In a powerful collaboration aimed at restoring dignity and improving safety in schools, Envirosan Sanitation Solutions has partnered with East Coast Radio and key stakeholders to tackle one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges — unsafe pit toilets in schools. Across many rural and underserved communities, learners and educators continue to face daily risks due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Pit toilets, often poorly constructed and unhygienic, not only pose serious health hazards but also impact the overall learning environment. This reality has sparked urgent action from both the private sector and media platforms committed to driving meaningful social change. Through East Coast Radio’s impactful initiative, The Big Favour, the station has mobilised resources, partnerships, and public support to address this issue head-on. With the backing of various partners, significant funding has been raised to replace dangerous sanitation systems in KwaZulu-Natal schools. At the centre of this initiative is Envirosan Sanitation Solutions, a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to providing sustainable and dignified sanitation solutions. Founded in 2006, the company specialises in environmentally friendly sanitation systems designed to improve safety, hygiene, and accessibility in underserved communities. Their work involves replacing hazardous pit toilets with modern, low-flush and water-efficient systems that prioritise both environmental sustainability and user dignity. These solutions are designed with real community needs in mind, ensuring long-term impact rather than temporary fixes. The project is already making meaningful progress, with several schools benefiting from upgraded facilities. Despite logistical and environmental challenges, the teams remain committed to delivering safe and reliable sanitation infrastructure that supports education and wellbeing. Beyond infrastructure, this initiative represents a broader commitment to human dignity and equality. Access to safe sanitation is not just a basic need—it is a fundamental human right. By addressing this issue, Envirosan and East Coast Radio are helping to create safer, more empowering learning environments for thousands of learners. This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships in driving social change. When media platforms, businesses, and communities unite behind a shared purpose, real transformation becomes possible. Contact Envirosan Sanitation Solutions For more information or to get involved, you can contact Envirosan Sanitation Solutions directly: 📞 Durban Office: +27 (0) 31 700 1866 📞 Johannesburg Office: +27 (0) 11 794 1091 📧 Email: info@envirosan.co.za 🌐 Website: www.envirosan.co.za Head Office: New Germany, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Envirosan and East Coast Radio Driving Change Through Sanitation Innovation

By: Ethekwini Municipality As a highlight of the bumper 2025/26 cruise season, Durban welcomed the iconic ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, which docked at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on 9 April, bringing around 4 500 international visitors to the City. As one of the largest and most distinguished ocean liners in the world, Queen Mary 2 offers an unmatched luxury experience rooted in British heritage and elegance. The vessel is currently on a 109-day "Full World Voyage" that began in Southampton in January. Docking in the City presented a unique opportunity to cast the spotlight on Durban's vibrant heritage, world-class port facilities, and renowned hospitality. Visitors were warmly welcomed with a range of performances, which included a performance by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. Passengers were guided on City tours to explore key tourism attractions such as uShaka Marine World, the beach promenade, Ithala Game Reserve, and the Phezulu Safari Park among others. The Queen Mary 2, which departures at 10pm tonight, brought around 4 500 international visitors to the City, with its passenger capacity ranging between 2 640 and 3 271 guests, supported by a crew of around 1 250 people. The arrival further underscores Durban’s growing stature as a premier cruise destination. Since the development of the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in 2021, the City has experienced a steady increase in international cruise traffic, contributing to the recovery and expansion of international tourism. The 2025/26 cruise season has already demonstrated strong momentum, having commenced earlier than usual in September last year, an indication of increasing global confidence in Durban as a port of call. Between December 2025 and 9 April 2026, Durban has welcomed 27 cruise vessels, with additional arrivals expected before the end of the season. The forward outlook remains positive, with confirmed cruise liners scheduled to arrive in Durban through to 2028. This further positions eThekwini for sustained growth and increased economic impact. This continued growth is also attributed to Durban Tourism’s focused Cruise Tourism Strategy in collaboration with key strategic partners like MSC Cruises and the KZN Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA). The interventions include the participation in the annual Sea Trade Cruise Global in Miami, a strategic platform to strengthen relationships with global cruise line executives, showcase Durban’s cruise offerings, and position the City as a competitive destination within international cruise itineraries. A Durban Tourism delegation, in partnership with KZNTAFA, will once again participate in the Sea Trade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami to cultivate business for cruise tourism. Participation in the event has already yielded positive results with new cruise liners docking in Durban. The success was further reinforced by the return of the Queen Mary 2 to Durban and the introduction of the Queen Anne cruise liner to the City in recent seasons. This reflects the confidence of leading global cruise operators in Durban’s offerings. The destination continues to attract high-value international travellers from key markets including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Europe. The City is proud to showcase its hospitality and attractions to the thousands of international tourists who arrived on Queen Mary 2, further strengthening Durban’s reputation as a gateway to Africa’s cruise tourism. The City yesterday welcomed 4500 international visitors arriving aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal. Durban Tourism was on the ground ensuring a warm, visible and well-coordinated welcome. Tour operators played a key role in dispersing visitors to local tourism offerings and experiences such as Ushaka Marine World and Phezulu Safari Park amongst others.

This weekend marks a truly historic moment as the TINMAN heads to Prime View for the biggest race in its 27-year history. Record-breaking entries are not just a milestone for the event—they are a powerful reflection of a sport that is thriving and rapidly expanding across South Africa. Triathlon is no longer seen as an elite or intimidating challenge. Instead, it has evolved into an inclusive, family-friendly sport that welcomes everyone, from beginners to experienced athletes. The remarkable growth of the TINMAN Series highlights this shift, proving that more South Africans are embracing active lifestyles and seeking meaningful, shared experiences through sport. What makes the TINMAN Series so special is its strong focus on family participation. With a variety of distances and formats, it creates opportunities for parents, children, and friends to race together, support one another, and celebrate personal achievements. This sense of community is at the heart of its success and is a key reason why numbers continue to climb year after year. Beyond race day, the benefits of the TINMAN and triathlon as a whole are far-reaching. Participants improve their physical health, build mental resilience, and gain confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. The series also provides a safe, well-organised environment where newcomers can learn the sport, while more competitive athletes can challenge themselves and grow. As the largest TINMAN race ever unfolds this weekend, it stands as a clear and inspiring sign: triathlon in South Africa is not just growing—it is booming, lets hope it continues! Historic moment for the TINMAN - B-Active

As businesses move through the second quarter of the year, April and May present a critical window for reflection, compliance, and strategic workforce planning. MGM HR Services is using this season to highlight the importance of aligning people strategies with business growth—while ensuring organisations remain compliant, competitive, and future-ready. A Season of Renewal and Strategic Reset The Easter period offers more than just a long weekend—it’s a time for renewal, reflection, and intentional growth. For businesses, this is an opportunity to reassess internal structures, refocus on organisational goals, and invest in what truly drives success: people. Strong organisations are built on empowered teams, and that begins with effective HR strategies. By prioritising employee development, engagement, and compliance, businesses can position themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. WSP/ATR Deadline: More Than Just Compliance With the 30 April deadline for Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR) fast approaching, businesses across South Africa are urged to act swiftly. Submitting WSP and ATR reports is not merely a compliance requirement—it is a strategic tool that can unlock significant benefits, including: Access to skills development funding Improved BEE scorecard performance Enhanced workforce planning Missing the deadline doesn’t just result in penalties—it means lost opportunities for growth and funding. MGM HR Services supports organisations by ensuring submissions are accurate, compliant, and fully optimised to maximise value. Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage Forward-thinking organisations understand that compliance can be a powerful driver of business success. When leveraged correctly, WSP and ATR submissions can: Strengthen workforce capabilities Align training initiatives with long-term business goals Build agile, future-ready teams MGM HR Services goes beyond administrative support by helping businesses integrate their skills development strategies into broader organisational objectives—transforming compliance into a competitive edge. Transformation as an Ongoing Commitment As reporting season progresses, businesses must also evaluate their transformation efforts. Employment Equity and BEE compliance are no longer once-a-year exercises—they require continuous attention and strategic alignment. Organisations should be actively assessing: Employment Equity progress BEE scorecard positioning Overall compliance readiness MGM HR Services partners with businesses nationwide to ensure transformation strategies are not only compliant but also meaningful, sustainable, and impactful. Honouring the Workforce This Workers’ Day Workers’ Day serves as an important reminder of the dedication and resilience of South Africa’s workforce. It is also a call to action for businesses to invest in their employees through: Skills development initiatives Fair labour practices Ongoing compliance and support Creating a thriving workplace environment is essential—not just for employee wellbeing, but for long-term business success. Partnering for People-Driven Growth As April transitions into May, the message is clear: businesses that invest in their people, prioritise compliance, and embrace strategic HR practices are best positioned to grow and succeed. MGM HR Services remains committed to helping organisations navigate this journey—offering expert guidance, compliance support, and tailored HR strategies that drive real results. Driving Growth Through People: MGM HR Services’ April–May Business Focus

The interrogation of a target business in a merger typically requires the merging parties to conduct a thorough due diligence investigation. At the conclusion of a due diligence investigation the acquirer should, at a minimum, have sufficient insight to assess whether the merger ought to proceed, notwithstanding any identified risks. Critically, due diligence requires the disclosure of detailed and often highly sensitive information about the target business. In mergers involving competing parties, a tension arises between the acquirer's need for sensitive information to support its decision and the potential competition law concerns arising from such disclosure under the Competition Act, 1998 (Act No. 89). At its core, South African competition law requires that merging parties remain independent economic actors until a transaction has been approved and implemented. The Guidelines on the Exchange of Competitively Sensitive Information between Competitors published by the Competition Commission on 24 February 2023 (Guidelines) define competitively sensitive information as “Information that is important to rivalry between competing firms and likely to have an appreciable impact on one or more of the parameters of competition”. The difficulty here is that due diligence, by its nature, often necessitates the disclosure of precisely the type of information that competitors would not ordinarily share on the market. Such information may include, inter alia, pricing models and strategies, customer-specific data, cost structures/margins and general business plans. Importantly the Guidelines state that an “information exchange may also allow firms to achieve collusive or coordinated outcomes without concluding explicit agreements to co-operate.” Quite simply, if the sharing of information in a due diligence allows the acquirer to alter its method of competing by rendering portions of the relevant market transparent, such conduct could be viewed as anti-competitive. Agreements which produce restrictive horizontal practices are dealt with and prohibited under section 4(1) of the Competition Act. Under this section, agreements and arrangements can be considered anti-competitive if they include, inter alia, evidence of price fixing, market allocation or collusive tendering. While due diligence investigations will not typically involve explicit agreements of this nature, the provision underscores the strict approach adopted to co- ordination between competitors. The sentiment captured above is further echoed in the Guidelines which state that “the exchange of Competitively Sensitive Information may also be Anti-competitive by increasing the likelihood of, establishing, or facilitating collusion or coordination among competitors.” The need for restrictive protections in a due diligence investigation is therefore required to maintain the independence of competitors in a merger, to prevent collusive practices, and further preserve the competitive edge of the target should the merger be abandoned. To deal with these issues, modern M&A transactions have produced the concept of the so- called “clean team”. Clean teams comprise a select and ringfenced set of individuals who are permitted to access sensitive information that cannot be disclosed to the broader deal team. The clean team performs a balancing act by considering and analysing the sensitive information while ensuring that the acquirer does not gain insights that could produce a competitive advantage. Who may be considered designated “clean” strongly depends on their involvement in the general commercial decision making of the acquirer. Typically, a clean team will comprise external advisors such as attorneys, accountants and economists – those specific individuals removed from the management and directional planning of the acquirer. When properly implemented and vetted, clean teams enable merging parties to complete due diligence investigations with confidence while preserving the integrity of the competitive process. In this sense, clean teams are slowly becoming an indispensable feature in South African deal-making, particularly in mergers involving a horizontal competitive element. The Importance of Clean Teams in Mergers and Acquisitions-Cox Yeats

By Chelsea Brand The launch of the KZN Top Business Awards 2026, brought to you by Standard Bank and Women of Africa Group, and supported by East Coast Radio, was hosted at Standard Bank Kingsmead. The official announcement set the tone for what promises to be another impactful year for businesses across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The morning carried an atmosphere that was both hopeful and energising. It was a space where business leaders, innovators, and changemakers could come together, not just to celebrate success, but to share insights, challenges, and opportunities shaping the province’s economic future. Through conversations with key figures such as Fikile Msiza (Standard Bank Head of Business Banking KZN), Carl Henriksen (Standard Bank Head of Commercial Banking KZN), and Rishaad Webster (Standard Bank Head of Business Banking KZN), it became clear that the role of business in KZN is evolving. There is a strong focus on resilience, adaptability, and meaningful growth – not just for individual organisations, but for the broader community. These leaders emphasised the importance of partnerships, innovation, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset in an ever-changing economic landscape. Rishaad Webster (Standard Bank, Head of Business Banking, KZN), Adv Pria Hassan, Group CEO Women of Africa Group and Grant Adlam, CEO, KZN Top Business at the official launch of the 2026 KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and WOA Group and supported by East Coast Radio. Equally inspiring was the perspective shared by Adv. Pria Hassan, Group CEO of the Women of Africa Group, who highlighted the significance of platforms like the KZN Top Business Awards. More than just an awards ceremony, these awards are a powerful vehicle for visibility, credibility, and connection. They offer businesses, from emerging enterprises to established industry leaders, the opportunity to showcase their impact and be recognised for their contribution to the province. What stands out most about the KZN Top Business Awards is their purpose. They are not solely about winning; they are about telling stories, building networks, and inspiring progress. Businesses that participate are given a platform to reflect on their journey, engage with a wider audience, and align themselves with a community that values growth and excellence. With nominations and entries for the 2026 awards now open and submissions to close on 12 June of this year, businesses across KwaZulu-Natal are encouraged to take part. Participation offers more than recognition–it provides access to a network of like-minded professionals, increased brand visibility, and the chance to contribute to a collective vision for the province’s future. Events like this remind us that business is not just about numbers–it is about people. It is about shared knowledge, collaboration, and the drive to build something meaningful. The launch of the 2026 awards captured exactly that: a room filled with ambition, insight, and a shared commitment to moving KZN forward. As the journey toward the gala dinner awards’ event continues, one thing is certain–the KZN business community is not standing still. It is growing, evolving, and stepping confidently into the future. The 2026 KZN Top Business Awards is a celebration of growth, connection, and excellence. For the videos visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnwvhDDVhGA&t=3s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ydwFXWTS90&t=14s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H-r66joA6E For more information on how to enter, visit www.kzntopbusiness.com Or contact Gayle Adlam at gayle@mweb.co.za

By Chelsea Brand In an increasingly digital world, where communication is often reduced to emails and quick messages, there is something undeniably powerful about showing up in person. For us at Business Sense, our monthly newspaper distribution is more than just a delivery process — it is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, gain insight, and ensure that we continue to add real value to the businesses we work with. Each month, as we make our way through the community delivering the latest edition, we’re given a rare and valuable moment: face-to-face time with our clients. These interactions, though often brief, open the door to genuine conversation. We’re able to check in, hear about what’s new in their business, and understand any changes, challenges, or successes they may be experiencing. This kind of connection simply cannot be replicated through a screen. Latest issues of Business Sense For our clients, this personal touch reinforces that they are more than just a name in a publication — they are partners. It creates space for them to share upcoming promotions, milestones, or shifts in their business direction, allowing us to tailor future articles and content in a way that truly reflects their journey. This ensures that the stories we tell are not only accurate, but meaningful and aligned with their goals. From our perspective, these conversations are invaluable. They provide us with real-time feedback on how our publication is being received and whether our approach is effectively supporting our clients’ visibility and growth. It also allows us to adapt quickly, refining our content strategy to better meet their needs and expectations. Beyond the practical benefits, this process builds trust. When clients see that we are willing to step out from behind the scenes and engage with them directly, it strengthens confidence in our service. Relationships become more collaborative, communication becomes more open, and the overall experience becomes more personal. Ultimately, the monthly distribution of Business Sense is about more than delivering a newspaper — it’s about delivering consistency, connection, and care. By taking the time to engage with our clients in person, we not only enhance the quality of our publication, but also contribute to stronger, more meaningful business relationships that grow over time. We strive to always be making business sense.

By: Onwaba Gonyora | Director: Brahman Hills After months of groundwork, planning and considerable investment, one of the first major chapters of Brahman Hills’ long-term vision has come to life. The award-winning, sanctuary-led destination has officially completed all four of its 5-Star Premium Signature Villas. Their completion marks a significant step in the broader multi-million-rand Serenity Garden development and brings a new calibre of luxury accommodation to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. According to Brahman Hills Director, Onwaba Gonyora, the addition of the 5-Star Premium Signature Villas reflects a deliberate move towards meaningful luxury. It also strengthens Brahman Hills’ existing accommodation mix, which includes both 4-star and 5-star options, giving guests the freedom to experience the gardens, spa and future 22-hectare labyrinth in a way that suits their needs, occasion and budget. Gonyora says that each of the four villas has been designed to deliver a more elevated, intimate and personalised guest experience, while remaining deeply rooted in the natural surroundings that define Brahman Hills. “We wanted each villa to feel like a true sanctuary. A place where guests can switch off, breathe out and leave feeling restored. They’re private, fully serviced and thoughtfully designed, with spacious interiors, refined finishes and views that will take your breath away,” she adds. As the pinnacle of the Brahman Hills accommodation offering, the experience is as considered as the 5-Star Premium Signature Villas themselves. From complimentary Moët chilled in your villa and butler service, to private dining and thoughtful guest gifting, every detail has been designed to deliver a seamless and deeply personal stay. Each booking also includes a spa experience for every couple and, once complete, exclusive access to The Serenity Garden. Gonyora says the villas, which form part of the new Serenity Garden development, are a natural extension of the estate’s purpose. “When we say Brahman Hills is committed to shifting lives, it is not just words on a website. It is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. It shapes how we build, how we host and how we care for every guest and the land around us. It’s our why. This project is creating opportunities for the region, uplifting the community, supporting the people who work here and creating something meaningful for every guest who comes through our doors. Everything we’re building is intended to last, not only for today’s guests, but for our children’s children. The completion of these villas is a significant milestone because it shows that our purpose is taking shape in a real and tangible way,” she concludes. To be among the first to stay in the 5-star Premium Signature Villas and experience how The Serenity Garden is coming to life, visit: https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/ Signature Villa in KZN Midlands

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.”

Introducing the KZN Top Business The List