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- Zero2Five’s large scale relief programme
Thousands of children in KwaZulu-Natal affected by the July social unrest and the ongoing effects of Covid-19 benefit from Zero2Five’s largescale relief programme. Following the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, local NPO Zero2Five Trust has been asked by several funders what the consequences on the ground were for the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector. They assessed that the unrest has had no direct impact on the infrastructure of any of the 198 KZN ECD centres on their support system insofar as they were spared from any break-ins or looting incidents. The unrest however, had a direct impact on most centres with regards to the costs of food, the availability of food and the accessibility thereof. Significantly, 68% of the ECD centres were not able to get their regular food supplies. The July unrest has exacerbated an already critical situation in terms of extremely high levels of food insecurity due to Covid-19 lockdowns, inaccessibility of National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) meals, high levels of unemployment and widespread poverty, especially in the rural areas in four KZN Districts Zero2Five serves. Covid-19 isn’t just crushing under resourced, fragile health systems, it is attacking the way children access their education, the way their families earn an income to cover their immediate needs, and how safe they feel in their homes, communities, and countries alike. A massive pledge from the LEGO Foundation in August came just at the right time to boost Zero2Five’s nutrition programme for KZN’s young children for six months on-site feeding plus 3500 wonderful food parcels to send home for the December holidays. “The LEGO Foundation is boosting our nutrition programme with an additional 1.2 million breakfasts over those six months,” said Julika Falconer of Zero2Five. In addition, Durban’s Victor Daitz Foundation came on board to send 3500 children home with a 5 kg bag of highly fortified breakfast porridge, the Solon Foundation strengthened the Zero2Five team and funded an extra salary for this massive, 6-month campaign and Willowton Group ensured that soaps were added for the supported households to keep up hygiene standards during the holidays and brace the fourth wave of Covid and Marriott Investment Managers added much needed extra protein in form of peanut butter jars. Zero2Five co-tenants on the leafy Bellevue Camus in Kloof helped store and pack no less than 30 tons of food items and packed the same in a big CSI event into 1750 super solid shopper bags from Durban based Uzwelo Bags, recycled from PET bottles. The balance of 1750 bags were packed by the Winterton Superspar as their special contribution to this massive outreach. This support will assist well over 3500 families in rural KZN and help bridge the gap of missing school meals during the long holidays. Food parcels will be delivered to rural ECD centres in uThukela, iLembe, King Cetshwayo districts KZN Kerry Kassen, director at the LEGO Foundation in South Africa says, “The long-term impact that the recent violence in KZN and Covid-19 lockdowns will have on our children is of great concern to us. Trauma counselling, food security and support to the ECD services that do so much for so many of our children, with very little support, is our immediate priority. We are proud to be part of the efforts to help support so many organisations working directly with children and families to provide help when it’s most needed. We hope that the youngest members of our country will be able to get back to being children again, as quickly as possible.” #kznbusinesssense
- Musa E. Zulu – Empowering disability expo at Richards Bay
In commemorating the Disability Rights Awareness Month, Valhalla Arts partnered with South32 Hillside Aluminium to stage the Disability Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP)Expo in Richards Bay on 25 November 2021. The DEEP Expo is an annual one day disability exhibition that aims at bringing educational, infrastructural and economic empowerment resources closer to people with disabilities in and around KwaZulu-Natal as well as representing a platform to public sector institutions to communicate their community outreach programmes and an avenue where the private sector can exhibit and publicise its corporate social investment (CSI) programmes. “We started this programme in 2009 to encourage the involvement of people with disabilities in ensuring for themselves that their needs are identified, prioritised and met in the design, implementation and evaluation of government, private sector and community development programmes and policies crafted and rolled-out for their betterment,” said Musa E. Zulu, the creative director of Valhalla Arts. This year’s theme ‘I AM ART’ was designed to showcase the disabled sector’s arts and literature, together with providing a platform to organisations that support artistic talents, access to opportunities and empowerment of abilities of persons with disabilities. A total of 30 authors from various backgrounds participated in the event, with 10 of them launching their books and making presentations at the expo. Authors and artists with disabilities feature as a majority in this year’s edition. Vice President of President at Hillside Aluminium (South32), Calvin Mkhabela, said they were thrilled to partner with Valhalla Arts. “We at Hillside are committed to promoting and doing whatever it takes to achieve an all-inclusive society. As an organisation we have ensured that each year, there is a set of youth that are provided with an opportunity to be trained while also gaining work experience. It is most rewarding to see how the group grows from week to week and by the end of the programme they have acquired skills, experience and a definite boost of self-confidence and also forged friendships.” One of the authors, Nenio Mbazima commented, “I never imagined that there are so many authors with disabilities out there. It is difficult for persons with disabilities to have our written works in bookshops. This expo presents an opportunity for publicity and sales.” Mbazima’s book, Strong Wind is an autobiography of the writer sharing with readers his journey from birth and turning deaf at the age of 10 years after suffering from meningitis to his adulthood living as a deaf person. Following strict Covid-19 protocols, attendance at the event was limited. Exhibitors and attendees included Tape Aids for the Blind and other disability organisations, select corporations from Richards Bay, select students from UniZul and Mangosuthu University of Technology disability units and select government departments. #KZNbusinesssense
- Navigating the new normal
We welcome you to the pages of this edition of Business Sense and thank all our contributors for their valued inputs. We are very proud to recognise some of the phenomenal women in KwaZulu-Natal who participated in the grand finale of the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women 2021 initiative, which took place at a hybrid event on 18 November at the Coastlands uMhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre. (Pages 7-10) One of these women, Nomfundo Mcoyi, the founder and CEO of the Icebolethu Group, is featured on the front cover of this edition. The multi-skilled entrepreneur and passionate community builder who is based in KwaZulu-Natal has had many successes over the past twelve years. (Read more on page 3). Another of these women, Fée Halsted, the founder of Ardmore and creative director of Ardmore Ceramics Studio, was awarded the South African Presidential Award ‘The Order of Ikhamanga’. (Page 10). We congratulate the Durban Chapter of the South Africa Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (SA Chamber UK) on its launch and participation in the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chamber Council (KBCC), which will be to mutual benefit. (Page 2). Some of the other articles include: · Marlene Powell who provides some tips that will help you create a solid work-life balance. (Page 5) · Implementing a strategy of Business to Business (B2B) linkages to secure new markets, new suppliers or new clients is critical says Monique Labat who offers her advice on creating these linkages. (Page 5) · The BBBEE verification process can be made simple by using the preparation steps suggested by Almeri du Toit from LabourNet. (Page 6) · David White, CEO of DRG Outsourcing reflects on the importance of ‘Living in harmony and fulfilment on our planet’. (Page 16) The year 2021 is drawing quickly to a close and the continued presence of Covid-19 ensures that there is much about this year (and the previous one) that we may want to leave behind. The coming year offers opportunities (and challenges) for continued new ways of ‘being’ in the work place and at home. Current trends show that many business models have changed and will continue to do so as we navigate the new normal, which will include Covid-19. How we respond to these changes is critical, as we need to make provision for them in any planning strategies, so that we can achieve our goals for 2022. The team at Business Sense wish you a happy holiday season and a new year filled with joy, health, and prosperity.
- Almeri du Toit – How to best prepare for your B-BBEE verification
It is common knowledge that the B-BBEE Verification process is quite challenging based on all the data and documents required, finding out about unexpected interpretational changes which could negatively impact your B-BBEE scores and overall level as well as the tedious time-consuming process of having your information verified. It is no wonder, why most companies shy away from B-BBEE compliance as the verification process in itself, can leave you and your team disgruntled and defeated. Fortunately, there is no need to brace yourself or muster up the required courage to face your upcoming B-BBEE Verification as the preparation process can be made simple using the steps below: Based on when your company’s actual financial period will come to an end, when you will have either management accounts or signed financial statements available and taking into consideration the expiry date of your current B-BBEE certificate or affidavit, you can draft an action plan to confirm when your organisation will be ready for verification. If your company has not yet been verified, liaise with your clients and sales department to confirm if there are any pending tenders or specific B-BBEE pressure. Once drafted, you can confirm suitable timeslots for the formal verification and decide on a SANAS Accredited Verification Agency (for more details on all the accredited agencies or the agencies operating within your region, please make use of the following link to the SANAS website https://www.sanas.co.za/pages/index.aspx?page=AccreditationServices ). With your selected Verification Agency confirmed, request a list of the data and general documentation required for your verification. This list will be specific to your industry and the applicable Codes or Sector Codes. It is important to note that there is no standard document list or procedure and that this differs from Verification Agency to Verification Agency. This difference also extends to interpretation and methodologies used, all of which you can confirm in advance. To effectively utilise the available time and to ensure that all internal deadlines are met, the following is critical: Start preparations as soon as possible i.e., at the start of your financial period To manage the intricacies, collation of information and to drive your team, identify a B-BBEE Champion within your organisation who will take charge of the process As multiple departments within your organisation will be involved, ensure that all employees are aware of the document requirements and extend this to any third party you are working with (i.e., your financial auditors, training providers and beneficiaries). With everyone updated and informed of what is expected from them, your B-BBEE evidence file can be created once off and be updated as and when contributions are made. For tracking your progress and to ensure that it is possible to obtain or maintain your desired B-BBEE Level, conduct bi-monthly or quarterly internal quality control audits. This will allow you to confirm that your B-BBEE evidence file is truly updated regularly and that the documentation on file is valid, accurate and sufficient. If you are unsure of the validity or format of a specific document, contact your selected Verification Agency for clarity and assistance. Having regular internal quality control audits, will further allow you to accurately track your target spend requirements throughout the year and will provide you with ample opportunity to make the needed adjustments whereby you save money and time by making smart informed decisions. By implementing the above in your organisation, the B-BBEE Verification process is not just simplified but will provide you and your team with a pleasant and utterly rewarding experience. For more details, please contact your respective LabourNet branch. T: +27(0)31 266 6570 E: johanvd@labournet.com W: www.labournet.com #KZNbusinesssense
- Marlene Powell – Establishing and maintaining an effective work-life balance
Let me start by wishing you all a wonderfully restful, peaceful, and happy holiday season. Some of you may be in an industry that is flat out at this time of year, and some of you may have already wound down and are preparing for some quality family time, but still have work issues in the back of your mind. Whichever category you fit into, you need to establish and maintain a solid work-life balance to keep stress levels low. The definition of work-life balance is to “create a state of equilibrium in which the demands of an individual’s jobs and personal life are equal”. We need to accept that there is no perfect solution to creating an ideal work-life balance, however research suggests that human resource professionals seeking innovative ways to ramp up their organisation’s competitive advantage in the marketplace have found that effective work life balance challenges offer a win-win solution. Interestingly, work-life programmes existed as early as the 1930s. Before World War II, the W.K. Kellogg Company in the US created four six-hour shifts to replace the traditional three daily eight-hour shifts, and the new shifts resulted in increased employee morale and efficiency. People were spending more time with their families – and were happier. Today we are all looking for the ideal way to balance our lives with work commitments – to keep productivity levels high and stress levels low. Some tips that will help you create a solid work-life balance include: · Being able to manage your time on a long-term basis. Create a timeline of your activities. This can be done easily with various computer programmes. Put dates across the top and the activities conducted at the side. Make sure that you BLOCK OUT days when you have family commitments. Make them a priority. · Don’t try and be all things to all people – rather play to your strengths and outsource what you’re not efficient at. · Prioritise your time and plot some valuable personal time. Include your family and your health. Both absolutely vital. If you don’t prioritise these two, you may not have a business to go back to! · Ask yourself what is urgent and important that needs to be dealt with immediately. · Have set work hours – and stick to them. · Find time for your finances. You need to feel confident about your finances no matter what size your business is. Cash flow is a challenge that faces many small businesses and you need to start using established accounting tools early on so you know what is going on in the finance department. · Make your workspace work for you! With many people still working from home, it’s vitally important to create a work space that will help with productivity – and your overall wellbeing. · Get lots of exercise! In fact, make it a priority. It’s a wellknown fact that a healthy body = a healthy, productive mind. · Nurture your network! Networking has become vital in establishing relationships and building a solid data base. Prioritise growing your network and make sure you have a well-structured lead/conversion system in place so that you can track the time and cost involved with regards to expanding your network. Most importantly – do what you love! Whether it’s spending more time with your children, gardening, taking photographs, cooking – whatever it is that you love, it will give you the energy that will help with creative thoughts – essential in any business. You may not be able to travel overseas, but South Africa is full of the most amazing places to visit. Now is the time to take a break. You deserve it!
- Sanelisiwe Gantsho Member of the Executive Committee and Cape Chapter Leader, SACC UK
Education in South Africa has a critical role to play in economic development, systematically balancing the socio-economic scales and has the power to unlock human capital potential for the global economy. To thrive, not only locally, but by way of reviving trade between South Africa and the United Kingdom. Investing in people and social cohesion is a strategic focus of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK (SACC UK) in reexamining historical trade and investment ties that takes the South African education system to the next level. Giants, living and past, such as Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey, icons and ordinary relatable people understood the simple principle of combatting poverty with education – leveling the playing field that is still plagued by the after effects of Apartheid, yet shimmers with the efforts undertaken by an evolving democracy. Many global leaders have hailed South Africa’s South Africa’s transition in 1994 as a miracle and numerous achievements made possible by a rainbow nation – a term coined by Desmond Tutu – that embodies resilience, courage and spirit that makes our beloved country stand out globally alongside developed nations. ‘When you know better, do better’ – Maya Angelou Surviving a divided political system and transitioning to an applauded democracy is proof of knowing better as a people. Facing challenges with integrity is the action of doing better that needs to graduate to the next level, especially in educating South Africans for an increasingly competitive international work force. The modern business and boardroom agenda – integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters – is at the Chamber’s cornerstone in executing activities that relate to trade, community and investment into and out of South Africa. The ‘S’ of ESG is at the apex of the triangle simply because it is people that create and conversely contribute to the nourishment or decay of the environment and supportive governance practices. As a forum that extends its geographic reach through its Chapters – The Cape, Kwa Zulu Natal, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, North West, North East, West Midlands, East Midlands, West Country, East of England, Thames Valley, South East, Devon & Cornwall and Isle of Man. Each evolving in their respective regional economic models supportive of the Chamber’s strategy. An optimal mix of visionaries, operational ability and measurable milestones are the ingredients we look for in likeminded individuals, organisations and members of the Chamber. Unihaven is one such entity that has aligned values, while also marrying a modern approach to education for globally successful career paths.
- Live steamed show “Women Inspiring Women” 18 November 6:30-7:30
The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women gala evening will take place on 18 November at the Coastlands uMhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre. The 2021 initiative celebrates the achievements of thirty women in KwaZulu-Natal. These women are contributing to their workplaces, to society and to their families in amazing ways. Each woman has been nominated for her achievements by employers, employees, clients, or other stakeholders. Nicky Thompson, Head Prestige Banking Standard Bank KZNsays, “I am proud to work for an organisation that strives for gender diversity and female empowerment. Through events like the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women, we can recognise phenomenal women in KZN who are making a difference in their communities and in their different industries.” The gala evening will not only emphasize a culture of women’s empowerment but will serve as a showcase of success. It is hoped that this initiative and the recognition afforded will inspire other women to strive to achieve more in their own endeavours. “We really need to shift the mindset about the contribution of women in our society and focus on the importance of women’s rights and gender inequalities so that we achieve sustainable change; one that respects and creates a safe environment for all women,” says Mano Singh Executive Head: Insurance, Asset Management & Fiduciary at Standard Bank KZN. Key note speaker for the evening will be Iman Rappetti who is an award-winning journalist who has worked across print and radio and is currently a senior news anchor. Iman is an author whose two books, ‘Becoming Iman’ (2018) and ‘Sermons of Soul’ (2020) which have been critically acclaimed. Iman counts among her career highlights, interviews and encounters with a range of politicians, celebrities, and thought leaders including Cyril Ramaphosa, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, and figures like Richard Branson, Oprah and Michelle Obama. Iman insists that it is always the conversations with ordinary families and communities that are, for her, the most powerful and thought-provoking. The master of ceremonies for the evening is Thato Moeng. Thato is a South African journalist, voice-over artist. She is also a host, brand ambassador, and presenter. She is popular for appearing on the screen as a presenter on SuperSport. She is making it on the male-dominated profession in style. Grant Adlam, publisher of the KZN Top Business, says, “Our theme this year is ‘Women Inspiring Women’. Our team has been humbled by the many amazing women whose stories we have heard. These stories are about women, from many different backgrounds, who have had varied journeys to get to where they are today and have much wisdom to offer.” To obtain the stories that form the basis for the evening’s proceedings, the KZN Top Business team has interviewed all the women who are being profiled through the mediums of photography, video and print. All the video interviews will be available online and the stories and photos collated in a coffee table book. Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women Gala Dinner 18 November 2021 In order to introduce the women participating this year, three webinars have been held in the build up to the event which are available for viewing https://www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness The event on the 18 November will follow a hybrid format and will be streamed live from 6.30 pm. In order to register (the event is free) click on Save My Spot . Media enquiries Gayle Adlam gayle@mweb.co.za 0836530465 #kzntopbusiness
- Andrew Clark – New managing partner for law firm, Cox Yeats
Andrew Clark is the newly appointed managing partner of Cox Yeats Attorneys, based in uMhlanga Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal and which recently opened a Johannesburg branch in Sandton. He is also the head of the maritime, international trade and insurance law team within the firm. Clark matriculated in 1989 from Westville Boys High School. “I had some thoughts about becoming a lawyer at that point of time but didn’t know what it all entailed so I decided to do a BCom degree and see how things went.” During the course of the BCom degree, Clark studied several law subjects in addition to commercial subjects and ultimately moved into law. He then completed articles with Adams and Adams, which is a well-known intellectual property firm. Clark worked in the maritime team in the Durban office and became a partner of the firm in 1999. In 2006 he joined Cox Yeats as partner where he continues to practice maritime and international trade law work, including marine and commercial insurance law. “During my articles I became very interested in maritime law – it is obviously very commercial, with a lot of foreign clients, and the international flavour became part of the passion for this area of the law,” he explained. His interest in insurance law arose out of his involvement in the maritime and logistics sector. Cargo that moves by land, sea or air is insured as are the various parties involved in the contractual supply and logistics chain, including the carriers. “The real challenge that we as attorneys face today is with technological advancement,” says Clark. “We strive to meet our clients’ expectations and needs, which in effect are now on a 24/ 7 basis. You are constantly available to your clients whether it be on WhatsApp, email, or other forms of electronic communication. The effect of that is that the law practice has become much more fast paced and the volumes and scale of work that a practitioner faces these days far outpaces anything that was done ten or fifteen years ago. The busy practitioners tend to be getting their work out quickly and tend to be good at what they do but that leads to more work and so one faces the challenge of balancing your own interests and what you can actually do within a day versus your clients’ expectations.” Consequently, explained Clark, these challenges mean that one has to work very hard in the field of law to achieve success. However, he added that one does need a level of work life balance in order to obtain longevity in the career and to avoid burnout. In reflecting on his recent appointment, Clark commented that he is a people’s person. “I feed on people around me within teams. So, part of my success has been in growing teams of lawyers around me.” He added that the skills relevant to be a leader include the need to be able to communicate well with people. “One needs to be a good listener and understand what people around you are saying.” Of his leadership style he says that his preference is to lead in more of a light touch way. “I am dealing with people around me who are all professionals, who are skilled at their craft and who don’t require a great deal of human management. I think that it is important to lead by example and to understand what the concerns of partners and professionals are. As a leader one needs to make decisions and sometimes those decisions may not be popular, but they have to be made in the greater interest of the firm and the collective. Fortunately, I have the support of the senior professionals around me and my approach to decision making is generally one of a collective nature.” Clark has set firm goals for his own practice and that of the firm. “In terms of my own practice as a team leader, I would like my practice to continue working in the way that it is now over the coming years and to grow and become more dominant in the space that we are in.” His goal for the firm is to continue to move Cox Yeats forward in a positive direction and to fulfil the goals and strategic plans that the partners of the firm have agreed upon. “So that over the coming years the firm continues to grow from strength to strength and continues to do what it has done for a number of years now, which is to punch above its weight and ultimately meet the desired goals, ambitions, and strategy of the collective partnership,” he explained. Clark commented that he is not necessarily inspired by any particular individuals, with the exception of his family, who he says, he draws a great amount of inspiration from. However, he explained that he is in awe of people who struggle to overcome adversity and just make it through their lives on a daily basis. “When I look at people who are successful it is often about how they have reacted to failure or reacted to adversity and overcome that. Even if it is just in their daily lives such as getting to and from a work environment, or in feeding their family. To me there is a lot of inspiration around us that one can see. It does humble one and bring one down to earth.” In giving advice to young professionals Clark says that it would depend on the stage of the career path that they are in. “I would strongly recommend to law students that they get some practical training. Take the time out to do vacation work to learn what it is practically like to be within a law firm working environment. If you pursue your passion, you will be able to get up in the morning and be happy with what you do every day, and it won’t seem like work.”
- Business Innovation – The winner is: Imperial Armour
Businesses entering in this category were required to provide evidence of an innovative approach to products, or processes, which has contributed to the success of the business. Judges were also interested to hear from businesses who have pivoted their operations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The winner is: IMPERIAL ARMOUR The finalists are: Icebolethu Group Capitol Caterers Mi7 National Group (Pty) Ltd Imperial Armour Imperial Armour cc was established in October 2000 and this year, celebrates 21 years in business. The company’s experience, excellent quality, and continual innovations has made it the leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment in KZN. At Imperial Armour all staff are continually involved in research, design and innovation. This ongoing culture provides in-house involvement in new products and sees innovative ideas reaching the market. In April 2020, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the management at Imperial Armour realised that it was necessary to think creatively. Whilst the employees were unable to work due to Covid19 business restrictions, Imperial Armour continued to find innovative work solutions to maintain workflow and the continuity of the company during this difficult period. This resulted in Imperial Armour becoming an essential services organisation in South Africa. Commenting on Imperial Armour’s win Louisa Garland, managing director said, “Winning this award has made us feel overjoyed. We are extremely honoured to be recognised with our all-female company, the boost to morale at work is incredible.” #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness
- Entrepreneur Resilience – The Winners are: Sihle Ndlela and Simphiwe Majozi
This award is aimed at young business leaders who have shown exceptional leadership and exhibited entrepreneurial flair. The winners are: SIHLE NDLELA AND SIMPHIWE MAJOZI Sihle Ndlela and Simphiwe Majozi, the co-founders of Majozi Bros Construction, started out renovating houses in the townships of KwaZulu-Natal. Now Majozi Bros Construction builds houses in upmarket estates like Cotswold Downs and Zimbali and is involved in multimillion developments with construction giant WBHO. “Covid has taught the importance of having a business model that is responsive to change. Our journey is proof that you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it and that dreams are real,” says Ndlela. The finalists are: Dr Fareed Amod (Crown Dental Studio) Njabulo Maphumulo (Borderless Investment Group Pty Ltd) #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness
- Musa E Zulu – Embracing Change
The winners in each category received a unique artwork that was created by Musa E Zulu, creative director of his company, Valhalla Arts. After achieving an Honours degree in Sociology at the University of Natal (1993), Zulu lectured in the Faculty of Humanities before moving to the corporate world as human resources manager. Zulu was fast climbing the career ladder when his life took unexpected turn. In 1995, when he was 23 years old, following injuries resulting from a car accident, Zulu became paralysed and wheelchair bound. Consequently, he found himself faced with one of the hardest challenges that life can bring – disability. However, through applying his personal philosophy of embracing change, Zulu not only found a way to cope with his new life, but to inspire others as well. He is now a published author, an award-winning entrepreneur, international artist, celebrated motivational speaker and prominent disability activist in South Africa. Zulu is the author of four books: ‘The Language of Me’ (UKZN Press; 2004), ‘Wheels on the Soul of my Shoes’ (Nutrend Publishers; 2008), ‘Tributes: The Story’ (Valhalla Arts; 2012) and ‘Mastering the art of self-motivation: Tapping the Inner You!’ (Valhalla Arts; 2017). Zulu launched his latest book titled ‘I AM ART: The 40th Anniversary Essay’ in KwaZulu- Natal on 20 April 2021. This book celebrates the four decades (1979 – 2019) in which he has lived as an artist, together with reflecting on the 25 years (1995 – 2020) that he has spent in his wheelchair. In commenting on his involvement in the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2021, Zulu said: “I would like to congratulate and thank all the finalists for allowing me the pleasure to interpret their life and work achievements in the best way I ever could – in my art. This precious artistic endeavour was made much more enjoyable, and quite informative, by the grand magnitude of the people and institutions I was tasked to reflect upon. These 15 original Valhalla Arts Red Label pieces are my personal reflections on the milestones that each of these dynamic winners has reached in their efforts that have undoubtedly shaped our changing times and spaces in so many impactful ways. Winners inspire all of us to lift our standards even higher with each new day that comes to pass. This is my tribute to your noted excellence.” For more information contact: Cell: 083 3488 729 Website: www.valhallaarts.co.za #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness
- Employee Wellbeing – The winner is MCS DEBT RECOVERY
This award is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage their staff members and the difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding. The winner is: MCS DEBT RECOVERY MCS Debt Recovery’s success has been based on treating its staff as assets, consequently the company has a highly productive workforce. Motivating staff in the call centre environment is of prime concern and MCS Debt Recovery retains staff by offering good incentives and delivers on what is promised. On winning the award, Saskia Hill, chief executive officer at MCS Debt Recovery said, ‘Thank you so much for this amazing award. We are super excited. The biggest thanks has to go to our staff who made this possible, we are so grateful.” The finalists are: Imperial Armour Capitol Caterers Toyota South Africa Motors #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness












