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Hameed Noormahomed is the Standard Bank Head of Business Clients, Client Coverage, KwaZulu-Natal. His role comprises the management of Business, Entrepreneur, and Enterprise banking within KZN. Commenting on his professional career thus far, Hameed says, “I have had an enjoyable journey and accomplished much along the way. I have walked the long road and saw opportunities instead of challenges. I dreamt big and wanted to succeed in everything that I did.” He added, “I believe that my success is related to the importance of not forgetting my roots and remaining humble throughout. I never forget who I am and where I come from. In order to be successful, one must be honest and dedicated, have perseverance and importantly have the passion and willingness to win.” Hameed lost his mother in his teenage years and his father brought him up together with his sister and brother. “My father had limited schooling and no formal qualifications but learnt the welding trade from other trade professionals. My mother was the brains of the house. She was a self-made entrepreneur who worked as a dressmaker for a local boutique.” The determination of his parents to provide for their family set the work ethic that was to drive Hameed’s career path. During his school holidays and needing to earn some money, Hameed worked at a service station as a petrol attendant on weekends. “The service station owners are clients of the bank and had such pride in my achievements including the fact that I once worked for them later becoming their Bank Manager,” explains Hameed. While Hameed‘s dream was to be an attorney, coming from a disadvantaged family meant that obtaining a tertiary education wasn’t easy. After only completing one year at university, he had to find suitable employment and study part time. His first job was as a salesperson for a lighting company in Pietermaritzburg. Fortuitously, Hameed responded to an advertisement to join Standard Bank. After completing the application process, including undergoing psychometric tests, he was recruited as a banker. Through the 1990s, Hameed continued to study law part time. His work experience at the bank led him to discover that being an attorney could be very tough and that some attorneys struggled to make a decent living, which persuaded him to change his career trajectory. Following a banking career offered much potential and his dream changed to one of becoming a Bank Director, which still drives his ambitions today. He added, “I saw in the end that in every job there are some people who are successful and those who are not. It is one’s positive attitude, agility and drive that makes one successful in life.” Hameed completed his BA Law degree at UNISA, then went on to graduate with an Honours in Public Administration. He also completed the required banking exams with The Institute of Banking, CAIB(SA). His pursuit of academic knowledge also led him to complete a BCom (Marketing Management), a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (University of Natal), and an MBA at Mancosa. He later completed a Masterclass in Strategic Client Management at University of Cape Town Business School. Whilst studying, Hameed’s banking career was progressing simultaneously. He joined FNB and ABSA as a Portfolio and Relationship Executive respectively. He was re-employed at Standard Bank at the end of 2011 with a stint in Corporate and Investment Banking, which gave him much exposure to Public Sector, Local Banks and Multinationals. This experience provided him with a good grounding for his career to advance. In 2016, Hameed was promoted to the Head of Business Banking in KwaZulu-Natal, an achievement which he says was very gratifying. Important aspects of this role included ensuring Business Banking Clients obtained client value from Standard Bank by partnering and helping these clients to grow their businesses in the African economy. After a couple of years in Business Banking, Hameed was promoted to Standard Bank Head of the Central Region in KZN, Retail and Business Banking which comprised the Dolphin Coast, eThekwini, and the Hibiscus Coast Region. Hameed looked after both the Business and Retail markets. He was then promoted to his current position on 1 January 2021. His diverse role is to drive the performance of the bank’s management teams and to ensure that all Standard Bank’s objectives are met in a holistic manner. This includes the key strategic priorities of Commerciality, Customer Obsession, Risk and Conduct and People Management across a diverse team over several sectors. The role includes the FAIS oversight within the bank. Commenting on his leadership role, Hameed says, “It is most important to be a leader rather than to manage people. He strives to lead through his charismatic nature and is concerned about his team’s welfare, nurturing and encouraging them to grow and learn. “You need to be fair, honest, open and transparent and always be there for your people. Coach them and mentor them when they need it. Mentoring and coaching helps grow our people and make them future ready. You need to have an understanding of the people that you work with, what makes them tick and what they are going through on a day-today basis.” He added that it was important to listen to the internal micro and external macro environment, which keeps changing constantly. Currently the external environment has been disrupted by Covid 19. In response to these changes, the bank’s customers are evolving. “An important part of modern banking is how do you create client value by solving for their needs now and in the future?” Digitalisation has grown customers and stakeholders who are well tuned in to a modern working environment. Each customer wants to be treated differently and the bank needs to have flexible tools with which to do so. Customers require 24/7 access to banking services and rely on the digitalisation of services with on call backup services when needed. However, hybrid banking services are still required as there are many clients who still want to go into a physical bank (Brick and Mortar setup) in order to have personal access to banking staff when necessary. When looking at the people who have inspired him in life, Hameed points to Mandela’s charisma and compassion for people. “I looked up to him as being honest, open and trustworthy. He exemplifies leading by example.” His advice to young people entering the banking field would be, “Be passionate, committed and dedicated. Stick to the course. It’s not easy to get to where you want to be. Treat everyone the way that you want to be treated, which is with respect and dignity. Be yourself, be open and listen.” In his downtime Hameed enjoys gym and the creative side of property refurbishments. However, he says that spending quality time with his family is of utmost importance to him as they are his foundation, who have backed him and recognise what he has achieved over the years. Hameed concluded, “To be able to harvest one needs to plant seeds. Plan to achieve, implement and execute the plan. If you do that you will be successful in life.”

If you missed the stream last night, there were and are exciting movements in the Battle of the Brand of KZN. We also announced the shortlist of nominations . ( click here to view. ) Remember that the Top Brand award is based only on public votes and the ranking changes daily. Lucky draw prizes will be awarded each week. Join us on the 3 June at 6.30 pm for the next update. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards winners in the various categories and the top brand will be announced on 10 June. ( Click to here to register for your live links ) #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

If you missed the stream last night, there were and are exciting movements in the Battle of the Brand of KZN. We also announced the shortlist of nominations . ( click here to view. ) Remember that the Top Brand award is based only on public votes and the ranking changes daily. Lucky draw prizes will be awarded each week. Join us on the 3 June at 6.30 pm for the next update. The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards winners in the various categories and the top brand will be announced on 10 June. ( Click to here to register for your live links )

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2021 will be a hybrid event held on 10 June 2021 at 6.30 pm. We look forward to celebrating this prestigious event with the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Register here as an online attendee. Enquiries: Tracy Engelbrecht Email: tracy@topbusiness.co.za Cell: 063 283 9388 #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards 2021 will be a hybrid event held on 10 June 2021 at 6.30 pm. We look forward to celebrating this prestigious event with the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Register here as an online attendee or click on the link in the invitation. Enquiries: Tracy Engelbrecht Email: tracy@topbusiness.co.za Cell: 063 283 9388

The hotelier first joined Tsogo Sun in 1997 when he worked at the Holiday Inn Nairobi. He was later transferred to other properties in the Tsogo Sun group, taking up management positions at hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lusaka, and in Durban — where he was General Manager at the Southern Sun Maharani and most recently, the General Manager at the Garden Court Marine Parade. In his career with the Group, John has been involved in a number of hotel openings, including the Holiday Inn Maputo in Mozambique, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the Winelands Hotel in Cape Town, Southern Sun Lusaka in Zambia and the Qamardeen Hotel in Dubai —where he was General Manager. John has proved himself as an expert in responding quickly to changing market conditions with the ability to revise innovative marketing and business strategies accordingly with solid leadership. “John has a good eye for detail, as well as strong skills in relationships with staff and guests alike, and Tsogo Sun’s flagship property has been entrusted into the right hands,” says KZN Operations Director, Mike Jackson. “John has all the right credentials to take this hotel to new heights.” #kznleaders #kzntopbusiness

Another feather in local firm’s cap The Group was presented with the following awards: · Demonstrating exceptional managerial and corporate governance qualities; · Held in high esteem as good corporate citizens based on their corporate responsibility initiatives and investments over the past 12 months; · Doing most to enhance conservation and tourism; · Conducting its business in the most ethical way. “We are very proud of the recognition from PMR Africa, and we would like to thank all those who voted for us,” said Marketing Executive, Fiona Broom. “The Group strives to make our product offerings and services the definitive benchmark to which others in our industry aspire to, and these awards serve to encourage and motivate us to work harder towards that.” The winners’ survey was conducted during October and November 2020. PMR.africa celebrates excellence through these awards, where exemplary business entities are honoured within their respective industries. www.beekmangroup.com

SMS KZN to 33808 and vote for KZN's Top Brand 2021 SMS the letters KZN to 33808 and vote for the Top Brand 2021. You will be prompted to provide the name of your top brand. You may enter as many times as you like at a standard cost of R1.50 per SMS. We will stream live announcements and the current rankings on the KZN Top Business YouTube channel @6.30 pm on the 20 May, 27 May and 3 June. https://youtu.be/F4unpNxzW90?t=232 Three weekly lucky draw prizes consisting of High Tea at the Beverley Hills Hotel for two people will also be awarded. Subscribe to the KZN Top Business channel to be kept in the loop. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhL0AyThmxBnxSGqkv55Sw Grant Adlam

Competition is a gamechanger for the regional Furniture Sector - Entries close on Friday, 14 May 2021. @home, CLM Home and Homewood call for new local furniture, packaging, raw material and componentry suppliers. Do you have a bold business idea that has the potential to be a gamechanger in the regional furniture industry? Do you want to grow in the retail value chain? If you are a small business based in KZN that currently supplies, or could supply, goods or services to the furniture sector, enter the eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) Business Accelerator and put yourself in the running to gain a lucrative business contract with leading South African furniture retailers, @home, CLM Home and Homewood. This event provides a unique platform for SMMEs to showcase their potential to large retailers. It also creates the opportunity for local retail to access previously unseen local suppliers. Paige Sherriff, the Project Manager for the EFC, says that with its focus on linking innovative products and services such as packaging, raw materials, componentry, technology and furniture to larger markets, the Business Accelerator aims to fast track the growth of innovative businesses driven by passionate South Africans. “KZN is home to an abundance of SMMEs that have innovative business concepts, yet these often go unfulfilled as they simply don’t have the opportunity to engage with large customers or the resources to develop their ideas,” Paige explains. “For these businesses, the EFC Business Accelerator promises to be a gamechanger. It offers an unique platform for high potential SMMEs to pitch their innovative ideas to some of South Africa’s leading furniture retailers. Our panel comprises @home, CLM Home and Homewood who are actively looking for KZN-based businesses to showcase their products and services and unlock their growth potential,” Paige explains. The EFC Business Accelerator is open to all KZN-based small, medium and micro businesses that are current or prospective manufacturers or services providers to the regional furniture industries. To enter, candidates need to submit their innovative ideas and projects by completing an online application by Friday, 14 May 2021. These will be screened and top candidates will be invited to submit a video pitching their ideas. The top pitches will qualify for an online pitching platform which will take place in mid-June. Paige explains how this will work: “This virtual ‘Dragons’ Den’ of sorts will give our retailers the opportunity to engage with the SMMEs and ask them questions about their products or services. After they have reviewed all the pitches, our judges will select the winning companies and they will receive a letter of intent to procure their goods or services from these large customers along with a list of requirements to convert this intent into physical sales.” In addition to this market opportunity, the winner will automatically qualify to receive an intensive mentoring and support from industry professionals with over 30 years of experience, training and development for themselves and their employees, and membership to the EFC for one year. “We leverage experience, expertise and partnerships to create a winning mentorship programme as this is the magic that will turn the winning idea into a viable, growth-oriented innovation,” Paige explains. The intention of the Business Accelerator is to be a vehicle for industry transformation in the regional furniture sector, to promote small Black-owned enterprises and thus to further develop the sector, economy and employment. For more information on the EFC Business Accelerator or if you want to enter, visit https://furniturecluster.org.za/the-business-accelerator/ . Entries close on Friday, 14 May 2021. Disseminated by: Tayla Gibson Account Manager Say Watt

Dr Mthobisi Clyde Zondi is the Executive Chairman of the SanDock Austral Group, which is the holding company for SanDock Austral Aerospace, SanDock Austral Shipyards, SanDock Austral Defence Engineering Systems and Torpedo South Africa. With a history spanning almost 50 years, the group is the largest 100% black owned defence entity in South Africa, both in terms of revenue and facilities owned. SanDock Austral has an exceptional reputation for developing and delivering integrated solutions for commercial and defence engineering/mechanical projects. Dr Zondi’s more than 20 years of industry and public sector experience has well prepared him to be at the helm of the group. He started his career as a Junior Mechanical Engineer for a nylon spinning company in Cape Town. A stint as an Engineering Manager at a pharmaceutical company in Epping Industrial, Cape Town then followed. After completing two masters’ degrees, he spent four years with Transnet in various positions, including Chief Operations Manager in Richards Bay Terminals, and National Capacity Planning Manager in the Transnet Port Operations container business. Dr Zondi then worked as an Executive Manager for PetroSA, responsible for offshore support logistics operations. This position was followed by 12 years working as senior official in the National Department of Defence in South Africa. He joined the Department of Defence as Head of Defence Supply Chain Integration, responsible for supply chain process design, logistics repositioning and material governance within the Department. He was later appointed chief defence material responsible for armaments acquisition, industry support, research and development, technology management and oversight of the procurement agency. Dr Zondi commented that one of the highlights of his career has been in policy development, which once implemented has impacted an entire industry. Developing Strategy Currently, Dr Zondi’s primary role is to develop strategy for the SanDock Austral Group and direct the group according to its vision, which well resonates with him. He says, “We want to build the most valuable group in the African continent. One of the important aspects is the alignment of shareholder vision in terms of how we intend to take the group forward. What makes us unique in the space that we operate in, is that we are looking at collaboration and cooperation with several role players.” The SanDock Austral Group seeks to provide a platform where South African companies can showcase their combined complementary capabilities through packaging integrated defence solutions that appeal to international markets. “One of the challenges in the defence and security industry is that the local budget has declined in the last five years. The survival of defence and security companies does not lie in local spending. If you are going to compete in exports you need to make sure that you can put competitive products out there. We are introducing a business model to South African companies wherein they can collaborate in order to provide integrated products that can compete in the international space.” “We are able to put together a package to provide an integrated solution by plugging in various companies’ products and services that can be marketed for export. In our business we cover all three phases of war – prevention, equitable engagement and we look at post war rehabilitation programmes such as demining. Our technologies are very advanced given the heritage of technology development in South Africa,” explains Dr Zondi. “We are therefore continuously engaging defence companies and organisations of all sizes, locally and globally, on potential cooperation and/or collaboration. The partnership model involves co-investment in the region, technology transfer, localised product support and indigenisation of customised product systems.” SanDock Austral Defence Engineering Systems SanDock Austral’s defence capabilities cover remote control weapons stations, low-cost active protection systems, missiles, systems engineering, assembly and maintenance of torpedoes, radars and subsystems and radar testing. Broad engineering and fabrication solutions are also offered. SanDock Austral manufactures precision mechanical components for weapon systems at a factory in Springs, east of Johannesburg. The group also has partnerships with numerous local companies in the fields of radar and electronic warfare, amongst others. SanDock Austral Shipyards On the marine side, shipbuilding and repair capabilities are offered through SanDock Austral Shipyards, formerly Southern African Shipyards (SAS). This is the largest shipyard in southern Africa and has built both naval and commercial vessels. The group offers the construction of small to mid-range steel and aluminium vessels and marine structures, repairs to all sizes of vessels and marine structures and construction and maintenance services to the offshore oil and gas industry. SanDock Austral Shipyards has made major leaps and bounds towards employing the concept of the collaborative economy in the execution of its shipbuilding and ship repair projects. The recently awarded multi-billion rand contract to build a Hydrographic Survey Vessel (HSV) for the South African Navy represents one of the most complex projects to be undertaken in the African continent in recent years. SanDock Austral Shipyards was judged the worthy winner of the world-class and soughtafter tender, which will further establish the company as a shipbuilder of note. Dr Zondi added, “A very exciting project that we are looking at currently is in how we can increase sea-based trade on the African continent. There is poor port infrastucture in several African coastal countries but there are inland waterways that are quite expansive. There are also huge rivers going through several countries that are landlocked, which is an opportunity for continental trade. We are looking at designing and manufacturing barges that can be used in these rivers and waterways, to move a range of cargo between these countries and to make sure that there is connectivity between both coastal and locked countries.” SanDock Austral Aerospace The group’s aerospace capabilities cover an electronic warfare jamming pod, electronic countermeasures, maritime surveillance aircraft and aircraft maintenance. Airport security is another capability offered, including personnel recruitment and training, airline and airport security audits, and airport security planning, design, and upgrades. “On the aerospace side we are currently in advanced talks with several entities that have maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities which we believe can benefit from a consolidation and rationalisation of their expertise so that we can get work from South African and regional aviation operators. If government comes on board this could be a breakthrough in the technical support side of the aviation business,” explained Dr Zondi. The greater good “SanDock Austral is very community and socially orientated – we always say that we are in business for the greater good.” One of the group subsidiaries has a 30% shareholding by military veterans. “We saw it prudent to bring them in as people who understand the defence and security environment as shareholders and directors at a subsidiary level. On a social level we deliver wheelchairs to military veterans if required.” SanDock Austral is also involved in community-oriented programme such as building schools and libraries. The group has a large in-service training and apprenticeship programme. This allows new graduates and artisans to gain work experience that enables them to have their qualifications recognised. “We make sure that we do not turn anyone who requires in-service training away.” “We really believe that with partnerships and collaborations this country has immense potential and we are here to make sure that it is realised,” concluded Dr Zondi. www.sda.co.za

Founded in 2011, Meishi is a progressive web app that not only shares contact information but the DNA of your business. The way we exchange contact information with other businesspeople is changing. Although business cards have been used for many years, the increasingly digital era in which we live suggests that printed business cards will soon become redundant. In addition, the drive for remote interactions in 2020 provoked a greater need for a virtual way to exchange contact and business information. Even when in-person gatherings resume, digital business cards and apps will stay around because they are germ-free, and no physical contact is required. Furthermore, over 90% of business cards are thrown away within one week of receiving them. Consequently, tools such as digital business cards or business card web apps will be more commonly used to share these details. In addition to your normal contact information (like your name, company, email, and phone number), you can enhance your card with links to your various communication platforms e.g., Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal etc. LinkedIn is great to include on your Meishi card as it is an excellent platform for developing and strengthening your brand, for growing your number of LinkedIn connections, or sharing your CV if you’re on the job market. Adding a picture or video to your Meishi card is important — it will help connect the ‘name to a face’ for your contacts. You are able to make your profile even more memorable by opting to featuring a video instead of a static picture, which is a great way to further engage with businesspeople. Through the Meishi progressive web app all printing in your business is eliminated – business cards, flyers, brochures, and product specifications become redundant. You can put as much information as you want on your digital business card, and you’ll never run out of space. Creative media companies, estate agencies, car retailers, or hotel chains, amongst others, are set to make full use of this new technology. Being able to transmit more than names, numbers and website addresses means that business people can send information such as house listings, new cars, or accommodation offerings, in image files or promo videos, straight to a cell phone or computer. You are able to update or edit the information on your Meishi card at any time, so your contacts always have your current contact details and products or services information. Digital cards can be shared with anyone, anywhere — simply send the link over email, text, social media or supply a QR code. As long as you have access to your phone or computer, you’ll always have your digital business cards on hand. Because everything is electronic, you’ll never need to worry if your card supply is low and if you need to order more. Meishi makes following up with clients easier and more efficient, which in return can lead to fostering stronger connections. ( click here to make your own Meishi Card ) To find out more about getting your own Meishi card speak to Don Gray at T: +27 74 616 1954 E: dongraybiz@gmail.com Get a Meishi card (click here to make your own Meishi Card)

Why a trust? With a trust you can legally separate different classes of assets, like property, gold, silver and crypto from each other. Losing one class, for whatever reason, will not affect the rest. Without a trust, the loss of one class can lead to a total wipeout of all your assets! With the right trust structure, a legal zero tax liability situation is easy to achieve. “Refinancing plays a huge role in growing one’s wealth and property, gold and silver as well as crypto currencies can be used to finance one’s lifestyle needs rather than selling these assets,” says Coert Coetzee, founder of the Wealth Masters Club. View Don Gray's interview with Coert Coetzee MEMBER’S FUNCTION 5 MAY A member function is to be held in Durban on Wednesday 5 May. At this event existing members are offered a refresher course on the basics of the Wealth Masters Club’s system and are able to engage with Coert Coetzee in person. Guests are welcome at this function, to see whether or not they have an appetite for the system. To register visit https://www.wealthmastersclub.com WEBINAR 8 MAY In addition, the Wealth Masters Club will be conducting a webinar on Saturday 8 May. This unique and popular full-day course, teaches both experienced and novice investors how to create enormous wealth and tax-free cash flow through the use of a specialised trust structure with a specific type of property investment. The information shared on the course is absolutely essential for both the ordinary person and the investor who wishes to create everlasting financial freedom for themselves and their children. To register visit Wealth Masters (wealthmastersclub.com)