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  • The Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony

    The Hollywoodbets Durban July Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony will take place today at the Hollywoodbets offices in Umhlanga and this venue change is one of the innovations already incorporated by the new sponsor. Hollywoodbets, who were founded as a horseracing concern, have been pouring their renowned energy into The July and plan to not only solidify its status as Africa’s premier horse race but to take it to a new level. Hollywoodbets Brand And Communications manager Devin Heffer said, “The team has been working flat out from even before the launch (on February 17). There is so much happening. It is a whole new animal. Before we only had to worry about our own little July parties at our branches. But now you are taking into account the events element, the partying element, the fashion etc. This year has been a lot more about just making sure we get the basics right, but at the same time trying to add that Hollywood flair to it where we can. There are a lot of special things that will be happening and I think as the years go on it is just going to get better.” He elaborated, “We are going to try and create those special kind of cultural things which people will associate with the race in the same way as the mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby. Those are the sort of things we want to eventually incorporate. Already you will see on July day there are going to be a lot of souvenir items, things that people can take home after the day as a memory. We are going to try and add as much value as we can for the racegoer. Obviously this year we are only going to have 50% capacity with 27,500 people there, but it might work in our favour given it is our first time doing the event. The one thing for certain though is that at the moment Hollywood is eating, living, breathing and sweating the Hollywoodbets Durban July. If you have ever been to a Hollywoodbets’ event you know what to expect in terms of what we bring to it and I think the July won’t be any different.” Hollywoodbets are likely to have a few runners on the day, including in some of the features, although unfortunately no runners in the big one. Devin said about today’s Final Field Announcement and Draw Ceremony, “We look forward to welcoming the horseracing industry stakeholders and owners, trainers and jockeys into our Hollywood home and family. They will be able to get a true taste of what our culture is all about.” The Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops will take place on Thursday at Hollywoodbets Greyville and there are also innovations expected here and in other build up events. Devin said, “We are going to try and break down that barrier between the public and the horseracing stake holders, so we’ve got a lot of value we are trying to add to the day. We are trying to increase Supersport’s overall coverage of the race, so apart from the race day itself we are going to get them involved in the final field announcement and the gallops and we have already confirmed the panel discussion will be aired on Supersport.” The Hollywoodbets Durban July Panel Discussion promises to be top quality this year. It takes place at Hollywoodbets Greyville in a purpose built temporary studio in the Classic Room and the line up, which will include two top trainers and two top jockeys, will be hosted by Alistair Cohen. Devin concluded, “There is a lot that’s happening in terms of building the coverage of this race and we’re using all the connections we’ve got to make sure that come Saturday the 2nd of July we’ve given it everything we’ve got.”

  • BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR 2023 - Owen Heffer from Hollywoodbets

    This an honorary award given to a business leader who is an innovative visionary with a traceable success record. Owen Heffer, owner of Hollywoodbets, has a genuine rags-to-riches story as he started off with virtually nothing, in a country that was brand new to him and his family. Through sheer determination and obsession, he created a brand that is now synonymous with the colour purple. “Think purple. Think Hollywoodbets.” Hollywoodbets has a powerful presence across South Africa, but none more so than here in KwaZulu-Natal. They are currently the title sponsors of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins cricket team, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse and Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse. They are also associate sponsors of the Cell C Sharks rugby team, the Comrades Marathon, and title sponsor of Africa’s greatest horse racing event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July. And for soccer lovers, you will see their name on the front of all the teams in the Hollywoodbets Super League, as well as English Premier League outfit Brentford Football Club. A major value of Hollywoodbets is UBUNTU, and they know “they are” because of “their communities.” And that is why the Hollywood Foundation was established. A non-profit organisation, performing CSI work on behalf of Hollywoodbets, has been incredible in changing lives and communities in South Africa. In 2023, they supported 1065 different charity organisations, 287 schools, 176 sports teams, and 118 SMMEs (through supplier and enterprise development). They supplied 308 students with bursaries and financial support amounting to over R12.7 million. This has impacted the lives of over 485 054 people across South Africa! But the one thing that stands true, is that Owen will tell you… HE is not Hollywoodbets. He will tell you that Hollywoodbets is the 6227 team members, whose Purple blood lives and breathes the culture of the organisation every day. It is this team’s hard work, dedication, and passion that has got Hollywoodbets to the heights it has today. However, when looking from the outside in, we can say that through Owen’s leadership, and the empowerment of his team, he has enabled and led the incredible success of the Hollywoodbets brand, and we are certain that this proudly KZN brand, will grow from strength to strength.

  • Digital/System Implementation - The winner is: PLENNEGY GROUP

    This award is for those businesses that employ digital thinking and technologies that have had an impact on their business operations. The winner is: PLENNEGY GROUP Founded in 1958, the Plennegy Group’s roots and purpose revolve around agriculture, with its core business being that of growing food and servicing those who grow food, to feed and nourish the continent and beyond. The Plennegy Group started its digital transformation journey a year before the Covid -19 pandemic hit – with investments in cloud infrastructure; virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams; a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for the Group; exploring digital automation in processing transactions so as to free up employees’ time to focus on growing the business or growing their knowledge; and exploring software solutions to address specific areas of the business, such as control and advanced inventory management. The pandemic was one of the biggest disruptors ever seen in the technology arena. Overnight employees became remote workers – whether companies were prepared for it or not. Plennegy’s information technology department headed the call from the business and worked tirelessly to ensure that all staff were able to work as efficiently as possible in a very difficult time. The team has embarked on several new projects that will catapult the Plennegy Group to the forefront of technology and make Plennegy a leader in the digital agriculture space. The finalists are: · Blue Security · Toyota South Africa Motors · Future Farmers

  • Digital/System Implementation – The winner is: PLENNEGY GROUP

    This award is for those businesses that employ digital thinking and technologies that have had an impact on their business operations. The winner is: PLENNEGY GROUP Founded in 1958, the Plennegy Group’s roots and purpose revolve around agriculture, with its core business being that of growing food and servicing those who grow food, to feed and nourish the continent and beyond. The Plennegy Group started its digital transformation journey a year before the Covid -19 pandemic hit – with investments in cloud infrastructure; virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams; a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for the Group; exploring digital automation in processing transactions so as to free up employees’ time to focus on growing the business or growing their knowledge; and exploring software solutions to address specific areas of the business, such as control and advanced inventory management. The pandemic was one of the biggest disruptors ever seen in the technology arena. Overnight employees became remote workers – whether companies were prepared for it or not. Plennegy’s information technology department headed the call from the business and worked tirelessly to ensure that all staff were able to work as efficiently as possible in a very difficult time. The team has embarked on several new projects that will catapult the Plennegy Group to the forefront of technology and make Plennegy a leader in the digital agriculture space. The finalists are: Blue Security Toyota South Africa Motors Future Farmers #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

  • Digital/System Implementation - The winner is: PLENNEGY GROUP

    This award is for those businesses that employ digital thinking and technologies that have had an impact on their business operations. The winner is: PLENNEGY GROUP Founded in 1958, the Plennegy Group’s roots and purpose revolve around agriculture, with its core business being that of growing food and servicing those who grow food, to feed and nourish the continent and beyond. The Plennegy Group started its digital transformation journey a year before the Covid -19 pandemic hit – with investments in cloud infrastructure; virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams; a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for the Group; exploring digital automation in processing transactions so as to free up employees’ time to focus on growing the business or growing their knowledge; and exploring software solutions to address specific areas of the business, such as control and advanced inventory management. The pandemic was one of the biggest disruptors ever seen in the technology arena. Overnight employees became remote workers – whether companies were prepared for it or not. Plennegy’s information technology department headed the call from the business and worked tirelessly to ensure that all staff were able to work as efficiently as possible in a very difficult time. The team has embarked on several new projects that will catapult the Plennegy Group to the forefront of technology and make Plennegy a leader in the digital agriculture space. The finalists are: · Blue Security · Toyota South Africa Motors · Future Farmers

  • NJMPF - #WILLSWEEK20

    DRAFT YOUR WILL AT ZERO COST (12 TO 16 SEPTEMBER) What is freedom of Testation? Having a Will grants you the freedom and the ability to ensure that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. WHAT IS NATIONAL WILLS WEEK? #WILLSWEEK20 National Wills week is where you have a week to decide which day you will go to any of the participating attorneys and law firms, to have your Will drafted free of charge. WHY DO YOU NEED A WILL? A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever draw up. Your Will is a living document that will reflect your wishes and will be your representative upon your death. IMPORTANT TO KNOW In a case of a member’s death, it is important to know that Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act overrides the freedom of testation. The board of trustees is not bound by the wishes of the deceased member as expressed in the nomination form. Section 37C regulates the distribution and payment of a lump sum benefit payable on the death of a member of a Pension Fund, Provident Fund, pension, provident preservation fund, and retirement annuity fund, also known as a death benefit. The death benefit does not form part of the deceased person’s estate. The death benefit is dealt with separately by the board of trustees responsible for allocating and paying the benefit in a manner deemed fair and equitable as per the Pension Fund Act. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON THE DAY? To your appointment with the attorney: • Take your ID document along with you • A list of what you own (including specific personal items that you wish to bequeath to specific people) and who should get what. Be sure to make your appointment with an attorney to draft your Will FREE OF CHARGE during National Wills Week from 12 to 16 September 2022 . This link https://bit.ly/3QLiNwJ will show you all the KwaZulu-Natal Attorneys participating in the LSSA National Wills Week 2022. Please be advised that only new basic Wills will be drafted. No changes to existing Wills will be done. Information about Wills and Wills Week can be obtained from the Law Society of South Africa’s website, where you can read more about this exciting opportunity and more - www.lssa.org.za KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension/Provident Funds CONTACT: Client Services | TEL: 031 279 5300/0861 065 673 |FAX: (031) 266 6715| EMAIL: info@njmpf.co.za | POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 33, Westwood, 3633 | STREET ADDRESS: 5 Derby Place, Derby Downs Office Park, University Road, Westville, 3629 | WEBSITE: www.njmpf.co.za Facebook: Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund | Twitter: @NJMPF

  • LHL Engineering capitalising on metals and engineering opportunities

    LHL Engineering’s vision is to be ‘the-go-to engineering team’ known for outstanding quality, safety, customer service and value. LHL has its roots dating back to 1969 when the company was started to support the German-imported LHL axel. In 2012 LHL converted to a Pty, and was taken over by CEO Nelson Govender in 2015, who made a significant investment ensuring that the company is well capitalised & resourced. LHL has a strong track record in the metals and engineering industry with the past 50 years seeing the company grow to become a future-facing global player, adding strategic value to local and international brands, across South African and global markets. LHL is a specialist fabricator and installer of tanks; pressure vessels; heat exchangers (manufacture and refurbish); reactors; piping; structural steel and general steel component manufacture. Site- based installation and maintenance are also offered. The metals and engineering sector has been through tumultuous times over the past few years, which are aligned with the SA economic challenges, including the devastation caused by COVID-19, the 2021 looting and most recently the KZN floods. Due to these difficult times the demise of many of LHL’s competitors has been witnessed. As a 100% black-owned enterprise with a Level 1 BBBEE Status with a 40% black female and 30% youth ownership the business is growing from strength to strength. LHL has operating facilities in Durban and Cape Town. Previously located in New Germany, LHL has recently moved to bigger premises, which are based in Glen Anil, Durban. The move saw the manufacturing space doubling in footprint, increased crane capacity and brand new state of the art machinery and equipment is being acquired which will enable the expansion of LHL’s pressure vessel manufacturing capacity. Technology will play a critical role in positioning the company as relevant and ensuring it is able to compete with established larger players well into the future. Consequently, all new machinery and equipment, comprising robotics, 4IR, CNC and green technology, will have the aim of differentiating LHL’s offerings as unique. Future growth plans include becoming a leading player in the metals and engineering industry by applying a 4-Pillar platform entailing financial resources, industry knowledge, customer trust and agility, to successfully drive product sales internationally. Target markets include sugar, chemical, pharmaceutical, petro-chemical, oil and gas, pulp and paper, water and sanitation, transport, and food and beverage industries in both the public and private sector. LHL Engineering was selected to be part of the KZN Localization, Import Replacement and Enterprise Development programme which commenced in November 2021 and through the programme initiatives such as improved factory layout, production efficiencies, workflow methodologies, quality control measures, staff training and launching new products to a competitive and demanding market have been implemented. LHL is being approached regularly by clients for tenders/quotes that were, as mentioned above, serviced by competitors who had to close their doors. In order to satisfy the market demand currently experienced, LHL is in the process of establishing a cooperative cluster with a group of companies to provide a one-stop facility that will boost their overall competitive advantages. The cluster will create an interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship with shared services, including state of the art equipment supplied and maintained by strategic partners. With its workforce of 22 skilled employees, LHL’s future objectives are to capitalise on the new opportunities created through the cluster and to create further employment prospects. Together with an impressive array of machinery and production facilities at its disposal and through its cluster partners, LHL will become a market leader with the flexibility, industry accreditation (ISO9001/2015, ISO45001, ISO3834, ASME V111 APP10), skills and knowledge to supply a wide range of products and services to satisfy market demand for different sectors.

  • Coffee with Grant & Kemlyn Pillay from Geek Managed Services

    HUMAN • TECH • SOLVED Our friendly, qualified team is focussed on delivering what you need, when you need it and committed to service excellence. We get to grips with your requirements, to create tailored solutions that just work. ​ We aim to build client relationships that go the distance. Together we turn your technology into a positive asset for your organisation that grows as you do. As Geeks, we keep ahead of technological developments that occur in this ever-evolving environment. We embrace the change and are constantly innovating and delivering new solutions. Our approach to technology and to your IT challenges is to design solutions under-pinned by real human behaviour. We are driven by our curiosity and desire to meet our customers unarticulated and unmet needs with great technology! No complex jargon, no ambiguity, no hidden costs. Just a friendly, human, customer focussed approach that delivers every time. Call us - we're available until 10pm! 08 6000 GEEK (4335) 031 566 8080 support@geekms.co.za www.geekms.co.za Visit us Level 1 eNCA Building, 73 Richefond Circle, Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga 4321 South Africa Office hours Monday to Friday: 8am to 5pm

  • Coffee with Grant & Kemlyn Pillay from Geek Managed Services

    HUMAN • TECH • SOLVED Our friendly, qualified team is focussed on delivering what you need, when you need it and committed to service excellence. We get to grips with your requirements, to create tailored solutions that just work. ​ We aim to build client relationships that go the distance. Together we turn your technology into a positive asset for your organisation that grows as you do. As Geeks, we keep ahead of technological developments that occur in this ever-evolving environment. We embrace the change and are constantly innovating and delivering new solutions. Our approach to technology and to your IT challenges is to design solutions under-pinned by real human behaviour. We are driven by our curiosity and desire to meet our customers unarticulated and unmet needs with great technology! No complex jargon, no ambiguity, no hidden costs. Just a friendly, human, customer focussed approach that delivers every time. https://www.youtube.com/embed/phI0UuyEzhU?autoplay=0&mute=0&controls=1&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kzntopbusiness.com&playsinline=1&showinfo=0&rel=0&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&enablejsapi=1&widgetid=1 Call us – we’re available until 10pm! 08 6000 GEEK (4335) 031 566 8080 support@geekms.co.za www.geekms.co.za Visit us Monday to Friday: 8am to 5pm

  • David White - Balancing Act: Time Management Strategies for Optimal Work-Life Integration

    Abstract: Time management is a critical skill that impacts both professional success and personal well-being. This article delves into the art of effective time management, exploring strategies for balancing work and life responsibilities to achieve optimal work-life integration. From prioritization techniques and task organization to boundary setting and self-care practices, understanding and implementing effective time management principles can lead to enhanced productivity, reduced stress, and improved overall satisfaction in both professional and personal spheres. Introduction: Time management is the art of allocating time effectively to accomplish tasks and achieve personal and professional goals. In today's fast-paced world, individuals often find themselves struggling to strike a balance between work commitments and personal life. This article aims to provide practical insights and strategies to help individuals achieve work-life integration through efficient time management practices. The Importance of Time Management in Work and Life: This section highlights the significance of time management in today's hectic lifestyle. It emphasizes the benefits of effective time management, such as increased productivity, improved decision-making, and reduced stress. Setting Clear Goals and Priorities: Goal-setting is the foundation of effective time management. This section explores how defining clear goals and priorities can aid in aligning work and life tasks, allowing individuals to focus on what truly matters. Time Blocking and Task Organization: Time blocking involves breaking the day into chunks of focused work and rest periods. This section explains how time blocking and task organization can help individuals maintain a structured schedule and prevent time wastage. Avoiding Procrastination and Time Wasters: Procrastination and time-wasting activities can hinder productivity and work-life balance. This section discusses strategies to overcome procrastination and minimize time spent on non-essential tasks. Creating Boundaries: Managing Work and Personal Life Separately: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for work-life integration. This section explores how setting boundaries and creating designated workspaces and downtime can lead to better balance. Delegating and Outsourcing: In both professional and personal settings, delegation and outsourcing can help distribute tasks effectively. This section examines how delegating responsibilities can free up time for higher-priority activities. Practicing Self-Care: The Role of Rest and Recreation: Self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. This section discusses the importance of incorporating rest and recreation into daily routines to prevent burnout and boost energy levels. Leveraging Technology for Time Management: Modern technology offers a wide range of tools and applications to aid in time management. This section explores time management apps, calendars, and productivity tools that can enhance efficiency and organization. Flexibility and Adaptability: Life is full of unexpected events, and maintaining a rigid schedule may not always be feasible. This section emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in adjusting to changing circumstances. Conclusion: Effective time management is a skill that serves as a foundation for achieving work-life integration. By implementing practical strategies such as goal setting, time blocking, boundary setting, and self-care practices, individuals can optimize their productivity, reduce stress, and strike a healthy balance between work and personal life. As time management becomes an integral part of daily routines, individuals can experience greater satisfaction and fulfilment in both their professional and personal endeavours.

  • Minara Chamber Business Awards 2023 creates excitement as finalists list released

    The Minara Chamber of Commerce today announced the shortlisted finalists in the coveted annual Minara Chamber Business Awards. The shortlisted finalists represent some of South Africa’s well-known independent businesses, high achieving individuals and community figures. The independent adjudication panel were most impressed with the calibre of nominations received from across South Africa and the phenomenal business and community development activities that are being carried out by South Africans. In the Business Entity of the Year large category , the three finalists are Supertech Group, Ezulwini Construction, and Royal Travel. The Business Entity of the Year medium category the three finalists are Escape to the Cape, Monate Dairy and Ahmed Al Kadi Private Hospital. And in the Business Entity Start-Up category the three finalists are Durban based Super Burger, Khweza Consulting and Astronoc from Cape Town. Three outstanding phenomenal women qualify in the Businesswoman of the Year category are Amina Sooliman, Shafieqa Ismail and Sumaya Suliman. Author Shafinaaz Hassim, Media professional Ashraf Garda and Showkat Ali Mukadam are the three contenders in the Professional of the Year Category 2023. South Africans are doing dynamic community work around South Africa and Internationally so selecting three Community Builders was indeed a difficult choice, the three finalists in the Community Builder of the Year Category is Ahmed Osman, Imraan Seedat and Shenaaz Paruk. The winners will be announced at the Minara Chamber Business Awards Gala dinner on the evening of the 27th of October 2023 at the Elangeni Hotel, Durban. This year keynote address will be delivered by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Director of CAPRISA and world-renowned medical researcher with various accolades and designations to his title. We are pleased to welcome the Minara Awards supporting Partners for 2023, Standard Bank, Capital Group and AMKA Products. It is through such partnerships and the support of the various private entities we are able to facilitate such programmes to recognise dynamic South Africans and promote and create business development programmes to grow businesses to improve our economy. The event will be broadcast live on Hilaal TV and coverage on various other media partners which include Salaamedia, Radio Islam, Channel Islam International and Radio Al Ansaar. For further information and bookings contact Minara Chamber of Commerce via email: mail to: kzn@minara.org.za or visit our website www.minara.org.za.

  • Dr Velo Govender - Life is about never giving up, it’s about how you restructure your life

    Social worker Dr Velo Govender is a social worker by profession. Her journey through life is a testament to her dedication to her family, her profession, and her thirst for knowledge. Velo recently celebrated her 27th wedding anniversary with her husband, Ricky Govender, who she says is an incredible man. Together, they have raised two children, Jishnavi and Mishen, aged 25 and 21 respectively, who are both embarking on their journeys into adulthood as civil engineers. Professionally, Velo wears two hats, juggling two significant roles and says that she is a ‘busy body’. Velo is not only an Individual and Family therapist but holds the position of Marketing and HR Executive at her husband’s company, JRV Spares & General. Balancing these two roles speaks volumes about her ability to manage multiple responsibilities and excel in different domains. Velo is currently the chairperson of one of the largest NGO’s in KZN, the Ubuntu Community Chest, where they allocate funds to over 98 non-profit organisations. Her professional journey commenced in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector, where she devoted over 15 years to working with children and the elderly. During this time, she was involved in community development and providing support to vulnerable children. Life, however, presented new challenges as she navigated the roles of a mother and a wife to a husband, who was committed to his business. Recognising the need for flexibility in her career to balance her various responsibilities, Velo decided to pursue part-time employment at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the University of South Africa. “It was a privilege to have the flexibility to continue my career while being a devoted mother,” said Velo. During this period, she took on a master’s degree in social work at UKZN. “Through this all we were able to grow the business and Ricky worked seven days a week to accomplish a lot during that time, while I still was trying to strike the balance between family, home and my career,” commented Velo. Next generation As their children have reached pivotal stages in their lives, Velo has shifted her focus toward empowering them to become successful individuals. Her daughter, Jishnavi, has recently graduated and started her first job in Cape Town. Velo sees her role as motivating her daughter to achieve more at a younger age, as she believes that Jishnavi has an entrepreneurial mindset. Her son, Mishen, is being groomed by her husband, Ricky, to become involved in the business, as they believe he has the ability to influence the vision of the business. Velo has had a lot of achievements in her journey. An inspiring aspect of Velo’s journey is her recent achievement of obtaining a PhD at the age of 51. She completed the writing of her thesis in one and half years, despite numerous medical challenges. She commented, “I think it has shown that no matter how old you are, that anything is possible. Through a lot of dedication, commitment, and resilience I was able to find the balance between my career, home as well as my studies and still be able to fulfil that dream of actually obtaining my PhD.” Her research focused on the Impact of Neoliberalism and New Managerialism on social workers within the child welfare sector. This study delved into the myriad challenges faced by social workers for many years and the imperative need for lasting solutions and change. The culmination of her research was marked by a breakfast event attended by her sample group of 130 social workers, where Velo shared her findings. Notably, the National Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, attended the event and was the keynote speaker. Velo commented, “The Minister applauded me for the efforts that I made to take the study forward and talk about the results and for bringing the social work community together. As she said, many people do studies and then normally put them away on a shelf to collect dust.” And, says Velo, giving social workers a voice to address their challenges is critical; through her study she is hoping to advocate for policy and managerial practice changes. Vision for the future Her vision extends to her husband’s construction spares business, as they are determined to take the company to into global and southern African markets. For young women aspiring to make their mark in the world, Velo’s journey stands as an inspiring example. She emphasizes, “It is very important to utilise available resources, leverage your knowledge and skills to achieve your goals, and network with the right people, even when you may not initially recognise who they are.” Knowledge and skills are invaluable assets, and she encourages young women to seize every opportunity to pursue their goals with unwavering determination. Currently, Velo is running collaborative training workshops for women in different skills such as technology and finance. Power of determination Velo’s life journey has not been without its challenges, life is tough she says. A critical health issue disrupted her life five years ago when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. “Life just came to a standstill. I did not even get a chance to clear my office desk,” said Velo. Her challenges included post-operative facial nerve complications as well as not being able to speak, a problem with her eyes and short-term memory issues. After a one-and-a-half-year recovery period, Velo decided that God had given her a second chance of life for a reason. She now uses her position to work with other people being diagnosed with critical illness. Velo added, “Life is about never giving up, it’s about how you restructure your life, how you prioritise. Even if you don’t have the resources find a way, you’ll see anything’s possible.” On being nominated for KZN Top Business Women, Velo says, “I’m hoping that this will create a platform for me, as a social worker, to give women a voice, and be an advocate for women that says, you are being heard.”

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