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He says that during his 18 years as a professional engineer he has been fortunate to have strong mentors. Collett said, "They guided and assisted me during difficult career decisions and also kept emphasizing the importance of getting involved with voluntary organisations that enhance society." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Dominic Collett He says that during his 18 years as a professional engineer he has been fortunate to have strong mentors. Collett said, "They guided and assisted me during difficult career decisions and also kept emphasizing the importance of getting involved with voluntary organisations that enhance society." It is important to make a difference and add value to society. DOMINIC COLLETT is a professional engineer whose career has been driven by the desire to participate in initiatives that enhance society. Collett matriculated from Beachwood High School in Durban North, followed by a series of qualifications at the then Technikon Natal (now DUT), which led to a Bachelor's Degree in Technology in Civil Engineering. He says that during his 18 years as a professional engineer he has been fortunate to have strong mentors. Collett said, "They guided and assisted me during difficult career decisions and also kept emphasizing the importance of getting involved with voluntary organisations that enhance society." Consequently, in the early years of his career, Collett became a member of the Young Professionals Forum of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers, which he enjoyed. In the spirit of giving back to the community, he has been involved with the iLembe Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Industry from its inception and currently sits on its Board as treasurer. Collett worked through his training years for Bradford Conning and Partners (BCP) and after a short stint of two years with BKS returned to BCP Engineers where, at 35 years old, was invited to join the Board of Directors of BCP Engineers. BCP than merged with SSI which is now Royal HaskoningDHV. He says that his main strengths came from the support of the mentors and the teams that he has worked together with on many successful and exciting projects. Collett commented that a noteworthy project was supervising the initial Tongaat Hulett La Lucia Ridge design and development in 1991. He says that seeing the sugar cane fields evolve and the infrastructure taking shape was very fulfilling. Collett says, "Time, cost and people are the key inputs to successful projects. I enjoy motivating a team to work efficiently. Without motivated teams, it is impossible to achieve success and I would think my strength lies in being able to motivate people and allow them to achieve their personal goals. When team members feel comfortable approaching you with difficult issues, these can be resolved at an early stage before they become a crisis." He added that his leadership style is that of respect and honesty. As a project director, the challenge is always to provide the engineering services required with an often limited budget to have a maximum impact for the community. "It is important to look at the big picture, which guides conversations and allows the team to slow down and assess what is required before attending to the details. On top of budget constraints, we now find ourselves in a position where we have limited water and energy resources. The challenge is to design projects in a way that takes advantage of the available resources but not in a manner that is detrimental to the environment and other stakeholders." He added that he obtains joy in delivering cutting edge technology to engineering solutions. "I have been fortunate to have private sector clients that have the same vision and a highlight of my career has been that I have been able to work with many of these forward thinking clients that value development which is innovative." Collett's passion for development is in keeping with Royal HaskoningDHV's ethos, which is to enhance society together through new technologies, engineering innovation and human spirit. A current project that is giving him much enjoyment is the Blythedale Coastal Resort development, which embraces global innovative trends. Collett and his team are able to offer a number of solutions to the resource limitations that the homeowners would have faced using gas reticulation, a desalination plant, solar energy, and grey water recycling among other innovations. Collett says, "I enjoy the support of a wonderful family." He has been married for 19 years and has two sons. In his free time, he plays the double bass in the Durban City Orchestra and sails a Flying Fifteen.

Prof Singh has served on several national and international committees related to his areas of interest in education. He has presented at many conferences and his research has been published in journals both locally and internationally Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Prof Anesh Maniraj Singh Prof Singh has served on several national and international committees related to his areas of interest in education. He has presented at many conferences and his research has been published in journals both locally and internationally I don't talk about it - I just do it PROF ANESH MANIRAJ SINGH has a long history as an academic, having obtained BA, MBA and DBA degrees from the University of Durban-Westville. Since 1999, he has been in the employ of the university; a period of 20 years. In that time, he has worked his way up the ladder from a temporary lecturer through several academic roles and leadership positions at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). These are interim head of Information Systems and Technology, Deans Assistant - Research, Head of the Graduate School of Business, and dean and head of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance. One of the highlights of his career was leading the Graduate School of Business to be recognised as the Top Brand in KwaZulu-Natal in 2011. In addition, he has served as an executive member of the IT Standards Generating Body of SA and served on the Education Portfolio of the Computer Society of South Africa - KZN Chapter. He was also the national vice president of marketing of the Computer Society of South Africa in 2005 and 2006. Prof Singh has served on several national and international committees related to his areas of interest in education. He has presented at many conferences and his research has been published in journals both locally and internationally. When the position of executive director of the UKZN Foundation became vacant, he was asked to take on the role. This was a position of responsibility that Prof Singh was happy to accept, and he was appointed as the executive director of the Foundation in 2016. He commented, "I felt that I would be able to do a lot more for the university than from a position of a single school but rather from one that looks at the total university and finding solutions for all the students." The UKZN Foundation is the official fundraising arm of the institution. "The primary function of the Foundation is to provide a professional fund-raising service that benefits all stakeholders, including students, academics, society and the various strategic projects of UKZN," said Prof Singh. "I work with a team of eleven people who are every dedicated to ensuring that we raise funding for the university and its initiatives." The funding is directed towards teaching and learning support, research support, community engagement, and most importantly student funding, which includes bursaries, disability support and food security. "I believe I am successful because I am now at a point in my life where I can give back, I am successful because I can make a difference in other people's lives." Of importance is that the UKZN Foundation strives to cultivate a strong relationship with donors, which typically consists of trusts, foundations, businesses, high net worth individuals, alumni and the general public. Said Prof Singh, "Maintaining these relationships is essential to driving the UKZN Foundation's fundraising programme." He said further, "It does not matter, the size of the donation ? big or small, we appreciate all our donors equally." Prof Singh said that his late father made a strong impression on his life by two maxims: "be true to yourself" and "hard work does not kill you". These are maxims which he puts into practice daily. He says that his role is about building relationships as these firstly open doors, afterwards you need to get to know people and earn their trust, donations follow thereafter. "I try to maximise my time and it is very important that I spend more than 50% of this out of the office. Donors are not sitting at the university, they are out in industry and I have to be where they are. UKZN needs the support of the business community to engage more effectively and to invest in the city, the province of KZN and ultimately the country." He concluded, "My motto is very similar to Nike but is quite different: I don't talk about it - I just do it."

CEO at Coastlands Hotel & Resorts Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Saantha Naidu CEO at Coastlands Hotel & Resorts

Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. “To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one’s character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Naeem Asvat Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. “To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one’s character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Hard work and perseverance will bring you success NAEEM ASVAT CA(SA) joined SAICA in 2007 as the regional executive for SAICA Eastern Region, based in Durban. He is responsible for all SAICA's activities in the region, which comprises primarily KwaZulu-Natal. Prior to joining SAICA, he held the position as senior manager in the Accounting Advisory Services division at KPMG, where he worked for ten years, and trained and qualified as a chartered accountant. Asvat's experience includes external and internal audit, forensic investigations, tax compliance and tax consulting as well as various consulting assignments. His career has included a short-term assignment in KPMG's Manchester office in the external audit division, which comprised conversions from UK GAAP to US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). He has undertaken International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conversions in South Africa and Namibia. During his career, he was appointed as a curators' agent of a transport business, which was seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (Scorpions) and was appointed as a chief financial officer for an associate of a listed cellular company. Asvat believes that his career is successful because of three things: integrity, passion and stepping out of his comfort zone. "To me, integrity is a mark of a man; without it one's character is left undefined. In light of the changes in the profession, I am going to have to say that integrity holds true for me, as it should for every other profession, and is the most important aspect that I have learned. Second, my passion, for without it, you cannot succeed. And third, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone in order to attain the unattainable." He added that he is absolutely dedicated and committed to the work that he does, has an immense passion for work and a great desire for making a difference to society within his sphere of influence. Asvat says that his inspiration comes from "savouring the sweetness of success of someone whom I have helped and inspired, be it a member, a stakeholder, a university student or a learner". During his professional journey and in the early stages of South African democracy, he, as with other previously disadvantaged individuals found climbing the corporate ladder a serious challenge, having to constantly prove oneself beyond reproach. He commented: "I thrive on challenges and making the impossible possible." However, having made his way to senior manager, Asvat was head hunted and joined SAICA. This was challenging in the sense that he was catapulted into a leadership position. He was the first non-white person to be appointed in the 99-year history of the Institute, which also had its own set of challenges. "Suddenly, I was thrust in front of 2 200 members, business and government stakeholders with whom I started engaging. We now have more than 4 400 members." In this regard Asvat says, "My personality profile has been somewhat defined as a catalyst and I am driven to achieve and persevere." Establishing the first independent SAICA office in KwaZulu-Natal, and helping to build the SAICA and the CA(SA) brand to be a premier recognised business designation, have been highlights of his career. In addition, Asvat has spearheaded a significant transformation project with the KZN Treasury and guided them to becoming a SAICA Accredited Training office. A major forthcoming project for him is to see SAICA playing a more significant role in shaping economic policies within KwaZulu-Natal. Asvat comes from a family of five siblings and is happily married and the father of three sons. He credits much of his success to his wife, Fatima, and his mother, who have played very supportive roles in his career. In his free time, he says: "I enjoy the adrenaline stuff - I have gone skydiving (jumping out of a plane at 12 000 feet) and did the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at the Blaukrans river." He concludes: "Regardless where you come from, hard work and perseverance will bring you success. I believe that if you knock at the door long enough the door is bound to open."

MARK TAYLOR believes that his career has been characterised by 'thinking big' and having the perseverance to ensure that his plans, which are often innovative, reach fruition Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Mark Taylor MARK TAYLOR believes that his career has been characterised by 'thinking big' and having the perseverance to ensure that his plans, which are often innovative, reach fruition Success is dependent on the team that you build around you MARK TAYLOR believes that his career has been characterised by 'thinking big' and having the perseverance to ensure that his plans, which are often innovative, reach fruition. He has spent the last 30 years in the property development industry; starting off small in the residential sector and then progressing to catalytic type developments like Simbithi Eco Estate in Ballito. The eLan Property Group was founded in 1997 and has become a leader in real estate marketing and sales, sales of hospitality investment projects and more recently has diversified into other investment opportunities. Zululand Tree Lodge in Hluhluwe, the first venture undertaken, was a R12 million development. Taylor's desire to innovate was apparent in the Riverside Hotel, which became a sectional title hotel. This was a first for South Africa and has been the country's most profitable sectional title hotel and a true eLan success story. Taylor commented, "The pioneering and innovative approach does not always pay off, staying ahead of the curve is not always clever, as one is constantly meeting new obstacles, which have not been dealt with before." His determination to 'make a difference by doing things differently' is very apparent in the Blythedale Coastal Estate. An important part of this project has been in obtaining community buy-in, which has well illustrated Taylor's perseverance. "This development has taken 19 years of planning and community negotiation to come to fruition and is now going from strength to strength and will be a great success story." Our success is based on not just selling off pieces of land but we have created a concept for family living. Blythedale Coastal Estate is the most forward-thinking development in South Africa. "The emphasis is on fibre connectivity, frictionless access, green technology solutions, and most importantly, it is a community-based development." Taylor added that creating jobs and promoting small businesses is in important in driving his projects. "We aim to contribute significantly to the local population groups." Taylor commented, "Success is dependent on the team that you build around you. Each individual is often better than you at what they do, and it is important to give them the responsibility and freedom as well as the authority to do what they do best." His current mission is to grow the eLan Property Group brand. He says, "Exciting things are happening. I intend to work smarter not harder and use the experiences that I have had to be more productive and proactive." He added that the commencement of deals and putting everything together is something that he has continually enjoyed and that he is currently exploring opportunities for development in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Mauritius. Through the efforts of the eLan Group in exploring the potential overseas property investment market, and in particular the UK, South African Properties Overseas Marketing Association (SAPOMA) has become a reality. SAPOMA is administered and coordinated by eLan Marketing, and through its overseas division, eLan International, the Association will represent those developers and allied professional organisations who have the vision and urge to become part of the world global trading scene. Taylor says that his family have been crucial to him throughout his career and provide him a lot of support. This support has allowed him to continue in his various endeavours, while often facing stress and dealing with the challenges that accompany property development projects. "If you persevere through all the issues, you will be successful." Although works takes a lot of his time, he does try to include time for travel with his family and opportunities where he can relax by spending time skiing or fishing.

Michael says he got involved in Afro's Chicken Shop by default. "Afro's was a tenant of mine in one of the buildings that I owned. I loved the brand and enjoyed what it stood for - simple food that was fresh, tasty, healthy and affordable." He added that he had always had an interest in food and ran a restaurant for three years in the 1980s. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Michael Harris Michael says he got involved in Afro's Chicken Shop by default. "Afro's was a tenant of mine in one of the buildings that I owned. I loved the brand and enjoyed what it stood for - simple food that was fresh, tasty, healthy and affordable." He added that he had always had an interest in food and ran a restaurant for three years in the 1980s. There is an answer to everything and a solution to every problem MICHAEL HARRIS grew up in Amanzimtoti and as he did not come from a wealthy background started working from an early age. His first job was at a local grocery store where he earned 10 cents an hour over weekends. He saved much of these earnings in order to buy a camera. He then became his school photographer and earned money selling photographs. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit continued during school holidays when he and his friends would spend hours in the sea diving for coins that had dropped from the pockets of holiday makers. Collecting and returning glass bottles for deposits was an additional source of earnings. Following his school years, Michael studied parttime to become an accountant. On completion he qualified as a chartered accountant. Immediately following this qualification, he went into the property industry. He explains, "My love of property and building has remained a constant. Whether building a house, or a business, they all have the same meaning." Michael says he got involved in Afro's Chicken Shop by default. "Afro's was a tenant of mine in one of the buildings that I owned. I loved the brand and enjoyed what it stood for - simple food that was fresh, tasty, healthy and affordable." He added that he had always had an interest in food and ran a restaurant for three years in the 1980s. An opportunity arose to invest in the business when the owner required both financial and managerial assistance. He decided to invest in Afro's to further his passion for building things up and unsurprisingly the business has grown a lot since then. "I was semi-retired but decided that there was only so much fishing and travelling one can do. I felt I wanted to carry on, build something and keep pushing." Michael describes his role as being like a bus driver. "I have a capable young team of guys and girls and I provide input in terms of experience. Afro's is a young person's brand, that includes the management team as well as all the shop keepers - they all do a great job. I have a lot of fun working with young people, they inspire me, and they are the reason that I get up in the morning." Reflecting on what business principles guide him, he says that he has read a lot of autobiographies and is motivated by them. "However, when you are at the coal face, you have to make decisions based on your gut feeling. You have to do your own thing. No amount of business gurus can assist much in your situation. There is an answer to everything and a solution to every problem. You have just got to find it and you have to adapt." Michael believes that his success has been driven by perseverance - by never giving up and through a rigid work ethic. "Things don't happen overnight; hard work and passion is required. Planning and execution are the only way that you will succeed." He added, "I have learnt that honesty is really important in any business - you have to be honest with yourself, with employees, with everybody, and ensure that you conduct yourself morally all the time." His advice for anyone starting a business is that it's important not to have any delusions of grandeur. "There is a lot of hard work - identify a career and have a passion for what you are doing - think about what you are doing. Its 90% hard work and 10% enjoyment." When not growing Afro's sites around the country, Michael's passion is fishing. "I enjoy any form of fishing - deep sea, hunting down tiger fish or elusive trout. I try and get away to fish as much as possible and I read autobiographies.

An international media production company based in Durban, South Africa, with a branch in Norwich, UK . He’s also the founder of Wade Howard Photography and, since 2010, has led Ocean Driven Media—specializing in professional photography, videography, video production, and live streaming for corporate events, documentaries, weddings, and conferences Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Wade Howard An international media production company based in Durban, South Africa, with a branch in Norwich, UK . He’s also the founder of Wade Howard Photography and, since 2010, has led Ocean Driven Media—specializing in professional photography, videography, video production, and live streaming for corporate events, documentaries, weddings, and conferences

Allan says hard work with a goal in mind was necessary. Retail requires listening to customers and keeping them happy; he believes his success is due to serving others. He says, "I realised my purpose in life is to serve." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Allan Hirsch Allan says hard work with a goal in mind was necessary. Retail requires listening to customers and keeping them happy; he believes his success is due to serving others. He says, "I realised my purpose in life is to serve." Honesty, integrity and loyalty are required; these principles can't be compromised and are not negotiable. ALLAN HIRSCH is an outstanding example of someone who came from humble beginnings and had to overcome personal challenges to become successful. He illustrates that "where you begin does not determine where you can go." Allan left school in standard seven due to dyslexia and trained as an electrical appliances' mechanic. Afterwards, he started working for a company, where he and the owner had different views on business. The owner wanted to keep increasing margins, while Allan wanted reasonable rates and to provide great service to keep customers' happy. His employer's suggestion that Allan should go on his own was both exciting and daunting for him. Being newly married, having bought his first property, and the birth of his first child, delayed his decision, but he eventually opened an electrical appliance repair store in Durban North in 1979. He recalls being "absolutely flat broke" the day Hirsch's Electrical Repairs opened, having spent all his money on rent, the electricity deposit, and marketing. He says it was enormously symbolic being able to buy a loaf of bread costing 11 cents on his way home. Initially, Allan only repaired goods, but his reputation and knowledge led to him to becoming a formal dealer as well. He recalls working long hours when others took weekends off. With the help of his wife and partner, and the use of innovative marketing, and a big demand was created for Hirsh's products. More branches were opened, initially in KZN, and later Hirsch's became a national brand and the biggest privately-owned appliance dealer in southern Africa. Allan says hard work with a goal in mind was necessary. Retail requires listening to customers and keeping them happy; he believes his success is due to serving others. He says, "I realised my purpose in life is to serve." His leadership style is quite simple. "People are human, grow them, teach them skills, and more than just selling or servicing, teach them how the business works." Seeing staff grow, improve their circumstances and being happy with their lives inspires him. "We like to keep people part of us, but if they leave, they take their skills elsewhere and we wish them well." He gets serious when stating, "Honesty, integrity, and loyalty are required; these principles can't be compromised and are not negotiable. We are totally transparent about the business with our staff." He believes that "having a why" is important for staying passionate and for being a good leader. The book "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek, describes this view and helped him define the 'why' for Hirsch's. Selecting quality products and suppliers is important for him. His view is: "Look after your suppliers and they will look after you". Trust must be earned and Allan still tries to enhance the good reputation Hirsch's has built over 40 years. "Winners always keep going. You need to keep your vision and keep on working hard when things go wrong." He acknowledges that being accessible differentiates him. His door is always open to customers and his contact details are freely available. He answers calls personally, and if necessary, apologises and sorts a customer's problem. He maintains that "who is right is less important than the customer being happy." Allan has received wide recognition for his contribution to business. Winning the Marketing Management Institute's "Marketer of the Year Award" in 1994 stands out for him. Allan and his wife Margaret have been married for 47 years. They have two children, Richard and Luci, both of whom are part of the business, and he is the proud grandfather of five boys. Mention should be made that Allan keenly follows sport, especially cricket. Since he has a "why", Allan says, he is ready to serve for another 40 years, or however long he may have.

The hotelier first joined Tsogo Sun in 1997 when he worked at the Holiday Inn Nairobi. He was later transferred to other properties in the Tsogo Sun group, taking up management positions Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up John Aritho The hotelier first joined Tsogo Sun in 1997 when he worked at the Holiday Inn Nairobi. He was later transferred to other properties in the Tsogo Sun group, taking up management positions John Aritho brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge The hotelier first joined Tsogo Sun in 1997 when he worked at the Holiday Inn Nairobi. He was later transferred to other properties in the Tsogo Sun group, taking up management positions at hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lusaka, and in Durban — where he was General Manager at the Southern Sun Maharani and most recently, the General Manager at the Garden Court Marine Parade. In his career with the Group, John has been involved in a number of hotel openings, including the Holiday Inn Maputo in Mozambique, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the Winelands Hotel in Cape Town, Southern Sun Lusaka in Zambia and the Qamardeen Hotel in Dubai —where he was General Manager. John has proved himself as an expert in responding quickly to changing market conditions with the ability to revise innovative marketing and business strategies accordingly with solid leadership. “John has a good eye for detail, as well as strong skills in relationships with staff and guests alike, and Tsogo Sun’s flagship property has been entrusted into the right hands,” says KZN Operations Director, Mike Jackson. “John has all the right credentials to take this hotel to new heights.”

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