Amanda Swana, a managing director at PowerPoint Lifestyles, shares her journey from a small village to becoming a business owner. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice and being authentic in all aspects of life. Amanda's proudest moment was paying her employees' first salaries, showing her commitment to their well-being. She draws inspiration from her family, especially her mother's strength and resilience. Looking ahead, Amanda aims to expand her business into training and development while maintaining a focus on supporting SMEs and introducing career counseling services in government schools. Her motto centers on finding purpose and intention in everything one does, emphasizing self-validation over external affirmations. KZN Top Business Leaders Coffee Table Book Launch coinciding with the grand opening of IBV Prive in Umhlanga this September is going to be an exciting event! KZN Top Business Leaders powered by

Frikkie Brooks, of Brooks Facilitation Services, shares his journey from education to successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of relationships and collaboration in fostering economic prosperity in South Africa through innovative initiatives like the Cato Ridge Dry Port concept and Club Med South Africa. Key Takeaways Emphasis on relationships and stakeholder engagement in business endeavors. Leveraging government background for private sector collaborations. Focus on infrastructure development and economic growth in South Africa. Commitment to excellence with the motto "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing properly." Drawing inspiration from the resilience and diversity of the Springboks. Vision for enhanced economic advancement through government-business synergy. KZN Top Business Leaders powered by

The long awaited South African general elections have passed and now we have set our hopes on the Government of National Unity (GNU) to take the country on a new path.   In his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa said the formation of the second Government of National Unity (GNU) was a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy.   “South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country,” He added, “The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together.”   These aspirations give much hope for the future success of the country. In addition, there is much to be positive about especially in KwaZulu-Natal, which is showing growth in many areas of the economy.   Significant development is taking place in the eThekwini Metro, which is apparent in the various projects that Invest Durban has been championing. These developments augur well for the economy of the province as well as provide much opportunity for employment creation and the upliftment of people. Page 6   The potential for development of the blue economy in eThekwini to grow the economy and attract international investors is also of interest. Page 4   As part of the investment promotion process embarked on by the City, engagements are underway with business leaders and discussions are centred around trade and investment opportunities in various sectors including property development, education, sports, agriculture, arts and culture.   The successes of the province’s businesses and organisation is recognised and celebrated annually through the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards. These awards show that there are many good stories to tell and many businesses and organisations striving to have a purpose beyond profit. In addition, KwaZulu-Natal has a large number of home-grown brands that deserve recognition. Page 8    One such brand is SAMAC Engineering Solutions who is making an impact in the efficient use of energy through technology. In this edition we feature Mpumzi Swana, SAMAC chief operating officer, who believes in taking action to achieve his life goals and who is driven to be a responsible citizen. Page 1 and 3   The Minara Chamber of Commerce also calls for nominations in their annual recognition awards. Page 2   The articles by our regular editorial contributors include: Johan van Deventer, LabourNet: Data compliance for your payroll processes. Page 4 Marlene Powell: Cutting through the B*S*. The reality check every business owner needs on when to cut your losses. Page 5 Richard Hoal and Khanya Mgebisa, Cox Yeats Attorneys: The dynamics of industry associations and anti-competitive behaviour. Page 7 Melissa Mungroo, UKZN Foundation: Balancing medicine and passion for empowerment. Page 9 Jacquie Bhana, High performance coach, mentor, and counsellor: Boredom at work can be more dangerous than burnout. Page 10 Liesel Kassier, Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS): Leading the transition to green manufacturing. Page 11 Sameer Kumandan, SearchWorks: Building trust through accurate data for financial advisors. Page 12 Anneme Coetzee, NLP Master Trainer: Is your leadership style holding back your team? Page 13 Colette Tanner, Chief Operations Officer, DRG: The servant leader paradox. Page 16    In the coming weeks we look forward to sharing more good news on our various social media platforms. Visit www.facebook.com/kznchamber  and www.facebook.com/kzntopbusiness

If you are part of KZN Business2Business, your success is our main concern. It is just a smart business decision. Is your business located in KwaZulu-Natal, If so, and if your business operates within the Business-to-Business (B2B) sector, then our team is dedicated to supporting and collaborating with you to ensure mutual success and growth. Our commitment to your business goes beyond mere transactions; we believe that your success is intertwined with ours. By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging our expertise, resources, and network, we aim to create a synergy that benefits both parties involved. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that businesses face in KZN, we are well-equipped to provide tailored solutions that cater to your specific needs. Whether it's enhancing operational efficiency, expanding market reach, or optimizing processes, we are here to help you navigate the dynamic business landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. Collaborating with us not only makes business sense but also opens up a world of possibilities for growth, innovation, and sustainable success. Let's work together to unlock the full potential of your business and achieve new heights of excellence. Ange Alderton Special Projects ​ Ange@kznleaders.co.za 0662065654 www.kzntopbusiness.com

Jacquie Bhana shares her life journey, starting from being born into an interracial marriage in Port Elizabeth. She recounts her experiences in school, university, and her first job at Volkswagen South Africa. She then transitions to her current role as a business owner and vice president of the Durban Chamber, emphasising her passion for making a positive impact. Jacquie discusses her focus on developing people's capabilities and confidence, especially in leadership roles. She admires figures like Malala Yousafzai and Angela Merkel and envisions building ethical, high-performing leaders in KZN. Her motto centres on overcoming fear to achieve one's goals and make a difference in the world. KZN Top Business Leaders powered by

Lubin Ozoux, the CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa known for Dunlop tyres, shares insights about his career journey. Originally from Reunion Island, he moved to South Africa in the 90s. His first job was as a lecturer, which sparked his love for learning. As the CEO, he focuses on creating joy and well-being for all in the company. He emphasises the importance of continuous improvement and leading by example. Ozoux values building trust with employees and sharing life journeys to inspire and support each other. Looking ahead, the company aims to maintain a youthful mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and impact. KZN Top Business Leaders powered by

During this incredible shared experience, Pat Symcox passionately reminisces about his awe-inspiring journey from Kimberley to triumphant success in cricket, and seamlessly transitioning into the dynamic world of real estate on the vibrant South Coast! With unwavering enthusiasm, he highlights the pivotal roles of teamwork, culture, and mentorship in steering a thriving business towards greatness. Pat's boundless motivation stems from empowering others to reach their full potential, envisioning remarkable growth for his real estate enterprise on the South Coast over the next five years. His powerful mantra, "Leave nothing to chance," epitomises his proactive approach to both life and business, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments ahead! KZN Top Business Leaders powered by

The voting for the Standard Bank KZN Top Brand Award is well underway with only one week left to cast your vote. Currently there is much interest and many votes are being sent in which causes the rankings to change daily.  We are also delighted to see the range of well loved KZN brands in the running. Voting has been extended until 10 pm on Sunday 7 July.  To vote SMS the letters KZN and the name of your number one brand to 45633, as many times as you like! Each SMS cost R1.50. Ts and Cs apply One lucky voter could win one a one-night stay for two people at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Winner announced on 17 July. currently in the top 20 are: 1 Mi7 National Group 2 Beekman Group 3 Bata 4 Hollywood Bets 5 Icebolethu Group 6 Tyson Properties 7 LHL Engineering 8 TAFTA 9 SA Home Loans 10 Grindrod 11 Bluff Meat Supply 12 Re/Max Coast And Country 13 East Coast Radio 14 Cafe Monroe 15 Goscor 16 Hirsch's 17 Thirsti 18 Woodford Group 19 Gebodo Projects 20 Gift of the Givers BUBBLING UNDER Aquelle Arvind Magan and Associates Inc. Bell Equipment Construction For Africa DRG Morar Incorporated Mr Price Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken Royal Tyres Sibaya Community Trust Sky Tents Spar Use-It Waste Beneficiation This is the current top 20 list. We've also listed the Bubbling Unders . We wanted to print a longer list, but we had to draw the line somewhere. If you didn't make it this time, don't worry, keep voting, because next week, you might just find yourself in the top 20. It's a super exciting and competitive event, so keep those votes coming! Remember, voting is super important. Things are changing all the time, so who knows, next week you could be in the top twenty in a blink of an eye. We are really enjoying watching this Battle of the Brands in KZN unfold. Wendy (Roving Reporter) KZN Business Sense

Have you recently looked at your bank account and felt a wave of mixed emotions?   Are you honestly satisfied with the numbers you see?   Are you rewarding yourself with a market-related salary each month?   If not, it might be time to revisit why you went into business for yourself in the first place   In my previous blog, Time Tug of War - Transform Your Business Time Management! I explored the importance of time management and the flexibility it brings In this blog series, the shift is towards the anchor of Business Mastery - Money Mastery   My first question to you - Are you paying yourself a market-related salary?   If the answer is NO, then what is the point of being a business owner? Look back at when you worked for someone else and received a steady salary Now that you are steering the ship that is your business, it is crucial to ensure that you are not at the bottom of your payroll if you even make it onto the list Your business should serve as a reliable source of income for you, not just for your clients or employees   Assessing Profitability   How truly profitable is your business? It is not just about the CashFLOW coming in, it's about the money retained after expenses If more cash is leaving than entering your business, then it is time for a serious strategy session   Managing Client Payments   Dealing with clients who delay or default on payments is a common downfall of many businesses Providing services without timely payment can lead to a cycle of debt that hinders your business growth As hard as it may be, the truth is that you are worse off by keeping these clients than you would be by choosing not to do business with them at all If they do not pay, they are not your clients!   Steps to Tackle Financial Challenges   So, how do we tackle these challenges? It starts with getting your cash flow in order   Here are the steps to take -   Determine Your Salary - Calculate the salary you need and deserve Evaluate Your Expenses - List all your monthly personal expenses, utilities, groceries, insurance, transportation, and other necessary costs. By practising this, you will have a baseline for the minimum salary you need Set Your Salary - Based on your personal expenses and market research, determine a reasonable and sustainable salary for yourself This amount should be sufficient to cover your personal needs and reflect your value to the business   Align Your Finances - Put a plan in place to align your business finances to meet your salary goals Review Business Expenses - Do a thorough review of your business expenses Identify any non-essential or high-cost items that can be reduced or eliminated Increase Revenue Streams - Look for ways to boost your business income This might include upselling to existing clients or expanding your market reach Set Financial Targets - Establish clear financial targets for your business that align with your salary goals. This includes setting revenue goals, profit margins, and expense limits Predictable Profitability - Ensure that positive CashFLOW is the norm, not an occasional stroke of luck Create a Budget - Develop a detailed budget that outlines your expected income and expenses This budget should include your salary and provide a clear picture of your financial health Monitor CashFLOW Regularly - Keep a close eye on your CoashFLOW by regularly reviewing your financial statements Build a Cash Reserve - Aim to build a cash reserve that can cover at least three to six months of operating expenses This will provide a resource for unexpected expenses or periods of low income Implement Profit First Accounting - Follow the 'Profit First' approach by allocating a percentage of your income to profit before covering other expenses This ensures that profit becomes a habit, not an afterthought   Understanding Your CashFLOW   Understanding your CashFLOW is crucial. Do you know exactly how much you will need to come in to cover what is going out? Many business owners suffer from 'Arithmophobia'—a fear of numbers However, ignoring the figures will not lead to financial stability.   Seek Guidance and Take Action   If this conversation has stirred up emotions or if you are looking for further guidance, I am here to help You can attend one of my webinars or seminars, or take advantage of a personal consultation Sometimes, a 10-minute chat can provide the support you need to make a change. https://marlenepowell.actioncoach.com/

Did you start your business journey dreaming of abundant time, financial freedom, and a life filled with success? If you are agreeing, you are not alone. Yet, unfortunately for many business owners, the reality is often the complete opposite. Being a business owner can feel like a relentless hustle where time slips through your fingers, leaving you to wonder, Where did the day go? Welcome to the concept of Time Mastery, a critical component of Mastery another important step in business.    Imagine the oxygen mask analogy on a plane. In an emergency, you are advised to secure your mask before assisting others. This principle applies to time management (Self Management) too. Neglecting to prioritise your time often leads to others hijacking it (Time Thieves), and daily tasks resulting in pulling you in all different directions that do not promote business growth. Even worse, you risk losing precious moments with family and friends, one of the reasons so many choose to go into business for themselves.   Let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions on implementing Effective Time Management are:   How do you implement a time management plan that serves you?   How do you balance working ON your business versus IN it?   How can you dedicate time to loved ones, travel, and leisure?   and how do you leverage a team or systems to reclaim your time?   The first step is to start by understanding your priorities. What amount of personal and family time would truly satisfy you (give yourself permission)? Once you have identified that, consider what your business needs to achieve to afford you that luxury. It may seem impossible right now if you are already feeling stretched thin, but without this balance, burnout and stress become constant daily companions, inevitably affecting your well-being, family life, and business.    Here is a simple yet powerful exercise to try:   Grab a piece of paper and, for one week, document your activities in half hour increments. At the end of each day, review how you spent your time. What did you accomplish? How long did each task take, and how urgent were they?   This exercise will highlight where your time is going and identify both the time-wasting activities and those that drive business growth. After a week, step back and evaluate the cost of these tasks that should be delegated to a staff member. This clarity will guide you in focusing your time and efforts effectively and ultimately granting you more freedom.   Ready to Take Control?   If you're ready to master your Time Mastery, I invite you to take a 10-minute call with me. Let's explore your specific challenges and discuss actionable strategies tailored to you and your business.   Your success is not just your business—it's my business. Together, let's transform your time tug of war into business productivity and pleasure. https://marlenepowell.actioncoach.com

In a recent interview, Russell Curtis, Head of Invest Durban, said that a growing and powerful dynamic is that the business sector leadership are forming much more local and international partnerships. Consequently, a number of large-scale projects are underway in the greater eThekwini region and the impact of the partnerships that have been formed to spearhead these developments is tangible. These catalytic projects are making a regional impact, providing much stimulus to the economy as well as providing employment, opportunities and potential revenue creation.   Current catalytic projects underway include Westown, Dube TradeZone 2, Giba Business Estate, Club Med Tinley, Sibaya Coastal Precinct, the Avoca Node Development and Durban Film Studio, amongst others.   Giba Business Estate The R1.9 billion Giba Business Estate developer, Sultex Holdings is a group of local Durban businesspersons who are collectively undertaking this prestigious project. Sultex Holdings is a black-owned company with a level one BBBEE score.   The company has employed a professional team, led by Nathoo Mbeyane Engineers and Re-Invent Property Development Managers, which led to the successful commencement of this project.   The project seeks to rejuvenate and further develop Giba Business Park, supporting the eco-tourism aspect of Giba Gorge, whilst having a massive social impact on the local informal community. These impacts support both the job market, whilst increasing business opportunities for light commercial, logistics, and warehousing in Durban.   This estate provides a safe and secure environment, complete with modern infrastructure, to elevate your business to the next level of success.   Dube TradeZone 2 Dube TradeZone 2 has, to date, attracted R1.8-billion in private-sector investment and this phase is expected to create 600 jobs within the next five years.  Four of these investors have begun constructing their facilities.   Dube TradeZone 2 will target investors in the manufacturing and assembly, logistics and automotive sectors while facilitating the planned expansion of a number of phase one-based enterprises.   The launch of the second phase of the TradeZone follows the successful implementation of Dube TradeZone 1, which is fully tenanted by 50 investors, including international companies such as Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife.   Dube TradeZone 2, opens an additional 45 hectares of industrial land for development and brings to market another 23 fully serviced sites which range in size. Dube TradeZone 2 will include three Dube TradePort owned warehouses, one of which will accommodate medium-sized businesses enabling the expansion of small businesses located in the mini-factories.   Westown Led by the Fundamentum Property Group, which acquired the development rights from Tongaat Hulett Property, Westown is one of the biggest infrastructural investments in Durban since the Soccer World Cup in 2010.   Westown has the support of all three spheres of government, and all departments within the eThekwini Municipality, as well as the local Chief, Indunas and councillors. It is working with local businesses and stakeholders such as the Durban Shongweni Club and Polo Club, The Mushroom Farm, and Shongweni Farmer’s Market to ensure these critical assets continue to thrive.   Westown is set to generate some R15 billion in investment over the next 10 -15 years, both in infrastructure and top structures, The opening of Westown Square and The Barn In March 2025, will bring to the region high-street shopping with dining, leisure and recreation experiences which also offer much opportunity to the business sector.   Avoca Node Development The Avoca Nodal Development consists of three precincts ideally located along the N2 Corridor. These precincts are the Brickworks and Northfields industrial developments and the Caneridge residential development.   The launch of the new state-of-the-art distribution centre for Takealot in Avoca will impact the province in a positive way and create thousands of jobs. The centre, which is located within The Brickworks, a 157-hectare business and logistics park, is being developed by Investec Property at the region’s old Corobrik factory site.   The construction of the Takealot Distribution Centre is planned for completion in July, with operations commencing by October this year.   Durban Film Studio Construction has finally commenced on the Durban Film Studio, which is a private sector led project with an estimated investment value of over R7.5 billion. The Natal Command site, which is set to transform the face of the Durban beachfront promenade, will boast high-end venues including hotels, flats, restaurants and a shopping centre. The development of the site is expected to create thousands of jobs during the construction phase, with a few thousand remaining once the businesses become operational.   With these ongoing developments, Durban and by extension KwaZulu-Natal are solidifying their status as Africa’s investment destination, poised for sustained growth and providing much opportunity.   Club Med Tinley Club Med Tinley is proudly being developed by KZN company Collins Residential, with the French headquartered Club Med taking the helm as hotel operators.   Olivier Perillat, general manager of Club Med SA, said the R2bn resort project, which is due to open in July 2026, would be a force for regional growth.   Club Med Tinley is expected to generate over 800 direct jobs and an additional 1 500 indirect jobs, stimulating the local economy and empowering individuals and families with new opportunities. During its construction phase, the project will also employ 1 200 construction workers, providing a significant boost to the job market.   In addition, the resort will further promote tourism on the KZN north coast potentially prompting more international investment to the province.   For more information on these projects and the potential opportunities available for retailers and other business operators in some of the projects, please contact Invest Durban.   Invest Durban was recommended by the Durban City Council and organised private business as the First Stop Shop to stimulate new investment in the Durban metropolis. They act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, and aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.   www.invest.durban

The conditions were near-perfect as some 172 swimmers competed in the 1 Mile, 4 Mile, and 8 Mile events at the Oceans 8 Charity Swim which took place at Durban Undersea Club on 15 and 16 June. This annual fundraiser saw more than R800k raised for 14 local charities – with donations still coming in.   This year, the swimmers competed across a new route which went over the end of Vetch’s Reef, giving participants a clear view of the marine life. In addition to its charitable drive, the event also focuses on sustainability, with no evidence left on the beach that the event took place. Swimmers were provided with reusable water bottles, water-on-tap, and minimum packaging, with the crews from Adopt-a-River on site to sort all waste into compostable, recyclable, and saleable.   Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss, said it took a lot of collaboration to make the event a success: “We’d like to extend our appreciation to everyone involved in making the Oceans 8 Charity Swim such a huge success, as well as sending our congratulations to all the top achievers and to those who were competing in their first-ever ocean swimming event.   She said the Durban Undersea Club was packed with swimmers, spectators, sponsors, and vendors – all part of the community supporting the various causes: “We had whole families participating, with parents doing the 8 Mile and children doing the 4 Mile or 1 Mile events. We also welcomed donations, in one way or another, from 58 companies. We couldn’t have done it without the event sponsors, prize and goodie bag donors, or the swimmers and all their generous donors.”   The Oceans 8 Charity Swim is the country’s first-of-its-kind open water swim, organised exclusively by charities for charities. This swim was started by founding charities, Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust, the National Sea Rescue Institute, Project Rhino, and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education to provide a sustainable flow of funding to 14 charities with a footprint in KZN. The 8 Mile swimmers raised funds for the founding charities and the funds from the 1 Mile and 4 Mile events were shared by the 10 invitational charities.   These include Adopt-a-River, Caversham Education Institute, CROW - The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa, International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa, Kerr House, Liberty NPO, One Planet S.A., Wildlife ACT and Umduduzi - Hospice Care for Children.   Watch out for next year’s Oceans 8 Charity Swim by visiting www.oceans8swim.co.za or following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.