The grand finale of the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women 2022 powered by DRG and BusinessFit SA took place on 17 November at the Coastlands uMhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre. The glamorous gala evening celebrated the achievements of some of the phenomenal women in KwaZulu-Natal who were nominated by employers, employees, clients, or other stakeholders. To obtain the stories that formed the basis for the proceedings, the KZN Top Business team interviewed all the women who participated on camera and in three webinars, which were held in the build up to the event. The webinars were facilitated by guest speaker Zanele Luvuno, who is passionate about promoting the future of female leaders. The participating women shared many of their ups and downs; their wins and their losses. All of the women have incredible insights to offer, which showcase the individual and universal strengths they have been able to draw upon. David White, CEO of DRG and BusinessFIt, and key sponsor said, “We have been delighted to play a small role in this incredible initiative. Listening to the women’s stories and sharing in their passion and their purpose has been very exciting.” At the function, six of the women were asked to share aspects of their journeys on stage by host for the evening, East Coast Radio presenter Carol Ofori. These selected women were recognised in the following categories: · The courage to realise a dream – Dr Lungile Mhlongo, founder and CEO Numa Medical Aesthetics · Exceeding customer expectations and delivering brilliant experiences – Samantha Croft, director of operations for Southern Sun for the KZN region · Operating effectively and productively – Nondumiso Mthwa, founder and CEO Idwala Property Group · Fostering a culture of empowerment and diversity – Jasmeena Shiba, director Royal Tyres · Making a difference in the business and community – Carol Coetzee head of department for KwaZulu-Natal Provisional Treasury · A woman extraordinaire: Given to a businessperson who has demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others – Benita Ardenbaum, founder and director Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys Special recognition was given to Cherry Armstrong, the director and founder of Celebrate Life SA. The organisation makes a tangible difference in the lives of rural communities by empowering women who previously felt hopeless and helpless, feeding children who haven’t had a solid meal, and implementing projects that are sustainable and uplifting. In particular, the Ubuntu Micro Bakery Project is a national project that changes the lives of hundreds of women for the better, every year. Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business, said, “Our theme this year was ‘Women of Influence’. 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. It is hoped that this initiative and the recognition afforded to all participants will inspire other women to strive to achieve more in their own endeavours.” As attendance was limited, the gala evening was streamed: www.youtu.be/bt9tsokhfik For more info: www.kzntopbusiness.com

Samantha Croft is the Director of Operations for Southern Sun for the KZN region, and she also looks after the resorts in South Africa. “I’ve been with Southern Sun pretty much all of my career,” says Sam. “I trained with Protea Hotels; I had a sabbatical and went to Sun International at Sun City for eighteen months and came back to Southern Sun, so I’ve worked my way up through the ranks.” The position Samantha had before this one, was as the general manager of Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. Her big project there was to join the two hotels and create one big iconic hotel, which was launched in 2012. In 2018 Samantha was promoted to regional director of operations. Samantha spends her days working with people – both guests and employees – so she says her day comprises of people. Her daily challenges are then related to guests or sorting out service delivery issues and sometimes staff. She says, “My big thing is to try and create an environment in which people can grow. I feel that if you have that environment, people can prosper, they are happier and are automatically more motivated, therefore, they deliver on your service promise.”

Dr Lungile Mhlongo (commonly known as Dr Lu) holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) as well a diploma in aesthetic medicine. She opened a general practice servicing the community of Stanger in 2017. She then went on to establish Numa Medical Aesthetics, a skincare and cosmetic practice using the most up-to-date technologies which operates in uMhlanga Ridge. On her expanding business offering Dr Lu says, “We basically concentrate on non-surgical cosmetic medicine to help people feel good, look good and present themselves better. I have also recently launched my own skin care products – Numa Skin.” “My business is driven solely by passion and personal experience. Growing up I didn’t have any skin problems and when I turned 24-25, I started having severe acne. This badly dented my self-esteem and confidence; I felt like people made skin contact before they could hear what I was going to say. This is where my passion for nonsurgical cosmetic medicine was born. I found a solution that I thought I should extend to other people and that is how I started. I’m passionate about my work because I understand what the customer wants and how they feel about their skin. It’s not just the physical treatments but we also tap into the emotional and psychological side of our clients.” The most important advice that Dr Lu offers is to be authentic. She explains, “It is very hard to run a business if you are not passionate about what you are doing. Find something that you are passionate about and focus on it instead of focusing on what is happening around you. I have found something that I am passionate about and even on the coldest days of business, I go back to why do I do what I do, and I wake up and try again. We live in a world of social media, where everyone is succeeding in what they do, people are not going to post their failures. Focus on what you are doing, so you can achieve what you are called to do and fulfil your purpose.”

JASMEENA SHIBA is a director at Royal Tyres, which is a leading tyre fitment centre and part of the Bestdrive franchise. Royal Tyres is a family run business that was started by Jasmeena’s grandfather in 1939 and celebrates its 83rd anniversary in 2022. The company is South Africa’s oldest tyre dealer. Jasmeena was born in the heart of the Indian casbah in Victoria Street, Durban and later moved to Reservoir Hills. She studied Business Administration through ML Sultan Technikon, which led to her being exposed to many industries over the years where she also garnered international experience. Jasmeena lived in London, United Kingdom for 13 years between 1998 and 2011 where she worked as an IT Analyst for investment banks (Alexander Forbes, Deutsche Borse Bank), Media (Sky News), and Health Care (NHSU). Jasmeena joined the family business in 2011 as the first female director at Royal Tyres, which is predominantly male[1]orientated. This, together with Jasmeena’s international business administration experience, has brought a new dimension to the business. She says, “Being the first female director in the history of the business is a difference in itself. I have added some female qualities to the business and always look at the female aspect.”

NONDUMISO MTHWA married her childhood sweetheart when she was 19 and started her family two years later – and nobody really expected her to have a career, let alone a significant business. Twenty-two years later, she’s the founder and CEO of Idwala Property Group, a certified estate agent and a master practitioner in real estate. She holds a BCom Degree in Business Management and has served as a board member of the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (KZN and Coastal Region). Nondumiso has received numerous awards and accolades, has been featured in magazine articles and appeared on television. She is also a sought-after public speaker. Nondumiso has been awarded the Standard Bank Top Women in Property Award 2022. Nondumiso describes her career progression with a sense of conviction. She joined a multilevel marketing organisation and discovered her natural ability for sales. She joined the real estate sector as an employed estate agent and worked her way up, growing her skills and knowledge along the way. “It’s not all about numbers,” says Nondumiso, “It’s about the people and helping them get what they need.” Moving into the property sector gave Nondumiso the opportunity to take this approach into a new area but she had to educate herself in the industry. “I started from ground level and worked hard to get exposure to every aspect of the real estate business and get the right qualifications.” Nondumiso says she had no option but to be resilient. “I had to succeed. I had nothing to fall back on, so I didn’t have a choice” Her philosophy? “Believe in whatever you do and give it your all. Show up and do the hard work.” Today the Idwala Property Group has three offices with 22 staff, and the business includes residential sales, commercial letting, off-plan marketing of property developments, property valuations and in-house bond origination.

CAROL COETZEE is the Head of Department of Provisional Treasury for KwaZulu-Natal. She has been a public servant for 30 years and has had many accomplishments that have been at a policy and strategic programmes level. Many people won’t necessarily know what the implications of these policies have been. However, one of them was the development of Operation Sukuma Sakhe, which became a policy directive for the entire country. The goal was to bring government departments together at community level. If a family, for example, needed to access a grant but did not have identity documents, the relevant documents would be brought together to provide a holistic solution to the household rather than having to go to three to four government buildings, which is unaffordable for many rural communities. Carol commented that she most enjoys socio-economic development achievements, where they reach out to communities and measurable impact can be seen. “I thoroughly enjoyed going into those communities and seeing the change in terms of giving those little ones a head-start with proper facilities and providing teachers with a formal setting to build a good foundation for these future generations.”

BENITA ARDENBAUM is the founder and director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, which is a family law specialist practice that also does conveyancing. The firm deals with cases that include domestic violence relating to vulnerable people, divorces that are often acrimonious, international cross boarder abduction of children, custody disputes, mediation, maintenance and the firm does some pro bono work. Benita started her practice in 1999 from a room in her house. She explains, “The reason that I decided to go out on my own was the fact that the legal profession was a male orientated profession, and I was in a firm that did not resonate with my values. I wanted to deal with family law in a unique way by bringing in a more feminine aspect and that is where the heart of law was created. I always say lead with your heart, and it will lead you true. This should not be interpreted as a weakness but rather as a strength. I recognised that I loved people more than I loved the law but that I could use the law as a tool to assist my clients.” The practice was started with just Benita and her secretary and slowly, over the years, through sheer hard work, determination, drive and showing up daily and consistently she expanded the firm into what it is today. “I have an incredible all women’s firm where we have mastered the art of collaboration and work together as a team to assist our clients to transition and navigate through often traumatic times in their lives,” explained Benita. “My passion is to give a voice to the voiceless.” Benita has a strong international presence and is a member of the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers, whereby the members are recognised by their peers to be the most skilled family law specialists in their country.

The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate was selected as the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of The Year for 2022. The restaurant is proudly located in KwaZulu-Natal and can be found in Cowies Hill, Pinetown. The new Eat Out stars were awarded on 20 November by a panel of six judges. The restaurants rated this year were selected based on several factors – from the décor, ambience and service to the wine list, ingredients used and quality of the food. Restaurants scoring 90 and above, out of 100 on the scorecard, were awarded three stars. Apart from The LivingRoom, these restaurants were La Colombe (Constantia), PIER Restaurant (V&A Waterfront), Salsify at the Roundhouse (Camps Bay), and Wolfgat (Paternoster). Chief judge Abigail Donnelly commented: “With a unique sense of place, this restaurant pays homage to local ingredients, serving its diners elegantly simple food of astounding depth and flavour. From what would be considered a humble setting for a fine dining establishment, our winner connects with its community on every level – sourcing all key elements locally, from crockery to its ingredients. Its chef combines his formative upbringing with classical training and an innovative approach to sustainable cooking to produce a deeply memorable dining experience.” Chef Johannes Richter said, “It is an incredible honour to be recognised among some of South Africa’s finest dining destinations. We’ve worked so hard for this and the acknowledgment is truly humbling.” “We’ve always measured ourselves against the best restaurants in the country and thought it would take much longer to reach this level of recognition,” says Chef Richter. He attributes their success in part to an accelerated appreciation of indigenous food cultures. “As a small, very young team with humble roots, we feel unbelievably proud. From service to ingredients and cooking, our approach is down to earth. But we have a real depth of knowledge and technique that gives our food the ability to compete with other restaurants in this category. This also applies to my wife Johanna’s knowledge as sommelier and host.” Johannes describes their vantage point as people, pride and patriotism. “It hasn’t been easy for our province these past few years. It’s fantastic to see people walk out of the restaurant with a sense of pride in Durban’s identity,” says the self-proclaimed “100% banana boy”. Credit www.eatout.co.za/article/eat-woolworths-restaurant-year-2022-livingroom-summerhill-guest-estate

Looking for an entertaining book to read while on holiday or a gift for a wildlife lover? Apart from being an entertaining author, James Hendry is a wildlife safari guide, a wildlife TV presenter, a musician and a speaker. Following on from his best-selling novels, A Year in the Wild and Back to the Bush, Hendry returns to the setting of Sasekile Private Game Reserve for another tale. The reader is taken behind the scenes of the game reserve with the MacNaughton brothers, Angus and Hugh. Angus unexpectedly returns to Sasekile to take on the training of a motley group of would-be game rangers with his usual stark but eloquent honesty. Alongside him, Hugh manages the lodge and its colourful staff as events lurch from mishap to potential catastrophe. There is high drama, much hilarity and many close encounters with wildlife, fire and human incompetence. Whether you are a fan of the MacNaughtons’ previous misadventures or a reader new to their story, Return to the Wild is an amusing, engaging and heartfelt read. I did not wish the book to end and turned the last page expecting more to follow. Hendry is also the author of the Reggie and Me, which was jointly awarded the 2021 Humanities and Social Sciences Award for Best Fiction Single Authored Volume. He co -authoured – Whatever you do don’t run. One lucky Business Sense reader will win a signed copy of James Hendry’s Return to the Wild. To enter email gayle@mweb.co.za with your contact details and postal address by the 20 December 2022. www.jameshendry.co.za

Is chewing gum good for your teeth? The answer is yes, if it is the right kind. People have been chewing gum for centuries, but not all chewing gums are the same. Chewing gum can help prevent tooth decay if it contains sweeteners such as xylitol and stevia, which have been shown to reduce the amounts of cavity-causing bacteria in plaque. However, a sugary gum, can have the opposite effect and contribute to the build-up of plaque on teeth. If you chew gum containing xylitol and stevia after a meal, you may be helping to protect your teeth and promote oral health. Chewing this gum causes your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps clear away food, rinse away bacteria, strengthen teeth, and reduce acid in your mouth that weakens tooth enamel. Also, the minerals generated by the extra saliva can even help strengthen your tooth enamel, which is another important benefit in the fight against tooth decay. Importantly, xylitol and stevia have the amazing ability to prevent plaque from sticking and building up on your tooth enamel. Another benefit of chewing sugar-free gum is enhanced breath freshness, especially if you opt for a refreshing mint flavour. Chewing gum can also help with tooth sensitivity. However, it is important to note that you should avoid gum if you have jaw problems. If you have known temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or start to experience any clicking, popping or pain in your jaw, you shouldn’t chew gum. If these issues are new, see your dentist. Are Xylitol and Stevia safe? Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that can be found in small amounts in certain types of fruits and vegetables, but it’s most commonly extracted from various types of hardwood trees. Stevia is a sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudina local to Brazil and Paraguay. As xylitol and stevia have fewer calories than sugar, they are used as a sugar substitute in certain circumstances. Processed stevia is generally regarded as safe when used in acceptable quantities. However, it may cause mild side effects, such as bloating, nausea, dizziness, numbness and muscle pain. It’s worth noting that a lot of people will experience digestive discomfort from ingesting moderate to large amounts of xylitol. Even though it’s great for chewing gum or breath mints, swallowing too much xylitol can cause an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Since most oral care products or mints contain very little xylitol, you shouldn’t have any issue with your stomach unless you tend to have an extremely sensitive digestive tract. If you’re a pet owner, you shouldn’t let your dogs get hold of anything containing xylitol. In dogs, xylitol has been shown to be life-threatening causing liver failure or death when it is consumed in large amounts. Due to its harmful effects, it’s best not to share any foods containing xylitol with your dog—even in small amounts. if your pet accidentally gets access to such items, look for warning signs of vomiting, lethargy, weakness, etc. If you think they ate something with xylitol, contact your vet immediately. Stevia is safe for dogs to consume, but in large quantities, can cause diarrhoea. Visit your dentist Does chewing gum frequently mean you can stop using your toothbrush and floss? Absolutely not. Chewing on sugar-free gum isn’t the only way to support healthy teeth. Limiting sugary foods is one of the easiest ways to preserve your tooth enamel without having to brush, floss or chew every time you eat something. Visiting our dental office twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination is one of the best ways to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. At Crown Dental Studio, we’re committed to supporting our patients at any and all stages of their oral care journey. No matter what your family’s needs are, we offer a wide range of services to support a healthy smile. Schedule an appointment with us today! Crown Dental Studio is one of the few truly 24-hour dental practises in Durban as this is not limited to emergency dentistry treatment. T: +27 81 207 8621 E: info@dramod.co.za W:’ www.dramod.co.za

Registration for Africa’s Travel Indaba opened on Monday the 12th of December. Africa’s Travel Indaba will once again see Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre turn into a lively hub of activity from 9 to 11 May 2023. This follows a momentous signing ceremony, once again confirming the province of KwaZulu-Natal as the home of Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next three years. Owned and managed by South African Tourism and hosted in partnership with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini Municipality and Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC), Africa’s Travel Indaba is a big economic contributor to the city of Durban and the greater KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. “In 2022 we hosted Africa’s Travel Indaba for the first time after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we were excited to return with renewed energy and focus. Going into 2023, we are thrilled to have officially re-affirmed our journey for the next few years and beyond with our long-standing partners. Africa’s Travel Indaba contributes to our country’s economy and plays an important role in advancing the growth of our continent’s tourism sector,” said South African Tourism’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Mzilikazi Khumalo. “This trade show is also key in the development of our small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are given the opportunity to showcase their products and forge deals that can grow their tourism businesses,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KZN, Nhlanhla Khumalo. “We welcome the return of Africa’s largest travel show to Durban. Africa’s Travel Indaba is the perfect platform to promote South African products. As registration is now officially open, we invite businesses in the tourism sector not to miss this opportunity and register early in order to fully explore opportunities to meet new clients next year and expose their work.” adds eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda. “Our association with Africa’s Travel Indaba dates back many years. We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to continue hosting one of Africa’s largest trade shows for the next three years. This is an unequivocal vote of confidence in eThekwini as a premier travel eventing and business destination,” said Musa Mbhele eThekwini city manager. The board chairperson of Durban ICC, Glen Mashinini and Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakherebe expressed their excitement about hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba again adding: “We are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the world who are passionate about the business meetings and opportunities that Africa’s Travel Indaba presents.” Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 is anticipated to attract pre-Covid-19 numbers of over 8000 delegates from all over the world. The 2022 edition of the trade show bustled with more than 634 exhibiting businesses from 19 African countries, showcasing an array of travel and tourism offerings to almost 956 local and international buyers. Furthermore, almost 282 local and international media representatives attended Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2022, greatly elevating the global profile of tourism on the African continent. The 2022 event also saw more than 13 804 confirmed business matchmaking meetings taking place between businesses and travel buyers. “As the South African tourism sector, we cannot wait to connect with all our delegates over our shared passion for the African continent. Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 has more exciting news in store. We are looking forward to seeing, meeting, networking, and doing business with all partners and stakeholders from around the world,” concludes Themba Khumalo. Exhibitors, buyers, and members of the media are invited to register and get accreditation online by visiting www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

Icebolethu Group shut down the Durban ICC on the 20th of November 2022 to celebrate 13 years in business. This Gala Dinner is an annual event and one of the biggest in the group’s event calendar. This year’s event was bigger than before as the business also marked the following: · Acknowledging some employees who stood out and showed selflessness during Covid-19, looting and the floods that ravaged the province of KwaZulu-Natal. · Communicating and endorsing the business’s strategy to grow the repatriation business and expanding footprint within the African continent. · Since this was the first gala dinner since the outbreak of Covid-19, the business used this event to honour all employees that passed away since 2020 till now. Their families were in attendance. The event boasted a number of high-profile guests including KZN Premier, Hon Nomusa Dube-Ncube who graced the podium and delivered a message of support. Different government entities were also represented including Mayor Vikizitha Mlotshwa from Okhahlamba Municipality and the Mayor of Umgeni Municipality, Christopher Pappas. In line with its ambitions and strategy to be a global player, the event was attended by several diplomats from different countries. The Durban Gala Dinner came two weeks after Icebolethu celebrated seven years of business in the United Kingdom in a similar gala dinner style. Icebolethu opened its first branch in the UK in 2015 and the business has been growing from strength to strength. The business has intentions of becoming the leader in global repatriations, beyond the United Kingdom and the SADC region. “Over the years, Icebolethu Group has built a number of stakeholders from various industries, the Gala Dinner has been used as a platform to connect and engage with stakeholders. The objectives of the 13th Annual Gala Dinner this year, was to celebrate the 13 years in business and all the milestones achieved along the way. The gala dinner included expressing our vision for our international businesses and detailed what the business is doing to grow in the African continent and beyond. I want to re-affirm our intentions that we will be a valuable player in the corporate space by bringing meaningful contribution to the African economy,” said Nomfundo Mcoyi. https://www.icebolethugroup.co.za/