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By: Dusi Canoe Marathon With a bumper 75th edition of the Dusi Canoe Marathon expected in 2026, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) has committed to the event as one of the headline sponsors ahead of the event from 19-21 February. The Dusi Canoe Marathon is the country’s premier canoeing race and is a proudly KwaZulu-Natal based event which plays an important role in garnering the support from the province’s only water board for the next three years. uMngeni-uThukela Water recognises the strategic importance of protecting and preserving the river systems that sustain livelihoods, drive economic activity, and support recreational sport. Our headline sponsorship of the Dusi reaffirms our commitment to water stewardship, environmental sustainability, community development, and active citizenship. By partnering with this event, UUW seeks not only to support a world-class sporting spectacle, but also to raise public awareness about the value of water and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding it for future generations. This partnership aligns directly with our responsibility to ensure sustainable water resource management while fostering social cohesion and youth development. It is through collaborations such as these that we can inspire a deeper appreciation of our rivers and encourage collective action to protect them. Speaking after the announcement of this important partnership, head of the Dusi Canoe Marathon organising committee Doug Gow is looking forward to the prospect of working together. “We are incredibly excited to have such significant support from uMngeni-uThukela Water,” Gow said. “To be able to have UUW at the forefront of our race and have their support is a huge advantage for us as a race, but also for us as a paddling community. “Water quality has been a huge talking point, and we are looking forward to working with UUW in creating an environment that is sustainable for everyone. “Canoeing plays an important role in bringing to light areas that need improvement and this partnership helps both communities to make things better for future generations.” The role the UUW plays in getting clean water to households around the province is a critical one and to be involved in an event like the Dusi helps them spread their message. “The Dusi is a sporting spectacle that is held on the same rivers that are the source of raw water, which we purify and supply to municipalities,” Umngeni-uThukela Water Spokesperson, Siyabonga Maphumulo said. “Therefore, our sponsorship of the event is about uniting communities through sport, promoting water stewardship and inspiring confidence in the state of our rivers”. Dusi Canoe Marathon

By: Dusi Canoe Marathon With a bumper 75th edition of the Dusi Canoe Marathon expected in 2026, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) has committed to the event as one of the headline sponsors ahead of the event from 19-21 February. The Dusi Canoe Marathon is the country’s premier canoeing race and is a proudly KwaZulu-Natal based event which plays an important role in garnering the support from the province’s only water board for the next three years. uMngeni-uThukela Water recognises the strategic importance of protecting and preserving the river systems that sustain livelihoods, drive economic activity, and support recreational sport. Our headline sponsorship of the Dusi reaffirms our commitment to water stewardship, environmental sustainability, community development, and active citizenship. By partnering with this event, UUW seeks not only to support a world-class sporting spectacle, but also to raise public awareness about the value of water and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding it for future generations. This partnership aligns directly with our responsibility to ensure sustainable water resource management while fostering social cohesion and youth development. It is through collaborations such as these that we can inspire a deeper appreciation of our rivers and encourage collective action to protect them. Speaking after the announcement of this important partnership, head of the Dusi Canoe Marathon organising committee Doug Gow is looking forward to the prospect of working together. “We are incredibly excited to have such significant support from uMngeni-uThukela Water,” Gow said. “To be able to have UUW at the forefront of our race and have their support is a huge advantage for us as a race, but also for us as a paddling community. “Water quality has been a huge talking point, and we are looking forward to working with UUW in creating an environment that is sustainable for everyone. “Canoeing plays an important role in bringing to light areas that need improvement and this partnership helps both communities to make things better for future generations.” The role the UUW plays in getting clean water to households around the province is a critical one and to be involved in an event like the Dusi helps them spread their message. “The Dusi is a sporting spectacle that is held on the same rivers that are the source of raw water, which we purify and supply to municipalities,” Umngeni-uThukela Water Spokesperson, Siyabonga Maphumulo said. “Therefore, our sponsorship of the event is about uniting communities through sport, promoting water stewardship and inspiring confidence in the state of our rivers”. Dusi Canoe Marathon

By: eThekwini Municipality A high-level delegation, led by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, visited several catalytic project sites in the city in early February. The aim of the oversight visit was to address challenges related to regulatory approvals, bulk infrastructure provision, and the funding of key catalytic projects. Mayor Xaba, who is the chairperson of the eThekwini District Development Model (DDM) Political Hub was joined by the eThekwini DDM Champion and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Narend Singh. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of key catalytic sites that are set to redefine the City’s economic landscape. Key project milestones include: • The Giba Business Estate: This R1.2 billion investment is moving at full steam. The Municipality has already injected over R100 million into critical road infrastructure, which is scheduled for completion within the next two months. • Isibaya Precinct Development: Developed by DEVMCO, this mixed-use hub is nearing the finish line. After 10 years in development, it is set for a grand opening later this year. The precinct will feature an International Convention Centre, a 4 000-seater Playhouse, and a 200-bed facility. Positive updates were also provided for the Avoca Node, Cato Ridge Node, and the Malaba Canal Project. Mike Mabuyakhulu, co-chairperson of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group, stressed the importance of immediate intervention to secure R21 billion in total investment.  "The goal is to ensure the work of the Presidential Working Group is seamlessly integrated into the DDM framework. This ensures sustainability so that even as the Presidential Working Group phases out, the momentum of these projects continues uninterrupted," said Mabuyakhulu. Deputy Minister Singh echoed these sentiments, praising the "hands-on" approach of the current leadership.  "We are seeing a truly collaborative effort from government to create a conducive environment for investors. Today’s site visits proved that progress is happening on the ground, not just on paper,” he added. eThekwini Municipality

By: Dylan Naidoo   The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is quickly becoming a hotspot for property investment opportunities. The South Coast Property Outlook Report for 2026-2030, by Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate and RE/MAX Coast and Country, details that property is becoming popular amongst lifestyle buyers, retirees and long-term investors interested in the value proposition and future growth of the area. The areas of interest are mainly Pennington and Scottburgh, both coastal community areas offering affordable housing and redevelopment potential.   Statistics The report details that in Pennington alone, from the 355 active listings in 2025, the average price of property in the area was R1,437,174. This is significantly less than the KZN North Coast according to the report, boasting an average property price 2.8 times higher than Pennington (The reader should note that these statistics were not taken during the same timeframe, with Pennington’s statistics taken in November 2025 and KZN North Coast’s statistic taken in January 2026).    These statistics showcase how affordable the lifestyle of the KZN South Coast is compared to the north, considering the potential development of Pennington and the coastal destination makes it attractive to retirees and investors. In addition, the property is being bought up quickly in the area, as the report mentions that from September to December 2025, active listings in Pennington dropped by 43%, along with average asking prices rising to R1.5 million. The report further details that the majority of sellers are the older demographic, with 79% of full title sellers being 50 plus years old. The statistics are similar for sectional sellers at 80% for the same demographic. However, the demographic of buyers between 36-40 years old are at a rise in Pennington, for both the full and sectional title properties.   Drivers to Investment From these statistics, there is wide speculation for the property market at the KZN South Coast. The report mentions that due to factors such as an aging demographic as well as long term homeowners, the next three to five years could see an increase of new property listings. Along with these factors, there is also speculation of redevelopment in this area in the coming years. One of these developments is the need for estates that offer security, constant maintenance and community living.  Another aspect in focus for development is the rise of eco living. Essentially, these are properties more closely located near nature, which can be a very attractive aspect for some buyers. Predictions for 2026-2030 ●      Sales and transfers expected to increase by 5-7% annually with the sale of new estates. ●      The capital appreciation of estates is expected to grow 15-25% in the coming five years. ●      Older properties are expected to be redeveloped to meet contemporary standards. ●      The market risk is expected to be moderate   Benefits The coastal lifestyle is an attractive prospect for potential buyers, and an increase in market demand also creates numerous opportunities. This includes the new influx of buyers supporting more businesses, redevelopments allowing for more job opportunities as well as tourism.   The KZN South Coast provides a great prospect for property investors to have a look at. The number of advantages, as well as anticipated opportunities showcases an area filled with redevelopment potential and an attractive lifestyle for aspiring buyers. Pat Symcox, Owner of RE/MAX Coast and Country

By Cindy (Beekman) Allan, Director, Beekman Group Across our industry, the presence and influence of women can be felt in every corner. At the Beekman Group, I’ve seen firsthand how the women in our teams shape the way we grow, the way we lead and the way we care for our staff and guests.  It’s still surreal at times. Nearly 30 years in, I could never have imagined the scale of growth we’d experience. Leading a company so rooted in family values is both a privilege and a responsibility. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I carry a deep sense of accountability to our people and our legacy. Being a woman in this position adds another layer of meaning. It’s an opportunity to show that women can lead effectively in a family-founded business while bringing empathy, collaboration and trust. I believe these qualities shape a leadership style that is approachable, transparent and steady.  Creating a Culture of Opportunity and Trust We’ve worked hard to build a workplace culture  that uplifts and supports every employee, regardless of gender. Whether at our resorts or head office, care, consistency and mutual respect are at the heart of how we operate. From wellness campaigns and on-site lifestyle programmes to an aftercare facility for working parents, our support systems aren’t just perks. They’re part of our commitment to building an environment where people can truly thrive both personally and professionally. This has empowered women across the organisation to grow into leadership. Of our 1300 employees in South Africa, 60% are women. Across the Group, women hold 65% of all leadership roles, with Department and Resort Managers comprising over 50% women. This reflects a culture built on trust, growth and equal opportunity. Leading with Impact in Leisure and Hospitality One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is seeing how women across the Group lead with both competence and care. Their impact is visible in daily operations, in how they uplift others, and in how they navigate challenges. At Dolphin View Cabanas  in KwaZulu-Natal, Cynthia Mfeka  stands out. After losing both her sisters, she took on the care of their eight children all while continuing to lead with quiet strength. Her team describes her as someone who never complains and always shows up. Her colleagues, Petronella Ndlovu  and Abegail Mthembu , are equally inspiring. Petronella supports people in need through food initiatives and savings groups. Abegail, a community pastor, offers emotional and spiritual support to local families. These women lead by example and help shape a culture of care and accountability. Known affectionately as Aunty Vic , Victoria leads a large housekeeping team at Cayley Mountain Resort. Her leadership, grounded in trust, experience and empathy, has made her a pillar of strength and respect among her peers. Our women don’t just lead teams – they influence families and communities. Many have grown from entry-level roles into management over the years, and their insight into the guest journey is both lived and earned. One story that truly moved me comes from Kiara Lodge , where Selina Sello began her career as a cleaner in 1990. Today, her daughter Anna works in our Body Bliss Day Spa and has used her role to support her own daughter’s education. Stories like these remind us that investing in people means investing in generations. Across the Group, many women have stayed with us for ten, twenty or even over thirty years. Their loyalty speaks volumes and forms the backbone of our operations. Our Commitment to Empowering Women in the Workplace Empowerment isn’t a once-off initiative. It’s a daily commitment and a key part of our business model. Here‘s how we bring it to life: Skills development and leadership growth We offer structured training and mentorship to support long-term career paths. Recognition of loyalty and excellence Many of the women on our team have been with us for over a decade. We honour their commitment and celebrate their growth. Support for working families We understand the challenge of balancing work and family and offer support wherever we can. Empowerment beyond the workplace Many of our female leaders also uplift their communities through mentorship and outreach. We support and value their efforts both at work and at home. As a female director of the Beekman Group  and a member of the founding family, I feel a personal responsibility to lead with fairness, compassion and integrity. Empowerment is not a checkbox. It’s a mindset. A culture. A choice we make every day to create space for others to grow. Recognition That Reflects Real Impact This year, we were honoured with the PMR.africa   2025 Diamond Arrow Award  for companies doing the most to enhance the interests of women in the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast region. Personally, this recognition is both humbling and heartening. It tells me that the values we’ve embedded into our business – fairness, compassion and accountability – are making a difference. Professionally, it reaffirms the work that goes into building a culture where women don’t just belong, they thrive. This didn’t happen because of a single bold move. It’s the result of steady, consistent decisions: to lead with integrity, to promote from within, and to make room for talent to rise. We also won at the KZN Top Business Awards  for Employee Wellness  for the second consecutive year – another reflection of our people-first approach. Championing Women Leaders Every Day What continues to stand out most to me is the quality of leadership I see among the women across our Group. They drive performance, build trust within their teams and contribute meaningfully to our success. At the Beekman Group, we know that creating opportunities for growth means being intentional about how we build and support our teams. When people feel trusted and equipped, they’re more likely to thrive, and that is something we take seriously. If you are someone who values consistency, integrity and the chance to make a real impact, we welcome you to explore what it means to be part of our team .  The journey is meaningful, the work is rewarding, and the path forward is built on respect and shared purpose.

Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga hosted a truly spectacular Women’s Day Brunch on Saturday, 9  August 2025, where over 280 remarkable women came together in celebration of strength, elegance,  and sisterhood. The venue was transformed into a vision of green as guests embraced this year’s dress  code, Shades of Green , creating a breathtaking sea of style and unity.  The day’s programme was masterfully guided by the vibrant MC, Nonto R, who set the tone for an  afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and empowerment. Guests were inspired by powerful  keynote talks from Sorisha Naidoo and Norma Mngoma, both of whom shared personal journeys and  insights that resonated deeply with the audience. Adding to the glamour, Amor Couture presented a  fabulous fashion show featuring The XVIII Victorian, bringing high fashion to the runway and leaving  guests in awe.  On arrival, guests were treated to a glass of bubbly from House of BNG, setting the tone for a  celebration of elegance and indulgence. A sumptuous brunch followed, accompanied by live  entertainment and plenty of photo-op moments throughout the day.  Reflecting on the event, Fara Hamid, Marketing Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga,  shared: “My goal when hosting our Women’s Day event is always to inspire and uplift, while giving  women a few hours to step away from their busy daily lives. I want them to feel celebrated,  motivated, and surrounded by beauty, both in the space and in the company they share. Seeing so  many ladies embrace the theme and arrive in stunning Shades of Green made this year’s celebration  even more special.”  Every guest left with a beautifully curated gift bag, with some of our sponsors including Veaudry,  Umhlanga Laser and Aesthetics Spa, Source, Jockey, Catrice, Futurelife, Stanley, Hollard, Lelive, Aldo,  Edgars Beauty, Clarins, MAC, Oceans Mall, Durban Flying Dress, and Dr. Salome Booth. The event  décor was created by KP Set Design, photography by Incredible Capture, and venue lighting by  Chillifunk — all contributing to an unforgettable celebration. Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga is proud to continue its tradition of hosting Women’s Day  events that blend elegance with empowerment — and looks forward to making this an annual  celebration where women can come together, connect, and be inspired.  In the spirit of giving back, 5% of ticket sales were donated to The Open-Door Crisis Centre, ensuring  that the day’s celebrations extended into meaningful community impact.  For more information on upcoming events and experiences at Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga,  please visit our website or email info.durban.umhlanga@radissonblu.com

PARTNERSHIP The winning project reflects the importance of teamwork and effective inter-agency collaboration. WINNER Durban Direct is a coordinated multi- stakeholder initiative focused on enhancing KZN’s global air connectivity through King Shaka International Airport. Durban Direct is led by the KwaZulu- Natal Route Development Committee and exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in unlocking economic potential. FINALISTS Ensure Next Generation Security is a security service provider with nearly 50 years of continuous service in the South African security sector. Their recent partnership with the eThekwini Municipality in the Inner-City Regeneration project (Ensure Ubuntu) is a testament to their deep- rooted commitment to revitalising our communities. Nos Media House , through its creative expertise and digital platforms, and Wearyourbrand aim to showcase how an SME agency and a grassroots NGO can co create value – demonstrating that strategic synergy, when rooted in mutual trust and shared objectives, can yield outsized impact. Adv Pria Hassan; Fikiswa Pupuma, EDTEA; Farah Goolam, Invest Durban; Russell Curtis, Invest Durban; huli Galelekile, TIKZN; Hamish Erskine, Dube TradePort; Xoli Shabalala, Dube TradePort and Oscar Sibisa, Standard Bank

Overview of Mobi Ventures and Their Life-Saving Solutions Angela Alderton from Business Sense sits down with Teresa Davie, the sales manager at Mobi Ventures, a key partner known for their expertise in security across South Africa. Theresa explains her role involves presenting Mobi Ventures' services to various clients nationwide. A significant focus is on their emergency response systems, which include mobile devices equipped with GPS and SOS buttons. These devices ensure 24/7 protection by alerting a control room that can dispatch appropriate help swiftly, even if the user can't communicate due to poor signal or personal incapacity. Key Features of Mobi Ventures' Devices Theresa highlights the device's robust features, such as water resistance and two-way communication, making it reliable in diverse situations. The system is designed to save time during emergencies by providing immediate access to personal profiles, ensuring quick and effective response from first responders. Additional Services and Divisions Mobi Ventures also offers vehicle tracking through Mobi Track 911, which includes crash detection and location tracking. Their Mobi Ambo Plan provides ambulance services, covering transportation costs even if the user lacks medical aid. Other divisions include CCTV systems and a localized security service, Mobi Response 911, in Westville. Commitment to Safety and Efficiency Theresa emphasizes their dedication to saving lives, supported by ongoing training and development led by Vernon, who brings expertise from medical and police backgrounds. Mobi Ventures stands out by owning their technology and operating a specialized control room, ensuring reliable and efficient service. Accessing Mobi Ventures' Services To access their services, users can search online for emergency response apps and subscribe to Mobi Claw, ensuring they receive top-tier emergency assistance across South Africa. There. Excellent. We'll find you on Google . Thank. You thanks Teresa. https://www.mobiventures.co.za/about-us Mobi Ventures' Innovative Emergency Response Systems

We see more and more critical infrastructure failures and deterioration, both within local and metropolitan Municipalities. Raw sewerage in the streets is a common sight, potholes prevail, and stormwater drainage fails repeatedly. It is commonplace that despite residents paying rates and making multiple complaints to authorities, the situation does not improve.  Citizens have various constitutional rights, including the freedom of movement and access to essential services, as well as to approach a Court when a right in the Bill of Rights has been infringed. Can citizens or local resident associations take the local or national Government to Court to obtain Court Orders compelling them to effectively deal with the situation? This question came before the High Court in Umtata in a judgment handed down in July 2025.  A local residents’ association brought an application against the Department of Transport, directing them to repair the surface and undertake all the necessary work to restore a main road to good condition. The Court accepted that the resident association had legal standing to bring the application. The applicant put up extensive evidence of complaints being lodged with councillors and the local municipality, with no tangible results. The Court considered the effect of the inaccessible road on the applicants’ daily lives, their ability to shop, access to banking services and get to work, learners’ ability to get to school, access to medical facilities as well as the impact of poorly positioned drainage pipes causing flooding and an additional slippery road surface causing danger. The respondents argued that they had a significant scope of responsibility and that the maintenance costs of a paved road network was approximately R1.8 million per kilometre. given their budget limitations annually, the Department had to engage with Municipalities to prioritise road maintenance based on the needs of each respective community. The Department had to acknowledge the need for road upgrades that the applicants had requested and contended that considerable progress had been made with the budget approved and contractors appointed. The Court accepted that it was the respondents’ responsibility and constitutional role, and accepted, although the Municipalities had an interest in the matter, it was not required for the Municipalities to be joined to the proceedings. The Court accepted that the applicants had clearly demonstrated their rights were being infringed upon, as well as the deplorable state of the road, and that they had no other remedy available.  T he Court issued an Order that the Department was directed to repair, resurface and restore the main road within 120 days of the date of the Order, and ordered that the respondents pay the cost of the application. Conclusion This case serves as a reminder that the Courts will intervene where the State fails to discharge its constitutional obligations and where citizens or local associations can show extensive complaints and requests for assistance which have remained unanswered. It is not sufficient for the State to point to budget limitations as an exclusive answer to its failure to implement important and necessary infrastructural maintenance or upgrades. Citizens can be confident in taking a more active approach to holding local and national governments responsible for fulfilling their constitutional mandates to effect repairs to ageing and failing infrastructure.  E: rhoal@coxyeats.co.za W: www.coxyeats.co.za

On 16 August 2025, National Treasury published the 2025 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, which proposes to revise the rules applicable to preference shares. Comment on the draft legislation must be made by 12 September 2025. If the draft is brought into effect, it will become applicable from 1 January 2026. Our Companies Act allows a company to issue shares of different classes and in each class, the board of the company may determine the preferences, rights, limitations or other terms. Unless these preferences, rights and limitations are expressly stated in the memorandum of incorporation of the company, the shares in the company will be treated equally. It is quite common for companies to issue preference shares to banks as part of funding structures. These shares typically provide for a guaranteed dividend to the bank and for the shares to be redeemed on a defined date. They are particularly attractive in BEE funding structures. From a tax perspective, the bank is able to treat the dividend paid on the preference shares as dividend income which would not be subject to tax whereas the company is obliged to pay the dividend from after tax income. This structure has enabled banks to offer funding at a lower rateas the dividend paid is free of tax. Preference share structures have also been very popular for shareholders contemplating establishing an empowerment structure. Existing shareholders typically convert their ordinary shares into preference shares and then issue to empowerment shareholders new ordinary shares for nominal consideration. For the purposes of the BEE Code, the preference shares are treated as debt and not as equity and the new BEE shareholders, as the holders of ordinary shares,become, for the purposes of the BEE Code, the majority shareholder in the company. These structures are now under threat by the proposed amendment to Section 8E of the Income Tax Act. Section 8E of the Income Tax Act provides that dividends derived from certain shares, which are a hybrid equity instrument, are deemed to be income in relation to the recipient. Currently, excluded from a hybrid equity instrument, is a preference share where the preference share may only be redeemed after a period of three years from the date of issue. All preference shares issued as part of a funding structure or issued as part of a structure designed to benefit from the provisions of the BEE Codes, have provided that they may not be redeemed within the first three years of issue. The amendment proposes to delete the three-year redemption test. In its explanatory memorandum, Treasury has indicated that many preference shares are in fact debt instruments despite being described as preference shares. If, for the purposes of IFRS, the share is regarded as debt by the holder of the share, then it will be treated as such from a tax perspective. The dividend yield, for the bank or holder, will be recharacterized as income and not as interest, in the hands of the holder. However, for the company, the dividend payment will not be treated as interest, notwithstanding the recharacterization of the instrument as debt. The dividend payment will still have to be made out of after tax income. In other words, the distribution will not be a tax-deductible expense. It is likely that this proposed amendment will receive significant opposition from banks and those who are involved in existing preference share structures. We anticipate that the amendment will be changed to be restricted to new structures so that the proposed change will not have retrospective effect. However, it would be advisable to consider all existing preference share structures as they may need to be changed. Author: Michael Jackson Partner mjackson@coxyeats.co.za 082 808 7891 | 031 536 8512

By: Dylan Naidoo DEFY’s collaboration with Jackie Cameron, along with her School of Food and Wine, could be highlighted as a significant collaboration that helped shape and inspire a generation of young and aspiring chefs. The partnership provided both Jackie Cameron and her School of Food and Wine and DEFY with exceptional opportunities.   For the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine, DEFY provided advanced new DEFY products and a kitchen area called ‘The Defy Patisserie Kitchen’, whilst also providing a platform for Cameron to showcase many of her famous recipes. For DEFY, the partnership gave them a platform to advertise their newest advanced products, such as their ‘ThermoFan+, Steam Assisted Cleaning, and AirFire technology.’   DEFY South Africa is also a proud partner of our KZN Top Business List.   For context, Jackie Cameron is an award-winning chef and was one of our Top Business Women in 2023. However, her life tells a bigger story than just that. In her early career, Cameron worked as a head chef at the Hartford House for 12 years. Cameron was inspired to start her own cooking school through visiting the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine. “I loved Christina Martin’s business mind, and I realised that education was where I wanted to go.” says Cameron to KZN Top Business Women . Cameron explained that she did not want to disappoint her parents, citing how much they have done for her already. After some more time spent at the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine, Cameron would finally start her own cooking school: Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine based in Hilton.   Through their partnership with DEFY, Cameron and her cooking school have recorded episodes of “Chef it up!” hosted on DEFY’s YouTube channel in 2025. DEFY South Africa  described the partnership as “driven by a shared passion for innovation, creativity, and empowering the next generation of culinary talent.” DEFY further described the partnership as an opportunity to provide aspiring chefs with appliances that master their craft and enhance their cooking experiences. The show  was a great success, with each episode surpassing 100 000 views, bringing more eyes to the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine.   When looking at ‘The Defy Patisserie Kitchen’, made by DEFY to help the young chefs exceed their cooking, it shined as a top-tier kitchen. According to DEFY , the kitchen was fitted with “world-class equipment, crucial for mastering the art of patisserie”, further emphasising that this cutting-edge technology allows students to bring culinary visions to life. DEFY explained that this equipment would play a crucial role in the growth of young and aspiring chefs.   Looking back, the partnership between DEFY and Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine was more than just a partnership of branding and recognition. It was a partnership that uplifted and supported young and aspiring chefs in their culinary journey. With the show’s run drawn to a close back in July 2025, what has not closed is the journey for Cameron. She has been an amazing chef that truly cares about investing into her students and her restaurant, bringing up a new generation of chefs to represent KZN and its rich food and wine culture. With that, it is no surprise why we nominated Jackie Cameron in our 2023 KZN Top Business Women, as well as DEFY South Africa in our KZN Top Business List. Jackie Cameron, Head of Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine, in partnership with DEFY

By: Dylan Naidoo DEFY’s collaboration with Jackie Cameron, along with her School of Food and Wine, could be highlighted as a significant collaboration that helped shape and inspire a generation of young and aspiring chefs. The partnership provided both Jackie Cameron and her School of Food and Wine and DEFY with exceptional opportunities.   For the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine, DEFY provided advanced new DEFY products and a kitchen area called ‘The Defy Patisserie Kitchen’, whilst also providing a platform for Cameron to showcase many of her famous recipes. For DEFY, the partnership gave them a platform to advertise their newest advanced products, such as their ‘ThermoFan+, Steam Assisted Cleaning, and AirFire technology.’   DEFY South Africa is also a proud partner of our KZN Top Business List.   For context, Jackie Cameron is an award-winning chef and was one of our Top Business Women in 2023. However, her life tells a bigger story than just that. In her early career, Cameron worked as a head chef at the Hartford House for 12 years. Cameron was inspired to start her own cooking school through visiting the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine. “I loved Christina Martin’s business mind, and I realised that education was where I wanted to go.” says Cameron to KZN Top Business Women . Cameron explained that she did not want to disappoint her parents, citing how much they have done for her already. After some more time spent at the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine, Cameron would finally start her own cooking school: Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine based in Hilton.   Through their partnership with DEFY, Cameron and her cooking school have recorded episodes of “Chef it up!” hosted on DEFY’s YouTube channel in 2025. DEFY South Africa  described the partnership as “driven by a shared passion for innovation, creativity, and empowering the next generation of culinary talent.” DEFY further described the partnership as an opportunity to provide aspiring chefs with appliances that master their craft and enhance their cooking experiences. The show  was a great success, with each episode surpassing 100 000 views, bringing more eyes to the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine.   When looking at ‘The Defy Patisserie Kitchen’, made by DEFY to help the young chefs exceed their cooking, it shined as a top-tier kitchen. According to DEFY , the kitchen was fitted with “world-class equipment, crucial for mastering the art of patisserie”, further emphasising that this cutting-edge technology allows students to bring culinary visions to life. DEFY explained that this equipment would play a crucial role in the growth of young and aspiring chefs.   Looking back, the partnership between DEFY and Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine was more than just a partnership of branding and recognition. It was a partnership that uplifted and supported young and aspiring chefs in their culinary journey. With the show’s run drawn to a close back in July 2025, what has not closed is the journey for Cameron. She has been an amazing chef that truly cares about investing into her students and her restaurant, bringing up a new generation of chefs to represent KZN and its rich food and wine culture. With that, it is no surprise why we nominated Jackie Cameron in our 2023 KZN Top Business Women, as well as DEFY South Africa in our KZN Top Business List. Jackie Cameron, Head of Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine, in partnership with DEFY South Africa