Owner of the Mozambik Morningside Monica Jorgensen is the owner of the Mozambik Morningside in Durban, which opened on 5 August 2022. Monica was raised in a small district in Greenwood Park, Durban, where she spent many Saturday mornings at the Morning Market, shopping with her grandmother. She would tag along learning how to select fresh vegetables while breathing in the smells of fresh coriander and mint leaves. This she says is where her love for preparing great food began. Establishing a restaurant, Monica explained, has always been her biggest dream. “I’ve been in hospitality, which has always been in my blood, for 25 years in South Africa and in the United Kingdom. My heart’s desire was to open my own restaurant. I chose to be part of the Mozambik Group because it is such a great franchise. I love what the brand stands for; I love the food, and I love the Portuguese culture. So, it was just right up my alley.” Hard work and dedication Monica comes from a previously disadvantaged background and from a very young age she had great responsibility. However, she believes that through hard work and dedication anything can be achieved. “I matriculated in the year 1992 in Durban. My desire was to study hospitality, unfortunately due to financial constraints I was unable to further my studies. I did not let the financial situation get me down. I knew I needed to work to help take care of my family. My sister was still in high school, and my baby brother was just born. My mum was retrenched from her job and was unemployed, and my father was diagnosed with colon cancer.” Monica worked in many places and excelled at every job, but she yearned for more. One afternoon she decided to make copies of her CV, which she then dropped off at every hotel in the Durban area. The City Lodge Hotel group soon hired her as a hotel receptionist at The Road Lodge Durban. The City Lodge Hotel group paid for her studies in hospitality, which allowed her the opportunity to work and study at the same time. A decision to work in the United Kingdom resulted in Monica working at The Swan Hotel in Bibury as a front office manager for two years. Monica commented that the knowledge and experience she gained in the United Kingdom, which she brought back to South Africa, helped her tremendously in furthering her career. Upon returning to South Africa, she worked as the front office manager at The City Lodge Durban. After 15 years of working there she decided that she needed something more. Man of my dreams “In the beginning I thought I would never get there, but I have a great husband. In January 2008 I met the man of my dreams, and we were married eight months later. Mikael is my biggest supporter. He supports me and all my ideas, and he’s also living my dream right now. He’s a marine engineer but he’s working with me. So, I am here because he’s also pushed me in a way.” In addition, says Moncia, the Mozambik family have been a great help. “The franchisor, Brett Michelin, is an absolutely amazing guy. He’s been by my side supporting me all the way and it’s been a great journey.”’ Ups and downs In opening her business, Monica has faced many challenges and ups and downs. She says, “I overcome all obstacles because of my determination and self confidence in everything I do.” Her challenges she says include the poor economy, which in common with many other businesses, has hurt her own business. Monica has tried try to overcome this challenge by utilising more social media advertising and by having more entertainment in her restaurant to get more feet through the door. In addition, she says that as crime has risen, people are afraid to go out at night. Consequently, she has had to up security to make staff and customers feel safer. Monica’s future goals are to make her current restaurant a great success. And she says, with a smile, “To open a new Mozambik by the year 2024; with Brett Michelin’s assistance, of course.” To young women, Monica says believe in yourself. “Always be confident in everything that you do. Strive to be the best that you can. Don’t let anybody tell you anything different. You know who you are. You know what you want. Don’t give up on your goals.” Giving back Monica strongly believes in giving back to the community and empowering women through skills development. Through her restaurant she has provided jobs to 14 staff members, most of whom are single mothers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. She has also empowered her staff, including a cleaner who is now the head waitress, by continuous on the job training. Monica has joined a non-profit organisation called Expose Women that takes care of women who are in the sex industry. “The forgotten people,” she explains, “None of these women, during career day in high school, put up their hand and said I want to be a sex worker. Many of these women in our Morningside area are victims of human trafficking. We aim to build long lasting relations with these ladies, so that one day when they decide to get out of the industry, we are there to assist them.” In addition, Monica sponsors meal vouchers at the Berea Primary School and St Martins Home For Children. Monica and her staff also prepared lunch and dinner meals for the children at Lakehaven Children’s Home. Monica explains that in her off time she tries to get home as soon as possible to spend time with her two fur babies. “I love my dogs and I look forward to spending time with them around the pool, with a glass of gin and tonic.” Monica also has a passion for gardening and has many succulent plants in her garden, which are her favourite. “I’m honoured to be part of the KZN Top Business Women 2023. I wouldn’t be here without the support of the Mozambik Group because they’ve nominated me. I’m proud to be here today. I think I’ve worked really hard, and everybody sees that in me. They’re confident in me and I’m very confident in myself.”

Managing Director BEESCORE Pty Ltd Usha Jivan is a 61-year-old single mum with two children – a son, aged 35, and a daughter of 33. She says that raising her children, though filled with many challenges as a single parent, has been her greatest achievement to date. Usha’s son has gone on to become an investment banker and venture capitalist across Africa, while her daughter is a counselling psychologist practicing in Johannesburg. Usha studied law and, after completing her articles of clerkship, was in legal practice for four years. In 1994, she was offered a lecturing position at the University of Durban-Westville where she lectured on various subjects, including criminal law, civil procedure, and family law. Usha obtained her master’s degree in law in 1997. In early 2007, an opportunity was presented to Usha, with three others, to start the business currently known as BEESCORE Pty Ltd. She commented, “Today I am the sole shareholder and managing director of BEESCORE, a company which verifies Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) compliance of businesses nationally. Our all-star black, female-managed business has gone on to become the BEE verification partner of choice for large organisations such as SAICA, Aramex SA, Colgate-Palmolive, Mr Price Group, BP SA, The Interwaste Group, and the Euro Steel Group.” Business achievements The initial challenge Usha faced was to build a credible business amidst constantly evolving laws and regulations. “Since the entire industry was emerging, we were all ‘figuring it out as we went along,” she explained. “The next challenge we faced was to educate potential clients and industry stakeholders about the benefits of these new laws. BEE was a grudge purchase during the initial years of the legislation. My passion for transformation, and training was reignited by this opportunity to apply these skills in a new environment.” More recently, Usha presented at webinars held by the BEE Chamber SA together with the SA Chamber UK. She was also a speaker at an Enterprise and Supplier Development Summit held at the ICC in July 2023 presenting on Transformational vs Transactional BEE. Usha has always been passionate about contributing to a world in which women and other oppressed/minority groups were granted equal rights, and where family laws that empower women and children were upheld. This passion fuelled her decision to become a lawyer and encouraged her to spend time on pro bono cases focusing on women empowerment and in family/divorce mediation cases. Usha has published in “Street Law” manuals for learners and educators. Street Law is a tool used to improve the lives of communities. These strategies give the children opportunities to practice their speaking skills, improve their literacy, and give teachers the confidence to delve into some controversial topics. She has delivered a paper at the Commonwealth Legal Conference in Sri Lanka on “The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages” and contributed extensively to community projects, providing pro bono legal assistance to help fight for such causes. Great teachers During the initial phase of the business, Usha’s encouragement came from the co-founder (a chartered accountant) who initiated the first meeting. “He educated me on policy making, and together we built our management systems and developed a policy manual collectively. I drew from his expertise and knowledge,” she explained. Usha added that her principal, with whom she served her articles of clerkship, is a woman who demonstrates power and resilience. “She has followed my journey to where I am today. She was a great teacher to me, became my mentor, and still inspires me to this day. She started practising as an attorney in 1964; is in her late 80s and still goes to her office daily. I can see myself following in her footsteps in this regard, to keep my mind active as I age.” Finally, added Usha her son and daughter are her greatest inspiration. Continuously upskill The biggest obstacle she has had to overcome is becoming increasingly relevant in an era of constant change and the need to continuously upskill or reskill to meet business demands. “The lesson I learned was not to fear the unknown, but to explore opportunities which might have a positive impact on my future. This helped me get to where I am today.” Usha says that she has been personally involved in all areas of the business since 2015. “Working on my business has resulted in effective handover of many of my tasks to my efficient managers and administrators, which has had a positive impact on my accomplishments in the recent years.” Playing our part A vision that Usha and her team share is that they are committed to playing their part in actively promoting the intended spirit of the BEE codes to support the businesses and communities that will ultimately drive inclusive economic growth in South Africa. On a more personal level, she looks forward to contributing to the further development of the incredible women who run BEESCORE so that one day they can say that they have successfully taken the business to greater heights. As a service business, human capital says Usha is her greatest asset. “I am equally excited to play an active role in the lives of my children and in helping nurture the next generation of activists, leaders and changemakers.” Usha has much advice for young women who are following in her path. This includes the importance of: Facing problems head-on Learning as an investment in oneself Making time for the people you love Embracing change She added that challenges are the steppingstones to success. “Embrace them with courage, and you will carve your path to greatness. Life presents us with challenges that test our resilience and courage. By confronting challenges, you build resilience and adaptability, qualities that are crucial in a rapidly changing world.” Lastly, it is important to have a work-life balance and to take care of your minds and your bodies. Usha has invested in herself physically and spiritually. She eats healthy food, practising yoga and meditation as well as enjoys walking and jogging.

Construction of Boxer’s 6th Distribution Centre, Boxer DC Carnival, based in Gauteng is well underway and scheduled to open as scheduled towards the last quarter of 2023. The DC is being developed by the Moolman Group; no strangers to Boxer’s DC family, this being the second project the Group has been tasked to complete for the Discounter. Once completed, the DC will measure an impressive 29,211m2 in size.

Chief Financial Officer Priya Govind is a chartered accountant and currently the chief financial officer (CFO) of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (“Sumitomo”), which manufactures Dunlop tyres and employs approximately 1 500 people. The manufacturing facility is located in Ladysmith which provides a significant source of income and stability to the town. The taste for business combined with an entrepreneurial spirit was instilled by Priya’s parents. She says that her career started informally, as a young girl, in her Dad’s pharmacy. After school and on Saturdays, Priya and her brothers, would often work in the pharmacy packing shelves, helping customers, calculating change and cashing up. Priya added, “I got to see first-hand both the joys and challenges of being a small business owner.” She was further motivated by her mother who ran her own successful import business. With this taste for business, Priya pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Natal, which laid the groundwork for her career in finance. However, it was her subsequent entry into the auditing profession that catapulted her into a world of possibilities. In 2001, Priya began her professional journey at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a trainee accountant. Over the years, she worked her way up through the ranks, eventually achieving the position of associate director. After spending five years in the position of associate director, she began reevaluating her career goals and started looking at alternate career options. Embracing the challenge In 2016, Priya took a bold step by transitioning into the automotive sector. She joined Smiths Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Metair Investments Limited, as their financial/IT director. It was a significant career shift and not without its challenges. The manufacturing industry at the time, like many others, was predominantly male dominated, and Priya found herself as the only female member on the board. This did not deter her as she discovered that she brought a unique perspective to the environment and saw the opportunity to make a difference. It was during this time that she decided to pursue an MBA with a focus on manufacturing, thus further enhancing her credentials in the sector. This decision opened more opportunities for her and, in 2021, she was appointed to the national executive committee of NAACAM, the industry body for the automotive component sector. In 2022, she was sought out for the role of CFO at Sumitomo. In her role as CFO at Sumitomo, Priya has made significant contributions. One of her key achievements has been redirecting the focus of management toward financial independence and sustainability. By simplifying complex financial concepts, rallying teams of people to work towards common goals and creating a clear path toward financial independence, she has been instrumental in transforming the company’s financial standing. Creating a better future Priya looks to her children for inspiration and recognises that “our generation needs to do something for the next generation.” One way in which Priya intends to improve the world for the next generation is by promoting diversity and inclusion. “We’ve got to make sure that the world is big enough for all genders and that inspires me, not just to create pathways for women but to find ways of growing the ‘pie’ so that everyone can participate in it,” she says. One of the challenges Priya encountered in her career was the need to let go of her long-held dream and aspiration to become an audit partner. Priya had encountered the invisible glass ceiling. Whilst not explicitly stated, she sensed its presence and recognised the need to reframe her own view of the world and her purpose within it. Priya remained optimistic as she knew that these challenges could be converted into opportunities to look for new ways to advance one’s career, rather than accepting limitations. Priya explained, “Letting go of that dream was quite big, but when I did that, what it did was to open other opportunities for me and the Smiths’ advertisement was emailed to me. I think the universe was responding to that ‘letting go’ which allowed me to create space for a new dream.” Future goals and aspirations Looking ahead, Priya has a clear vision of her future. She aims to continue and develop within the automotive sector. Her long-term aspiration is to become a business owner in the sector, all whilst uplifting others and showing them what is possible. Priya’s goals are not limited to her own success; she envisions a future where more women can access opportunities in various industries and where gender is no longer a limitation. Priya looks to a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt for inspiration, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Priya added, “As long as you are dreaming, there is hope. So, don’t ever let go of your dreams. And if you do have to let go of your dreams, as I have along the way, re-dream and reimagine your future and then pursue it.” Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for Priya’s well-being. She has a supportive spouse who takes on his fair share of domestic responsibilities. She values relaxation to manage the challenges of her professional life. This includes spending time with family and friends, enjoying spa treatments, and trying to do at least 10 minutes of guided meditation in the mornings. Priya explained, “I think when your day starts off on the right note, you know it limits the levels of stress that you will experience.” Priya said that she is looking forward to getting to know other KZN Top Business Women, and finding ways to support each other and learn. In the process she hopes to, “Spark new opportunities and pathways, collectively and individually, the common purpose of building a better future for all.”

Clinical Audiologist Dr Kara Hoffman is a clinical audiologist who runs private hearing healthcare practices in Durban and in Ballito. Kara completed her undergraduate degree in Audiology at the University of Cape Town in 2003, with a Bachelor of Science and honours degree. In 2004, she did a year of community service and thereafter worked for a school for the deaf. There she learned how to use South African sign language, which has been very useful with profoundly deaf patients. Kara completed her masters’ degree in paediatric audiology in 2008 and obtained licensing in cochlear implantation in 2009. She is one of the few audiologists in the country to hold a clinical doctorate in audiology, which was awarded by the University of Arizona (ATSU) in 2016. In 2011, Kara and her business partner Lauren Thompson established Thompson and Hoffman (T&H) Audiology Inc at Parklands Hospital in Durban. As Kara wanted to work with the brain and ear-to-brain connections, T&H is one of the few audiology practices in the country to offer a full range of diagnostic and rehabilitative services. These include hearing tests, balance assessments, industrial audiology, corporate audiology, newborn hearing screening, hearing aids and assistive listening devices, cochlear and middle ear implants, noise protection, auditory processing assessments, wax removal, and tinnitus assessment and management. “Opening T&H was probably the best thing that I ever did for myself in terms of my own personal and professional growth,” said Kara. “We could give our patients individual attention and work with their specific needs as opposed to working for someone and having a guideline of how to represent their practice.” Exceptional practice Establishing the practice was not without challenges. Initially they needed to apply for financing to set up the desired comprehensive diagnostic audiology practice that would enable T&H to offer the full range of audiological services to the public. Another challenge, said Kara, is that one is “selling” something that no one wants, but many people need. This challenge has been overcome by ongoing learning, as well as with time, maturity and age. There are many companies trying to sell hearing aids online or in shops, which is a threat to independent audiologists. Kara works to educate the public on who the right person is to see for your hearing or balance problems. She added that people with hearing aids needed to have annual check- ups and to consider a second opinion with an independent audiologist to ensure they were optimally assessed and managed. “In terms of the latest research, the message that I want to put out is that there’s a direct link between dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and any sort of cognitive decline and hearing loss. The number one modifiable factor is to treat hearing loss.” The practice has been built on great relationships with various general physicians and medical specialists over the years. Kara commented that she has succeeded through, “Hard work, and dedication to the practice and to my patients. Continued education has allowed me to keep abreast of all the current trends in audiology globally.” Biggest challenge She added, “On a professional note, learning from my mistakes has been the biggest challenge, and the biggest cause for success. Dealing with different personalities has also been a learning curve which has also helped in all sorts of personal challenges.” In 2016 Kara and Lauren opened their second branch in Ballito. In 2017 they moved their Durban practice to a standalone house in Essenwood Road, which, said Kara, was the best thing that happened to them. Speaking of her journey, Kara said that her grandfather was her initial inspiration to become a medical professional, as he was an outstanding one-of-a-kind GP in Cape Town. She was concerned that the professional demands would be problematic when she wanted to have a family, however audiology resonated with her interests. In more recent years, Kara gets inspiration from her colleagues as well as her family. “My husband and my family are all rooting for us and wanting to spread the word of the bubble of audiology that is so important in our lives.” Kara is a member of the South African Association of Audiology and is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). She is the executive chair of the Audiology Private Practice Forum, which represents a substantial body of private independent hearing healthcare practices in South Africa. Since her appointment, the Forum has grown from 10 members to 104 members representing over 100 practices. Kara has been involved in upskilling audiologists and is in the process of aligning professionals to be offering international best practices in audiology. Future goals Kara’s future goals for the practice are to stay the same size so that they can continue to give maximum attention to their patients. Her goal is to reach more hearing impaired and balance impaired individuals in the province, and to expand the reach of independent audiologists to larger portions of the population – nationwide. The advice that Kara would give to someone who’s starting out is that being an entrepreneur comes with challenges. “Be comfortable reaching out to people for assistance. Start out small, do things properly and don’t water yourself down. Do not lose your professionalism and keep your clinical hat on. Always make the right decision for the patient and do not let finances or incentives lead you away from the right path.” As Kara has three young children aged six, four and two, a lot of her time is spent running around after them and giving them the best chance that life has to offer. Both Kara and her husband enjoy the gym, which gives them time to exercise and look after themselves. Being part of KZN Top Business Women, is Kara said, a real honour as well as a springboard for audiologists in the country. The profession is 99% female based and she thinks that every audiologist should be encouraged to showcase their practices and educate the public.

Thanks to a great partnership with LIV Village and Boxer Superstores, Camperdown farmer and Director of Izora Trading, Khethelo Mhlongo, now proudly supplies his spinach to eight Boxer Superstores across the Eastern parts of KZN. Khethelo, who has been listed as a supplier with Boxer since 2021, continually reaches for new goals. Realising that he needed additional assistance, particularly with storage, packing and distribution, he formed a partnership with renowned NPO, LIV Village which cares for orphaned and abandoned children, and was able to guarantee a sustainable product thanks to the provision of a strong distribution facility, cold storage, tunnels and a pack house. Supplying a supermarket like Boxer has left an impression on the farmer. “Boxer took a chance on me first". He added: "I have been able to grow even more now, thanks to that partnership with Boxer, and when I talk to other brands and companies, it carries weight and allows me more opportunities to continue my journey. The best thing about this relationship is that Boxer treats me like family, it’s more than just a business. That I think is incredibly important." Source: tabloidmedia.co.za

A historic day for Boxer stores as it officially opened its 450th store in the bustling town of Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. Boxer Inanda Crossing, its second Superstore to serve Inanda, opened to much celebration and cheer, with Boxer s hoppers travelling from as far away as Amanzimtoti to take part in the grand opening. “The 450th opening is especially important to Boxer as it took place in the very same province where it all began for us 46 years ago, in KwaZulu-Natal. Coupled with our current Birthday celebrations, the opening made for a spectacular way for us to thank our many shoppers, suppliers, team members and partners who have been part of this fantastic journey,” says the retail giant in a statement. Boxer has also announced the construction of its sixth distribution centre, Boxer DC Carnival, based in Gauteng. The structure is well underway and scheduled to open as scheduled towards the last quarter of 2023. “The DC is being developed by the Moolman Group; no strangers to Boxer’s DC family, this being the second project the Group has been tasked to complete for the Discounter. Once completed, the DC will measure an impressive 29,211m2 in size,” it said in a statement.

ANDREW MILLS, the marketing director at Boxer Superstores, says that his job is to ensure that he is inspiring his staff and others throughout the business, while implementing marketing strategies that retain and attract shoppers. Mills matriculated at Kearsney College and then went on to complete a diploma in marketing. Following this qualification, Mills entered the direct sales environment and worked his way up to sales manager. This was a position that he thoroughly enjoyed as he said he was able to inspire and drive his staff. After two years in that position, Mills joined a multinational business in FMCG and he then joined Boxer in the retail industry, where he has been for two decades. He says, "I remember coming into the Boxer reception area, where were a whole lot of people sitting and we were literally lined up like sardines. I was sitting amongst a very mature generation of fantastic candidates and eventually got my chance to go and sit with the then merchandise director Eugene Stoop. I then described my journey up to that point." He explained further that Stoop then asked him the question: "If I was given the opportunity to look after the Boxer brand what would I do?" Mills said that he gave a whole shopping list of things that he believed that he would be able to inject into the Boxer business. "When I finished the interview, I left feeling positive and later that day I received a call from Eugene saying I was hired. I then joined Boxer and 22 years later I have never looked back." He says that the points that he raised in that interview were implemented just three short years later and that he made good on his commitments to the business. Mills describes his job, "I am the brand custodian for the Boxer company, I put together and coordinate the national marketing activities for the greater Boxer business across the different divisions. I also implement marketing strategies that best engage our shoppers and potential new shoppers into our Boxer stores. We are based here in KwaZulu-Natal, we have a business which has close to 250 stores and we've traded for over 40 years, it's a fantastic environment to be in." He says that the management team does not pigeon hole themselves into a particular area of responsibility and that their years of experience mean that they are able to move across all the different portfolios to inject their understanding. "We are a very close-knit unit and the fantastic thing about working for this company and within the Pick n Pay Group is that we utilise our time to inspire, groom and coach others through the company. This company has been a business that really looks at the individual regardless of race, gender or creed, it's about the person and what they are capable of. It's up to us to make sure that we can groom the generations that will follow through to make sure they will take this business into the next few generations with successful healthy leadership." For Mills, one day is never the same as the next which he says is fantastic. "The wonderful thing about Boxer is that there's always a buzz and it's fast paced." He explained that he is the first to come in, in the morning and the last to leave and he travels a lot both locally and internationally. "There is always something happening. You've got to have fun, even if there are deadline pressures or you have to do massive distance or work long hours. You've got to enjoy what you are doing." He says that he is blessed to work alongside some fantastic individuals within his team. Mills added that every single person in his particular department really goes out of the way to excel and perform as well as share their energy with him. Mills concluded, "It's about meeting and inspiring people and getting the opportunity to coach others and groom others. Sometimes just a word or a sentence said to somebody else can inspire them to do their best. By seeing other people and inspiring other people that inspires you to be a better individual, that's a fantastic part of the job within the industry that I operate in." He has always had a passion for marketing and sales and positively influencing other people.

Terry Wolhuter from 92 Farming Company (PTY) Ltd with Sydney Hlanguza from Ngenzokuhle 55 Trading (PTY) Ltd Congratulations to Sydney Hlanguza (right) and Terry Wolhuter (left) who are NCT’s 2023 Tree-Farmer-of-the-Year winners in the Small-Grower and Commercial-Grower categories respectively. Our worthy prize winners both received a chainsaw sponsored by PMB Power Products and Stihl Pietermaritzburg. This prestigious award was first presented in 2001 to acknowledge farmers that have excellently cultivated and enhanced their operations. https://www.nctforest.com/index.php?page=publications

In pursuit of the goal of becoming a smarter city, the eThekwini Municipality is partnering with SmartXchange in a ground-breaking move to get local businesses ready to utilise new, technological ways of doing business, by registering in a Ward Based Township Digital Business Directory called SiyaDigiTiZa. This pilot technological advancement will profile the products and services that businesses offer and allow customers to purchase products online and have them delivered using an App. The first targeted pilot areas are within the PINK area of Durban which is Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu. The SiyaDigiTiZa roadshows will be held in these areas from 26 to 29 October. Mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said: “The SiyaDigiTiZa project talks to eThekwini’s economic recovery plan which one of its holistic objectives is to support enterprises. This township digital business directory registration roadshows aims to profile local business products and services. This project will also offer enterprises an exciting marketing opportunity to enable customers to purchase products online and have them delivered using an app.” Kaunda said everything is moving digitally hence this move to ensure township business are competitive and enhance their online presence, get discovered easily, improve local visibility as well as create brand awareness. The first roadshow will be held at the KwaMashu Community Hall in L Section on 26 October followed by the F Community Hall in Ntuzuma on 27 October and in Inanda at the Bester Community Hall on 28 October. The final event will be in Phoenix at the Redfern Community Hall on 29 October. The registration for all venues is from 9am to 4pm. Information required to register - CIPC company registration documents - Tax clearance certificate/SARS tax pin - BEE certificate - Central Supplier Database registration report - Payroll tax notice of registration - Company banking details - Company logo - 1 to 10 of your best-selling products which you wish to sell online together with their prices For more details on the programme, contact Ayanda Ciliza on 031 322 1837 or email: ayanda.ciliza@durban.gov.za

The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted on society and the economy causing us to rethink our consumer behaviour and our contributions to our society. Over the last year many well-known brands have had to adapt to a new normal and have done so with distinction. KwaZulu-Natal is home to a large number of brands that have been homegrown and driven from within the province. Many of these companies have long histories and they continue to expand their footprints today. The Standard Bank KZN Top Brand award is much coveted and celebrates the efforts these businesses have put into their branding and marketing. The Top Brand accolade is awarded solely by public vote and is contested over several weeks. The interest in this category is especially reflected in the huge range of brands that are selected and in the large number of votes cast. All the brands have won the support of their employees, clients, family and friends and the votes received are a testament to these accomplishments. The 2021 top 20 brands are: Hollwoodbets Blue Security Plennegy Group Beekman Group Tyson Properties East Coast Radio Boxer Hirsch’s Spar Illovo Sugar South Africa Woodford Group SLG (Pty) Ltd The Sharks Imperial Amour International Bank Vaults (IBV) Supertech Group Shelley Residential Icebolethu Group DRG Outsourcing Siyaya Power Solution #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted on society and the economy causing us to rethink our consumer behaviour and our contributions to our society. Over the last year many well-known brands have had to adapt to a new normal and have done so with distinction. KwaZulu-Natal is home to a large number of brands that have been homegrown and driven from within the province. Many of these companies have long histories and they continue to expand their footprints today. The Standard Bank KZN Top Brand award is much coveted and celebrates the efforts these businesses have put into their branding and marketing. The Top Brand accolade is awarded solely by public vote and is contested over several weeks. The interest in this category is especially reflected in the huge range of brands that are selected and in the large number of votes cast. All the brands have won the support of their employees, clients, family and friends and the votes received are a testament to these accomplishments. The 2021 top 20 brands are: 1. Hollwoodbets 2. Blue Security 3. Plennegy Group 4. Beekman Group 5. Tyson Properties 6. East Coast Radio 7. Boxer 8. Hirsch’s 9. Spar 10. Illovo Sugar South Africa 11. Woodford Group 12. SLG (Pty) Ltd 13. The Sharks 14. Imperial Amour 15. International Bank Vaults (IBV) 16. Supertech Group 17. Shelley Residential 18. Icebolethu Group 19. DRG Outsourcing 20. Siyaya Power Solution