Owner, Maraschino Marketing Collective Mandy Rootman is the owner of Maraschino Marketing Collective, based in Ballito, KZN. Maraschino offers comprehensive marketing services including the likes of strategic marketing planning, brand development, social media, graphic design, photographic and video services, and website creation among others. “My journey in the realm of marketing, being entrusted with the needs of various businesses, has been one of continuous adaptation and growth,” says Mandy. Maraschino has over the last 29 years, grown its client base across the country, across all industries. Beyond business, Mandy is a dedicated wife, mother, and ‘glammy’ to four cherished grandchildren. Achieving within community “In order to truly achieve, one has to understand and know your environment,” says Mandy. She believes that what they have achieved, has not been achieved alone, but as part of an incredible network of people and individuals. She and her team focus on goals that extend beyond their business to encompass that of clients and communities within their local spheres. Their concerted efforts kindle a spirit of participation for initiatives, events, fundraisers, and more, fostering symbiotic relationships that uplift both business and community alike. One such initiative was born when the Covid pandemic hit in 2020 where Mandy together with a friend, were facing their own business setbacks. However, armed with a media license, they joined forces with family and friends to create “The Vuvuzela”, where they crafted a website, established social media channels, and collaborated with local businesses in need. They captured 5 to 10-minute video clips showcasing resilience amidst challenges, while also spotlighting charities, food drives, and community initiatives that sought assistance. These clips, shot for free and placed online, totaling around 150 in over 18 months, not only gained traction locally but resonated worldwide, offering invaluable support. Expanding their efforts, they introduced Ballito TV, featuring live morning shows via their website and YouTube, spotlighting their region, businesses, and community projects. Most of this endeavour was self-funded, bolstered by the support of local business allies who recognised their dedication to their community and beyond. Amid the KZN riots, they rallied support for those safeguarding their neighbourhoods. Utilising restaurants that couldn’t operate, soup and food stations were set up, necessary resources secured, and sponsorship garnered from their nationwide network. This backing enabled them to extend their aid; providing sustenance to struggling families and organising drives for essential products. Mandy is very involved in her wider community, and using combined networks, her business assists where needed. “My motivation has always been to live each day to its full potential,” she says. Taking action Mandy attributes where she is today, to her unwavering passion, resolute determination and being able to pivot quickly regardless of the situation. “No” is not an option in her vocabulary; she actively seeks solutions instead of dwelling on challenges or their potential negativity. Her approach is to immerse herself in the company of kindred spirits, individuals who mirror her mindset – authentic, action-driven, and true to their word. Mandy says, “I admire those who don’t merely observe but step up to the plate, refusing to be bystanders – these are the people who inspire and motivate me.” On a personal level, her husband’s strength and drive to survive at all costs, through eight major surgeries over a six -year cancer journey, inspires her daily to be the best version of herself and to use every moment to make a difference and to pass it forward in some way or another. In the early stages of her business, Mandy found that the main challenge was educating people about the importance of marketing for business growth. The emergence of social media added a new challenge, as businesses initially saw it as a personal tool, not a business asset, leading to a lack of engagement with their target audience. Return on investment (ROI) was often prioritised over branding and exposure. Overcoming these challenges involved effective communication about the significance of marketing, demonstrating tangible ROI results, staying ahead of industry trends, and positioning the business for sustainable growth in the changing marketing landscape. Another challenge experienced amid the turbulence of Covid was that most businesses curtailed marketing due to financial constraints. Despite financial strains, Maraschino continued refining clients’ marketing strategies without charge. Remarkably, every client re-engaged as full-paying customers once restrictions eased. Maraschino itself took a hit as the majority of their clients operated in the hospitality and lifestyle sectors. However, since then, they have cultivated a robust client base spanning various industry, securing greater financial stability for the business. Looking to the future Mandy is passionate about serving local and national small to medium businesses because when growing them, she essentially grows herself. Her goal is to broaden their client base to have a global footprint while evolving to where the business operates seamlessly without her constant engagement. The Maraschino team currently boasts six young women, who are making their mark on life and in their chosen careers. Her advice has consistently revolved around embracing one’s authentic self, pursuing passions and aspirations, and not allowing anyone to deter them from turning their passions into profitable ventures. Mandy actively encourages young women to explore diverse avenues of income beyond their routine work commitments. This empowers them to potentially generate supplementary income from alternative endeavours, ensuring that if one opportunity closes, another is always waiting to be seized. Relaxing and unwinding To relax, Mandy loves spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. She and her husband also grab every opportunity to get away for a long weekend and explore beautiful places.

Founder and Director Inspired Financial Management Solutions Kashnee Sewnarain is a qualified chartered accountant who holds substantial professional experience in public sector financial management and capacity building. She founded Inspired Financial Management Solutions which employs 11 individuals, eight of whom are women, in a space of five years. The company focuses on improving skills and capacity building for government organisations in budgeting, accounting, financial statements preparation, systems implementation, and financial management. They have been operating for five years and have a client base comprising a number of government organisations across the country. She believes that this growth has been achieved by producing the best quality of work for her clients, and with the utmost integrity and ethics as the core foundation to the business. Study accountancy “My journey was actually surprising,” said Kashnee. “I really didn’t know what I wanted to study when I was in school. My accounting teacher suggested that I study accountancy, which I thought was a boring book kind of job. However, based on my parents’ insistence, I continued with a chartered accountancy degree.” Kashnee commenced her studies with a loan from the bank, where repayments were required once she completed her degree. She attempted to study honours part time whilst working and found it really difficult to balance by work commitments with her studies, and eventually gave up on this. A few years later, after much effort, Kashnee’s former boss convinced her to return to her studies. This meant that she needed to redo her third-year studies again, as her degree was more than three years old, and two additional years of studying toward Honours (CTA), as Unisa did not offer the one-year honours programme as a part time option. Kashnee commenced studying again at the age of 32, newly married, and possibly the oldest student in her class. She qualified as a chartered accountant at the age of 36. Kashnee believes that there are many people in her life that God has placed in her path, who have had a positive impact in her career, which she is grateful for. “My foundation comes from my parents. My mom has been an amazing role model to me. She’s always encouraged and believed in me that I could do anything that I put my heart and soul into.” “My dad has been my sounding board. He’s actually my biggest critic, which has made me stronger because he always questions my decisions and makes me consider the pros and cons. He’s been an amazing support to me.” Her husband has also been her biggest supporter and had resigned from his job to support her in achieving her goals and building the business together. She indicated that she would not be able to do what she does, without his incredible support and understanding. One client at a time Her vision is to drive positive change in the public sector one client at a time. “I believe in training and capacity building and enabling officials to do the job right the first time. I’m not a person that would want to do the job for somebody else, but rather show them how to do it themselves.” She strongly believes in the ‘good’ in government, which is often unseen. “There are many government officials I work with on a daily basis that really want to see the difference in government.” She indicated that there is much need to maximise on this by equipping and supporting these individuals to be the best that they can be. Since its establishment, the company has trained approximately 400 government officials to be able to do their job better, with great success in being able to successfully perform their functions with minimal support. Kashnee added, “We also play a strong role in terms of aligning budgets to the Integrated Development Plans, which enhances that service delivery is achieved in communities. The value for money that we bring is that we help municipalities bring value to the communities.” As an individual, Kashnee voluntarily serves on the Eastern Region SAICA Public Sector Committee. In her role, she focuses on change management, building capacity and knowledge in the public sector and offers capacity building and training workshops for government officials at no cost to strengthen their knowledge around key technical issues. A previous director of KZN Provincial Treasury, she has a proven track record of assisting in improving audit opinions in the public sector and has been instrumental in leading financial management reforms within the province. She further led the implementation of municipal systems reform in KZN, which impacted on financial management processes for municipalities. Level of expectations Being a business that operates in the space of government, it has been challenging at times to be appointed to undertake work, based on merit. However, Kashnee believes that the knowledge and skills that the company possesses has held them strongly in this regard, whilst being resilient in their beliefs of integrity and ethics. Her future goal is to continue to bring change to the public sector through capacity building and training. A question that Kashnee often asks her clients is: ‘What is the legacy that you want to leave behind?’. Her advice to young women is “No matter what you choose to do, you need to work out what is the legacy you want to leave behind and work towards it. Give it everything you’ve got. You are never too old to study and reach your dreams.” Share knowledge Relaxing and unwinding is difficult when you run a business. When Kashnee has the opportunity, she spends time relaxing on weekends. She enjoys spending time with family and says, “I have three beautiful dogs; they give me a lot of relaxation to take my mind off things.” In conclusion, being part of KZN Top Business Women means that Kashnee has an opportunity to: “Share my knowledge, share what I’ve achieved and to inspire young people that they can do anything that they put their mind to.”

While most workspaces will never experience a fire, even a small fire has the possibility of getting out of hand very quickly and could easily turn into an emergency. The last thing you want is the wrong fire equipment, equipment that is not in proper working order, or worried employees who have no fire safety plan to follow. As a business owner in South Africa, you’re legally obliged to provide a safe workplace for all your employees, which includes the provision of firefighting equipment and safety rules to ensure the ongoing protection of your employees. In order to assess your workplace readiness for a fire, the following questions are a good place to start: Have you had a fire safety inspection at your premises? When last was your fire equipment checked and tested? Who is trained to use this equipment? Is your electrical wiring, equipment or appliances in good condition? Do you have an approved evacuation scheme? What are the latest fire regulations? If you are unsure of any of these answers or you have neglected your workplace fire safety, now is the time to get fire safe. Regular fire safety inspections provide business owners, employees, and customers peace of mind that the workplace is safe and that all necessary measures are in place to minimise any risks of damage or harm. They also identify areas where businesses can improve their fire safety measures to create a safer environment. There are possibly specific fire safety requirements for different areas of your workplace. Knowing that you have the correct fire equipment at the ready for a fire in those varying locations is critical. These inspections may also recommend additional equipment or procedures to enhance safety, such as adding smoke detectors or improving evacuation routes. The following important points should be included in a fire inspection: Floor plan diagrams Emergency fire equipment Fire exit doors Fire hose reels Fire extinguishers Fire blankets Fire hydrants No two companies are the same and each company will have to develop their own individual checklists to ensure all the objectives are met. It is important that all the risks are identified and that high-risk areas such as flammable liquid stores, waste collection areas and hot work activities receive special attention. In addition, suitable employees need to be appointed to act as fire fighters in the workplace. They will be responsible for performing basic firefighting functions in the event of a fire emergency occurring. Employees must be instructed on how to use firefighting equipment and be given clear guidelines regarding fire precaution. Furthermore, the following safety measures are required: Notices on fire safety and procedures must be displayed clearly in the event of a fire on site. Regular fire drills must be conducted to ensure that employees know how to react and where to go in the shortest time possible in case of a fire. Employees must know how to notify emergency services. Employees must have a basic understanding of how to contain the fire (such as knowing to keep doors and windows closed as far as possible. To make sure you have done all you can to ensure your workplace is as fire safe as possible, usually means calling on an experienced and professional team that you can trust. Spot-On Fire Controls (Pty) Ltd is a Level 1 BBBEE fire protection company servicing businesses in KwaZulu-Natal. The company has 33 years of credible experience in fire protection services. Its expertise includes all aspects of fire protection as well as provides firefighting training, which provides their clients with peace[1]of-mind knowing that their assets are covered. For more information contact: Lungani Nene T: +27 (0)73 388 8247 E: info@spotonfirecontrols.co.za W: www.spotonfirecontrols.co.za

The manufacturing, retail, financial services, communications, mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors are key contributors to South Africa’s gross domestic product both in terms of economic output and as employers. In today’s dynamic business landscape, where leadership and organisational transformation are crucial for success, conducting thorough employment and supplier background checks plays a pivotal role, says Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director of SearchWorks, an innovative data platform that allows users to conduct live, accurate searches on individuals and companies and in-depth know your client checks online. In high-value segments of the economy, it’s clear why each sector becomes a target for various forms of malfeasance – ranging from deceptive suppliers and tender fraud to dubious job applicants. Background checks reduce a company’s risk for reputational damage and criminal activities such as fraud and theft. They can also verify information on an applicant’s resume and assist HR professionals in determining whether an individual is the right fit for the job. HR professionals recognise the significance of these checks in not only verifying job candidates’ credentials but also in identifying potential risks that could hinder leadership development and transformational initiatives. Finding and managing talent for an organisation is a responsibility that is both time and resource-intensive. Making a poor hiring decision is more than a costly mistake. It results in lost time and expenses due to the need to recruit and train another candidate and has the unintended consequence of dampening employee morale and productivity. And the more senior the position, the higher the stakes become. When health and safety regulations require an individual to have specific qualifications to access a workplace, embellishing or falsifying information is not a white lie, but a significant risk. In leadership positions, the responsibility and duty of care are magnified. Leaders are accountable for the well-being of their employees, the satisfaction of their customers, and the impact of their organisation on society at large. Trust is critical in the employment relationship, irrespective of the seniority of the position in question. Employers need to be able to trust their people to do their jobs and to treat colleagues and customers with respect while representing their brand with dignity. But how does an employer screen the integrity and reliability of a potential candidate? And how in-depth should this kind of screening be? For dedicated HR professionals, background checks are a critical part of the hiring process. Fortunately, it’s no longer necessary to manually check every fact or qualification. All it takes to run a thorough background check on any individual is a few clicks. The results empower HR professionals to make well-informed hiring decisions and allow them to focus on growing the business, building positive relationships with employees and making them feel valued. The people hired within a business are a direct reflection of the organisation. They are a brand’s ambassadors, and they show customers, partners, and clients what a business stands for. Therefore, background checks ensure that a business hires people who can uphold an organisation’s values and expectations. Here, social media screening is a critical component of a thorough background check and can give insights into characteristics such as the individual’s work ethic, personal values, and beliefs. It can also identify key risk areas based on content, such as racism, homophobia, hate speech, illegal activities, disclosure of confidential information and dishonesty. At a broader level, robust and ethical leadership is vital if South Africa wants to improve its economic position. To achieve this, it’s necessary to strengthen good governance practices. Complete and accurate information enables better, more transparent decision-making, which in turn can create greater trust between organisations and their stakeholders. Preventing and mitigating irregularities, fraud, and corruption through due diligence at all levels of a business can free organisations, enabling them to enhance their products and services, foster growth, and make a positive impact on South Africa’s economy as a whole. By leveraging SearchWorks, HR professionals can make well-informed hiring decisions that align with their organisation’s values and expectations, propelling leadership transformation and ensuring a trustworthy work environment. Through diligent background checks, companies can effectively mitigate risks, safeguard their reputation, and drive successful leadership and organisational transformation endeavours. T: +27 (0)86 034 0000 E: info@searchworks.co.za W: www.searchworks.co.za

Industrial Relations Manager for LabourNet Liesl Phillips, the industrial relations manager for LabourNet has had 13 years of experience in industrial relations. As compliance partners to businesses. Liesl assists Labournet’s clients to resolve their labour related matters. The company’s national footprint means that they are able to service clients anywhere in South Africa. She says that she has had the privilege of managing the KZN Industrial Relations team for the past five years. Liesl commented, “The people aspect of the business is something that I’m really passionate about as I believe in empowering people to reach their full potential.” Building blocks to success Hard work, having the right attitude and doing the right thing consistently over time, are said Liesl, the three things that have been the building blocks to her success. “There’s that very famous saying that nothing in life comes easy. And if it were easy, everyone would do it,” she added. Thirteen years ago and straight out of university, her working career started with LabourNet. Liesl then relocated and for a short period left LabourNet. However, she added, “I love the brand so much that I ended up coming back and was subsequently promoted to industrial relations manager five years ago, and I’ve really been enjoying my role.” An effective and productive leader Liesl is proud to be an effective and productive leader and this success she believes is achieved through her people skills. Liesl believes that it is important to empower people and continuously identify successors to ensure the sustainability of the business. She has done this by applying the leadership principles of servant leadership ensuring that she manages people individually based on their specific needs. “Firstly, when I ask my team members how they are doing, I really care about the answer. Secondly, I trust my team and this to me is crucial in business. Providing support and frameworks is absolutely necessary but what is more important is to provide people with the freedom to make their own decisions and take accountability for their business.” “I also actively focus on the growth of our business, and I am quite passionate about obtaining new business, which provides my team and I the opportunity to solve their problems and add value at a high level. I successfully led my team throughout the Covid 19 pandemic and proud to say that we managed to support our clients full time as well as pay full salaries to our staff.” Be a cheerleader Throughout her career Liesl has been inspired and motivated by multiple individuals and has had the privilege of working with some amazing mentors. She explained that challenges are something that we all face. For the longest time Liesl thought that she needed external validation to really believe in her own thoughts and initiatives. However, with the guidance of mentors and of cause some maturity, she started to realise that she needed to be her own cheerleader. She added, “I only need one vote and that was my own. The only person standing between you and your goals, is YOU.” Focus on your mindset Her advice to young women today is to focus on your mindset. “You can’t expect the A plus performance with a B minus mindset,” says Liesl. “We live in a world of information, with so many platforms to gain knowledge and inspiration. We shouldn’t wait for something or someone to make you great. Whether you enjoy reading business books, listening to podcasts, or watching TedTalk videos. Just do it! That is completely in your hands.” An infinite game “My future goals are to always play an infinite game, meaning that there’s no finish line. So, to continue to grow year on year,” said Liesl. “I’m also in the process of acquiring my business coach qualification. I think if in today’s time if you are not upskilling yourself or researching how to deal with a diverse workforce or with the upcoming Gen Z and millennials, you’re setting yourself up for failure.” Liesl is determined to always be driven by being passionate about her position, irrespective of the title or the position she holds. “I think passion is the driving force to really make a difference in people’s lives. People don’t remember the bad days or the challenges they faced. They remember the leader and the mentor at the time and how that person actually made them feel.” To relax and unwind Commenting on creating balance in her life, Liesl says, “I’m very much of an extrovert and a social butterfly, so I enjoy just spending time with some friends and having a glass of wine. I enjoy outdoors, so my husband and I love going for hikes. We love spending weekends away and doing some adventurous things.” In conclusion, Liesl said that being part of the KZN Top Business Women initiative has been very refreshing and it is an honour to be part of such a well organised event. “I think, if this story lands on one lady’s ears and I could motivate and leave her with something inspirational, then I feel that I’ve won something.”

CEO: The Gold Bar, Sensational Hair Salon, Designer Prints, Specialised Accounting, Ballito Seafood Sholain Perumal is a CEO by trade and philanthropist by heart. Her journey began with The Gold Bar, a gold recycling company, known as a company with a heart. With five stores across the country, the company purchases unwanted gold jewellery from the public and recycles it into gold bars that reinvigorate the economy. Sholain owns two hair salons which are located in Umhlanga Rocks on Chartwell Drive and in Cornubia Mall. Under the banner of “Sensational Hair, Nails, and Beauty,” these salons are your ‘ultimate happy place’. The salons offer hair, nails and beauty treatments under one roof and aim to make you feel at home. “It’s just a place to destress and get away from the stresses of the world,” said Sholain. Her entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. Designer Prints, a graphic design and print company based in Mount Edgecombe, and Specialized Accounting, an accounting and taxation company, highlight her versatility as an entrepreneur. Sholain’s passion for diversification led her to launch Ballito Seafoods in Odyssey Mall. However, her proudest creation is The Now You Can Foundation which supports a variety of initiatives, from providing grocery hampers, to motivational talks in schools, and care packs for abused women and children. With determination Sholain’s journey to success began with humble roots. After matriculating without the funds to pursue further education, she started working as a cashier in a supermarket. Sholain ensured that every job she had was a steppingstone that would eventually bring her to this point in her career. “It’s been a long, tough road to be where I am,” said Sholain. “But with determination and a never give up attitude, hard work and persistence. I finally achieved where I want to be. I just never gave up on my dreams and I wanted to make sure I achieved what I set out to achieve.” Being a woman in the male-dominated industry of gold recycling presented Sholain with many challenges. “I felt like I had to prove myself, and that’s exactly what I did,” she reflects. “I turned the negativity directed at me as a woman, into building blocks, creating a solid foundation for my businesses and personal growth.” Running multiple businesses has its unique set of challenges, from managing cash flow to handling staff issues. The journey has been punctuated by external hurdles like riots, floods, and the global pandemic. Sholain’s invaluable lesson is that one is not born with all the answers; adaptation and constant learning are essential to survival. “In order to survive, you have to continuously be learning and adapting to the new circumstances and the new challenges thrown at you every single day. And you have to work through it,” she says. Much of her motivation has come from the fact that she is a strong supporter of women’s equality and empowerment. In addition, says Sholain, ‘I’ve always been somewhat rebellious growing up in the sense that I wanted to prove that I could do what people said I couldn’t, and I wanted to break societal norms. I’ve come from a humble background and an Indian community. We had set rules and I was determined to break those norms, and that’s exactly what I did.” Inspired by mentors However, said Sholain she has been very blessed to have mentors along the way that have guided her. As such she has been able to use her passion for empowerment and change to motivate herself and push through despite all the challenges she faced. Wayne Duncan, her previous employer, played a pivotal role in Sholain’s journey. He saw potential in her and often pushed her beyond her limits. “He made me cry more than once,” Sholain chuckles. “But every lesson he taught me is still instilled in me. It’s those life lessons that continue to guide my teaching and influence my mentorship of others.” She added that her parents have been an instrumental part of who she is. The values that they instilled in her as she was growing up have pushed her to where she is and enabled her to conduct business the way she does. “I have to give them credit for the woman that I am today, without them, I probably might not be here,” she said. Her goals for the future are to build an empire and leave a legacy of empowerment. So basically, says Sholain, she wants to create more leaders. Through her businesses people are offered employment and an opportunity to learn from her, to study, and to grow within the organisation. Sholain believes that she can change the world with one act of kindness at a time. That, she says, will just snowball into an effect where everybody’s making one small difference in the world and that combined together will make a bigger change. Anything is achievable In advising young women, Sholain has simple but powerful words: “Don’t overthink it. You’ll never have all your ducks in a row.” She adds, “The biggest step is the first step you take and that’s making the decision to start and after that everything flows. But you may not get it right the first time.” She emphasizes that, “Failure is not the end but an opportunity to begin anew.” With determination and focus, anything is achievable. Despite her hectic life, Sholain recognises the importance of balance and the need to disconnect from the demands of her businesses. She loves travel and a yearly international trip serves as her much needed “me time” making all the hard work throughout the year worthwhile. Sholain’s involvement in the KZN Top Business Women is a source of pride for her. It not only provides exposure for her businesses but also aligns with her mission of women supporting each other. The initiative offers a platform for like-minded women to connect, share experiences, and motivate one another to overcome challenges and reach new heights.

Icebolethu Foundation, a leading advocate for community welfare and social responsibility, is pleased to announce a significant charitable initiative that exemplifies the spirit of giving back. On Thursday, 19 October 2023, in a heartwarming gesture of generosity, the organisation handed over a spacious, fully furnished three-bedroom house to a less fortunate family in need of a stable and secure home, in Pietermaritzburg. This compassionate act reflects Icebolethu Foundation’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those facing housing challenges, especially amidst the current climate of economic uncertainty. The donated house is a symbol of hope and a fresh start for a deserving family. Icebolethu Foundation believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable living environment. This donation is not just about providing shelter but also empowering a family to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The selected family has experienced significant hardships and will now have the opportunity for a brighter future. The house donation is part of Icebolethu Foundation’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community and addressing pressing social issues. It underscores the belief that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change and inspire others to support the less fortunate. Icebolethu Foundation’s Chairperson, Nomfundo Mcoyi expressed her excitement and pride in being able to make a difference in someone’s life. She stated, “We believe that providing a secure and nurturing environment is the foundation for personal growth and success. This donation is a testament to our organisation’s values and our dedication to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.” Icebolethu Foundation was founded in 2015 with the aim of uplifting, empowering and facilitating change by developing sustainable solutions for the youth and the elderly. They are a Black empowerment organisation driven by African values and they celebrate our country’s diversity and cultural wisdom. Their key focus area includes education, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and supporting sustainable living for the elderly. To read more about Icebolethu Foundation; www.icebolethugroup.co.za/foundation

Jacquie Bhana is currently contracted as a coach for the Beier Group’s bursary students. Beier has a well-established bursary programme for school going learners, students that attend university and actually for students inside the organisation. Jacquie commented, “It has been a privilege working with the Beier Group due to the absolute heart, passion and authenticity with which they treat this bursary programme. The bursary programme benefits a lot of bright minds, who are ambitious and want a better role, a better job, and greater mobility.” The bursary programme recipients range from the chief financial officer, who attended Harvard earlier this year on an executive programme, through to candidates who are at university and technicians studying apprenticeship type programmes. Jacquie coaches all of these candidates to deal with issues that come up in the lives such as career counselling, life coaching as well as high performance management and leadership coaching. She commented, “What I love about this programme is that I have the opportunity to help many of these students to develop life skills, and to build confidence to operate in the world of work. It’s amazing how they open up to an objective outside coach and they’ll reveal a lot of what their needs are. I provide an absolutely safe space for them to talk. They find that they can open up about a number of issues. What I’ve found is that there is great need to sometimes talk about some of the mental health issues as well as home relationships with family. One of the biggest needs for the external students is to have a job at the end of their studies. However, most of the students are successful because Beier recruits the best students from the most needy communities.” The Beier Group coaching programme is facilitated by Jacquie Bhana; Beier Chief Operations Officer, Warren Sachs; Beier Group Human Resources Director Rajen Reddy; and Group Human Resources Manager, Beverley Palmer.

In a rapidly globalising world, technology continuously redefines our existence—how we communicate, work, and crucially, how we ensure safety. South Africa, a land known for its diverse landscapes and cultures, is now forging its identity on the cutting edge of security technology. At the forefront of this revolution stands Mi7 National Group , championing innovations that safeguard both our assets and our shared future. While our country’s heritage is deeply rooted in community and connectivity, the modern era demands that we harness the power of technology to fortify these bonds. The age-old saying, ‘it takes a village’, still holds weight, but our contemporary village now brims with digital innovations. Drones circling overhead, advanced AI surveillance pinpointing discrepancies, and biometric systems ensuring authentic access—all are becoming a standard part of South Africa’s security tapestry. At Mi7 National Group, we’re not just passive observers of this evolution. We are pioneers, actively carving a new path. Our passion drives us beyond mere implementation—we strive for innovation. One standout example is our newly developed Advanced Surveillance Interface (ASI). This cutting-edge system seamlessly integrates AI algorithms with on-the-ground surveillance, ensuring rapid responses to threats, thus minimising risks and maximising safety. Yet, technological advances do not diminish the value of human touch; rather, they enhance it. Picture this: a local shop owner anywhere in the country can now link his CCTV feed directly to our ASI system. Upon detecting a potential threat, the system not only alerts our on-ground team but also uses predictive analysis to forecast the threat’s next move, ensuring proactive rather than reactive responses. This synergy between tech and human intervention illustrates our ethos: technology empowers, but human spirit ensures. South Africa’s unique challenges necessitate bespoke solutions. Our landscape is marked by both sprawling urban centers and remote, hard-to-access regions. Standardised security solutions, dominant in many western nations, fall short here. Recognising this, Mi7 National Group has ventured into drone surveillance, especially in regions where immediate on-ground intervention is challenging. Our fleet of security drones acts as the first line of defense, offering a birds-eye view, night vision capabilities, and real-time data streaming to our central command units. However, as with all revolutions, challenges abound. South Africa’s technological infrastructure varies widely, with some regions boasting world-class connectivity and others struggling with basic access. Our commitment? To bridge this digital divide. Mi7 National Group has invested heavily in ensuring our technology remains adaptable and versatile, able to function optimally regardless of the region’s infrastructural prowess. As we usher in an era where digital and physical realms intertwine intimately, our mission at Mi7 National Group is steadfast: to pioneer security solutions that resonate with South Africa’s unique rhythm. We aim to seamlessly blend the warmth of our communities with the sharp precision of cutting-edge technology. And as we embark on this journey, we extend an invitation to every South African business and individual: join us, and together, let’s craft a safer, more connected tomorrow. T: +27 (0)33 814 2250 E: info@mi7nationalgroup.co.za W: www.mi7national.co.za

Mbasane Women in IT is an ICT organisation focused on upskilling and empowering unemployed female ICT graduates with digital and technical skills. Our aim is to help female ICT graduates grow confidence in themselves and their abilities, so that they are more employable, or are able to start their own businesses. Our purpose is to ensure they develop ICT skills to be capable in their roles in the industry, and to be able to compete globally. Our development process includes critical-soft-skills to help ensure we develop well-rounded individuals beyond their ICT capabilities. We also understand South African and global economic landscape challenges which pose a threat in securing jobs for all. Therefore, we also provide basic business skills to help expand the horizons of female ICT graduates. This ensures that even those aspiring to be entrepreneurs acquire suitable supporting business skills. Our hope is that our supportive development processes help all unemployed ICT female graduates participate in the South African mainstream economy. Mbasane Women in IT provides these services in collaboration with ICT industry players that offer core ICT skills, industry bodies that endorse compliance and governance, and supporting organisations whose goals are aligned with ours. Our ultimate goal is to impart skills and knowledge, to help build a hub of highly skilled ICT women, and to support their meaningful contribution within the economy. Read full article below:

Mental Health in the workplace When we talk about mental health, what does this actually mean? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Did you know that by 2030, 80% of the workforce will be suffering with depression. Mental health is predicted to be the new fourth bottom line. What’s happening in business in this space? While many workers admit that they struggle with their mental health, disclosing mental health disorders to employers is still an issue. Only 25% of managers feel that they had good support in dealing with employee depression. More than one in ten people don’t know how to react or what to say to someone with depression. Of the 80% of employees who have taken time off work because of depression, 32% did not tell their employers the reason was depression. This is not shocking, as most managers don’t feel comfortable talking to their employees about mental health due to the lack of resources and guidance on how to respond. This often leaves employees feeling unsupported and unheard which can exacerbate their mental health challenges. There needs to be a shift in culture around creating safe spaces for dialogue about mental health in the workplace. We need to develop tools and guidance for training and coaching managers through challenging conversations by giving them skills and confidence necessary for cultivating cultures of psychological safety and managing mental wellness. Whilst managers are expected to take responsibility for employee wellbeing, not enough is being done to equip them to deal with this new challenge – on top of all the changing business requirements in a world order that is being rocked by disruptors. Some companies have outsourced mental health service to experts to assist. However, the average use of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Services is as follows: 46% – No not accessed 21% – Yes accessed 33% – I don’t know about my company’s EAP While it is commendable that some action is being taken, recognising that this problem cannot be resolved by delegating it to an outsourced provider is only is not enough. A quiet disengagement from a once active employee cannot go undetected and should be acted upon. There are visible signs of mental health challenges, and even though people try and mask their circumstances, there is a need to listen or tune in carefully for signals: Hear what they say – they could be telling you something; many people are suffering in silence. Loneliness is one of the biggest problems being experienced. Even amid crowded spaces, people can experience severe loneliness. Be aware of the false reassurance of the smile – it could be shrouded in silent struggles. Appearance is less helpful as a diagnostic tool than we have been led to believe. By the time mental health is outwardly obvious it is probably very bad. Some Issues and Solutions In dealing with this new conundrum, there is a role for both the employer and the employee. Companies need strategies and guidelines to assist both parties. Certain workplace factors negatively affect mental health. There are some frightening statistics below: In South Africa one in four employees suffer from depression 30% of UK workers have been diagnosed with mental health conditions at some point, and over 6000 people with long term mental health problems die by suicide. In South Africa this number is about 8000. 80% of employees will come to work despite depression Presenteeism costs South Africa millions per year 75% refuse to get treatment 46% fear discrimination, fear and shame 25% don’t disclose because there is no support or guidance Businesses must do something beyond the obvious to deal with this problem. Work that is stressful, overwhelming, boring or for which employees are overskilled or underskilled work, amongst other issues can contribute to mental health. There needs to be an increased investment in employee mental health through training managers, human resources and clinic staff. Managers need training to listen, show empathy, on how to talk about this problem and more importantly how to take the next step and deal with the problem. A deeper connection and regular check-ins with employees through one-on-one conversations between the manager and colleagues is required. Encouraging people to talk sounds obvious, but if ignored, chronic mental health may be the result. Supporting short term problems to reduce long term effects is better. Educating, supporting and encouraging employees creates awareness of issues of discrimination, stigmatisation, and harassment, and encourages openness in these topics. Appropriate policies may be developed where necessary. New ideas and thoughts are coming to the fore, e.g., LGBTQI – a community that must not be forgotten as we deal with the subject of mental health. Almost half of the trans people have thought about taking their lives and they often experience discrimination by healthcare staff. Creative solutions through robust workplace engagement and participation must be developed. Here are some examples of new jobs being contemplated for the future: Wellbeing directors Sleep coaches Chief of happiness Wellbeing data analysts Smile specialists Virtual and remote wellbeing professionals Wellbeing tech experts Resilience specialists What Can Employees Do? Participate actively in company programmes and contribute to improving programmes Keep active – participate in exercise programmes, and eat well – make it a social event, away from your desk; join a lunch club; share meals. Drink sensibly – disorders such as alcoholism and eating disorders need to be checked. Keep in touch – work in supportive teams, with a mentor or trusted group of colleagues Ask for help Take a break – allow employees to be on break Sleep adequately Do something you’re good at – hobby such as gardening, crosswords, Netflix, cycling, book club, crafts, etc. Accept who you are – self acceptance and self-care are vital, as is mindfulness, meditation and spiritual fulfilment. Care for others – supporting someone if they’re off work and when they return to work. Stay connected and continue to strengthen your relationships Organisations are not only inanimate buildings and machinery, but organisations are made up of people like you and me. We are part of the organisation. We represent them. And we all have a role to play – we could be helping our colleagues without trying too hard. We see them every day. Let’s make more of an effort to really see them, hear them and act on new and innovative solutions. Jacquie has been working with people in business that experience mental health problems through her coaching and mentoring programme. She has done presentations at conferences and has found that there is a strong need for business to engage more robustly on this topic. There are emerging rich and vibrant discussions in this area, especially after Covid and with younger employees. She can be contacted to assist organisations with their managers and employees if there is an identified need. Jacquie Bhana Consulting is a level one BBBEE company. For more information C: +27 83 386 8343 E: info@jacquiebhana.co.za W: www.jacquiebhana.co.za

The votes have been counted and it is now official. The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has once again been crowned as “Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre” at the esteemed 2023 World Travel Awards. This prestigious accolade marks a remarkable milestone for the Durban ICC as it celebrates this remarkable achievement during the 30th-anniversary edition of the World Travel Awards. In the 23-year history of the award category at the World Travel Awards, this marks the 18th occasion that the Durban ICC has been bestowed with this prestigious title, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. The World Travel Awards, known for its tradition of honouring travel excellence and industry leadership, has, for three decades, been recognising organisations that consistently elevate the standards of the global travel and tourism sector. The Durban ICC’s dedication to providing world-class services and facilities for meetings and conferences has made it a natural recipient of this prestigious title. In celebration of this remarkable accomplishment, the World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, hosted at Dubai’s iconic Atlantis The Royal on 15th October, served as the platform to honour this year’s winners. The glamorous event brought together industry leaders and luminaries from across the African and Indian Ocean regions. Speaking at the event, Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lindiwe Rakharebe expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are immensely proud and humbled to be named ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre’ in the 2023 World Travel Awards. This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of our team and our unwavering commitment to providing a world-class platform for meetings and events.” It was also a proud night for the city of Durban, which took top honours in two destination categories, namely “Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination” and “Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination”. The Durban ICC has consistently been a pioneer in the international meetings and events industry in South Africa. It has served as a catalyst for economic growth and a hub for global knowledge exchange. This prestigious recognition by the World Travel Awards underscores its pivotal role in elevating South Africa’s stature in the global travel and tourism landscape. The Durban ICC extends its gratitude to all its clients, partners, board members and stakeholders who have played an integral part in this journey of excellence. The centre remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional services, inspire innovation, and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s meetings and events industry.