The quote on the front page of this edition of Business Sense is from Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize Winner & Professor of Theoretical Physics who said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving,” which very much encapsulates the need for action in our lives. This need is well expressed by ActionCOACH Marlene Powell who appears on the front cover. As an accomplished business coach, Marlene is committed to making a difference in people’s businesses and in their personal lives. She emphasizes, “Significantly, success revolves around the word action. We literally took a pact to take action and help our clients to do the same.” See page three. For an added bonus in Marlene’s regular column, she asks, “How in love are you with your business?” Marlene challenges business owners to reignite the passion they have for their businesses by setting some SMART goals for the year ahead to put into action. See page five. KZN Top Business is steaming into 2022 and has a number of initiatives underway. KZN Top Business is committed to positively impact on businesses and customers in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond through growing a network of inspired, motivated, and enterprising individuals and organisations. Both the popular Standard Bank Top Business Awards and the Standard Bank Top Business Women initiative will take place this year. Read more page nine. A new initiative to be introduced by KZN Top Business is a series of masterclasses aimed at senior executives. The first in the series is a webinar on corporate governance, which will be facilitated by Cathie Lewis who has much experience in the corporate space. See page five for more information and to register. Monique Labat specialises in Business 2 Business (B2B) relationships, and she says, “Like anything in life or in business, you have to put in the time and resources. By taking action and putting in the work to scale, the results will start showing.” Read page four. Johan van Deventer, Regional Manager, LabourNet asks “Is your payroll making business sense?” He addresses the importance of managing all your employee information efficiently, cost-effectively, centralised from anywhere at any given time with minimal risk. See page seven. Zosukuma Kunene, Head of Marketing, Clever Cloud reflects on the need for more efficient use of time in the article, “Productivity isn’t lost, it’s wasted”. His company has a solution to manage the vast number of software applications, documents and websites that we need to access on a daily basis. See page six. On the back page, David White’s article stresses the importance of building business solutions through creating business ecosystems for South African entrepreneurs and business leaders. Success in business requires skill, experience, access to resources and networks, and commanding leadership practices to help access and sustain opportunities within the economy. For those people who wish to do more than just ride a bicycle, enter a TinMan triathlon (see page ten) and for those already planning an escape from action you can enjoy an indulgent getaway to the KZN south coast! (See page thirteen). We all know that brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is necessary to keep your teeth healthy but there are other good habits you can learn to improve oral health. Dr Fareed Amod of Crown Dental Studio has some advice. See page fourteen. For those people who need more insights in how to take more action, Cindy Norcott is giving away copies of her new book, “How does she do it to?” to five lucky Business Sense readers. See page six for details. Don’t forget to scan the QR codes to access the videos relating to the articles where indicated. To conclude with another quote “Dreams don’t work unless you take action. The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.” - Roy T. Bennett (author and thought leader).

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in partnership with MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) together with the King Cetshwayo District Department of Health recently launched the ground-breaking MTV Shuga programme in Richards Bay. This partnership is a drive to empower young people from local mine communities with tools to improve their health and wellbeing. The launch follows RBM`s announcement last year in June that it has invested R3.7 million to ensure that the peer educators and their leaders work closely with community structures and the King Cetshwayo District Municipality Department of Health to reach as many young people as possible. The contribution by RBM will cover, among other things, training of 50 peer educators, peer educator materials and equipment, stipends, and technical support. After weeks of vigorous application and interview processes, 60 candidates were selected to attend the MTV Shuga training programme to help prepare them for the months ahead of field work. Siphiwe Shobede from KwaMbonambi is one of the peer educators and she had this to say, “I am glad that I was one of those chosen to be a peer educator. For me it’s a sign of confidence and trust in my abilities.” Shobede adds that she is aware of the many challenges facing young people in her area, and she is glad that this programme will address some of those. Nompilo Sogwaza from KwaSokhulu, says her mission is to encourage young people from rural areas never to doubt themselves. “Providing positive information will help them avoid making mistakes related to life choices and enable them to succeed. I am excited to be part of that journey with them,” she offers. “Our investment in this project, which is a holistic approach to ensuring the health and wellness of our young people - is a further indication of RBM’s commitment to empowering our youth,” says Bheki Nowele, general manager, communications and community relations, RBM. “I hope that through this programme we are providing the proper tools to help our youth better navigate the challenges they face on a daily basis. We are also optimistic that this programme will help define a path to a brighter future, changing helplessness to motivated and determined,” added Nowele. “Sexuality education, including HIV prevention, is often information-based and addresses the human body as if it were devoid of histories, experiences and feelings. However, sexuality education should also be about our social, emotional, and sexual intelligences and how their development has either been supported, delayed, or harmed. Efforts to reduce the impact of HIV, unplanned pregnancies and sexual violence among youth can be significantly enhanced when they contribute to young people’s development into whole, intact and caring human beings with the desire and ability to act in ways that care for themselves and others,” says Tshireletso Yvonne Diogo, country manager, MTV SAF. Sthandile Mkhwanazi, who hails from KwaSokhulu says the power of enlightening local youth with information about activities which if not checked, might ruin their lives is very important. We are grateful and feel blessed to have this opportunity to share life changing skills and tools with our peers.”

Nearly two years after the start of the pandemic, when all 63 City Lodge Hotel Group properties were forced to temporarily suspend their services, the group is delighted to announce that from 7 February 2022, all South African based hotels will be open and most others elsewhere in Africa. Hotels have gradually been reopening in a phased manner, based on Covid-19 lockdown travel regulations, international borders being opened or closed, and customer demand. The last three hotels to open their doors, in South Africa, after this prolonged period are Road Lodge Isando on 30 January 2022 and City Lodge Hotel Sandton, Morningside and Road Lodge Sandton on 7 February 2022. Andrew Widegger, CEO of City Lodge Hotel Group, says, “While the pandemic is not over, business has returned in sufficient numbers to allow us to trade with all of our hotels open once again. We could never have imagined a situation in which we would have to temporarily close all of our properties at once, but thanks to the dedication, agility and hard work of our wonderful staff and support from our shareholders, bankers and suppliers, we have prevailed. Our valued guests once again have a choice of hotels spread across the Fairview, Courtyard Hotel, City Lodge Hotel, Town Lodge and Road Lodge brands in cities and towns across South Africa as well as in Windhoek, Namibia; Gaborone, Botswana; Maputo, Mozambique; Nairobi, Kenya; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to choose from.” Several specials are currently on offer to excite and delight guests, including: § #ReigniteTheLove: February 2022 promotion of free breakfast included with overnight stays, across all hotel brands, on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday nights, from R700 per room per night for single or double occupancy, and additional offering of a special dinner available on Valentine’s Day – 14 February 2022 – at participating hotels § Back to the Boardroom: Free breakfast for each delegate with daily bookings of hotel boardrooms § WOZA Friday: Bookings made on the last Friday of every month – WOZA Friday – via www.clhg.com qualifies for a big discount, with rooms starting from R665 per night for single or double occupancy § WKND Special: Rates from R749 per room per night for single or double occupancy when booking weekend stays on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights (excl. Road Lodges) § #YourPrivateOffice: Guest rooms set up as professional workspaces available from 8am to 3pm at R495 per day, inclusive of tea and coffee making facilities, secure parking, fast and reliable WiFi, air conditioning, and peace and quiet In addition, lunch and dinner are now being served from the new Eat-in restaurants currently being rolled out at all Town Lodges and Road Lodges, giving guests more reason to sit back and relax in their hotel. Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo adds, “With our enhanced food and beverage offering soon to be a feature at all of our hotels, special offers and discounts to make your travel spend go further, and our staff dedicated to offering tip-top, loving and clean accommodation, we are excited about the prospects for 2022.” www.clhg.com

Ecosystems for South African entrepreneurs and business leaders Every country in the world is striving to grow and maintain a productive population and sustainable economy. This is the intent of governments and conscientious business leaders in all countries. Simply put, countries need productive workforces to contribute to the development and sustainability of their economies, and in doing so, grow their tax base to underpin government’s capacity to provide leadership, infrastructure, and services. Countries become and remain sustainable through intellectual contributions from citizens in day-to-day problem solving, through creating cultures that encourage ongoing innovation and opportunity, and by ensuring enduring value creation and relevance in product and service conceptualisation and delivery. This supports manufacturing capacity, local reliance, and capitalising on local and international product and service distribution opportunities and channels and is commonly referred to as a healthy business ecosystem. South Africa’s challenge South Africa is no different from other countries in striving for these outcomes, although it is severely hampered by its own uniqueness as a society where a large portion of the population are not enabled to contribute physically and financially to the growth and development of the nation. This phenomenon is due mostly to inequality in both opportunity and an understanding of business processes and structures. The South African population is thus deeply divided in its ability to contribute towards growth and sustainability at the macro level. The majority of South Africa’s population is made up of self-reliant citizens, but who in most cases are able only to eke out a marginal existence. Lack of financial and business acumen is often cited as the foundation missing in helping to propel entrepreneurial ventures and business initiatives that would help to grow the nation’s economy. Furthermore, South Africans, due to their country’s history, have largely been unable to contribute towards the nation’s economy due to inadequate education and support programmes to help prepare children and young adults for the modern world of small business management. South Africans, as a generalisation, lack access to essential elder mentoring from parents, family, and competent business leaders. The vastness in divide of understanding commerce, personal advancement and business sustainability, is too great a void for many, in fact for most, people to rise above the low and lingering poverty line. Change is essential, to reactivate hope and opportunity, and this is established through a supporting business ecosystem and aiding commercial value chain. Successful entrepreneurism at all levels of society is the key to prosperity and a brighter tomorrow for everyone. South Africa has an informal business sector that operates outside of legislated confines. This informal sector contributes to the livelihoods of those involved in its practices. However, these ventures contribute only small amounts to the financial needs of government and the formal economy. South Africa needs a revolution, namely, a dynamic adjustment in survival skills as individuals and communities within society, as well as contributions to the country’s collective needs and ability in order to progress beyond its current limitations. Starting an entrepreneurial venture in South Africa is hugely complex. The education system does not prepare youth adequately for the complexity and challenges that exist within the world of commerce. Success in business requires skill, experience, access to resources and networks, and commanding leadership practices to help access and sustain opportunities within the economy. These understandings and know how elude most of those attempting to set up and run a business in South Africa, and as such success is often elusive, or at best unpredictable. The challenge is exacerbated by limited government aid in any of the stages of enterprise establishment and continuation. An analogy may be in asking people to sing without any voice training, musical equipment, and platform to perform on. Entrepreneurs all too often have no business training, no access to essential resources, and no networks or established trade routes. The business ecosystem as a solution A good business ecosystem welcomes and assists entrepreneurs and business leaders at all levels throughout the business development processes, and right up to its maturity and point of sustainability. Entrepreneur development incubators are a welcome help, as they provide support during initial set up and learning phases of the enterprise, but without mentoring, guidance and encouragement post this basic foundation stage, little continuity and value is created. No matter what industry or business type an entrepreneur chooses, or if it is a product or service being delivered, it is still enormously complex to remain profitable and compliant with engaged and contributing staff members resulting in a successful and sustainable enterprise. This is the purpose and intent of a business ecosystem. A powerful business ecosystem has three distinctive aspects, the first being in helping entrepreneurs off the starting blocks. This is the incubator process, where fundamentals and responsibilities of business leadership and administration are shared with participating and energised entrepreneurs. Second is quality assurance controls and sustainability methodologies. This is where business mentorship and guidance are critical in providing the business framework and foundation. Third is accessing markets and opportunities. Having a well-structured and compliant business is easily possible through following the science within these disciplines. Accessing new markets and opportunities is the result of consumer awareness and qualified network introductions. Potential for success South Africa has a number of advantages over the rest of the world in creating effective business ecosystems; the prominent one being perhaps its sense of a desperate need to create a productive and more self-sufficient society. The South African Government is already providing some 18 million grants to its population of approximately 60 million people. This number of grants from its 14 million registered taxpayers, where only 8 million people contribute employee tax towards the fiscus is in itself alarming. The countries national debt has grown by some 20% since the beginning of the pandemic, and the unemployment level has in recent months become one of the most extreme in the world, with some 75% of the youth not working, nor having the opportunity nor ability to access the economy. Citizens have learned to live and survive in South Africa, but to lift the tide as it were, within each of the sectors and communities in the country, it is essential that the natural entrepreneurial culture of South Africans is encouraged and enabled through business and financial management awareness. Growing each business marginally each day, and providing an ecosystem safety net for entrepreneurs and business leaders to result in improved success ratios and reduced cost of wasted resources, will contribute to employment opportunities and the growth of the nation. South Africa’s path forward as a sustainable nation is to nurture the country’s entrepreneurial culture, and to provide business skills and support to create growth and development opportunities for existing enterprises and new entrants to thrive in the market. There needs too, of course to be a common language in South African business based on meeting stakeholder expectations, ensuring business objectives are met in a timely and quality assured manner, and honouring societal ethics, governance and sustainability measures. Progress to date Through sheer single mindedness, we at DRG, BusinessFit and the SA Chamber of Commerce, United Kingdom, have created opportunity for quality client and network introductions, professional business and leadership mentoring and support, and a five-stage quality assurance process with individual enterprise sustainability reports created at level four of the quality assurance process. The sustainability report is based on a set of 34 criteria essential in helping enterprises meet organisational objectives and shareholder measures. These measures include developing authentic and confident leadership, building business minded administration and related compliance and reporting frameworks, ensuring adequate functional area procedures and administration foundations, and encouraging energised staffing through designing productive and highly engaged work environments. A team of us have been providing business development and ecosystem services to entrepreneurs and business leaders for many years, and are now at a point where we aim to scale these operations. We have considered that Business Sense readers may like to play a part in our unfolding story. Your involvement and contribution in this work would undoubtedly be a catalyst in advancing the desired outcome of our vision of a working nation, with each participant excited to be a contributor in building the nation’s pride and prosperity. For more information contact E: david@drg.co.za W: www.drg.co.za

BLESS THIS HOUSE …. Esibusisweni Children’s Home in KwaNyuswa, Kwa Zulu Natal, means “Blessing” in Zulu. The home is owned and run by Elizabeth, a pensioner with a generous heart. She is also affectionately known as “Gogo Ma” (Grandmother). Elizabeth has over the years taken in abandoned and orphaned children and given them a loving and safe place to call home. Many come to her as babies, and the children range from just a few months to over 21years of age. She is assisted by her 3 daughters, and a helper to run the home and take care of the children. There are 11 boys and 11 girls. In total there are 22 children, of which 2are babies, just a few months old, and 4 adults that live in a small house with rooms added on over the years, that Elizabeth’s husband built before he sadly passed away a few years ago. There is no hot water, no fence or gate. The roof leaks in many places. Many doors and windows are broken. The plumbing leaks and is therefore a very dangerous hazard, electricity fittings and extension cords run from room to room that get wet when it rains. They do not have enough money for electricity for a whole month. They can only afford R500.00 for electricity and its costs about R1000.00 to run the home for a month. The home is in a very bad state, but they do their best to keep it clean, and never complain. It is such a happy place, filled with kindness and love for each other. The home needs some TLC and a few basic things to bring them some dignity. The only income they have is Elizabeth’s government pension grant of R1800.00 and 6 (six) child grants of R460 each, which comes to a total of R4560.00. One of the boys that passed Matric last year has found a job at a Supermarket and is able to contribute to the expenses. This is their only income. We visit them a few times a year and take clothes, books, and food etc. We have also given them a few parties. The church in their area assist as and when they can. After the KZN riots we took them food and nappies donated by the Robinhood Foundation, and they were overjoyed. Robinhood have also contributed by donating clothes, nappies, school shoes and exercise books over the past year. One of the boys who is in Matric this year, has started a vegetable garden and his dream is to study to become a Chef next year. It would be wonderful to help him achieve this dream. DRG Outsourcing has arranged a donation of R5000 through BusinessFit and CC&A Insurance, to purchase items for the home. We have approached The Robinhood Foundation for assistance, and they very happily agreed to visit the home in early February 2022 to assist with some building and maintenance and to also help where they can with the home’s wish list. Magic Moments Trust will sponsor sending Elizabeth, her daughters who care for the children, and one of the orphans that has completed school on courses offered at Embocraft Trust Training centre. These courses include Welding, Computer and Sewing. WISH LIST …. ❖ Baby formula and Purity ❖ Nappies ❖ Disinfectant and cleaning materials ❖ First aid kit and basic medicines like Panado, cough mixture or throat lozengers, Allergex, Imodium, Vermont for worms, etc for the children. ❖ Towels, sheets, pillow cases, duvet inners and covers ❖ Tables (2 kiddies tables for them to eat on and 1 or 2 big tables for the bigger kids and adults to eat on). They currently have no tables ❖ Chairs (10 adult chairs and 8 kiddies chairs). ❖ They only have 3 adult chairs ❖ Washing machine ❖ Curtains - they have a few but hang blankets on most of the windows. ❖ Curtain rails ❖ School uniforms & School Shoes size 2 and 3 (Grey pants and white shirts for the boys in primary and high school) ❖ Lunch boxes & bottles ❖ Cupboards, bookshelf, and chest of drawers ❖ Ceiling fans or floor fans ❖ Extensions cords ❖ Hose pipe ❖ Deep freezer ❖ JoJo tank ❖ Couches or armchairs (the couch they have is old and the seats and backs are broken) ❖ Radio, DVD for kids’ videos, CD player for music ❖ Microwave ❖ Desks for children to do homework ❖ Computer and WIFI for homework and projects BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE …. ❖ Fix leaking plumbing from Kitchen sink that runs onto the verandah and through the garden area where the children play ❖ Girls Bathroom - Install tap for bath, hand basin and geyser for hot water ❖ Boys Bathroom - Install shower, basin, geyser for hot water, toilet ❖ Painting and fixing of inside broken walls, fix broken windows and install burglar guards ❖ Build fence to stop kids falling down a steep bank and running onto the main road ❖ Install a small gate on the fence ❖ Raise the outside tap ❖ Fix all dangerous electrical faulty plugs, and lights as they have previously had a fire ❖ Make electricity compliant ❖ Fix the many holes in rusty tin roof, or replace parts of roof that are too damaged, as rain leaks in throughout the house ❖ Replace broken kitchen cupboards ❖ Build cupboards in bedrooms ❖ Fix or replace doors inside and outside that are broken or do not lock. They push a small chest of drawers against the outside door to stop anyone entering. INVITE TO BUSINESS …. We would like to extend an invitation to business or anyone for that matter, who would like to be part of making this home a magical and blessed place, for these very special children and their caretakers. If we could receive R5000.00 donations from Businesses and any small donation from Individuals, we will easily be able to complete Esibusisweni Children’s Home wish-list. Sponsors will receive a full record of fund allocations, and also receive our following Chapter Letters. Inspire Change! As Nelson Mandela said: “It is in our hands to make the world a better place.” CONTACT DETAILS …. Sibanye Africa Nikita Pillay 031 7670625 nikita@drg.co.za 1 Old Main Rd, Unit12, Braehead, Office Park, Kloof, KZN Magic Moments Trust Daisy White 083 265 6655 daisy@fabricpainting.co.za www.magicmomentstrust.co.za 9 Pearson Rd, Everton, KZN

KZN Top Business Renting a car often comes with angst – complicated booking websites, hidden costs, lengthy queues, and mounds of paper work. I recently had a really great experience renting a car from Woodford Car Hire during a business trip to Johannesburg. The great experience started from the initial visit to the Woodford Car Hire website to book a vehicle. The website was easy to navigate, and all the costs were clearly laid out with no hidden fees and a bonus discount for booking within five minutes. My booking confirmation messages were received via WhatsApp, SMS, and email so there was clear communication that all was in order. The same ease cannot be said for my flight, which was cancelled without any notice. A new flight time meant that I was not on time to collect the car. A Woodford Car Hire friendly representative was quick to phone and enquire whether I would still be needing the car plus assuring me of personal service when I did reach Oliver Tambo International. The effort in making sure that my needs were being met really made a difference to a frustrating morning of delay. Once I arrived to collect the car my day was further improved as the same gentleman who had phoned me earlier was waiting to assist me and I was offered an upgrade. The hire documentation was completed quickly, and the car was handed to me in person. Not having to wander around the car lot looking for the number plate was indeed a welcome extra effort, especially as I was now late for my first appointment. The car was clean and a pleasure to drive. Returning the car, was equally smooth sailing with a Woodford staff member on hand to return the car to. On an added note, the concluding Woodford WhatsApp requested me to contact Woodford Group managing director, Essa Suleman, personally should my car hire service fall short of expectations. I can only say really great client service and that I will certainly be booking through Woodford Car Hire again. It was a pleasure doing business with them!

Businesses entering in this category were required to provide evidence of an innovative approach to products, or processes, which has contributed to the success of the business. Judges were also interested to hear from businesses who have pivoted their operations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The winner is: IMPERIAL ARMOUR The finalists are: · Icebolethu Group · Capitol Caterers · Mi7 National Group (Pty) Ltd Imperial Armour Imperial Armour cc was established in October 2000 and this year, celebrates 21 years in business. The company’s experience, excellent quality, and continual innovations has made it the leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment in KZN. At Imperial Armour all staff are continually involved in research, design and innovation. This ongoing culture provides in-house involvement in new products and sees innovative ideas reaching the market. In April 2020, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the management at Imperial Armour realised that it was necessary to think creatively. Whilst the employees were unable to work due to Covid19 business restrictions, Imperial Armour continued to find innovative work solutions to maintain workflow and the continuity of the company during this difficult period. This resulted in Imperial Armour becoming an essential services organisation in South Africa. Commenting on Imperial Armour’s win Louisa Garland, managing director said, “Winning this award has made us feel overjoyed. We are extremely honoured to be recognised with our all-female company, the boost to morale at work is incredible.”

Ashok Sewnarain is the founder and chairman of International Bank Vaults (IBV), the first and most sophisticated, privately owned safe deposit vaults in South Africa. Sewnarain was born in Mayville, Durban and his father ran a small, often struggling, estate agency. When Sewnarain took over the family business, he expanded into the hotel and hospitality sectors. In May 2005, Sewnarain opened the first private vault in Umhlanga’s Gateway Mall. Since then, IBV has grown exponentially and operates branches globally in London, Switzerland, and Dubai. The vaults are built to international standards and specifications, complete with steel-reinforced concrete and protected by a sophisticated, multitiered security system. Sewnarain subscribes to the philosophy that says one should persevere and be determined to pursue one’s dreams in whatever business chosen. He says, “Business is full of risk and challenges that we must confront on a daily basis.” He added that over the years, he had experienced many failures in his business career, but all of these had made him more knowledgeable and humbler. However, Sewnarain says, “You must be bold and have courage to launch business ventures with honesty and respect for staff, customers, suppliers and service providers. Life is about dreaming big. Dream to make a million dollars, rather than a million rand. The most successful people in the world dream big. It’s free. It has no boundaries and borders.” Sewnarain strives to create a balance between good business and profit through providing community and social support. This balance is achieved by promoting a spirit of social entrepreneurship, which he believes is an important aspect that every business leader should adopt in their own enterprises. He concluded, “The more that you give the more that you get.” #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

This category was open to businesses where the majority ownership remains within a family (or multifamily) structure, and where more than one generation contributes to the success of the business. The winner is: HIRSCH’S Hirsch’s have been operating in KwaZulu-Natal for the last 42 years and have become a household name. Hirsch’s started off small in 1979 with just R900 saved by Allan and Margaret. Today they are the largest independently owned electronics and appliance retail outlet in southern Africa with a turnover well over the billion rand mark. The chain of mega appliance and home furnishing stores are located in KwaZulu-Natal, the Cape and Gauteng. The whole family is involved in the day-to-day business operations. Allan is the founder and chairman, Margaret is the executive director, Richard is the CEO and Luci is the voice of Hirsch’s and the brand manager. As a family, the Hirsch’s form a formidable force supported by their management team who have a strong commitment to the same goals. Hirsch’s are not simply a family owned business, but they have watched the families that shop with them grow. Today Grandparents, who shopped at Hirsch’s when they were in their teens, still shop with them – alongside their own children and grandchildren. The finalists are: · The Ramsi Group · Beekman Group #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2021 were held on the 10 June 2021 at a hybrid event hosted at the ONOMO Hotel, Durban. The annual awards, now in their fifteenth year, celebrate business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal. As business plays a crucial role in the growth of Africa, Standard Bank has been the proud sponsor of this event for several years. Imraan Noorbhai, Standard Bank Head Consumer Client Coverage, KwaZuluNatal emphasised the bank’s commitment to growing the economy. He said, “At Standard Bank our purpose is defined by ‘Africa is our home we drive her growth’. We aim to make life better for our fellow Africans by doing the right business the right way, contributing to the financial wellbeing of our clients, and supporting sustainable and job creating growth of the economies in which we operate.” ‘It Can Be’ is Standard Bank’s promise of hope, change and optimism. Keynote speaker Dr Ahmed Shaikh, managing director of the Durban-based REGENT Business School, thought-provoking address focused on innovation and stressed the need for South African businesses to be anti-fragile when it comes to major shocks to the global economy. The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards recognise companies and organisations that integrate responsible business practice into their operations, resulting in a positive impact on the economy, community, and workplace, creating a better life for all in KZN. The 2021 event included a number of new categories that reflect the challenges businesses are currently facing. The judges had an enormous task assessing the entries and obtained much insight into the business heart of KwaZulu-Natal in the stories of success that were shared. The arithmetical accuracy of the judges’ votes was checked by PKF Durban. The category winners are: · Business Innovation: Imperial Armour · Entrepreneur Resilience: Sihle Ndlela and Simphiwe Majozi · Digital/System Implementation: Plennegy (Pty) Ltd · Employee Wellbeing: MCS Debt Recovery · Small Business Start-up: Seventeen87 Wine Cellar · Community and Social Responsibility: Toyota South Africa Motors {Pty) Ltd · Family Business: Hirsch’s · Business Personality: Ashok Sewnarain · Top Brand: Hollywoodbets Hameed Noormahomed, Standard Bank Head Business Client Coverage, KwaZulu-Natal said, “We thank all businesses for their agility and resilience in forging ahead under these challenging times to stimulate and grow our economy.” To ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocols only the winners in each category were able to attend the inaugural hybrid event to receive their awards in person. South African sports presenter Thato Moeng, together with well-known Durbanite Logie Naidoo, engaged both the in-studio audience and those watching online in style. CEO of KZN Top Business Grant Adlam said, “Congratulations to all participants. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Standard Bank and all those who helped us make this event a success. It was a privilege to work with an amazing group of individuals to produce our first-ever hybrid awards ceremony. Thanks also to Woodford Car Hire, for chauffeuring the winners to and from the venue, and to our media partners East Coast Radio and The Mercury.” #KZNbusinesssense #kzntopbusiness

The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2021 were held on the 10 June 2021 at a hybrid event hosted at the ONOMO Hotel, Durban. The annual awards, now in their fifteenth year, celebrate business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal. As business plays a crucial role in the growth of Africa, Standard Bank has been the proud sponsor of this event for several years. #sbkzntba2021 #stbkzntba #kznbattleofthebrands. #motivation #eastcoast #businessawards #kzn #kzntopbusiness #Woodford #standardbanksa #onomohotel #southafrica #i💙durban

We are proud to announce that the Beekman Group has transformed the brand name and corporate identity of Anytime Holidays to Beekman Holidays, to cement the fact that it is part of the Beekman Group stable. Why the change to Beekman Holidays? In the last decade, Anytime Holidays established its reputation as a provider of exceptional holiday accommodation backed up by excellent professional service, and has sent thousands of happy guests on the best holiday experiences of their lives. So why did we bring in the Beekman brand? The Group’s vision is ‘Making extraordinary holidays THE standard’, and with Beekman fast-becoming a household name in the hospitality sector, we wanted Anytime Holidays to leverage off our success, reputability and renowned prestige. By bringing in the Beekman name, we have elevated Anytime Holidays. Simply put, we are giving Anytime Holidays the status it deserves – thus Beekman Holidays was born. What does this mean for our clients? In the heart of all this excitement is the Group striving to ensure we fulfil our vision. So we will be bringing our Beekman Holidays offering to a whole new level! Our clients can expect even more thrilling holiday choices as well as the same professional and knowledgeable service they have come to expect from our consultants. Thank you for joining us on our exciting brand elevation journey. They say change is as good as a holiday, and with us, you get both!