Celebratory bubbles cascaded over guests at the first anniversary of the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito, a historical legacy on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Surrounded by luxury five star accommodation facilities, prominent adventure locations, beautiful warm beaches, nature reserves and game parks, the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar was launched in October 2020 by Enterprise iLembe to offer locals and visitors an experiential tourism offering: a combination of “history and wine”. The brand Seventeen87 pays homage to the King of the Zulu Nation, King Shaka who was born in 1787. The tasting room boasts of five different cultivars – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage Rose, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For its role in establishing the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar, Enterprise iLembe received the Small Business Start-up Award at the 2021 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Hybrid Awards this year for turning an idea of the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar into a successful business despite the challenges of the pandemic. Enterprise iLembe’s newly appointed CEO Linda Mncube told guests at the anniversary celebration that the iLembe district had survived more than a year of the coronavirus pandemic and that should also be celebrated. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the operations of the cellar, more than 1750 bottles of wine have been sold and over 1300 tastings have been held since the launch. Mncube said, “The Seventeen87 wine cellar management team has been amazing and has worked hard to present what the tasting room has to offer to its customers. He said potential travellers are urged to explore the exquisite and tranquil KZN North Coast with fun and affordable things to do. “Visitors can explore different traditional cultural experiences, animal and reptile farms, nature reserves, walking paths, beach walks and scuba diving, as well as museums, art galleries and art and craft markets. “It is very important that we have a good and busy December festive season with strict hygiene protocols in place. The KZN North Coast anticipates a bumper summer holiday season with a fun-filled programme of activities that will allow the tourism sector to get back to where they want to be,” he added. Chairperson of the Board, Xolani Gumede, said, “We thank our shareholder, the iLembe District Municipality, for all the support they have given us, as well as other partners and stakeholders, for making this project a success. The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Siduduzo Gumede, congratulated the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar and the Enterprise iLembe team on the one-year anniversary. “Enterprise iLembe is the principal instrument for our municipalities to drive economic development in this District. Therefore, the Agency is expected to play a critical role as we confront the current untenable economic reality in the region. www.enterpriseilembe.co.za

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women 2021 webinars aim to inspire and celebrate the achievements of women in our province. These platforms give the women participating in Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women 2021 an opportunity to be introduced and for them to offer some of their knowledge gleaned from their individual journeys. For those joining us on online, the webinars are an opportunity to learn from potential role models and gain valuable insights to help their personal, career or business growth. The webinars are being facilitated by Marlene Powell who is an award winning ActionCOACH franchisee and an international certified business coach. Participants in the second webinar are: • Louisa Garland: CEO Imperial Armour • Donna Barnard: Business Owner of Greenheart Organics Pty Ltd and Organic Farmer; Greenpeace Activist • Nomfundo Xaba aka Mfundo Dazzling: Radio Host and Development Agent • Fawzia Peer: Ex Deputy Mayor EThekwini • Claudette Sigamoney: Past Vice President and former SMME Forum Chairperson of the Durban Chamber of Commerce • Thandi Ngxongo: Managing Director at BP Garage Moore Road, Entrepreneur • Tracy Harker: Owner Funky Pants • Kim Woods: Managing Partner and Owner of Tyson Properties Durban • Mano Singh: Executive Head: Insurance, Asset Management & Fiduciary at Standard Bank The guest speaker for this webinar is Phumz Mbande: South African Women’s Hockey Goalkeeper and Vice-Captain. Born in Umtata and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, Phumz is the oldest of three children raised by a single parent. She has played hockey since she was 10 years old. Recently Phumz had the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of representing South Africa at the Olympic Games. She was one of team South Africa’s Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony flag bearers. Save your spot https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/event-details/standard-bank-kzn-top-business-women-1

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women 2021 webinars aim to inspire and celebrate the achievements of women in our province. These platforms give the women participating in Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women 2021 an opportunity to be introduced and for them to offer some of their knowledge gleaned from their individual journeys. For those joining us on online, the webinars are an opportunity to learn from potential role models and gain valuable insights to help their personal, career or business growth. The webinars are being facilitated by Marlene Powell who is an award winning ActionCOACH franchisee and an international certified business coach. Participants in the second webinar are: • Louisa Garland: CEO Imperial Armour • Donna Barnard: Business Owner of Greenheart Organics Pty Ltd and Organic Farmer; Greenpeace Activist • Nomfundo Xaba aka Mfundo Dazzling: Radio Host and Development Agent • Fawzia Peer: Ex Deputy Mayor EThekwini • Claudette Sigamoney: Past Vice President and former SMME Forum Chairperson of the Durban Chamber of Commerce • Thandi Ngxongo: Managing Director at BP Garage Moore Road, Entrepreneur • Tracy Harker: Owner Funky Pants • Kim Woods: Managing Partner and Owner of Tyson Properties Durban • Mano Singh: Executive Head: Insurance, Asset Management & Fiduciary at Standard Bank The guest speaker for this webinar is Phumz Mbande: South African Women’s Hockey Goalkeeper and Vice-Captain. Born in Umtata and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, Phumz is the oldest of three children raised by a single parent. She has played hockey since she was 10 years old. Recently Phumz had the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of representing South Africa at the Olympic Games. She was one of team South Africa’s Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony flag bearers. Save your spot https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/event-details/standard-bank-kzn-top-business-women-1 #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

Founder and Owner Funky Pants Tracy Harker says that Funky Pants was not a planned venture, but that she was inspired by her husband to start the business. Funky Pants started nearly 14 years ago when Tracy Harker was organising an Ocean Surf ski Paddling Series in South Africa. Tracy was unhappy with the paddle shorts available, because of the uncomfortable fit. The result of the redesign was a pair of comfy, fully lined mid-thigh length, paddling tights. After a few years, Tracy decided to test the market with some patterned shorts which were a huge success. Tracy’s husband, Billy Harker, took one look at them and exclaimed, Tracy’s Funky Pants! The colourful Funky Pants were the first to market internationally and are now available for many different activities. Tracy and Billy have created an international brand that reflects their sporting lifestyle filled with lots of memories and being happy as a family. Click SAVE YOUR SPOT and be part of Tracy Harker’s inspirational journey.

Managing Director at East Coast Radio (ECR) Boni Mchunu is currently the managing director at East Coast Radio, and she has been with the station for the past eight years. Her business career, Boni said, has “been really a journey”. She joined East Coast Radio from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Tourism Authority and before that she worked for Unilever, South Africa. Boni added that she has always regarded herself as a leader, who is an industry agnostic. She said, “Put me in any business and I will be able to tap in and really immerse myself into understanding that business.” Reflecting on her position at East Coast Radio, Boni commented that it feels like yesterday since she started her radio career. She added, “East Coast Radio is the heartbeat of KZN, and I am a KZN girl. I was born here, I was educated here and it is home. The station is at the heart of absolutely everything that KZN is about, and I just love it.” Self-motivation Self-drive, self-determination, self-awareness and really knowing what it is that she wants to achieve have motivated Boni’s journey. She added that her dad died when she was in her teens, and he really inspired her a lot. “One thing he told me was that I must be careful about the decisions I make about education. And education for me has been at the heart of absolutely everything that I do.” It is therefore unsurprising that Boni is in her final year of completing an MBA. Boni is also inspired by reading about other successful people, such as Steve Jobs, as well as the likes of Mandela. “If you read about the Mandela journey, you really get to understand that nothing is impossible under the sun, if you put your mind to it,” explained Boni. “You must just have discipline to make sure that you achieve whatever you set out to achieve,” she added. There have been many challenges along her journey explained Boni. “I think the very obvious one is being a black young woman in South Africa. There’s always that connotation that, are you here because you are a quota? And I always want to make sure that people know that I’m here because I’m worth it. I’m suitable. I’m qualified, and I can do the job.” The recent past, especially with Covid, has been a huge challenge. “It was my fourth year at East Coast Radio and was probably the first time where we were down double digits versus what we had set ourselves to achieve as a business.” However, said Boni, they learnt that resilience pays off and the station has been able to rebuild and achieve great business results again. As the province has also faced floods and unrest, Boni commented, “One thing that stands out for me about this province is that the people in KZN live by the spirit of ubuntu and that’s why we’ve been able to rebuild.” “Personally,” explained Boni, ‘My future goals are about being the best version of Boni every day. I don’t let failure define me. I remember when I started my MBA journey, there was a time when I was about to give up, but the resilient Boni in me kept me going.” In addition, as Boni is a mother to three children who look up to her, it’s very important for her to take into account the lessons that she is imparting to them. As a leader Boni is very results driven, so she needs to make sure that she delivers. Most importantly, as mentorship has been important to her and she has learnt so much through this journey, she wants to give back meaningfully and sustainably through education. “I know what education has done for me, so it’s one of my legacy things that I want to leave behind,” she says. Boni has identified four girls who she is mentoring. “It really was quite encouraging and satisfying for me to have one of them graduating last year. I’m glad that I could be there to navigate tertiary education with her. It’s really been an amazing four years to see her where she is today. I just think that if every businesswoman could hand hold another woman; just to help them to become a businesswoman, we would have done well.” Be yourself In advising young women, Boni says that it’s important to be yourself, be authentic and work hard. “If you work hard, your work will speak volumes, whether you are present or not, and then life will unfold. Be you, because if you try and be somebody else, I believe that the universe can’t find you, whereas if you are authentically yourself and just work hard, everything else will take care of itself.” One of Boni’s favourite things to do to relax is to run, which is her therapy of choice. She also enjoys spending time with her kids, her husband, and having moments that they can cherish. She added, “I love cooking. I don’t cook every day, but if I do cook, I cook with my kids, especially on weekends. We try different recipes as I have an eye for culinary arts.” Boni says that she believes in looking after yourself. “I believe that if you have self-love then you can extend that love to others. If you don’t love yourself, then it’s hard to give it up. So self-love and time to myself is very important so I can spend time with people, those who are close to me and those whom I work with meaningfully.” Amazing businesswomen “Being part of KZN Top Business Women is great as the initiative is centred around this province. I believe KZN is an amazing destination with amazing businesswomen. Initiatives like this really go a long way in positioning us in this province. We can show other women, especially younger women, that it is possible to take up the space in business,” concluded Boni.

Founder and managing director of Newmella & Associates Wendy Mahoney is the founder and managing director of Newmella & Associates. Newmella was launched over eight years ago with a desire to help people and organisations to access human potential for innovation. Over the years of working with some of Africa’s largest brands, they have refined their approach and created unique programmes that accelerate the self-inclusion and inclusion of others necessary to accelerate sustainable innovation. “That is, innovation able to sustainably solve wicked problems in this rapidly evolving age and add value to the entire ecosystem, ensuring we all thrive in this new age,” explains Wendy. Accessing human potential Wendy’s professional passion for accessing human potential and enabling people to thrive transcends into her personal life. She currently chairs the 30% Club campaign for Business Engage in KwaZulu-Natal, which focuses on driving inclusion within the corporate space. She serves on the National Business Initiative Council for KwaZulu-Natal focused on inclusive growth and on the Tedx Durban, Vega KwaZulu-Natal and Institute of Innovators and Inventors advisory councils. She is a non-executive director for Dare Restoring Worth; an NPC focused on the development of youths in rural areas. Together with Cathie Lewis and David White, Wendy has initiated the Green Lights Sustainability Initiative (GLSI) to help business leaders better understand sustainability as a global dilemma. Wendy has been blessed with an amazing career and in reflecting on what may have motivated her, she would say it was a combination of five aspects. “Resilience in the face of challenge, courage to step into the unknown, desire to give of my best, belief that anything is possible and those who have walked beside me and seen my potential when I did not.” Her last two corporate positions were the sales and marketing director of CNBC and Forbes Africa and the chief revenue office of Trudon owned by Telkom. Wendy commented, “I became a regional executive at 29 and a national executive at 33 and I could attest my success to my experience working for a Dutch media company based in Belgium between the ages of 23 and 25. That experience was a turning point in my life because of the training I received and the belief the company had in me to start managing teams at the age of 24. Knowing how that company’s training changed my life has driven me to impart the same life changing experience to others, allowing them to access their potential as mine was.” Hiroshima moment Wendy commented that her resilience has been both a blessing and a challenge. She has had three burnouts, the first at 25, the second at 31 and the third at 36. She explained, “You see most people stop when they are tired, but I didn’t, because of my resilience I just kept pushing until I fell over. I call my third burnout, my Hiroshima. I literally burnt my life down and was lost for a number of years.” Somehow in the midst of that burnout Newmella was founded and found its way simultaneously to Wendy. “We grew up together. I was very lost after exiting corporate as success had defined me and I didn’t know who I was without my career. I had to acknowledge that three burnouts was indeed a pattern and that I clearly had a lot of inner work to do. I took a sabbatical and lectured innovation at Vega for two years while doing my Masters at Vega in Brand Innovation and researching the language of the mind (NLP) in the United States and Australia, because I wanted to understand what happened to me.” “Why does one wake up one day, have it all and be dissatisfied, burn it all down and walk away. The short answer is that I was sublimating, work and my success is what I used to fill the void of not feeling enough. I started the long process of truly valuing myself, knowing that I was enough without achievements, to learn the dance between surrender and free will, and guiding others on the same journey with my learnings.” Future goals Wendy’s journey to self-inclusion and the role self-inclusion plays in accelerating innovation, has allowed her to learn that you cannot accept another unless you accept yourself. This learning is crucial to accepting the diversity essential for innovation and has driven Wendy to develop a new framework for leaders that can solve the complexity of problems in existence, enabling all to thrive. That, says Wendy, is what her PHD research, which she plans to complete by 2024, aims to provide the world. She is in the process of publishing her first book on leading in this new age and developing a world class learning management system specifically geared for agile leadership. On the personal front, Wendy says, “I am in the process of uniting networks in KZN for the purposes of catalysing hope and inspiring potential. Whatever we focus on we see more of, I believe if we focus people on hope, there will be more to feel hopeful about.” Her advice to young women is that every human was created unique, and that we all have unique God given potential. “Our job is to discover our unique potential and then help others do the same. We don’t have to be anything or anyone else other than who we are and then figure out how to bring that gift to the world.” Wendy added that truly nothing is impossible, when you believe there is a way, there is a strategy, there is a person to support you; nothing truly constrains any of us other than our own minds. Wendy commented that she is passionate about playing a significant role in the community both professionally and personally. She is a professional speaker and moderator and has produced a lot of online content over the years, all geared at inspiring a better way of being and doing, for a better world together. Wendy concluded, “I aim to leave a legacy that will live beyond me that contains a formula for this better way. In all I do I seek to enable and inspire human potential. This is what gives me the greatest joy.”

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, which provides their clients with peace-of-mind knowing that their assets are covered. Managing Director, Lungani Nene’s ensures that personal service is delivered on every task. He says, “The company is small enough to care and big enough to work on large scale projects up to a value of R150 million. We deliver high quality fire protection solutions that are certified, efficient, reliable and backed up by 24 hours after-sales service and support.” Spot-On Fire Controls is South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) approved and complies with South African National Standards (SANS)1475. The specifications laid out in SANS 1475 specifically deal with administrative and technical details and controls relating to portable fire extinguishers, fire extinguishers, hydrants and hoses. Fire equipment is designed to save lives and property, but if installed or maintained incorrectly, lives or property can be at risk. As such any persons working on such equipment must be registered as competent, and in the case of fire extinguishers, the company itself must have a SANS 1475 permit. The company also complies with the South African Qualification & Certification Committee (SAQCC) – Fire Safety certification. SAQCC Fire is a legal entity mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour to certify and ensure that individuals working within this sector have the appropriate competence through training, qualifications, and experience to ensure safety and high standards of excellence within the industry. Spot-On Fire Controls is an approved sub-contractor to Enza Construction ( http://www.enzacon.co.za ) and other leading construction companies. Services The company provides a number of services. These include: The design, installation and commissioning of all new fire protection solutions Scheduled maintenance of all essential service assets to ensure that assets are maintained to all applicable laws and standards. Comprehensive site safety auditing seven days a week, 24 hours on call service with a one-hour response time Monthly servicing of installed items Part of ensuring safety in the workplace is evident in the need to equip workers to be able to prevent and manage fire outbreaks that could lead to damage to company assets, injuries or loss of life. As such, further to its services, SpotOn Fire offers courses in Basic Fire Fighting, First Aid, Health & Safety, and offers incident investigation. Fire Products · Extinguishers · Fittings · Fire Hose Reels · Hoses · Nozzles · Pumps · Rescue Equipment · Alarms · Blankets · Fire Hydrants · Gas Suppression Spot-On Fire’s clients include those that operate in high-risk environments that they deal with diesel, petrol and paraffin. Their mission is to be an effective and seamless value-adding partner to your company. For more information contact Lungani Nene T: +27 (0)73 388 8247 E: info@spotonfirecontrols.co.za W: www.spotonfirecontrols.co.za

KCG achieved a Level 1 Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) with effect from 1 April 2023. This is a significant achievement for the Group and we are rightfully proud to have been recognized for our commitment to excellence in Supply Chain Management. The AEO status is a globally recognized quality mark and certification that demonstrates a company's compliance with international customs standards. It demonstrates that our business’s role in the international supply chain is secure and has customs control procedures that meet AEO standards and criteria. As a Level 1 AEO, KCG has demonstrated that its supply chain management processes are efficient, transparent, and compliant with all relevant worldwide regulations. This accreditation provides significant benefits for our customers. It means that as an AEO, KCG is recognized as a trusted and reliable partner in the supply chain and that our customers can benefit from faster customs clearance times, reduced inspection and lower risk of delays or disruptions to their supply chain.

Cape Town, 26 October 2023 – The South African Chamber of Commerce UK (SACC UK) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Cape Chapter, a pivotal milestone in enhancing economic cooperation and business relations between the United Kingdom and South Africa. The announcement was made today at the distinguished British High Commissioner's residence in Cape Town. The Cape Chapter launch represents a significant step towards fostering innovation, collaboration, and trade partnerships within the Western Cape and beyond. With its vibrant business ecosystem and unique opportunities, the Cape holds immense potential for further enriching the robust UK-South Africa business relations. This launch marks a significant milestone in fostering enhanced bilateral ties. Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The Cape Chapter launch will profoundly enhance UK-South Africa relations by: • Promoting Trade and Partnerships: Facilitating connections, fostering new partnerships, and promoting collaboration to boost economic ties. • Encouraging Investment: Identifying prime investment opportunities and promoting cross-border investments to nurture economic growth and diversification. • Cultivating Knowledge Exchange: Serving as a hub for knowledge sharing, spurring innovation and technological adoption. • Celebrating Culture and Heritage: Deepening cultural understanding, nurturing tourism, education, and fostering cultural collaborations. • Advocating for Business: Championing business interests and shaping favourable trade policies for a mutually beneficial and prosperous partnership. In summary, the Cape Chapter launch propels collaboration, trade, investment, knowledge exchange, cultural enrichment, and advocacy, all of which contribute to a more resilient and prosperous UK-South Africa partnership. A Message from Antony Philipson, British High Commissioner: "As British High Commissioner to South Africa, I am delighted to see the establishment of the Cape Chapter of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK. This significant occasion will allow for the further strengthening of economic ties between the United Kingdom and South Africa. Our commitment to fostering business partnerships, innovation, and collaboration remains unwavering. The Cape Chapter launch is a testament to the Western Cape’s vibrant and dynamic business landscape and the opportunities it offers. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on our bilateral trade relations and the continued growth of our overall economic partnership." The Cape Chapter launch event will bring together approximately 130 guests, including prominent business leaders, diplomats, and key stakeholders. The programme includes insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and will celebrate the Cape's rich culture and heritage. A Quote from Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK: "The launch of the Cape Chapter is a momentous occasion for the South African Chamber of Commerce UK. It signifies our commitment to expanding our reach and strengthening our presence in key regions. With its dynamic business community and entrepreneurial spirit, the Western Cape is a natural choice for our next chapter. We look forward to working closely with local businesses, government agencies, and partners to create new avenues for growth, trade, and collaboration." The Cape Chapter launch event will provide a platform for businesses to connect, explore new opportunities, and contribute to the growth of UK-South Africa trade relations. A Message from Natalie Naudé, Cape Chapter Chair: "I am truly honoured to serve as the Chair of the Cape Chapter of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK. As we launch this new chapter, our vision is to foster an environment of collaboration and growth. We aim to connect local businesses with the global market, encourage innovation, and empower entrepreneurs. The Cape has immense potential, and through strategic partnerships, we plan to create opportunities for businesses to thrive and contribute to the region's economic development. Entertainment Highlight: The Congo Cowboys Adding a spectacular touch to the evening's festivities, we are delighted to introduce the vibrant sounds of The Congo Cowboys. This remarkable band seamlessly fuses the twangy melodies of American roots music with the rhythmic richness of African traditional music. Formed in 2016 by three members of the South African band Freshlyground, the Congo Cowboys have taken their electrifying performances across the globe, leaving audiences in awe with their foot-stomping music. To learn more about The Congo Cowboys and experience their unique sound, visit their website at www.congocowboys.com . CONTACT INFORMATION: SA Chamber of Commerce UK Natalie Naudé nnaude@sachamber.co.uk https://southafricanchamber.co.uk/

Isaac Mbatha’s strong entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Sky Tents in 2015. His entry into the tent business began with washing and mending tents as well as, on a small scale, acting as a middleman in the tent hire business. The establishment of the tent manufacturing business was in response to the many requests from people who had done business with him. People, said Isaac asked, “Why can’t he hire the tents out personally?” He recognised that there was much opportunity as the first black person in tent manufacturing as tents were often used for funerals, parties, weddings, etc. in township and rural areas. Although he was scared of failure, with the encouragement of his father, he decided to ‘go for it’, explained Isaac. Sky Tents was the name chosen for his business venture as he said the name would encourage him to push his business’s growth as much as possible. Isaac explained, “There is nothing above the sky – there are no limits on the road to growth and success.” While he had a business idea, Isaac had no finance. He was advised to go to an accountant to create a business plan, which he said was a new concept to him. Although he had expressed his dream on paper and despite his best efforts, his application for a business loan was turned down by the bank loan’s officer. That the bank did not see the potential for success, he found especially disappointing, especially as he believed that the bank had wasted his time over the application and rejection process. But Isaac did qualify for a personal loan and his passion for his vision ensured that he did not give up on his dream and he accessed this finance. He used these funds and his credit card limit to purchase sewing machines and rent a business premise. Isaac faced many tough challenges in the first year of operation including opposition from his competitors. As his profit margins were slim, each tent he made relied on the 50% deposit paid by the customer in order to purchase material. He spent much time walking the streets and handing out flyers at robots, and in townships as well as sticking flyers on taxis windows in order to get his name out there and his business off the ground. This meant that, at times, Isaac was often alone in very remote areas where his personal safety was at risk. Isaac hit his biggest challenge in 2015/16, when he felt that everything was going wrong, and he had accumulated a large amount of debt. He commented, “What you plan for in your head and what happens on your road to success are two different things.” At that time Isaac hit rock bottom and he struggled enormously with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. He said, “I learnt that I had to be brave. There was only one way to get out of the predicament I was in and that was to pick myself up.” Isaac had always enjoyed listening to Ukhozi FM radio station and he saw a means to both help people to change their lives and to get his name in the tent business known. He approached the head of Ukhozi FM with a plan to be the first radio station to give away businesses to aspiring entrepreneurs, which was a concept accepted by the station with much enthusiasm. During 2017, in what became a highly successful radio campaign, Sky Tents gave away 100 tents that could be hired out by entrepreneurs to create a business and an opportunity for their own success. Isaac said that helping people to change their lives was a highlight of his career. As a consequence of the campaign, Isaac became the face of the Sky Tents brand and someone with whom people wanted to do business and to grow their relationships. People connected with his story and with him as a person, explained Isaac. The business growth is evident in the Sky Tents’ number of employees. The company started tent manufacturing with only three employees. In 2017 this number grew from six to 13 employees with the company now employing 79 people. Isaac’s own entrepreneur spirit is apparent in that he makes sure that the business is constantly changing. He says, “I strive to get my people bubbling and asking what we are doing next.” As such he is a creator of new ideas that get people excited and he enjoys being a motivator. He said, “I resonate with people who want to be part of the Sky Tents journey.” However, he says that as the team leader he sometimes has found it difficult to delegate but is learning to ensure that his employees can take responsibility for their own roles and responsibilities. The constant change is apparent in that while Sky Tents started with pole tents, the range of products has grown to include stretch tents, frame tents and dome tents amongst other products, for a wide range of applications. In addition, Sky Tents services include the supply of tables and chairs, draping, mobile toilets, and mobile chillers. The company is now venturing into injection moulding. Sky Tents has branches in nine locations in South Africa and has international clients in Namibia, Botswana, Nigeria, Algeria, Swaziland, Uganda, Lesotho, the Seychelles, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Isaac says his business philosophy is based on his belief that consistency is key to success. “My head has been down, and I have run my own race.” He added, “Tired rhymes with fired. You need to be on top of your game at all times. Clients are not just about buying your products; they are about your services. As a company, our clients value our service and our opinions so they will even often ask us for business referrals for unrelated products.” For him one of the highlights of his journey to success has been being recognised by the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2019. In 2022 in a further accolade, he won the Standard Bank KZN Top Business Entrepreneur award for resilience. Isaac says he is constantly working on the business – reviving and polishing it. This leaves him little free time, but he does enjoy spending this time with his family and friends. www.skytentsa.co.za

Awarded to a person or business who has persevered, succeeded and recovered quickly from difficulties. The finalists are: · Dr Fareed Amod – Crown Dental Studio · Nondumiso Mthwa – Idwala Property Group · Portio Dlamini – Emakheni Cleaning & Industrial Solutions · Isaac Mbatha – Sky Tents The winner is: SKY TENTS - ISAAC MBATHA Isaac Mbatha, the founder of Sky Tents, started off as a taxi conductor and selling sweets at the taxi rank - to building what is now a home for the many people employed by his brand. After washing and repairing tents in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, the 30-year-old decided to launch his manufacturing business. Sky Tents was founded in 2015 and currently operates in nine locations in South Africa. Sky Tents manufactures, sells and supplies a wide range of state-of-the-art tents for conferences, weddings, parties and gazebos. The diversified company portfolio includes the supply of mobile chillers/freezers, mobile toilets (including VIP), chairs, and tables for a variety of functions.

With almost seventy years of demonstrated expertise in complex engineering, heavy fabrication, and machining for its own range of material handling equipment, Bell Equipment is now offering these specialist services to all industries in the country through its newly formed division, Bell Heavy Industries (BHI). Bell Equipment’s Group Business Development Director, Stephen Jones emphasises the current scarcity of companies providing these vital services locally. “South Africa has seen a huge reduction in engineering companies, and, in response, we have strategically positioned our South African manufacturing facility to fill this void by providing project engineering and contract manufacturing through BHI. “The growth of Bell as a well-established mining, earthmoving, and agriculture equipment manufacturer, both domestically and in terms of exports around the world, is a testament to the skills available and the quality of products that we make in Richards Bay. We’re confident in our ability to expand into other industries and believe this will benefit not only the manufacturing sector but the whole country.” Bell has also received accolades for its demonstrated performance from organisations such as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA), and the Department of Trade and Industry, which hosts the South African Premier Business Awards together with Proudly South African and Brand South Africa. The 45 000m² undercover manufacturing area in Richards Bay complies with the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and welds to the internationally recognised ISO 3834-2 Appendix 10 standards. It is well equipped with specialist machines including both horizontal and vertical CNC (computerised numerical control) machining centres, 5-axis boring machines, laser cutters, high-definition oxyfuel and plasma cutters, bending brakes, and advanced welding technology. A blasting plant, phosphating tanks, sealed spray booth, galvanising bath, and an automated powder coating installation are available to take care of surface treatments. The Bell team in Richards Bay of over 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers is among the best in the country thanks to the company’s own training centre, which plays a crucial role in internally developing world-class skills from the surrounding community. “This is complemented by our highly skilled team of welding, quality, and industrial engineers, along with onsite calibration facilities, equipment to perform material checks, and a number of highly specialised co-ordinate measuring machines. “Together with our strong focus on process development, BHI can guarantee consistent quality to customers. BHI can also tap into a wealth of group resources, notably a team of over 100 South African design engineers, enhancing its suitability for local manufacturing across diverse industries,” adds Jones. Bell Equipment’s manufacturing operation, which is 55% black-owned and 24% black women-owned, contributes to B-BBEE scores and creates localisation opportunities for potential customers. “Over the years we have established a global supply chain with access to world-class suppliers. Procurement staff are well skilled in international logistics and our strategic sourcing department has strong commodity expertise, which ensures stringent input cost control. “We have always maintained that manufacturing has massive transformation potential for the South African economy and employment, so we are optimistic about this new division and will be actively engaging with those looking for the expertise we now offer outside of our traditional market segment,” he concludes.