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"We pride ourselves in continually striving for excellence and in ensuring that our food is interesting, local and relevant, but most importantly, being steadfastly mindful of our footprint on the environment by adhering to strict QMS and ISO practices. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Merrill King "We pride ourselves in continually striving for excellence and in ensuring that our food is interesting, local and relevant, but most importantly, being steadfastly mindful of our footprint on the environment by adhering to strict QMS and ISO practices. Collaborating for success MERRILL KING, joint MD of Capitol Caterers, has had a 36-year career in the food industry. King, when having to decide on a career path, followed in her brother's footsteps who was working in the hospitality industry, and was lured by the 'romance' of working in the kitchen. She qualified as a chef through the trainee programme at the Royal Hotel in Durban. This culinary background has served her well, providing King with a thorough knowledge of food preparation and service. She has served as Group Executive Chef for a period of ten years at Capitol Caterers. However, together with joint MD Russell Nzimande, King now focuses on the business side of managing Capitol Caterers' daily operations. Headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, Capitol Caterers was founded in 1993 by her husband Giles who in the current role as chairman, still plays an active role in the business. The company is currently entering its 26th year of service and caters for clients in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng as well as in Eswatini. King says that much of her time is spent travelling to the regional offices to ensure that these operations are well supported. In addition, she values the relationships that she has developed with her staff and she strives to understand their needs and ensure that they are happy. "We favour a collaborative style of leadership and obtain input from all divisions when decisions are to be made. Within the catering environment, all of our staff play important roles. While wages may motivate some staff members, supporting our staff so that they are happy means that all our clients are happy too," commented King. Capitol Caterers has over 100 clients in different sectors. These range from the education and health sectors, to the commercial and the retirement sectors. "The catering business is hard work. In order to meet these varied sector needs, a standardised approach or menu is not possible. We have to ensure that our menus are within our clients' vastly different needs and budgets." In addition, Capitol Caterers not only keeps up with food trends but ensures that all the food that is prepared in their kitchens is nutritious and fulfils a wide range of dietary needs while being beautifully presented. "We pride ourselves in continually striving for excellence and in ensuring that our food is interesting, local and relevant, but most importantly, being steadfastly mindful of our footprint on the environment by adhering to strict QMS and ISO practices."In order to ensure that the staff are skilled, Capitol Caterers has registered Midlands Hospitality Academy (MHA), which is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and CATHSSETA. Staff empowerment has been promoted through the company's Workers Trust. In an empowerment deal initiated in 2003, the beneficiaries have grown to 570 and now boast a 49% share in Capitol Caterers. King commented that in addition to empowering staff, the company needed to continually make its presence known in the marketplace through active marketing campaigns. In order to obtain some life balance, King enjoys spending time in the gym, paddling or running to stay fit and 'to ensure a flow of endorphins'. She is a competitive canoeist who has won several age-category gold medals in the Dusi and Fish River Marathons as well as a silver medal with partner, Sonja Bohnsack, at the World Marathon Canoeing Championships in Pietermaritzburg in 2017. She hopes to complete her 16th Dusi in 2020. King has also competed in running events including two Comrades Marathons and five Two Oceans ultra-marathons. King was the first woman to hold the position of president of Canoeing South Africa, which she occupied from 2008-2010. She is a long-serving board member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Whenever possible, King enjoys relaxing with her husband, their three children and grandson.

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Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa’s first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban’s Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Ashok Sewnarain Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa’s first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban’s Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. “Humbleness takes you everywhere. Arrogance will take you nowhere.” Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa's first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban's Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. Sewnarain was born in Mayville, an Indian designated area in apartheid South Africa. His father ran a small, often struggling, estate agency and taught his son to never give up. When Sewnarain took over the family business, he injected new ideas into it, expanding into the hotel and hospitality industry as the barriers put up by apartheid were dismantled. "It was around 2004 when I overheard a bank teller saying that there is a long waiting list of people who wanted to put their valuables in the bank's vault. I jokingly said that I will open my own vault," Sewnarain says with a wry smile. Sewnarain began to seriously think about opening a vault. He did extensive research, which took him to other countries to look at how the vaults are constructed, the finance involved, security features and a host of other things. He found that there is substantial demand for such sophisticated facilities. In May 2005, Sewnarain opened the first private vault, in Umhlanga's Gateway Mall. "We choose the best malls and prime spots for our vaults. Our first site was selected because of its proximity to significant business and residential developments in KwaZulu-Natal. Also, the layout of the Gateway complex facilitates International Bank Vaults' strict security standards." "It's a risk to have a safe at home because many people have access to your home. We offer a solution, and peace of mind. We add value to the country in a sense that people can safely keep their gold and other assets in the country instead of sending them offshore." International Bank Vaults offers safety deposit boxes in modern-day fortresses. The vaults are built to international standards and specifications, complete with steel-reinforced concrete and protected by a sophisticated, multitiered security system. They are monitored by trained professionals and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Sewnarain subscribes to the philosophy that says one should persevere and be determined to pursue his dreams in whatever business that one chooses. He says, "Business is full of risk and challenges that we must confront on a daily basis." He added that he had had many failures in his business career, but all had made him more knowledgeable and humble. However, Sewnarain says, "You must be bold and have courage to launch business ventures with honesty and respect for staff, customers, suppliers and service providers." " Life is about dreaming big. Dream to make a million dollars, rather than a million rand. The most successful people in the world dream big. It's free. It has no boundaries and borders," he explained. International Bank Vaults' customers have special, reserved parking close to the facilities and many of them drive exotic cars. The IBV Supercar Club has spun off from the vault business; has a membership of more than 700 super-rich car owners and is recognised as one of the world's leading supercar clubs. Sewnarain is its founder, leading patron and chairman. The members of the club often raise funds for charity. In 2014, they won the Guinness world record for raising R1 million for Child Welfare of South Africa in record time. The club has also partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund Unicef in raising money for charity. Sewnarain commented that he tries to create a balance between good business and profit through providing community and social support. This balance is achieved by promoting a spirit of social entrepreneurship, which he believes is an important aspect that every business leader should adopt in their own enterprises. He concluded, "The more that you give the more that you get."

During my articles I became very interested in maritime law – it is obviously very commercial, with a lot of foreign clients, and the international flavour became part of the passion for this area of the law. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Andrew Clark During my articles I became very interested in maritime law – it is obviously very commercial, with a lot of foreign clients, and the international flavour became part of the passion for this area of the law. Andrew Clark is the recently appointed managing partner of Cox Yeats Attorneys Andrew Clark is the newly appointed managing partner of Cox Yeats Attorneys, based in uMhlanga Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal and which recently opened a Johannesburg branch in Sandton. He is also the head of the maritime, international trade and insurance law team within the firm. Clark matriculated in 1989 from Westville Boys High School. “I had some thoughts about becoming a lawyer at that point of time but didn’t know what it all entailed so I decided to do a BCom degree and see how things went.” During the course of the BCom degree, Clark studied several law subjects in addition to commercial subjects and ultimately moved into law. He then completed articles with Adams and Adams, which is a well-known intellectual property firm. Clark worked in the maritime team in the Durban office and became a partner of the firm in 1999. In 2006 he joined Cox Yeats as partner where he continues to practice maritime and international trade law work, including marine and commercial insurance law. “During my articles I became very interested in maritime law – it is obviously very commercial, with a lot of foreign clients, and the international flavour became part of the passion for this area of the law,” he explained. His interest in insurance law arose out of his involvement in the maritime and logistics sector. Cargo that moves by land, sea or air is insured as are the various parties involved in the contractual supply and logistics chain, including the carriers. “The real challenge that we as attorneys face today is with technological advancement,” says Clark. “We strive to meet our clients’ expectations and needs, which in effect are now on a 24/ 7 basis. You are constantly available to your clients whether it be on WhatsApp, email, or other forms of electronic communication. The effect of that is that the law practice has become much more fast paced and the volumes and scale of work that a practitioner faces these days far outpaces anything that was done ten or fifteen years ago. The busy practitioners tend to be getting their work out quickly and tend to be good at what they do but that leads to more work and so one faces the challenge of balancing your own interests and what you can actually do within a day versus your clients’ expectations.” Consequently, explained Clark, these challenges mean that one has to work very hard in the field of law to achieve success. However, he added that one does need a level of work life balance in order to obtain longevity in the career and to avoid burnout. In reflecting on his recent appointment, Clark commented that he is a people’s person. “I feed on people around me within teams. So, part of my success has been in growing teams of lawyers around me.” He added that the skills relevant to be a leader include the need to be able to communicate well with people. “One needs to be a good listener and understand what people around you are saying.” Of his leadership style he says that his preference is to lead in more of a light touch way. “I am dealing with people around me who are all professionals, who are skilled at their craft and who don’t require a great deal of human management. I think that it is important to lead by example and to understand what the concerns of partners and professionals are. As a leader one needs to make decisions and sometimes those decisions may not be popular, but they have to be made in the greater interest of the firm and the collective. Fortunately, I have the support of the senior professionals around me and my approach to decision making is generally one of a collective nature.” Clark has set firm goals for his own practice and that of the firm. “In terms of my own practice as a team leader, I would like my practice to continue working in the way that it is now over the coming years and to grow and become more dominant in the space that we are in.” His goal for the firm is to continue to move Cox Yeats forward in a positive direction and to fulfil the goals and strategic plans that the partners of the firm have agreed upon. “So that over the coming years the firm continues to grow from strength to strength and continues to do what it has done for a number of years now, which is to punch above its weight and ultimately meet the desired goals, ambitions, and strategy of the collective partnership,” he explained. Clark commented that he is not necessarily inspired by any particular individuals, with the exception of his family, who he says, he draws a great amount of inspiration from. However, he explained that he is in awe of people who struggle to overcome adversity and just make it through their lives on a daily basis. “When I look at people who are successful it is often about how they have reacted to failure or reacted to adversity and overcome that. Even if it is just in their daily lives such as getting to and from a work environment, or in feeding their family. To me there is a lot of inspiration around us that one can see. It does humble one and bring one down to earth.” In giving advice to young professionals Clark says that it would depend on the stage of the career path that they are in. “I would strongly recommend to law students that they get some practical training. Take the time out to do vacation work to learn what it is practically like to be within a law firm working environment. If you pursue your passion, you will be able to get up in the morning and be happy with what you do every day, and it won’t seem like work.”

David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up David White David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." The true value of any organisation is its sustainability, and at the heart of sustainability is good people relationships. DAVID WHITE is an authentic leader with a passion for people development. A highly accomplished businessman, David took a start-up company he founded in 1996, to a listing on the Johannesburg stock exchange in 1998. The company is DRG, and although it delisted shortly after the dotcom era, the company has become an essential service provider in human resource management reporting and compliance services in South Africa. DRG has also become a valuable contact for many foreign companies coming into South Africa, who need the support of a human resource management company to help them set up a solid human resource platform for their business. David further extended his passion for people into co-creating the DRG Leadership Programme. This programme came about after many years in helping companies meet employer HR reporting and compliance responsibilities. David said, "We understood that as much as two thirds of people do not like their jobs nor work environment, and in general companies are as little as 40% productive". This prompted David and his co-director Charles Henzi into action, and now three years later, the DRG leadership model is a highly sought-after programme, bringing purpose into the workplace - the outcome being improved "productivity through people". David's vision and leadership extended further into an organisation called BusinessFit, which provides entrepreneur development services. BusinessFit started in 2012 and is regarded as a leading contributor to entrepreneurial development in South Africa. BusinessFit has mentored approximately 250 entrepreneurs, many of whom have created successful companies. David involves his colleagues and networks in his vision and passions, and has a huge following of entrepreneurs, business leaders and community leaders, who enjoy his desire to help to make the world of business a better place for all. David says, "I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes the business wishes to achieve, sharing how the business works and the important measurements of enterprise performance, especially customer and shareholder expectations; helping my team to better understand themselves, and their passions and goals. My desire is to help people understand their zone of influence in the business, how they contribute, so that they too can become thinkers and leaders in the business." David is inspired by working with authentic business leaders, who create energy and commitment within their teams. "In my view, the true value of any organisation is its sustainability, and at the heart of sustainability is good people relationships. The best companies, the companies that thrive in all business climates, are those with engaged staff and work teams. These companies have people working together, governed by shared values, understanding and identifying with the business model, striving for common goals and outcomes. Seeing employees within the business treat the company as if they were the owners - and holding themselves accountable for results is the reward." David believes that his success has been based on a single-minded approach to his work. "I have learned that what is important in our line of work is to develop long-term strategic partnerships with our clients. We like to work side by side with our clients, sharing our knowledge, and enjoying the successes they achieve. We keep up to date with industry best practice, have absolute integrity, and share our knowledge and expertise." David is a non-executive director of THINK, a nonprofit company established in 2013. Through DRG he provides essential HR services, allowing THINK's founder to focus on conducting research to improve the lives of those affected by TB and HIV. THINK is now a renowned force for government and public health funders to count on, making a difference in policy making and health service delivery locally and internationally. David's expertise within HR policy making and business development has provided the executive team of THINK with mentorship that has enabled the organisation to impact the lives of thousands of people affected by TB and HIV.

Reflecting on his education, Mzi commented, “I have gathered many other qualifications along the way, but I speak fondly of my time at the University of KwaZulu-Natal because that is where my beginning is.” Mzi also holds an MBA degree from UNISA among his other postgraduate qualifications Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Mzi Tyhokolo Reflecting on his education, Mzi commented, “I have gathered many other qualifications along the way, but I speak fondly of my time at the University of KwaZulu-Natal because that is where my beginning is.” Mzi also holds an MBA degree from UNISA among his other postgraduate qualifications Creating solutions that touch the world Mzi Tyhokolo describes himself as a typical South African. He was born and raised in the Free State by a single mother. His education was traditional, and a Sasol bursary enabled him to study chemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from where he graduated with honours. Mzi then went to work at Sasol Gas where his long journey within the gas industry started. He joined SLG in 2006 where his 14 year career resulted in his appointment as Group CEO SLG in 2020. Reflecting on his education, Mzi commented, “I have gathered many other qualifications along the way, but I speak fondly of my time at the University of KwaZulu-Natal because that is where my beginning is.” Mzi also holds an MBA degree from UNISA among his other postgraduate qualifications. During his school years, Mzi dreamt of becoming a doctor and in particular a paediatrician because he has a love for children and has always wanted to make them feel good. “My second choice was science because I thought that if I could not be a doctor, I would be involved in creating the solutions that would ultimately touch the world in one way or another.” Although chemistry wasn’t Mzi’s first choice for a career he quickly realised that mainstream chemistry was not in line with his personality, and he had long discussions with the Sasol human resources department to change careers. He was advised to complete his degree and soon after graduation found himself in technical sales on the gas marketing side. “I used my background in chemistry and decided that this is where I would build a career. I stayed in the gas space and developed my knowledge in the energy sector, which brought me to a place where I now lead the second largest gas trading company in South Africa.” In commenting on challenges he has faced in his journey to the top, Mzi said that his was a typical life of a black South African born in the mid-1970s growing up in various townships where challenges abounded. “We faced challenges every day.” One of the challenges that stands out for him is that Mzi thought that his education would not progress beyond matric “simply because there was no money for further education”. “I can remember sitting and agonising over the future that I wanted to have, which was to become a medical doctor and wondering just how I would achieve this dream. I wrote twenty-four letters applying for bursaries to various institutions. Twenty-two came back with replies saying ‘declined’ because no one was giving bursaries for medical students in those days. It was heart-breaking and it’s one of my earliest challenges; wherein you had a dream and the biggest decision that you had to make was how do you make it happen? Subsequent to that challenge everything else has looked minor. If you develop big muscles to deal with big issues quite early in your life you get some resilience, which helps you overcome most things.” Mzi is the first-born child in his family so there were big expectations placed on him. Because he was raised by a single mother one of those was to become a father figure within the family. “This role helped shaped my character from an early age and is the reason for whom I am today.” The first multiracial environment that Mzi was in, was in his first year of university. “The cultural shock, the transition that was needed, my ability to adapt or die meant some big calls needed to be made. It was at a time in South Africa where we just got introduced to democracy, with all the turmoil that brought. If you made it through those days, then the South Africa of today is a little bit of a breeze.” Mzi believes that his successes are driven by two things. He explains, “I always refer to myself as a pit-bull. If I set my mind on something it takes quite a lot to knock me down. I am the guy who says as long as I have an ability to keep going, I am going to keep going. Once I start it’s very hard to stop until I see the results of my pursuit. I have resilience to be able to stay the course – falling but knowing exactly how to get up and I think that comes from my childhood. As a child I never had much but I had a mind, so I tried to access all the possibilities of getting something done. I always believe that if your intention is not to succeed at something then don’t start – it’s a waste of energy.” Secondly, family life is important to Mzi, and he tries to give as much as possible to everyone who depends on him – his wife and his children as well as his mother and his brothers. Significantly, Mzi says that his grandmother is his primary inspiration. “She did not have much to work with or much of an education but was able to build a strong family foundation and raise six grandchildren, while her own children were out at work trying to eke out a living. She was that dependable, capable beacon of hope. I do what I do today, in her memory.” The second source of inspiration is his family. “They inspire me every day to get up and do what I do and achieve the dreams that I have for myself. I’ve always aspired to live a life of significance. I want to live, not just be alive – there is a major difference.” Mzi’s goals for the future are to build a legacy where people can say that they were inspired to achieve what they have by him. He explained, “I get commitment from my team by looking in the mirror. By that I mean that I don’t follow people who impose authority. My type of leadership is transformational or servant leadership; humility is huge. I try to be that person that they want to be. The team at SLG don’t actually have to follow me, I want them to choose to follow me. I do what I need to do in order for that to happen.” In respect of business goals, Mzi believes that SLG is a little ‘dynamite’, that has much potential energy stored which needs to be unleashed. “We always talk of ourselves as the second largest trader of natural gas in the country – second only to Sasol Gas. However, we have achieved so much in a short period of having been in business. I certainly believe we can lead the natural gas revolution in this country, and I want SLG in my time as a leader to actually be very much advanced in achieving that goal or have achieved it before I transition to wherever else I wind up. I think that the team I have around me today is very well capable of getting us there.” Mzi finds it hard to disconnect or let off some steam as there is always “something you are thinking about”. However, what helps him to disconnect from the world is fishing. “I am an avid bass angler which I do with diligence and craziness sometimes. I also represent the country in international events – that is the one space that when the whistle blows for us to start my mind thinks of nothing else but the fish. It’s my therapy, it’s my psychiatrist and it is everything that I need to recharge and to be able to face the world again the next day.” In concluding, Mzi says his motto to live by is: “If you are going to do anything, give it your all, and do it to your utmost.”

Niresh Bechan, Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre's hospital manager, says "Even with the most careful planning, the road of life is unpredictable. The upside of unpredictability is that you may surpass any goals you set yourself." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Niresh Bechan Niresh Bechan, Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre's hospital manager, says "Even with the most careful planning, the road of life is unpredictable. The upside of unpredictability is that you may surpass any goals you set yourself." It matters deeply to me that we do our very best always NIRESH BECHAN, Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre's hospital manager, says "Even with the most careful planning, the road of life is unpredictable. The upside of unpredictability is that you may surpass any goals you set yourself." Bechan, a chartered accountant who completed his BCom degree at University of Durban-Westville (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal), accepted a job as a management accountant for a hospital. His first job was working in a small, independent hospital, but after gaining some experience, he joined a major South African hospital group and moved into the corporate world. Bechan began to take an interest in the clinical side of the business and rapidly moved into general management within the group. When the Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre opened eleven years ago, Bechan was recruited as general manager. During his leadership, Bechan managed to revive this facility that was then on the brink of ceasing operations. A leader passionate about people and numbers, provided Bechan with the insight to swiftly turn this business around. The Lenmed Health Group became the majority shareholders of the hospital in 2017. As the head of the hospital, Bechan's responsibilities range from the pharmacy to facilities management, and from patient care to finance. According to Bechan, every day is unlike any other. "We are in the business of care; therefore, it matters deeply to me that we do our very best always." He relishes every challenge. The Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is highly specialised with a top-notch clinical team across a range of specialties. The hospital's numerous accolades include being a paediatric and adult heart, stroke, and renal dialysis centre of excellence. "Many of our patients are critically ill, and this drives what we do, and how we do it. They could be suffering from anything from cardiac failure to a deep vein thrombosis, and our patients often need urgent, specialised care." Feeling blessed to be leading a world class facility and being part of the hospital's phenomenal growth, Bechan says that patient care, clinical governance and training are imperative to managing a successful facility. "Our doctors are handpicked, and our nursing staff is highly specialised. We have strict protocols to measure clinical outcomes. Our goal is for every patient to leave this hospital healed and satisfied." Management tracks each patient's satisfaction and quality of care, from their initial visit to the doctor, through the admission process right through to discharge from the hospital. Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre was voted as one of KZN's top five and SA's top 20 hospitals by Discovery Health patients for 'Best Patient Experience of Hospital Care' in the large hospital category. Running a hospital can be extremely stressful, but Bechan is calm and collected under pressure. "Our patients and their families are under enormous strain, and if we can help relieve their anxieties with compassion and care, with sophisticated technology that gives them the best chance of a positive clinical outcome, and with doctors and specialists with impeccable skills, that will go a long way to helping them deal with their personal circumstances," said Bechan. He attributes the success of the hospital to a strong team, and state of the art clinical facilities. When asked about his management philosophy, he replied that people need to be given the opportunity to grow and he has a keen interest in mentoring those who are committed to hospital management. In his free time, Bechan is a keen jogger. He also enjoys golf, which helps him clear his mind, strategise and network. He says that managing his time is a vital part of his approach, and he regularly spends a couple of hours meditating at his ashram on a Sunday evening, to revitalise, recharge and prepare for the week ahead. "Balance is key... Once you have that, life is such a pleasure!"

Frikkie Brooks has a long history, as well as much experience in strategic and spatial planning as well as development facilitation in the public sector Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Frikkie Brooks Frikkie Brooks has a long history, as well as much experience in strategic and spatial planning as well as development facilitation in the public sector Staying true to yourself and living your values is essential Frikkie Brooks has a long history, as well as much experience in strategic and spatial planning as well as development facilitation in the public sector. Brooks qualified as a geography teacher after completing a BA (Ed) at the University of Pretoria in 1978. He then went on to complete a BA (Hons), with a Masters in Geography and Development Studies, University of Pretoria, 1980 - 1981, and a B Ed (Hons) with a Masters in Management, University of Pretoria, 1987 – 1989. His 40-year career in the government sector include being the former: • Acting Head of Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN) • Acting Director-General of KZN Province • Deputy Director-General: Strategic Management in the KZN Office of the Premier • Head of Secretariat for the KZN Provincial Planning Commission In his role at the KZN Provincial Planning Commission, Brooks was responsible for overseeing the establishment of the new provincial growth and development strategy and plans for the province. In addition to the strategy’s development he was responsible for getting it institutionalised and implemented. Brooks is now the director of Brooks Facilitation Services. Of his decision to establish his own agency he explains, “Although I had to retire from Government, it wasn’t quite time for me to retire in the true sense of retirement.” Brooks Facilitation Services focuses on guiding business, civil society and/or government entities to develop clear strategies to achieve corporate or project specific goals. This guidance is provided through structured engagements aimed at developing win-win solutions. He says, “One realises that strategies and plans only make a difference when they are translated into projects. Therefore, the facilitation service that I have established is really to help facilitate large scale catalytic projects and to get them to be implemented as quickly as possible. Those are the projects that will make a difference to the lives of the eleven million people who live in this province.” “There are some strict criteria that I have laid down for myself and what I get involved in and what I won’t get involved in. Five projects that I am involved in have the potential to develop almost 50 000 jobs in the province. Although the challenges are huge you know that the projects out there have the potential to really deliver something at the end of the day that can make a difference.” In speaking of his achievements Brooks reflects that he always likes to think that there is room for improvement. “I am not the type of person who likes to say I have done my best, personally I always think I could do more,” he explains. His motivation to achieve has been inspired by the many of the people who have come across his way over the years. However, he says that his family – who have always supported me and provided structure are really important to him. In addition, the people who are striving to make a difference in communities in which he works are hugely inspirational. In order to succeed in this line of work he says, I have had successes and I think that staying true to yourself and living your values is essential. If you want people to respect you then you have to respect others and that does not just mean respecting your superiors or your principals but it also means respecting the people that you are working with. If you do not treat them with respect you will not receive respect and if there is no mutual respect between you and whoever you work with you will not succeed.” Brooks added, “I think that one of the things that I am most proud of is that in my 40 years of government service it’s not that I have not taken any bribes, its more that I was never offered any. People knew from the way that I operated that would be an absolute no-go area.” In his free time Brooks is an avid gardener. “I am a geographer by training, so nature is where I find myself at home. I like to relax in the garden, it does get my mind into all sorts of other gears.”

MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Mike Saunders MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey Unlock potential, nurture trust and develop narrative MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey. An international keynote speaker, digital thought leader and author, Mike has a unique ability to lead business with a crystal-clear leadership philosophy that encompasses ‘unlocking potential’, ‘nurturing trust’ and ‘developing narrative’. Mike was recognised on the list of ‘Top Global Digital Marketing Experts & Influencers in 2019 You Should be Following’. He was acknowledged by his peers in 2012, as one of the Top 20 South Africans to follow on Twitter. Mike was awarded Special Honours at the New Generation Awards for his contribution to the industry. Over the last few years, Mike has won the respect of business by his determined approach to helping people navigate a diverse and complicated world of digital business. As an international keynote speaker, Mike is able to engage his audience in an interactive, personal and energising manner by drawing on his life experiences and personal stories. Mike speaks with authority from over ten years’ experience in the digital industry. He leaves delegates captivated and inspired about the potential in both technology and people. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most prestigious organisations in the world including Vodafone, Bidvest, Santam, IBM, Toyota, Norton Rose and Exxaro. Mike delivers customised presentations around the following themes: • Fourth Industrial Revolution • Digital • Marketing Brand and Innovation • Entrepreneurship • The Millennial Generation • Motivation Entrepreneurial Journey Mike believes technology helps innovate a new future, accelerates growth potential and scales business. According to Mike, “Technology unlocks our future and is a fundamental driver of our success.” It’s his belief in technology and people that spurred him to founding Digitlab. Digitlab has grown to be one of South Africa’s premier digital marketing agencies and was voted one of South Africa’s best digital agencies in 2012. Digitlab provides services in social media, SEO, advertising, digital research, mobile apps and web development. The agency is proud to include a variety of national and international brands on their client list including KPMG, Nedbank, Alexander Forbes, Beiersdorf and City Lodge Hotel Group. In 2015, Mike launched The Digitlab Academy to educate marketers and support the academic industry with sound digital strategy education material. A powerful partnership with Vega, School of Branding, saw over 150 people run through the academy in its first quarter. Today, the Digitlab Academy educates over 1000 people a year. Digital Swarm, a nationwide digital community that fuels the growth of the digital marketing industry is another brainchild of Mike’s. The swarm hosts quarterly events in Durban and JHB and has attracted speakers from South Africa’s top brands like KFC, AXE and Google. Author In 2016, Mike released his first book The Five Year Mark. The Five Year Mark imparts the lessons he has learnt while establishing his businesses and is an inspirational, clear and practical template for entrepreneurs looking for success. In 2019, Mike published his second book Renowned. Your guide to building a powerful personal brand online. His latest book, Humancentric, unpacks how to do business in a Fourth Industrial Revolution.

James explains that it is essential to build a good team. He requires adherence to the operating principles of integrity, accountability, commitment, and taking responsibility for all one's actions. Employees' welfare and safety are important. He believes passionate, responsible, and innovative employees are the building blocks of the company's future Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up James Gregory James explains that it is essential to build a good team. He requires adherence to the operating principles of integrity, accountability, commitment, and taking responsibility for all one's actions. Employees' welfare and safety are important. He believes passionate, responsible, and innovative employees are the building blocks of the company's future Every day is a good day. Some days are better than others. There is always much to be thankful for JAMES GREGORY is the co-founder and CEO of Wozani Berg Gasoline. He worked for a petroleum company for ten years before buying a trade store in Creighton in the KZN Midlands. Although successful as a trader, he did not want to be stuck in a small town, isolated from the world. In 1996, he obtained a tender for fuel distribution and sales and started Berg Gasoline in partnership with his wife Michelle. Phenomenal growth followed resulting from long term relationships and a good reputation. Trust was paramount with business often based on only a handshake. In 2004, a Black Empowerment deal was struck with Wozani Holdings. Berg Gasoline became Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG). In 2011, Wozani bought James and Michelle out and they left a thriving business. However, during 2013 the business crashed, prompting James and Michelle to take back the management of a then-troubled company. Many challenges had to then be overcome, and changes made on the route to success. "Some major downs along with the ups," says James. "When you have a kick me down, you must get up again. Never give up" he comments. "When there is a failure, you must always look for a solution, make a plan and find a new opportunity." He believes in being open and honest with all concerned, including the bank. He says, "cash flow is like oxygen for business and without it, a business cannot survive. Profits are like food. You can survive a few days without food, but not without oxygen." James explains that it is essential to build a good team. He requires adherence to the operating principles of integrity, accountability, commitment, and taking responsibility for all one's actions. Employees' welfare and safety are important. He believes passionate, responsible, and innovative employees are the building blocks of the company's future. He has a relaxed way with people but admits to sometimes feeling rage when things are wrong, but he gets over it and forgets quickly. Every day offers new ideas, challenges and opportunities for him. "Even bad news and tough times create opportunities. Everybody has tough times. Make a plan!" he says. He believes there is always something to be thankful for and celebrate. Being positive and enthusiastic does not mean James is impulsive. Whenever he does something in the business it is because he gave it a lot of thought. "We wanted to ensure the balance is right. It is not all about money. You need to make some money, have fun, do good, and make a difference," he quips. He says, "WBG is a solutions business. We do more than selling petrol and diesel. We find logistical and credit solutions for our clients and innovate using technology to assist them to keep abreast of the 4th Industrial Revolution." Sustainability in terms of people and the environment are very important for James. He walks his talk. The WBG offices are being turned green through eco-friendly projects and will be taken off the grid. WBG provides skills to people, especially in rural areas, and have started a NGO, Team SA First. James' parents inspired him, and later on, his in-laws too. He has been married to Michelle for 28 years and he credits her for inspiration and balance. They are the proud parents of a son and two daughters. He says their children have shown him an alternative model of the world, which made him more aware of plastic and other environmental problems. They inspire him to live and operate in a sustainable way. In his free time swimming in the sea helps him relax and stay energised, and he loves listening to almost any type of music.