This award recognises startup businesses that have translated an idea into a successful business venture especially given the circumstances of 2020. The winner is: SEVENTEEN87 WINE CELLAR The Seventeen87 Wine Cellar is a project of Enterprise iLembe with the objective of creating a top class tourism experience for guests and visitors to the region. The Seventeen87 Wine Cellar is a truly unique experience in KwaZulu-Natal and one of a kind on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Seventeen87 Wine Cellar has has collaborated with other wine farms in KwaZulu-Natal such as Cathedral Peak Wine Estate, based in the Drakensberg, this allows customers to experience as many different wines as possible. Partnerships such as these assist in making the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar the home of KwaZulu-Natal wines. The finalists are: · Tag Your Delivery · Borderless Investment Group (Pty) Ltd

This award is open to businesses or social enterprises that have made a significant positive impact on the community in KZN. The winner is: TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA MOTORS Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) commits time and resources to developing all South Africans by empowering and uplifting local communities through impactful and measurable social programmes. The corporate social responsibility programme has four pillars, namely education; road safety; civic and community service; and health and human service. TSAM continues to affirm its fight against the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa, and has supported the KwaZulu-Natal communities, Department of Health as well as the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Toyota has pledged R15 million to provide Covid-19 testing equipment, hospital facility support, transport for contact tracing and face shields, and sanitisers in the KZN region. TSAM refurbished and upgraded the pharmacy at Clairwood Hospital in Mobeni – to support Covid-19 cases. By supporting the infrastructure development at the hospital it has enabled the efficient utilisation of the beds and improved the level of health care. The ToyotaReach programme expanded its scope of involvement to enable access to remote areas. TSAM sponsored 10 Hilux 2.4 SRX 4x4 Double Cabs for nine months with the expressed purpose of helping health workers reach the inaccessible areas. 1 500 food parcels (each containing groceries to sustain a family of four for a month) were distributed to communities around the Prospecton Plant in Durban. TSAM supported more than 270 schools in KwaZulu-NataL from disadvantaged townships, informal settlements and the Ngonyameni with readiness packs – including face shields for all the educators, sanitizers, educational posters and IR Thermometers. For our campaign called Safe to School Safe to prior to the re-opening of schools in early June 2020, TSAM assisted operators and drivers of learner transports with sanitisers, decanting bottles and shared some educational pamphlets pertaining COVID-19 prevention protocols. The finalists are: · Ithala SOC Limited · Boxer · SLG Pty Ltd Tronox

This award is for businesses that go the extra mile to engage their staff members and the difference this makes to the business. This may be through in-house training, flexible working, personal development, workplace wellbeing activity and teambuilding. The winner is: MCS DEBT RECOVERY MCS Debt Recovery’s success has been based on treating its staff as assets, consequently the company has a highly productive workforce. Motivating staff in the call centre environment is of prime concern and MCS Debt Recovery retains staff by offering good incentives and delivers on what is promised. On winning the award, Saskia Hill, chief executive officer at MCS Debt Recovery said, ‘Thank you so much for this amazing award. We are super excited. The biggest thanks has to go to our staff who made this possible, we are so grateful.” The finalists are: · Imperial Armour · Capitol Caterers · Toyota South Africa Motors

John Aritho, general manager of the Beverly Hills Hotel, is a strong believer in networking. “Networks make people’s net worth grow. And I always say wherever I am, whatever position I am in, whoever I meet, it is for a purpose, and I make sure that there is a connection that helps their business and my business grow.” John was born in Kenya where he grew up in a little town in the foothills of Mount Kenya where coffee was grown. After completing hotel studies at university, John travelled to India and on to Sri Lanka and Singapore where he worked in various organisations. “I really learnt the trade and more importantly learn about Indian cuisine, which I absolutely love.” In commenting on his career choice John explained, “I chose my career out of a love for food. I also had various options as a really good basketball player, so I had to choose between playing basketball professionally or getting into cuisine. At that time, in the eighties, there were only really cooks and not chefs, but it was something I really loved doing.” His career has not always been smooth, and he has had to face a variety of challenges along the way. John commented that moving from country to country where you have to adopt different cultures and different styles of working as well as dealing with other external factors has been difficult at times. John says that another challenge in the hotel industry has been getting the right staff with the right positive attitude towards guests, which has been a challenge in some countries more than others. In reflecting on his career path, John believes that he has been successful through learning from the people that have been there before him. “I have learnt a lot from my leaders and various directors and managers that I have worked under. I am one of those people who tries to learn from other people as much as possible and I learn from my own mistakes.” The key leadership skill that he has learnt is the importance of listening. “I think that listening to what my staffs’ needs are and especially understanding what is really troubling them and what makes them happy is important. Then I move to the next step which is listening to the consumer and the shareholders of the business. If you don’t listen to what the staff, shareholders and the leaders are asking for, then, I do not think that you can be successful.” John’s future goals are to continue his career path in hotel management and to grow with the company. “But simpler than that is to make sure that the people who work under me grow into my shoes and bigger shoes if possible.” The importance of people in his life is evident in that he finds his inspiration to succeed in them. “I am inspired by a lot of people – I am inspired by innovators, I am inspired by pioneers, people like Richard Branson – not because of the millions that he has made but because of the kind of outward thinking out of the box. I think that one of the key things required to succeed is continuously learning. I read as much as I can. I try and learn and grow myself through the various courses that I enrol myself in. Education doesn’t stop and I would advise both young and older people to continue learning.” John is devoted to his family and strives to create a work/life balance. In order to disconnect and relax he says he spends time on his hobbies and doing things that make him happy. “I love nature and I love the outdoors, so I do a lot of motorbike riding. I love old things, so I restore old fashioned cars in my free time. I try to be as mechanical as possible to understand how things are built – that is one of the ways I disconnect.” The motto he lives by is very simple it is: “Work hard but learn to unplug.” #KZNbusinesssense

The winners in each category received a unique artwork that was created by Musa E Zulu, creative director of his company, Valhalla Arts. After achieving an Honours degree in Sociology at the University of Natal (1993), Zulu lectured in the Faculty of Humanities before moving to the corporate world as human resources manager. Zulu was fast climbing the career ladder when his life took unexpected turn. In 1995, when he was 23 years old, following injuries resulting from a car accident, Zulu became paralysed and wheelchair bound. Consequently, he found himself faced with one of the hardest challenges that life can bring – disability. However, through applying his personal philosophy of embracing change, Zulu not only found a way to cope with his new life, but to inspire others as well. He is now a published author, an award-winning entrepreneur, international artist, celebrated motivational speaker and prominent disability activist in South Africa. Zulu is the author of four books: ‘The Language of Me’ (UKZN Press; 2004), ‘Wheels on the Soul of my Shoes’ (Nutrend Publishers; 2008), ‘Tributes: The Story’ (Valhalla Arts; 2012) and ‘Mastering the art of self-motivation: Tapping the Inner You!’ (Valhalla Arts; 2017). Zulu launched his latest book titled ‘I AM ART: The 40th Anniversary Essay’ in KwaZulu- Natal on 20 April 2021. This book celebrates the four decades (1979 - 2019) in which he has lived as an artist, together with reflecting on the 25 years (1995 - 2020) that he has spent in his wheelchair. In commenting on his involvement in the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2021, Zulu said: “I would like to congratulate and thank all the finalists for allowing me the pleasure to interpret their life and work achievements in the best way I ever could – in my art. This precious artistic endeavour was made much more enjoyable, and quite informative, by the grand magnitude of the people and institutions I was tasked to reflect upon. These 15 original Valhalla Arts Red Label pieces are my personal reflections on the milestones that each of these dynamic winners has reached in their efforts that have undoubtedly shaped our changing times and spaces in so many impactful ways. Winners inspire all of us to lift our standards even higher with each new day that comes to pass. This is my tribute to your noted excellence.” For more information contact: Cell: 083 3488 729 Website: www.valhallaarts.co.za

This award is aimed at young business leaders who have shown exceptional leadership and exhibited entrepreneurial flair. The winners are: SIHLE NDLELA AND SIMPHIWE MAJOZI Sihle Ndlela and Simphiwe Majozi, the co-founders of Majozi Bros Construction, started out renovating houses in the townships of KwaZulu-Natal. Now Majozi Bros Construction builds houses in upmarket estates like Cotswold Downs and Zimbali and is involved in multimillion developments with construction giant WBHO. “Covid has taught the importance of having a business model that is responsive to change. Our journey is proof that you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it and that dreams are real,” says Ndlela. The finalists are: · Dr Fareed Amod (Crown Dental Studio) · Njabulo Maphumulo (Borderless Investment Group Pty Ltd)

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.”

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

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.”

I often wonder if the government and business sector assert their seriousness about SMME development because it has become a politically correct message or is there a genuine intention to develop this sector of our economy? There is an abundance of empirical evidence that the success of an economy lies in the success of its small and medium sized businesses. A need arises to internalise the truth that SMMEs are the creators of employment, sustainability, and financial freedom for the economy. This need does not imply a simplistic approach to create funding structures for small business, which create an environment of dependency, and an attitude that starting a business requires a loan or a grant. However, I do not wish to undermine this approach, but rather contend that it forms part, and is often minor, in the bigger scheme of small business development. Creation of Markets Developing small business requires a conscious effort to identify and ring-fence markets. Small business is often based on an inherent ability to produce goods and services. There may be instances where this skill can be harnessed, but there is generally a solid foundation to build from. A young plumber or electrician already has knowledge of his trade, similarly with a builder, a painter, a lawyer, or an architect. The challenge is operating in an environment that does not trust your abilities. A society that believes that if the product comes from you, it does not have the status of imported products or products that come from big business. No amount of funding will solve that unspoken, yet prevalent attitude towards small business. Business Skills and Systems This finds expression in two fundamental areas: Firstly, business studies are still reserved for those who want to pursue careers in finance departments of big business. We have not yet recognised that a medical student could wish to open a private practice. We need to challenge the education sector to structure itself such that the necessary business skills are part of any curriculum. The second challenge is expecting a startup business to have skills and systems – such as marketing, IT, human resource, and finance skills – to operate effectively. We crucify them for not having their taxes up to date or for not filling in the tender documents properly. Yet what they have been trained to do, and do excellently, is to paint. We should be investing in creating affordable back-office solutions for small business. These solutions must recognise that new business owners are not meant to be experts in back-office administration. However, they should also be available at a fraction of the cost of those available to big business. Managing Cash Flows In my view, it is criminal not to pay small business on time when they have provided a service. Small business creates breadwinners for families and are a cornerstone of survival in our society. The support of this sector must start from ensuring that, at a minimum, their claims are paid as soon as the goods and services are delivered. That is the minimum contribution that big business and government can make in SMME development. Anything below this minimum borders on an intentional act of collapsing the business that one purports to support. I have engaged with several small businesses that have resorted to loan sharks for the necessary funds required to manufacture or procure goods that are required by big business or government. In the name of SMME support and procurement, big business and the state sit by the wayside with a ‘We will pay once you deliver’ attitude! In my view SMME development is a partnership between parties that is aimed at harnessing the abilities of the small business, extending the power of big business and government, and realising the goal that, small as they are, they are the backbone of any solid economy. T: +27 (0)61 422 0167 or +27 (0)83 700 8863 E: thabani@tzulu.co.za #KZNbusinesssense

Calculating how best to spend your monthly budget is often difficult. Bills must be paid, and food has to be provided. So, the sixmonthly dental check-up or teeth clean is often perceived to be a luxury. In addition, many people are anxious to see the dentist and will either delay or avoid a visit. However, missing your regular trips to the dentist could cost you more rands when you discover that you have a serious dental health problem. Routine dental care is an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy and fighting against plaque and cavities. “Dentists not only solve problems, but they can also prevent them,” says Dr Fareed Amod of Crown Dental Studio. “I ensure that my patients obtain the necessary advice, x-rays, and other services that are designed to protect your teeth and ensure that your mouth is healthy.” Perhaps even more importantly, regular appointments allow many potentially serious dental health problems to be detected. These range from tooth decay and gum disease, which could result in the loss of teeth if ignored, to children requiring orthodontic treatment, or to aligning crooked teeth. Early identification and management of these potential problems means that they are easier, and therefore less expensive, to treat. Symptoms of pain or bleeding gums mean that a tooth or teeth could be damaged. Suddenly, the relative cost of the missed dental check-up will seem insignificant in comparison to the costs of root canal work, false teeth, or dental implants to repair a smile. In addition, a dental screening should include an examination of the head and neck as well as the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, floor of mouth and gum tissues. During this examination the dentist will check for any lumps on your head or neck. They will also check for any red or white patches in the mouth. Usually, these examinations will find nothing to be concerned about, but they could save your life. Dental hygienists are often disregarded when it comes to managing your oral health, but they offer valuable services. They assist in promoting preventive dental health and treating gum disease. This includes cleaning your teeth (a ‘scale and polish’) by removing plaque and tartar, both of which cause tooth decay and gum disease. Crown Dental Studio hygienist Mateenah Amod says, “Having a cleaning at least two to three times a year is recommended to help ensure that no issues are developing and to remove the build-up of plaque that happens over time even with brushing and flossing.” Dental hygienists help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy by showing you the correct home care routine required and may suggest a product that can prevent problems from developing or persisting. This is advice that you won’t hear if you skip your checkups or cleans to save money. Often when people have dental problems, they use the internet to find solutions which can be very misleading. To qualify as a dentist requires many years of training to acquire both the knowledge and expertise required. In addition, says Dr Amod, “I wish to build relationships with my clients by seeing them regularly, which will allow me to tailor advice and support specific to their needs. We offer long term care of your teeth, and we will be happy to produce a detailed treatment plan to transform your smile. If you take care of your oral hygiene, you are doing your share of the work and then I can do mine.” 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 (0) 81 207 8621 E: info@dramod.co.za W: www.dramod.co.za #KZNbusinesssense