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Every business has fire extinguishers. Most have security systems. Many have evacuation plans, but how many companies are truly prepared for a medical emergency? It’s a question every employer should ask themselves, because medical emergencies don’t discriminate between office workers, factory employees, warehouse staff, drivers, technicians or executives. They can happen to anyone, at any time, and often without warning.

I recently had the distinct privilege of being the keynote speaker at the incredible KZN Top Business Awards with one goal in mind. To bring hope and opportunity to all business leaders in this new AI powered world.

The official opening of Kingsburgh Junction on Thursday, 23 July, marked an important milestone for retail development on KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast, introducing a modern convenience shopping destination designed to better serve the growing communities of Kingsburgh and its surrounding suburbs.

There is no question that customer expectations have changed. Today, people expect to open a bank account in minutes, secure insurance online, sign property documents digitally or register for services without ever visiting a branch. Organisations that make these experiences fast and intuitive are often rewarded with higher conversion rates, stronger customer loyalty and a valuable competitive advantage. As business leaders, we are continuously striving to remove unnecessary

The official opening of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on Saturday, 4 July, was a proud moment for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Following a formal tender process, the NSRI was selected to deliver professional water safety and lifeguarding services for the new resort. The appointment recognises the NSRI’s experience in lifeguarding, rescue, and drowning prevention.

Homeownership is an exciting journey – but also a daunting responsibility and, although KwaZulu-Natal’s residential property market is on the up in the wake of the opening of Club Med at Tinley Manor and the launch of various estates along the Dolphin Coast as well as inland at Shongweni, those selling to explore these greener pastures need to make sure that all the legalities are in order, says Tyson Properties’ spokesperson, Daniela Du Plessis.

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC has officially launched the Durban Shipping Chamber, a strategic industry initiative designed to strengthen Durban’s position as Africa’s premier port city and maritime gateway while driving growth, investment and collaboration across the maritime sector.

Provisional tax asks you to predict your profit – and penalises you for getting it wrong either way Most taxes ask what you earned. Provisional tax asks what you are about to earn – and bills you for guessing wrong. With the first payment due on 31 August, here is how KZN businesses can get the number right. Most taxes look backwards. They ask what you earned, and take their share.

Last month we talked about Scale – the five disciplines that determine whether your business grows, plateaus, or collapses under its own weight. If you missed it: without deliberate work on five key disciplines, your business hits a ceiling it cannot break through. This month, we take the conversation further. Because once you can scale, the next question becomes: what is your business actually worth?

Russell Curtis, Invest Durban, says, “Congratulations to Andrew Kirby and the entire Toyota South Africa Motors team on this landmark R10.4 billion investment in the ninth generation Hilux programme.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently marked a major milestone in South Africa’s industrial and manufacturing journey with the ceremonial line-off of the ninth generation Hilux at its Prospecton manufacturing plant in Durban.

At 6:45 a.m., a Durban commuter receives an alert from an AI-powered traffic system. It has detected an accident ahead, analysed road conditions and rerouted him around congestion. In KwaDukuza, a sugarcane farmer receives an early warning from an AI-enabled crop monitoring service that has spotted a pest outbreak before it spreads. These examples show how AI is moving from concepts to practical tools that can improve daily life, business performance and economic growth.

Public procurement remains one of the most significant opportunities for South African businesses, yet it is also one of the areas of greatest uncertainty. Government departments regularly spend billions of rand procuring goods and services from the private sector, but when procurement processes are later found to be unlawful, contractors often find themselves caught in the crossfire.

KZN Top Business Women Recognition Ceremony

Cox Yeats is proud to announce that the firm has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 African Legal Awards, recognising the firm’s expertise and the outstanding work delivered by its legal professionals. The firm has been shortlisted for: ■ Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team of the Year ■ Restructuring Team of the Year ■ Partner of the Year, Southern Africa – Gareth Cremen

Employers in South Africa’s hospitality industry are now firmly in the inspection spotlight. The sector is defined broadly under Sectoral Determination 14 and covers hotels, guest houses, lodges, restaurants, pubs, cafés, fast-food outlets and catering operations, so the compliance net is wide. That scrutiny is not theoretical. In 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) reported that its Inspection and Enforcement Services had conducted more than 308,000 inspecti

Ismail Simjee, chief executive officer of Tropic Plastic & Packaging, has helped transform a family-owned enterprise into South Africa’s largest flexible packaging manufacturer. Under his leadership, the Durban-based business has evolved into a technologically advanced operation serving leading local and international brands while expanding its footprint across Africa. For Ismail, success has been about creating an organisation built on innovation, operational excellence and,

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, KZN Top Business has officially opened nominations for the KZN Top Business Women 2026 initiative – a prestigious celebration of the remarkable women whose leadership, innovation and determination continue to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s economy and communities.

This edition of Business Sense reflects a common thread running through KwaZulu-Natal’s business community: the organisations that will thrive in the years ahead are those prepared to embrace change while remaining firmly anchored in strong values, sound governance and purposeful leadership.

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone continues to cement its position as one of KwaZulu-Natal's drivers of economic growth, delivering investment and infrastructure development, enabling export growth, while sustaining employment and strengthening the province’s competitiveness.