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: Restaurant Week Don't miss out on these amazing deals exclusive to restaurant week. ✨ Taste, discover, and indulge during Restaurant Week South Africa 2026! ✨ Enjoy a delightful afternoon or evening at Rockets Beach Club, specially curated for Restaurant Week 2026: a Classic 3-Course Dining Experience for just R390.00. Craving for more? Then upgrade to a Deluxe 3-Course Gourmet Menu for just R640.00. 🌟 This is your chance to enjoy a culinary adventure in an inviting setting, where bold flavors and unique combinations come to life. Expect creative dishes and a dining experience to remember at Rockets Beach Club. Tables fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long. Reserve your seat today and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience! 🔔 Book your exclusive table at Rockets Beach Club now. Classic Menu ENTRÉE (choice of one) Peri-Peri Chicken Livers | Succulent chicken livers with a creamy peri-peri sauce and a toasted ciabatta Tempura Prawn Ritz | Avocado with a smoked cream cheese, flambéed sauce, tempura prawns, blueberry pearls and a toasted pistachio Halloumi Fingers | Deep-fried halloumi with a cherry purée, sliced peppers, sesame seeds and a sweet chilli dipping sauce Calamari Heads & Tubes | Salt & pepper calamari with a heavenly sauce, chives and peppered wild rocket MAINS (choice of one) Popcorn Chicken Burger | Buttermilk-crumbed chicken fillet with honey mayo, crispy popcorn, rocket, tomato, coleslaw, melted cheddar and crispy chips Nacho Mexicana | Tortilla chips with jalapeño, mozzarella, Monterey Jack cheddar, guacamole, sour cream and rancheros salsa Chicken Parmesan | Crispy chicken breast with mozzarella, pizza oven finish, napolitana spaghetti and parmesan crisp Beer-Battered Hake & Chips | Crispy hake fillet with creamy aioli, mint-infused mushy peas and crispy chips DESSERT (choice of one) Caramel Panna Cotta | Creamy Italian pudding with a sweet cherry glaze and chocolate shavings Amarula Crème Brûlée | Silky Amarula-infused crème brûlée with fresh sliced fruit Deluxe Menu ENTRÉE (choice of one) Beef Carpaccio | Freshly sliced beef with candied walnuts, peppered wild rocket and deep-fried capers Glazed Pork Belly Skewer | Sweet & savoury pork belly with a creamy fennel purée and pomegranate Habanero Chilli Wings | Crispy fried wings with a habanero chilli buttermilk batter and heavenly mayo sauce Crispy Tempura Prawns | Fluffy tempura prawns with sticky mayo and a teriyaki dipping sauce MAINS (choice of one) Pearl Fillet | Rainbow vegetables with a beetroot purée and a tender beef fillet cooked to your preference. Rockets Baby Chicken | Flame-grilled baby chicken with rustic chips and your choice of BBQ, peri-peri or Rockets original Parsley Garlic Prawn Tagliatelle | Succulent prawns with a garlic & herb à la crema sauce, a hint of chilli and parmesan Fish of the Day | Grilled seabass with baked baby potatoes and a tropical mango salsa DESSERT (choice of one) Baked Biscoff Cheesecake Slice | Burnt butter ginger biscuit base with Belgian chocolate and a caramel drizzle Chocolate Log | Chocolate sponge with a creamy mousse filling topped with chocolate snow About Rockets Beach Club Situated on the gorgeous, vibey and luxurious coastline of the Indian Ocean, we’ve merged our urban essence with the charm, fun and freedom of the coastal scene. Spread across three distinct floors, Rockets Beach Club boasts the unforgettable ambiance of our Landmark Rockets Bryanston and Menlyn Times Square Restaurants. To find more, click here.

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, strong leadership is defined not only by results, but by the ability to inspire, innovate, and create lasting impact. Kushela Naidoo, Managing Director of Wallace and Green, exemplifies these qualities, earning recognition as one of the standout figures in the KZN Top Business Leaders series. With a distinguished career built on strategic foresight and consistent performance, Kushela has developed a reputation for driving sustainable growth while navigating complex market dynamics. His leadership is marked by a deep understanding of both business operations and the human element that underpins every successful organization. At the helm of Wallace and Green, Kushela has cultivated a culture that prioritizes innovation, accountability, and collaboration. He believes that empowering people is fundamental to achieving meaningful results. By fostering an environment where ideas are encouraged and talent is nurtured, he enables his teams to deliver impactful solutions that meet the demands of an increasingly competitive marketplace. A defining aspect of Kushela’s leadership approach is his commitment to long-term strategy. Rather than focusing solely on short-term gains, he emphasizes sustainable practices that ensure resilience and continued success. This forward-thinking mindset has positioned Wallace and Green as a dynamic and trusted player within its industry. Equally important is his people-centered philosophy. Kushela understands that businesses thrive when individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated. His ability to connect strategic objectives with personal development has not only strengthened organizational performance but has also contributed to the growth of future leaders within his teams. His inclusion in the KZN Top Business Leaders series highlights his influence and the respect he commands within the business community. It is a testament to his ability to lead with purpose while delivering measurable results. As industries continue to evolve, leaders like Kushela Naidoo set the benchmark for what modern leadership should look like—visionary, inclusive, and resilient. Through his work at Wallace and Green, he continues to shape a legacy defined by innovation, empowerment, and sustainable success.

By: Restaurant Week Don't miss out on the amazing deals exclusive to Restaurant Week! ✨ Taste, discover, and indulge during Restaurant Week South Africa 2026! ✨ Enjoy a delightful afternoon or evening at Grimaldi's Durban Country Club, specially curated for Restaurant Week 2026: a wonderful 3-course dining experience for just R345.00. Or a wonderful 2-course dining experience for just R295.00. 🌟 This is your chance to enjoy a culinary adventure in an inviting setting, where bold flavors and unique combinations come to life. Expect creative dishes and a dining experience to remember at Grimaldi's Durban Country Club. Tables fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long. Reserve your seat today and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience! 🔔 Book your exclusive table at Grimaldi's Durban Country Club now. Menu STARTERS A choice of one of the following: Fegatini Pollo | Chicken livers sautéed with onion, white wine, Napolitana sauce, chilli and fresh cream Melanzane alla Parmigiana (V) | Flash-fried aubergine with rich Italian tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and a char-grilled sweet corn Pork Rotolini | Rolled pork belly with wholegrain mustard, fresh garlic, orange, honey & cinnamon reduction and caramelised apple Baked Prawn Padella | Six prawns with the signature padella sauce, parmesan and baked golden MAINS A choice of one of the following: Pollo Involtini | Chicken breast, prawn & spinach with a creamy padella sauce Pesce Di Mare | Grilled line fish, linguini aglio e olio, mussels, calamari with a creamy seafood sauce Ravioli Verde (V) | Spinach & ricotta ravioli, creamy basil pesto, rocket and char-grilled sweet corn Rump Chimichurri | 200g rump steak with roasted vegetables, herbed chimichurri butter, bone marrow and crispy parsnips Arrosto di Prosciutto | 300g slow-roasted gammon with a caramelised glaze, roasted seasonal vegetables DESSERTS A choice of one of the following: Crème Brûlée | Vanilla baked custard with caramelised sugar crust Chocolate Lava | Warm chocolate cake with a molten centre and vanilla ice cream Cake of the Day | Ask your waiter for today’s selection About Grimaldi's A fresh, contemporary take on Italian food that still maintains all the comforts we all love about Italy's cuisine. Grimaldi's sushi menu is adopted from their much-loved sister restaurant, Jack Salmon. Grimaldi’s brings the wonders of the Amalfi coastline to their customers doorstep. The Cucina & Sushi Bar is located at the iconic Durban Country Club. To find out more, click here.

By Chelsea Brand When two people share the same values, it often creates something greater than either could achieve alone. That is certainly the case for Mike Myers (CEO, Mobi Ventures) and Anita Myburgh (CEO, JAG Security), who recently celebrated their marriage on 11 April 2026. While their personal partnership has entered an exciting new chapter, both are clear that their respective businesses remain independent entities. Both Anita and Mike are former police officers, a shared background that has created a natural bond between them built on discipline, service and a commitment to protecting others. It also strengthens their connection with the wider policing and security community, where the values of trust, loyalty and mutual respect run deep among those who have served, and those who continue to serve on the front lines today. Their firsthand understanding of duty, discipline and public service continues to shape the way they lead their businesses and engage with those around them. They share a passion for service, safety and strengthening the communities they work in every day. JAG Security Services has built a strong reputation across KwaZulu-Natal for professional guarding, technical security installations, camera monitoring and integrated safety solutions for residential estates, business parks, schools and retirement homes. Their approach focuses on layered protection ─ combining visible guarding, technology and close relationships with the communities they serve. Anita explains, “Our differentiator is our community-integrated approach. We believe effective security involves understanding each area’s specific risks and working collaboratively with residents, neighbourhood structures, and other service providers. Our in-house technical capability, accessible management structure, and commitment to compliance ensure consistent service delivery and accountability.” Mobi Ventures, through its Mobi-Claw and Mobi Response 911 services, focuses on technology-driven solutions that improve communication, access to assistance, and response efficiency. This naturally complements JAG’s operational presence on the ground. Their collaboration developed through years of professional interaction within the security environment, where both businesses recognised similar values: integrity, innovation and reliable service delivery. Today, that cooperation is benefits communities in practical ways. One example is alarm response coordination. Mobi Response 911 receives alarm triggers in its control room, while JAG Security armed response units attend dispatches within designated operational areas. Both companies’ control rooms also share radio communication, allowing the nearest available response vehicle to assist if another unit is occupied. For residents and businesses, the result is faster coordination, better visibility and a more connected safety network. Anita Myburgh (CEO, JAG Security) and Mike Myers (CEO, Mobi Ventures) Mike and Anita believe modern safety requires layered solutions. Physical guarding offers visible deterrence and situational awareness, while technology enhances communication and speeds up reaction times. Together, those elements create stronger and more resilient communities. Yet their impact extends far beyond security. JAG has become well known for its involvement in the Keep Westville Beautiful initiative, which focuses on improving public spaces, promoting civic pride and helping create safer neighbourhood environments. The company has assisted with removing graffiti, collecting litter, cutting grass and maintaining areas around guard huts in neighbourhoods. JAG even employs a permanent gardener who, when time allows, helps maintain parts of the Westville CBD in support of the initiative. Anita notes that cleaner, well-kept environments often lead to increased pride, stronger cooperation and improved awareness among residents ─ all of which contribute to safer communities. Their commitment to service also includes vulnerable children. One of their most meaningful recent projects was a Christmas gift drive for Malvern Children's Home. With support from the community, more than 82 children between the ages of two and eighteen received new outfits from their wish lists, along with age-appropriate toys. Additional donations included boxes of new shoes from a retail company, followed by a community drive to provide essential food items. For Mike and Anita, these projects reflect a wider philosophy: businesses should contribute positively beyond their core services. They believe community upliftment, support structures and shared responsibility are essential to building stable and thriving neighbourhoods. Looking ahead, both businesses are exploring new ways to improve safety accessibility, operational efficiency and community engagement. They are also currently involved in a tender process relating to community safety services, reflecting growing demand for integrated solutions that combine physical presence with modern technology. If successful, the opportunity could mean further investment in infrastructure, improved service delivery and job creation. Despite their recent wedding and growing professional cooperation, Mike and Anita remain clear that each company retains its own leadership, strategy and client relationships. Their collaboration is based not on merger, but on mutual respect and shared purpose. When asked what they would like people to remember, their answer was simple: independent businesses can work together ethically and professionally for the greater good. In many ways, their story is about more than marriage or business. It is about two people who live their passion ─ and who understand that the strongest communities are built when service, trust and cooperation come first. https://jagsecurity.co.za/ https://www.mobiventures.co.za/

By: The Playhouse Company Ticket price: R150 “He’s a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer a lonely soul forever hopeful of romance and adventure. He would have you believe he is a scientist, a musician, a duke or a polo player. Yet he is not above picking up cigarette butts or stealing a baby’s candy. And should the moment demand it, he might even kick a lady in the rear but only in extreme anger.” The Tramp, a new mini-musical, stars Daniel Anderson, accompanied by Paul Ferreira on piano. They Bring to life the story of Charlie Chaplin through the eyes of his most beloved creation the Little Tramp himself. In this imaginative and poignant production, the Tramp reflects on Chaplin’s meteoric rise to fame, their symbiotic relationship, and the painful sense of betrayal that ultimately led to Chaplin’s exile. Blending humour with pathos, the show explores themes of identity, loyalty and the blurred line between creator and creation. Through evocative storytelling, music and movement, The Tramp offers audiences a fresh perspective on one of cinema’s most iconic figures, revealing the fragile humanity behind the bowler hat and cane. Venue: Playhouse Company - Drama Main, 231 Anton Lembede St, Durban Central, Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal | Click here for the location on Google Maps

By: Ethekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate Industry leaders, corporates, government institutions, and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) will convene for the Durban Business Fair (DBF) Business Indaba on 29 April at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC). The engagement will focus on addressing key barriers and unlocking opportunities for SMME growth in eThekwini. Hosted by eThekwini Municipality, the high-level session will focus on critical issues including access to funding, tax compliance, market entry, and business sustainability in a challenging economic environment. Businesses are encouraged to RSVP via zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za to confirm attendance. Under the theme “Enabling SMME Growth Through Funding, Compliance, Market Access, and Strategic Partnerships,” the Indaba will feature speakers from organisations such as Proudly South Africa, SARS, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, and Illovo Sugar, among others. The programme will focus on practical solutions to support business growth, expand market access through corporate partnerships, strengthen localisation, and improve the competitiveness of South African products. The Indaba forms part of the broader Durban Business Fair Exhibition, scheduled for 30 April to 2 May at the Durban Exhibition Centre, marking 28 years of connecting SMMEs to markets and opportunities. The exhibition will be officially opened by the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, highlighting government’s ongoing support for enterprise development. Hundreds of businesses will showcase their products and services, creating opportunities for trade, networking, and investment. Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, said: “This platform equips SMMEs with the insights, tools, and connections needed to enable meaningful economic participation." The DBF continues to serve as a flagship empowerment initiative, supporting entrepreneurs to expand market access, gain critical knowledge, and connect with investors and key stakeholders. Businesses are encouraged to RSVP and participate in shaping the future of SMME development in eThekwini. The 28th Durban Business Fair

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

In the world of business strategy, there’s a legendary (and slightly ridiculous) cautionary tale about a group of gnomes. They had a three-phase plan for success: Phase 1: Collect underpants. Phase 2: ? Phase 3: Profit. The joke is that they had the beginning and the end, but they were missing the entire engine in the middle. Most businesses operate exactly like this. They spend all their time "collecting underpants"—attending random coffee meetings, posting aimlessly, and handing out business cards. They know they want "Phase 3" (revenue and growth), but they are stuck in the Phase 2 Void, waiting for a miracle to connect their effort to their results. The Early Bird has flown. I’m excited to share that 33 savvy business leaders have already claimed their Founder’s Special spots. They’ve decided to stop "collecting" and start connecting using the system we’ve built—the 3D branding, the TrustLoops, and the Nexus Ecosystem. Because of this milestone, the Early Bird phase is officially over. We are now moving into the main intake for the remaining 67 spots before the Founder’s Special promotional pricing and exclusive 100-member benefits close for good. Join the 33 and secure your Founder’s spot here Don't be the business gnome stuck with a pile of underpants and no plan. Join the leaders already moving from Phase 1 to Phase 3. To your success, Grant Adlam CEO, KZN Top Business

By: Edward Wallace | Head of FinTech and Digital: The Unlimited Most of us recognise the moment. An unknown number flashes on the screen. We hesitate, decline, or answer, expecting to disengage quickly. Unsolicited calls have become part of everyday life. Increasingly, the instinct to avoid them is driven by more than inconvenience. It’s about trust. The recent shutdown of an illegal call centre in Umhlanga is a stark reminder of the risks. It highlights the darker side of an industry that, at its worst, exploits trust and causes real harm. But that’s not the full picture. Outbound telesales, when done responsibly, plays a legitimate and important role in South Africa’s economy, connecting customers to products and cover they might not otherwise access, particularly in underserved communities. “It also creates employment at scale, provides entry points into the formal job market, and supports thousands of households,” says Menelisi Cele, Head of Telesales at financial services provider, The Unlimited. “For some, it’s a first job and a steppingstone to a stable income. At The Unlimited, it’s an opportunity to build your own businesses and unlimit your life in a way you never dreamt possible,” he says. Cele adds that legitimate operators, like The Unlimited, work within defined regulatory frameworks, with clear investment in training, compliance, and customer protection. They are accountable not only to regulators, but to the customers they engage with daily. However, the actions of a small number of bad actors continue to erode trust across the sector. As scams become more visible, consumers approach every call with caution, making it harder for legitimate businesses to engage. This has direct implications for both economic participation and employment. So, how do consumers protect themselves whilst still accessing products that can potentially provide remarkable value for not only themselves but their family too? How to recognise a legitimate call Cele gives five clear signals that help distinguish legitimate calls from potential scams: 1. Clear identification: Callers should immediately state who they are, who they represent, and the purpose of the call. 2. Verifiable details: The organisation should be independently verifiable through official channels such as a website, social media platforms, or a customer service line, and should be able to provide a valid FSP number where relevant. The Unlimited, for example, is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 21473), regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). 3. Respect for boundaries: Legitimate agents respect a request to end the call or opt out. 4. Professional conduct: Trained agents operate within clear guidelines. Evasive or inconsistent behaviour is a warning sign. 5. DebiCheck authentication: If you agree to take up a product, a legitimate provider will require a DebiCheck authorisation. This means you’ll receive a request through your bank to approve the debit order. It’s a secure step that gives you full visibility and control before anything is processed. “For the sector, legitimacy is not only about compliance. It is about consistently demonstrating credibility. This includes prioritising consent, improving transparency, and making verification straightforward for customers,” Cele adds. The Umhlanga shutdown should be seen not only as a warning but as a call to action. For regulators, it reinforces the importance of enforcement. For consumers, it underscores the need for vigilance. For the industry, it presents an opportunity to lead with higher standards of transparency and accountability. “Ultimately, this is about more than preventing scams. It’s about protecting the integrity of an industry that, when it operates responsibly, can make a genuine difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans,” he concludes. Menelisi Cele - The Unlimited’s Head of Telesales

By: Dylan Naidoo Thabani Zulu is both a representative and the CEO of Stella Lumen, an IT company that develops products for investment management, finances and accounting. With a combined 40 years of experience, the company has expanded their work into both the private and public sectors. Growing up in a township, Thabani’s early educational years saw him matriculate from a high school in Umlazi. Following this, Thabani studied at the University of Natal (Now University of KwaZulu-Natal) earning his BCom in accounting and he further obtained his postgraduate diploma in accounting at the same university. In his early career, Thabani first worked as a writer for KPMG for three years, mostly focusing on articles about accounting. He then worked for Daimler-Chrysler South Africa (Now Mercedes-Benz South Africa) as a financial accountant, and began expanding his career into various fields, including his work for Unilever and two municipalities, all within the accounting field. These experiences eventually led Thabani to start his own company. He mentions that his career journey was part of a broader strategy, being fully aware that in order to rise to his desired CEO role, he needed to gain experience from working for many companies. Thabani calls it a roadmap he created for himself in order to develop the knowledge he needed to start his own company. Interestingly, I found Thabani’s strategy quite intriguing. Broadening his horizons into various fields of work and bringing together all of this expertise to his company shows, in my eyes, a leader of great order and experience. Thabani mentions that he had to sit with himself one day and tell himself that he was ready. I admire his dedication to his goals, especially having the courage to tell himself that he is ready to begin his entrepreneurial journey. One of Thabani’s most stand out accomplishments was his contribution towards financial and accounting education, specifically towards young school children. He has teamed up with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to equip young learners with financial knowledge. To do this, Thabani created an accounting game, dubbed Risk and Reward, functioning similar to Monopoly. Risk and Reward essentially incorporate financial transactions that can realistically happen for business. This game includes all the challenges that come with a business and helps learners to think more critically in financial decisions. However, even with his success, Thabani admits that starting a business, especially his first business venture, which was a filing business he started in 2009, was one of his biggest challenges. Of course, like any visionary business leader, there are many aspects which Thabani wishes he could change. However, this venture was the first step in his journey to becoming where he is today. Another aspect that stands out to me about Thabani is his care for his staff’s wellbeing. Seeing Thabani talk about how much he cares about their wellbeing, including outings for staff birthdays or events, or celebrations for achieving milestones, is something rather special I do not see often with business leaders. Thabani excels as a business leader through not only his extensive knowledge in the accounting field, but also his commitment to produce real change outside of the workplace. From educational initiatives to staff wellbeing, Thabani’s journey is more than just his humble career beginnings, it is a journey of overcoming challenges and following the dream to become a KZN business leader. Understand the needs of people, business and see if you can meet their need – Thabani Zulu | CEO of Stella Lumen Thabani Zulu | CEO of Stella Lumen