innovative journey, supporting and contributing towards the success of a small business or the development of an innovation has rewards that are far beyond any expectation. “I get super excited to see the growth and development of our start-ups during our coaching, mentoring and business development sessions. I am proud to announce that four innovations, which are currently being commercialised, were developed at Port Shepstone.” Innovate Logistics is an optimisation of delivery loads; Eazi Health ID is a 360-degree medical app that manages patients’ records, bookings, referrals etc., Smart Beehive Management uses technology to manage the harvesting and well-being of a beehive and SA Smart Film Art is a platform promoting and linking local producers, scriptwriters, actors and aspirant filmmakers. Fatima admits that while this job comes with its fair share of challenges, the opportunities encourage her to persevere and draw on her own strengths. “I prefer to look at myself as someone who stands alone, who believes in what she does and who goes out there and does it.” She adds that she does not have the space for the male/female argument or agenda in her life. Fatima prefers to see projects as team directed rather than focusing on individual differences. Building prosperous communities In reflecting on the general challenges her ecosystem faces, Fatima says, “The accessibility of cheap, reliable internet connectivity is still one of our major challenges in township and rural areas as we strive to build communities and societies that can prosper through fair and equitable access to information, data and resources. It was exciting for our team when we onboarded a company that provides internet connectivity to township and rural areas using the concept of Television White Spaces (TVWS). The roll out of this technology means that previously disadvantaged and inaccessible communities now have an opportunity to digitise their products and services enabling the democratisation of technology and transfer of knowledge.” With her experience in setting up the Port Shepstone SmartXchange Incubator, Fatima was given the opportunity to lead the establishment of the Living Labs, funded by the National Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in KwaMashu. This project presented the opportunity of incorporating the Living Labs within the SmartXchange KwaMashu Digital Hub. One of her current goals is to see the KwaMashu centre completely functional. The Digital Hub in KwaMashu has created a strategic link to the township economy and her team is now working on co-creation projects with their stakeholders and township communities to address the challenges faced by a lack of digitisation of local businesses and also problems around domestic and industrial waste, crime and the lack of technology in early childhood centres. All the co-creation projects are focused on the integration of youth, women, and people with physical challenges as the economic empowerment opportunities within these groups is miniscule. Fatima says, “I am blessed to be part of an organisation that is constantly evolving. My opportunities to learn and grow have increased exponentially as we embrace the 4IR and my passion to explore new opportunities for our SMME’s often keeps me awake, feeding my dreams of growing both rural and township economies to become a reality.” Creating positive change In the future, Fatima would like to use her knowledge in the education space to develop innovations and systems that would allow our education system to function better to be meaningful and impactful. “We need to develop our young people to meet the needs of their generation and of the future, to create positive change,” she says. In advising other women, Fatima says, “Firstly, I would like women to educate themselves holistically to develop as innovators, leaders and globally recognised persona. The spectrum of education is infinite and there is so much you can learn at different levels. Once you have the empowerment of education, follow your passions and chase your dreams. It is your life, and you have to write your own story.” In her personal capacity Fatima serves on the executive of an organisation called Sisters for Humanity (S4H). Their core focus is providing relief to impoverished societies wherever they may be. This is achieved through intensive fundraising within our networks and communities. “The impacts achieved give us joy, and adds meaning to life as well,” concludes Fatima.