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KZN Business Sense Roving Reporter: If you’ve been watching the N3 corridor as closely as I have, you’ll know that this week marked a tectonic shift in our provincial logistics. We aren't just talking about "upgrades" anymore; we are seeing the physical realignment of the backbone of the South African economy. The Big Win: Hammarsdale to Key Ridge Between the 23rd and 26th of April, SANRAL successfully executed a massive traffic switch. The southbound (Durban-bound) traffic has officially moved onto the newly widened northbound carriageway in a sophisticated contraflow system. Why does this matter to you? Because it signals that the "hard yards" of the N3 Upgrade Project are yielding results. This switch unlocks a massive construction front that will be unhindered by live traffic, accelerating the path toward a world-class, eight-lane corridor. We are moving from bottlenecks to breakthroughs. The Numbers That Matter This week also saw the provincial treasury doubling down on our recovery. With over R135 billion allocated to social and economic services in the latest provincial budget, the focus is squarely on "stabilisation and rebuilding confidence." We are seeing: The Ports: Continued momentum at Pier 2 as private sector integration starts to clear the backlog. The Roads: The N3 is literally being reshaped beneath our wheels to handle the increased TEU capacity we are fighting for. The Roving Report Bottom Line The "Success of the Success" is visible in the orange cones and the new asphalt. While the armchair critics talk about "what might happen" in politics, the business of KZN is busy building the infrastructure that makes those debates irrelevant. The N3 is flowing, the money is committed, and the "genius bypass" is in full effect. Enjoy the weekend—the corridor is open for business. Watch: The Economic Week Ahead This video provides a deep dive into the current economic climate in South Africa, offering professional context that mirrors the "business is business" reality we've discussed. The Road is Opening Up - KZN Top Business The "Roving Reporter" KZN Top Business Nexus Best for short, punchy updates about weekly wins. Grant Adlam | KZN Top Business/The KZN Convergence Bringing you the hard facts from the corridors of the KwaZulu-Natal economy. Stay Connected: 🌐 www.kzntopbusiness.com ✉️ info@topbusiness.com 📺 Watch the latest Business Sense updates on YouTube > #KZNTopBusiness #RovingReporter #SuccessBreedsSuccess #KZNEconomy #KZNConvergence #KZNBusinessSense

The Port Shepstone Harbour project is the anchor for the South Coast's "Blue Economy." While people have been talking about a revitalised harbour for decades, the current project is different because it is formally part of Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy and is being driven by a heavy-hitting combination of national and local authorities. To ensure you know this isn't just "talk," here are the specific operational facts about the development. The Port Shepstone Small Harbour: A Landmark Anchor The development is positioned as the flagship for a series of small harbours designed to decentralize maritime wealth. Located less than 1km from the Port Shepstone CBD and Oribi Plaza, it is designed to integrate directly into the town's existing commercial flow. The Players: Who is behind it? The project is a strategic partnership across three tiers of government, ensuring it has the legislative and financial backing it previously lacked: National Custodian: The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), specifically under the leadership of Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, who launched the first phase in late 2025. Municipal Lead: Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and the Ugu District, which are integrating the harbour into their Spatial and Economic Development Frameworks (SEDFs). Facilitator: Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), which is marketing the project to private sector investors for the "top-side" commercial developments (retail, hotels, and processing). The Plan: How it will happen The development is being rolled out in a Triple-Stage Delivery Framework to avoid the "siltation" failures of the past: Phase 1 (Current): Feasibility & Planning. This involved the formal handover of the SEDFs in November 2025. This phase secures the environmental authorizations and designs the "hard" infrastructure (breakwaters and dredging). Phase 2: Design & Construction. This includes the building of a specialized boat launching site, commercial fisheries facilities, and public communal spaces (Coastal Community Commons). Phase 3: Operations & Asset Optimization. This is where the private sector enters to run the retail and industrial components, with a focus on fish processing, fuel supply, and maritime tourism. The Facts: Impact and Investment Financial Injection: The project is estimated to bring a R4.41 billion boost to the regional economy during construction. Job Creation: It is projected to create thousands of short-term work opportunities and at least 500 permanent jobs in the maritime and tourism sectors. Scope: It is not just a "fishing pier." The site will include a new shopping centre, warehousing for maritime logistics, and recreational facilities designed to make the South Coast a competitive alternative to Durban’s congested port. Timeline: When will it be ready? Following the phase-one launch in November 2025, technical teams and municipal stakeholders are currently meeting the "readiness milestones." Heavy construction is targeted to gain full momentum in late 2026/early 2027, aligning with the N2 highway upgrades to ensure that when the harbour is operational, the road infrastructure can handle the new logistics load. The "Roving Reporter" KZN Top Business Nexus Best for short, punchy updates about weekly wins. Grant Adlam | KZN Top Business/The KZN Convergence Bringing you the hard facts from the corridors of the KwaZulu-Natal economy. Stay Connected: 🌐 www.kzntopbusiness.com ✉️ info@topbusiness.com 📺 Watch the latest Business Sense updates on YouTube > #KZNTopBusiness #RovingReporter #SuccessBreedsSuccess #KZNEconomy #KZNConvergence #KZNBusinessSense

Welcoming Videsha Proothveerajh to the AI Unlocked Panel Adding Videsha Proothveerajh to the lineup is a massive win. Not only does she bring heavy-hitting executive experience from Intel, Microsoft, and LexisNexis, but as the Director of Vodacom Business, she is the perfect voice to round out your panel. Since she's originally a "Sharks girl" from Phoenix, KZN, this is a bit of a homecoming story as well, which fits the "Human-Centric" branding perfectly.  Videsha Proothveerajh The countdown to 13 May just gained a significant amount of momentum. We are thrilled to announce that Videsha Proothveerajh, the Director of Vodacom Business South Africa, has officially joined our expert panel for the "Beyond the Buzzword: AI Unlocked" breakfast at the Oyster Box. A Visionary Leader with KZN Roots While Videsha is a global tech titan, her journey began right here in KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up in Phoenix and graduating from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she carries that signature "Sharks" spirit into every boardroom. Today, she stands as one of the most influential women in African ICT, having been named "Woman in Tech" at the Africa Tech Week Awards and recognised by Forbes as a continent-wide change-maker. Why Her Voice Matters for AI Videsha’s career is a roadmap of the digital revolution. With over 20 years of experience—including a decade at Intel and a tenure as CEO of LexisNexis SA—she understands that technology is only as powerful as the strategy behind it. At Vodacom Business, she is currently leading the charge to transform the brand from a traditional telco into a total technology solutions partner. For our audience, her insights will be invaluable because she focuses on Extraordinary Business: Inclusive Innovation: How AI can level the playing field for SMEs and large corporations alike. Strategic Growth: Moving beyond the hype to find the real ROI in digital transformation. Ethical Tech: Ensuring that as we "unlock" AI, we maintain the human-centric values that drive South African society. The Power of the Quartet Videsha joins Johan Schoeman and the Vodacom team to complete what we are now calling the Vodacom Power Quartet. Together, they represent the full spectrum of AI readiness—from high-level strategy and security to operational excellence and community impact. Don't miss the chance to hear Videsha share her "Blueprint for Partnering" in the age of AI. Note: This is a strictly invite-only briefing and space is extremely limited. If you haven't received an invitation but believe you should be in the room, please reach out to Maryke Dickinson (Business Development & Online Content) at maryke@kzntopbusiness.com or 082 877 7906. There is a slim, outside chance of a last-minute opening, and we’d love to accommodate the province’s most dedicated leaders where possible. KZN Top Business TeamTop Business Team

Johan Schoeman In the rapidly evolving landscape of South African business, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence often focuses on potential and productivity. However, as we move closer to the KZN Top Business "Beyond the Buzzword" briefing on 13 May, a critical question remains: How do we innovate without compromising our resilience? To answer this, we look to leaders who have spent decades in the trenches of cyber defence. One such heavyweight joining our speaker lineup is Johan Schoeman, the Managing Executive for Cybersecurity at Nexio. More Than Just Defence: A Strategic Vision With over twenty years of experience, Johan’s career is a masterclass in evolution. From his technical foundations in network and system engineering to his current executive leadership role, he has navigated the shift from simple "perimeter security" to the complex, proactive cyber intelligence required in 2026. Johan isn't just focused on the "how" of cybersecurity; he is obsessed with the "why." His unique expertise lies in his ability to close the gap between high-level organisational strategy and the actual operational deployment. In a world where AI is changing the threat landscape daily, Johan ensures that security objectives aren't just boardroom bullet points—they are actionable processes that deliver measurable outcomes. The Nexio Edge: Africa-Wide Impact Leading large, cross-functional SecOps teams at Nexio, Johan has spearheaded massive security programmes across the continent. From delivering rigorous PCI compliance initiatives to architecting cyber defence for major telecom and technology organisations, his footprint on African digital resilience is profound. His mission is clear: empower organisations to stay ahead of the threat curve. He achieves this through: Adaptive Security: Moving beyond reactive fixes to proactive, intelligence-driven strategies. High-Performing Teams: Developing the human talent necessary to manage sophisticated tech. Operational Excellence: Ensuring that day-to-day security practices are seamless and well-organised. Unlocking AI with the Vodacom Trio Johan will be taking the stage at the Oyster Box Hotel as part of the esteemed Vodacom Trio. His insights will be vital for any business leader looking to integrate AI while maintaining a rock-solid security posture. By aligning strategic vision with operational practice, Johan enables businesses to achieve continuous improvement and regulatory compliance—even in an increasingly complex threat environment. Join the Conversation Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Johan Schoeman and the rest of our expert panel on 13 May 2026. This is where the KZN business community connects to turn AI potential into secure, sustainable success. < Back for the Beyond the Buzzword Briefing<

By [David/Guest Contributor] In the boardroom corridors of Umhlanga and the industrial hubs of Westville, there is a quiet realization taking hold: the era of the passive business magazine is over. For decades, KwaZulu-Natal business was defined by the glossy annual—a tangible record of achievement. But as we move deeper into 2026, the data is clear. KZN is no longer just a "coastal hub"; it is an economic engine contributing over R700 billion  to the national GDP. Yet, while the businesses themselves have grown, the way they talk to each other has, until now, remained stuck in the past. The Death of the Passive Page Let’s be honest. The traditional business magazine is facing a reckoning. Rising print costs and a fragmented digital attention span have turned the "glossy feature" into a whisper in a hurricane. Business leaders don't just want to be seen  anymore; they want to be found . As an outsider looking in, I’ve watched the shift from "Advertising" to "Authority." In a world flooded by generic AI content, the most valuable commodity in KZN right now isn’t space on a page—it’s trust. Enter the "Business Miracle": The Nexus This brings us to what many are calling a "business miracle" for the region: the KZN Top Business Nexus.  Spearheaded by Grant Adlam—a man who has spent 28 years documenting this province's resilience—the Nexus isn't a magazine. It’s a Closed-Economy Ecosystem.  It takes the authority of nearly three decades of regional storytelling and plugs it into a session-optimized SEO engine. The logic is simple but devastatingly effective: Google Dominance:  Instead of your business trying to climb the search rankings alone, the Nexus uses its massive domain authority to pull you to the top. It’s the difference between cycling into a headwind alone and riding in a high-performance peloton. The Psychology of the Handshake:  We are seeing a move away from the "Red Sea" of cut-throat bidding. The Nexus focuses on the "Blue Ocean" of warm leads. By using a digital "gift" or coupon system, businesses aren't just selling; they are initiating a psychological connection—a warm handshake before the deal is even discussed. Why KZN? Why Now? With the 2026 focus on digital transformation and the "Green Economy" in KZN, the timing of this launch is surgical. The province is seeing a 2.1% growth momentum , and the businesses that will capture that growth are those that collaborate rather than compete. The upcoming "AI Unlocked"  briefing at the Oyster Box is more than just a function; it’s a milestone. It’s where the 28-year legacy of KZN Top Business meets the automated future. The Bottom Line Magazines aren't dying; they are being reborn as high-trust, AI-powered networks. The "Outsider" view is clear: The Nexus is the first platform in South Africa to understand that Collaboration over Competition  isn't just a nice philosophy—it’s a survival strategy for the digital age. If you are one of the first 100 to bridge that gap, you aren't just joining a directory. You’re securing your spot in the future of KZN’s closed economy.   KZN Top Business Nexus.  Spearheaded by Grant Adlam—a man who has spent 28 years documenting this province's resilience

The 1% Rule: Why Most AI Strategies Fail (and How to Ensure Yours Doesn’t) Here is a sobering reality for 2026: While 78% of organisations are now using AI, only about 1% believe they have actually reached maturity. Most businesses are stuck in "pilot purgatory"—running endless tests that never actually hit the bottom line. The Sizzle Angle: On 13 May, we aren't just opening a conversation; we are handing over the KZN AI Playbook. This is the "sizzle" that makes this event unmissable: The "Gazette" Briefing: On 10 April 2026, the South African Draft National AI Policy was officially gazetted for public comment. The era of the "unregulated Wild West" is over. This forum is your first opportunity to hear how these new laws—including the proposed AI "Superfund" for algorithmic bias—will impact your specific industry. The ROI Blueprint: We are moving past the hype. You’ll see exactly how companies effectively integrating AI are projected to see a 31% ROI by 2027. The "Agentic" Shift: Learn why 2026 is the year of Agentic AI—autonomous systems that don't just "help" your staff but actually execute supply chain actions and manage customer lifecycles on their own. The Verdict: In the boardroom, there is no prize for participation—only for performance. This is the only briefing in KZN where the region’s top economists, CEOs, and tech strategists align to tell you exactly how to win the "Cybersecurity Arms Race" and secure your growth for the next decade. Why this angle works: Urgency: It links the event to the very recent (April 2026) government gazetting of the AI Policy, making it a "must-attend" for compliance and strategy. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): It highlights the "1% maturity" gap, making leaders worry they are in the failing 99%. Authority: It uses hard data (like the 31% ROI projection) to move the conversation from "tech hobby" to "financial necessity." Final Event Reminder Event: AI Unlocked: Strategy, Security & Growth for Business Acceleration Hosts: Vodacom KZN & KZN Top Business Date: 13 May 2026 Time: 08:30 – 11:30 Venue: The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks Note: This is a strictly invite-only briefing and space is extremely limited. If you haven't received an invitation but believe you should be in the room, please reach out to Maryke Dickinson (Business Development & Online Content) at maryke@kzntopbusiness.com or 082 877 7906. There is a slim, outside chance of a last-minute opening, and we’d love to accommodate the province’s most dedicated leaders where possible.KZN Top Business Team KZN Top Business Team www.kzntopbusiness.com The 1% Rule: Why Most AI Strategies Fail (and How to Ensure Yours Doesn’t) - KZN Top Business Beyond the Buzzword - AI Unlocked

We’ve all heard the lofty promises of AI: it’s going to "transform the world" and "disrupt every industry." But for a business owner in KwaZulu-Natal, the only question that really matters is: "How does this help me sell more tomorrow?" At the AI Unlocked forum on 13 May, Terry Flack, Business Success Leader at Cannect Digital, is coming to the party with the answer. Terry isn't interested in science fiction; he’s interested in Performance Marketing. As the driving force behind a Google and Meta Partner agency, Terry brings a specialized "street-level" view of AI to the panel. His contribution is vital for leaders who need to see: Terry Flack is Bridging the Gap Between AI Theory and Profit The End of the "Response Time" Problem: Terry is a vocal advocate for using AI to slash lead response times. In a market where 78% of customers buy from the first business to respond, Terry shows how AI-driven automation ensures you’re always first. Predictive Customer Insights: Moving beyond simple demographics, Terry illustrates how AI can analyze real-time consumer sentiment to predict future behavior—letting you spend your marketing budget on the leads most likely to convert. Sustainable Growth vs. Hype: Terry’s focus is on "Business Success." He will be stripping away the jargon to show how data-driven decisions lead to sustainable operational growth, not just temporary spikes. If Warren Sachs provides the Boardroom Vision and Daren Denholm provides the Human Strategy, Terry Flack provides the Engine. He is the link between "that’s a cool idea" and "that’s a profitable campaign." Note: This is a strictly invite-only briefing and space is extremely limited. If you haven't received an invitation but believe you should be in the room, please reach out to Maryke Dickinson (Business Development & Online Content) at maryke@kzntopbusiness.com or 082 877 7906. There is a slim, outside chance of a last-minute opening, and we’d love to accommodate the province’s most dedicated leaders where possible. KZN Top Business Team KZN Top Business Team www.kzntopbusiness.com

Grant Adlam ------------------------------ When I sat down with Melanie Veness back in 2020, the air was thick with the uncertainty of a world in lockdown. At the time, we spoke about survival—how businesses in Pietermaritzburg and across South Africa could possibly weather the storm of a global pandemic. Melanie was already a fierce advocate, but she was playing defense, holding the line for a business community under siege. The Architect of Resilience: Melanie Veness and the Great Business Fightback Fast forward to 2026, and the "Melanie Veness" of our 2020 interview has undergone a remarkable evolution. She isn't just defending anymore; she’s leading a national and global renaissance. From Local Hero to Global Voice The most inspiring chapter of this story is Melanie’s recent appointment to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation General Council. It is a prestigious leap. The woman who was fighting for the shops on Chief Albert Luthuli Street is now sitting at the table in Paris, representing South Africa on the world stage for the 2025–2028 term. It’s a powerful reminder that local grit can command global respect. The "BizNews" Blueprint: Action Over Agony In her recent appearances with BizNews, Melanie has become the face of what she calls the "Business Fightback." If 2020 was about asking for help, 2026 is about taking charge. She has become a vocal leader in the movement where the private sector no longer waits for the state to fix a water pipe or a pothole—they simply do it themselves. "If we all stand up and we all just do something," she recently noted, "we can have the South Africa that we were promised." The Full Circle Looking back at our 2020 interview, the seeds of this transformation were already there. Her passion for the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) wasn't just about commerce; it was about community. Today, as the Chair of the Association of South African Chambers (ASAC), she is scaling that local passion into a national strategy for recovery. The Takeaway Melanie Veness’s story since 2020 is a masterclass in active hope. She has moved from navigating a crisis to architecting a solution. For those of us who followed her journey from that first interview, her rise isn't just a personal success—it’s a blueprint for how South African business can lead the way forward, one fixed pipe and one global council seat at a time. ------------------------------ Grant Adlam www.kzntopbusiness.com The Architect of Resilience: Melanie Veness and the Great Business Fightback

In this webinar, Angela Alderton from Business Sense, along with Brian and Alan from LEMS, delve into the complexities of trusts. They discuss the definition and nature of trusts, contrasting them with companies, and emphasize the contractual aspect involving founders, trustees, and beneficiaries. The conversation highlights the responsibilities and potential liabilities of trustees, stressing the importance of understanding these roles before accepting them. The speakers explore the implications of having trusts in South Africa, especially when beneficiaries become non-residents, and the tax challenges that arise. They discuss recent changes allowing South African trusts to transfer assets to foreign trusts, providing a strategic option for those emigrating. The tax treatment of trusts, including the impact of distributing income to beneficiaries, is examined, with a focus on the complexities introduced by Section 7 of the Tax Act. Charitable trusts receive special mention, with exemptions available under certain conditions. The discussion also touches on the process of closing a trust, the responsibilities of trustees, and the importance of maintaining compliance to avoid penalties. The speakers advise on when it might be beneficial to close a trust, particularly if the assets are not substantial enough to justify the administrative burden. Throughout the session, the importance of a well-drafted trust deed is emphasized, as it dictates the operations and limitations of the trust. The session concludes with insights on the various types of trusts, such as family, charitable, and testamentary trusts, and the unique considerations for each. The overarching message is the necessity of careful management and regular review of trusts to ensure they serve their intended purpose effectively. For more information contact Alan Hockey: +27 (0)71 673 9937 Brian Payne: +27 (0)83-3091982 W: www.lemsystems.co.za

In 2026, the digital landscape is crowded with AI-generated content and noise, making it harder for businesses to stand out online. Barnacle SEO offers a smart way to position your business alongside high-authority platforms, gaining trust and visibility without starting from scratch. KZN Top Business Benefit Programme is a prime example of this strategy, built around a well-established domain with decades of credibility. This post breaks down how the KZN Top Business Benefit Programme works, why it matters, and how your business can benefit from it. Barnacles firmly attached to a pier, symbolizing Barnacle SEO What Is Barnacle SEO and Why It Matters in 2026 Barnacle SEO is a technique where smaller businesses attach themselves to larger, authoritative websites to gain visibility and trust. Instead of competing directly with big players, you "ride their wake" by appearing on their platforms. This approach is especially effective in 2026, when search engines prioritize trust signals and real-world verification amid the flood of AI-generated content. The KZN Top Business Benefit Programme exemplifies this by partnering with a domain established in 1998, which carries 28 years of local credibility. This long-standing authority helps businesses bypass the usual search engine "sandbox" period, where new sites struggle to rank. The Genesis Program Structure and Its Benefits The KZN Top Business Benefit Programme is divided into three tiers, each designed to build on the previous one and increase your business’s online authority and visibility. 1. The List | Visibility and SEO Foundation This is the entry point for businesses looking to establish a verified presence. Technical Reasoning The program creates a NAP (Name, Address, Phone) anchor. Google cross-references this data to confirm your physical location in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This verification is crucial for local SEO and helps your business appear in relevant local searches. How It Works You visit the site and fill out a simple form listing your business in a hierarchy of the top five leaders in your category. You also list three core products and select your business category. Outcome Your business gains instant inclusion in a high-authority index, benefiting from the domain’s established trust and local relevance. 2. The Connectors Club | Social Proof and Authority This tier adds social proof and humanizes your brand, which builds trust with potential clients. Technical Reasoning API integrations pull in LinkedIn profiles and Google Reviews. This creates a "Trust Loop," showing visitors your verified history, your team’s faces, and real-time social proof in one place. How It Works You upload your company logo and headshots of key personnel. You can also showcase up to 10 products with detailed descriptions. Linking your LinkedIn and Google Reviews increases click-through rates by providing authentic, up-to-date information. Outcome Your business appears more credible and approachable, encouraging potential clients to engage. 3. The Platinum Club | Market Dominance This is the highest tier, reserved for businesses aiming for top search rankings and market leadership. Technical Reasoning Platinum members receive exclusive SEO priority weighting. This means their listings appear at the top of search results, connected to in-depth research and high-level publications. How It Works Membership is selective and not based on payment alone. Businesses must meet strict criteria to qualify, ensuring only the most reputable companies gain this advantage. Outcome Platinum members dominate their market niche online, attracting more traffic and higher-quality leads. Practical Steps to Join KZN Top Business Benefit Programme If you want to leverage Barnacle SEO through KZN Top Business Benefit Programme, here’s how to get started: Step 1: Visit KZN Top Business website and complete the self-service form for The List tier. Provide accurate NAP details and select your business category. Step 2: Upgrade to The Connectors Club by adding your logo, team photos, and linking your LinkedIn and Google Reviews. Prepare detailed descriptions of your products. Step 3: Apply for The Platinum Club if your business meets the criteria. Focus on maintaining a strong online reputation and providing evidence of your market leadership. Why This Approach Works Better Than Traditional SEO Alone Traditional SEO can take months or years to build authority, especially for new businesses. KZN Top Business Benefit Programme’s Barnacle SEO method lets you: Skip the Sandbox Period By associating with a domain established in 1998, your business inherits decades of trust instantly. Build Real-World Trust Signals Verified NAP data, social proof from LinkedIn and Google Reviews, and humanized profiles make your business more trustworthy to both search engines and customers. Gain Priority in Search Results Platinum members enjoy top rankings, which means more visibility and better leads. Real-World Example: A Local KZN Business Success Story Consider a local KZN retailer who joined The List tier last year. Within weeks, their website traffic increased by 35% due to improved local search rankings. After upgrading to The Connectors Club, their click-through rates doubled as customers saw real reviews and team photos. Now, they are applying for The Platinum Club to secure top search positions and expand their market reach. KZN Top Business Benefit Programme

Andrew Clark is the newly appointed managing partner of Cox Yeats Attorneys, based in uMhlanga Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal and which recently opened a Johannesburg branch in Sandton. He is also the head of the maritime, international trade and insurance law team within the firm. Clark matriculated in 1989 from Westville Boys High School. “I had some thoughts about becoming a lawyer at that point of time but didn’t know what it all entailed so I decided to do a BCom degree and see how things went.” During the course of the BCom degree, Clark studied several law subjects in addition to commercial subjects and ultimately moved into law. He then completed articles with Adams and Adams, which is a well-known intellectual property firm. Clark worked in the maritime team in the Durban office and became a partner of the firm in 1999. In 2006 he joined Cox Yeats as partner where he continues to practice maritime and international trade law work, including marine and commercial insurance law. “During my articles I became very interested in maritime law – it is obviously very commercial, with a lot of foreign clients, and the international flavour became part of the passion for this area of the law,” he explained. His interest in insurance law arose out of his involvement in the maritime and logistics sector. Cargo that moves by land, sea or air is insured as are the various parties involved in the contractual supply and logistics chain, including the carriers. “The real challenge that we as attorneys face today is with technological advancement,” says Clark. “We strive to meet our clients’ expectations and needs, which in effect are now on a 24/ 7 basis. You are constantly available to your clients whether it be on WhatsApp, email, or other forms of electronic communication. The effect of that is that the law practice has become much more fast paced and the volumes and scale of work that a practitioner faces these days far outpaces anything that was done ten or fifteen years ago. The busy practitioners tend to be getting their work out quickly and tend to be good at what they do but that leads to more work and so one faces the challenge of balancing your own interests and what you can actually do within a day versus your clients’ expectations.” Consequently, explained Clark, these challenges mean that one has to work very hard in the field of law to achieve success. However, he added that one does need a level of work life balance in order to obtain longevity in the career and to avoid burnout. In reflecting on his recent appointment, Clark commented that he is a people’s person. “I feed on people around me within teams. So, part of my success has been in growing teams of lawyers around me.” He added that the skills relevant to be a leader include the need to be able to communicate well with people. “One needs to be a good listener and understand what people around you are saying.” Of his leadership style he says that his preference is to lead in more of a light touch way. “I am dealing with people around me who are all professionals, who are skilled at their craft and who don’t require a great deal of human management. I think that it is important to lead by example and to understand what the concerns of partners and professionals are. As a leader one needs to make decisions and sometimes those decisions may not be popular, but they have to be made in the greater interest of the firm and the collective. Fortunately, I have the support of the senior professionals around me and my approach to decision making is generally one of a collective nature.” Clark has set firm goals for his own practice and that of the firm. “In terms of my own practice as a team leader, I would like my practice to continue working in the way that it is now over the coming years and to grow and become more dominant in the space that we are in.” His goal for the firm is to continue to move Cox Yeats forward in a positive direction and to fulfil the goals and strategic plans that the partners of the firm have agreed upon. “So that over the coming years the firm continues to grow from strength to strength and continues to do what it has done for a number of years now, which is to punch above its weight and ultimately meet the desired goals, ambitions, and strategy of the collective partnership,” he explained. Clark commented that he is not necessarily inspired by any particular individuals, with the exception of his family, who he says, he draws a great amount of inspiration from. However, he explained that he is in awe of people who struggle to overcome adversity and just make it through their lives on a daily basis. “When I look at people who are successful it is often about how they have reacted to failure or reacted to adversity and overcome that. Even if it is just in their daily lives such as getting to and from a work environment, or in feeding their family. To me there is a lot of inspiration around us that one can see. It does humble one and bring one down to earth.” In giving advice to young professionals Clark says that it would depend on the stage of the career path that they are in. “I would strongly recommend to law students that they get some practical training. Take the time out to do vacation work to learn what it is practically like to be within a law firm working environment. If you pursue your passion, you will be able to get up in the morning and be happy with what you do every day, and it won’t seem like work.”

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and in Durban, SA Home Loans  helps make that dream a reality. But a home is more than just a property—it’s where families grow, memories are made, and a sense of belonging takes root. Our recent campaign celebrated this emotional side of homeownership. We featured three real family homes of our staff members, each from different cultural backgrounds, showcasing their unique traditions, lifestyles, and ways of connecting. While the homes differed in design and size, the story inside each was the same: home is where life unfolds, generations connect, and stories are shared. SA Home Loans  provides Durban residents with the financial support to secure their ideal homes, whether it’s a first-time purchase, an upgrade, or an investment. With tailored home loan solutions, they make the process of owning a home accessible and manageable, allowing families to focus on what really matters—the life they build inside those walls. Beyond financing, initiatives like Shining Schools  show how the company invests in communities, reflecting the broader idea that home isn’t just a building—it’s a network of people, support, and shared experiences. With SA Home Loans Durban , owning a home isn’t just about a transaction—it’s about creating a space where you feel safe, connected, and truly at home. Because at the heart of every Durban home is the simple truth: it’s not just the house that matters—it’s the life inside it. Contact SA Home Loans Durban: Website:   www.sahomeloans.co.za Phone:  031 572 0500 Address:  4th Floor, Protea Place, 60 Umgeni Road, Durban, South Africa SA Home Loans Durban: More Than a Mortgage, a Place to Call Home