By: Dylan Naidoo   On the 27th of January 2026, The Print Shop announced that they would be expanding their operations with a dedicated commercial location, effectively creating two facilities that separate the commercial and retail divisions of the operations. The announcement was made on their Facebook page  and was met with very positive feedback.   The Print Shop, founded in 2014  by current CEO Yasheen Panday, has slowly become a major design company in the South African market. As such, the company has gained a successful client base, serving over 20 000 clients as reported by KZN Top Business.  Even with the challenges of scaling up the business, Panday and his team have constantly overcome these challenges through investing in new technologies and improving workflow wherever they can. The expansion of The Print Shop can be seen as another great milestone in the company achieved by Panday and his excellent team of individuals.   With the separation of the commercial and retail division of The Print Shop, the company is optimistic about the many benefits that this new venture can provide, such as: ·        A much faster turnaround time: The Print Shop has decided with this new location, they would switch to a 24-hour production cycle, which can help the lead times. ·       New tech: The Print Shop announced that this new location would also be home to new technology such as upgraded printers and photography equipment, ensuring higher quality results. ·       Smoother workflow: The separation of these divisions allows for a workflow that can accommodate commercial projects.   The location of the new commercial division is on 9 Ennisdale Drive, Durban North, with a confirmed operation date of 1 March 2026. You can read more about the announcement here .

By: Dylan Naidoo On the 27th of January 2026, The Print Shop announced that they would be expanding their operations with a dedicated commercial location, effectively creating two facilities that separate the commercial and retail divisions of the operations. The announcement was made on their Facebook page and was met with very positive feedback. The Print Shop, founded in 2014 by current CEO Yasheen Panday, has slowly become a major design company in the South African market. As such, the company has gained a successful client base, serving over 20 000 clients as reported by KZN Top Business. Even with the challenges of scaling up the business, Panday and his team have constantly overcome these challenges through investing in new technologies and improving workflow wherever they can. The expansion of The Print Shop can be seen as another great milestone in the company achieved by Panday and his excellent team of individuals. With the separation of the commercial and retail division of The Print Shop, the company is optimistic about the many benefits that this new venture can provide, such as: · A much faster turnaround time: The Print Shop has decided with this new location, they would switch to a 24-hour production cycle, which can help the lead times. · New tech: The Print Shop announced that this new location would also be home to new technology such as upgraded printers and photography equipment, ensuring higher quality results. · Smoother workflow: The separation of these divisions allows for a workflow that can accommodate commercial projects. The location of the new commercial division is on 9 Ennisdale Drive, Durban North, with a confirmed operation date of 1 March 2026. You can read more about the announcement here.

Every business owner faces challenges, but the question is how you handle them. Are you actively leading your business toward growth and success, or are you stuck putting out fires every day? If your calendar is packed with urgent, reactive tasks, you might be running your business, but your business is running you. This post explores the difference between leading and firefighting, and how you can shift your focus to create lasting progress. Understanding the Difference Between Leading and Firefighting Firefighting means dealing with problems as they arise. It’s reactive, urgent, and often exhausting. You spend your time fixing mistakes, handling crises, and responding to unexpected issues. This approach keeps you busy but rarely moves your business forward. Leading means taking control. It means setting clear goals, planning ahead, and building systems that prevent problems before they happen. Leaders create space in their schedules for strategic thinking and focus on activities that grow the business rather than just maintain it. Signs You Are Firefighting Instead of Leading Recognizing whether you are firefighting is the first step to change. Here are some common signs: Your day is filled with interruptions and urgent tasks. You rarely have time to work on long-term goals. You feel overwhelmed and stressed by constant problems. You react to situations instead of planning for them. Your team depends on you to solve every issue. If these sound familiar, it’s time to rethink how you manage your business. Why Firefighting Holds Your Business Back Firefighting drains your energy and focus. When you spend most of your time reacting, you miss opportunities to improve processes, develop your team, and innovate. This cycle can lead to burnout and stagnation. For example, a small retail business owner might spend hours every day fixing inventory errors or dealing with customer complaints. While these tasks are important, they don’t help the business grow. Without time to analyze sales trends or develop marketing strategies, the business struggles to increase revenue. How to Shift from Firefighting to Leading Changing your approach takes effort but delivers powerful results. Here are practical steps to help you lead your business forward: 1. Prioritize Strategic Work Block time in your calendar for planning and reflection. Use this time to set goals, review progress, and identify potential problems before they arise. 2. Build Systems and Processes Create clear procedures for common tasks and problems. This reduces the need for constant intervention and empowers your team to handle issues independently. 3. Delegate Effectively Trust your team with responsibilities. Provide training and support so they can solve problems without always needing your input. 4. Use Technology Wisely Automate routine tasks like scheduling, invoicing, or inventory management. This frees up your time for higher-value activities. 5. Learn to Say No Not every task or request deserves your attention. Focus on what aligns with your business goals and let go of distractions. Real-Life Example: From Firefighting to Leading Consider a service-based business owner who used to spend most of the day responding to client emergencies and fixing staff mistakes. After working with a coach, they implemented a client communication system and trained their team on problem-solving skills. They also set aside two hours daily for business development. Within six months, the owner reported less stress and more growth. They landed new clients and improved service quality because they had time to focus on strategy instead of constant firefighting. The Role of Coaching in Leading Your Business Sometimes, it’s hard to step back and see the bigger picture. A business coach can help you identify where you’re stuck and guide you toward better habits. Coaching provides accountability, fresh ideas, and support as you build leadership skills. If you want to explore how to lead your business more effectively, consider booking a free session with Coach Trevor at trevorclark.actioncoach.com . This session can help you create a plan to stop firefighting and start leading. Final Thoughts Leading your business means more than managing daily tasks. It means creating space to think, plan, and build systems that prevent problems before they happen. If you find yourself constantly putting out fires, it’s time to change your approach. Focus on strategic work, delegate, and build processes that support growth. Are You Leading Your Business Forward or Just Firefighting Daily Tasks?

King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) is set to undergo a significant transformation as part of Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) R21.7 billion capital expenditure programme earmarked for infrastructure upgrades across its national airport network, including Cape Town International and O.R. Tambo International airports, over the next five years. The investment falls under ACSA’s newly launched Innovate, Grow and Sustain  strategy and signals the start of an intense period of construction at KSIA, with multiple infrastructure projects expected to commence concurrently within the first quarter of this year. According to Sanjeev Gareeb, Assistant General Manager of Operations at King Shaka International Airport, the substantial funding injection is expected to play a meaningful role in stimulating KwaZulu-Natal’s economy. He said the projects would support job creation and contribute directly to provincial gross domestic product (GDP) growth — outcomes ACSA considers critical to long-term, sustainable aeronautical development. Despite the positive outlook, KSIA continues to trail behind its major counterparts in recovery, with passenger volumes still below pre-Covid-19 levels. This contrasts with O.R. Tambo and Cape Town International airports, which have already surpassed their 2019 traffic figures. Gareeb offered a frank assessment of the uneven recovery within the aviation sector, outlining the specific challenges facing KSIA and the mechanisms being used to stimulate growth. Last week, Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) reported that although KSIA recorded an 8.12% increase in traffic in December 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, the airport remains a concern as volumes are still below pre-pandemic levels. Gareeb explained that the ATNS figures likely excluded ad hoc charter flights, private aviation and other general aviation activity. He added that when these segments are included, KSIA achieved a stronger year-on-year growth rate of approximately 10% in December 2025. He linked the slower recovery in air traffic — relative to 2019 levels — to KwaZulu-Natal’s broader economic performance, noting that the province has historically lagged in GDP growth compared to regions that have already exceeded pre-Covid flight volumes. Gareeb also unpacked the complex passenger trends observed during the festive season. While tourism activity across the province was strong, this did not fully translate into increased airport throughput. He suggested that more affordable transport alternatives, such as long-distance buses and private vehicles, limited demand for air travel. “This indicates that airfares were expensive, or that passengers chose alternative modes of transport for other reasons,” he said. He added that moderate aircraft load factors, despite expectations of a peak travel period, pointed to high ticket prices and a low “propensity to fly” as key constraints on passenger numbers. Addressing the perception that airport capacity expansion directly drives tourism growth, Gareeb clarified that the relationship typically works in reverse. Sustained growth in tourism and hospitality demand stimulates aviation demand, with airport capacity expanded in response. While ACSA’s role is to ensure capacity is available, he said the strategic focus remains on demand stimulation through collaborative route development, competitive airport charges and reliable airline scheduling. Gareeb cited the Durban Direct route development committee — a coordinated initiative involving government, tourism authorities and economic stakeholders — as a clear example of successful collaboration. He pointed to increased frequencies by Qatar Airways and the launch of the new direct Durban–Réunion service in February as tangible outcomes of these efforts, alongside existing services operated by Emirates and Turkish Airlines. On airport charges, Gareeb emphasised that these are not determined unilaterally by ACSA. Instead, tariffs are set by an independent Economic Regulating Committee following consultation with airlines and industry stakeholders. The process ensures charges are globally benchmarked while still supporting essential infrastructure investment, including the R21.7 billion capex programme. Finally, on the issue of scheduling reliability, Gareeb highlighted the global shift towards slot-control regulations to manage infrastructure demand, smooth peak-time congestion and maintain operational balance. He stressed that airline on-time performance is closely monitored, as reliability is critical for connecting passengers and time-sensitive business travel.

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Angela Alderton from Business Sense chats with Andy Kudla from East Coast Cycles Cycle Sunday presented by Cycle lab - Peschlsports | 2026 Cycle Day Sunday initiative, organized by Peschlsports, is featured on Racepass. Check out all their live events available for booking. https://racepass.com/o/peschlsports Registration: Cycle Lab Cornubia Friday 06/02 9:00 to 17:00 Saturday 07/02 9:00 to 17:00 Late entries can be completed at registration. Cycle Day Sunday Origins: Initiated in October last year by Sean Peshel, this initiative closes a 27 km loop of the M4 highway from town to Umhlanga for safe, traffic-free cycling, including a 2 km hill climb deviation. Event Details and Participation: Open to everyone (no club membership required), the non-competitive event takes place from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM with an entry fee of 57 Rand; purchase tickets online and register for a wristband the day before. Cycle Day Sunday initiative, Peschlsports

The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Education has received a donation of school uniforms and printing paper from Sappi Southern Africa, aimed at supporting learners, schools, and departmental operations across the province. The contribution was formally handed over to Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka at Sappi’s Forest Regional Office in Montrose, Pietermaritzburg, on Wednesday. The donation includes a significant supply of school uniforms and three tonnes of printing paper, which will be distributed to schools throughout KwaZulu‑Natal. These resources are intended to assist with both educational and administrative needs, helping schools maintain smooth operations while ensuring learners have access to necessary materials for their studies. This partnership highlights the role of private sector support in enhancing the quality of education. By providing essential resources, Sappi is helping to alleviate some of the challenges faced by schools in the province, including shortages of stationery and learning materials. The collaboration also reflects a growing trend of corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at strengthening education and empowering young learners. The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Education serves hundreds of schools across urban and rural areas, many of which struggle with limited resources. Contributions like Sappi’s donation can make a tangible difference in supporting pupils’ learning environments and improving overall educational outcomes. Through initiatives like this, both the government and private organizations are working together to create opportunities for learners, promote access to education, and ensure that schools are better equipped to meet the needs of their students. Sappi partners with KZN Education to support pupils and schools

Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal was a hive of activity on 4 February as the luxurious Queen Anne cruise ship docked with about 3 000 international tourists on board. The arrival marked a vibrant day for the City, as visitors eagerly set out to explore Durban’s rich cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Throughout the day, tourists ventured across Durban, taking in iconic destinations such as the Golden Mile beachfront, uShaka Marine World, and other popular sites. Many joined guided tours to experience Durban’s diverse heritage, while others immersed themselves in the City’s warm hospitality and renowned culinary scene. Durban Tourism welcomed the visitors and offered an authentic taste of the City’s unique blend of cultures and traditions. From local crafts to distinctive flavours, the tourists were treated to an authentic Durban experience that showcased the City’s appeal as a global destination. The Queen Anne departed Durban yesterday at 9pm, leaving behind heightened excitement and a positive boost to the local tourism economy. The vessel is now making its way across the Indian Ocean en route to Singapore. The visit highlights Durban’s growing reputation as a premier stop for international cruise liners, reinforcing the City’s position on the global tourism map. DURBAN COMES ALIVE AS QUEEN ANNE DOCKS WITH 3 000 TOURISTS - Invest Durban

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC warmly welcomes the approval of the AGOA Bill Extension. As organised business, we believe that if this decision is passed, it will benefit not only large businesses but also our SMMEs. This approval will provide relief for our SMMEs that are exporting by reducing tariff pressures and will bring much-needed stability should the bill be passed. Furthermore, this bill will help greatly in strengthening South Africa as a manufacturing hub, positioning the country as a key international player, while also contributing to the reduction of the influx of cheap goods. Not only will this impact businesses, but it will also indirectly impact job creation, reduce unemployment, and improve business confidence in South Africa. It has the potential to enable us to leverage our unique economic architecture, particularly the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Port to drive GDP growth. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC strongly believes that government needs to ensure that they put aside their differences for the benefit of the country, while ensuring that we uphold our principles. As organised business, we will continue to support this decision, and we will be following this matter and US–SA relations very closely to keep our members informed, as we believe that this agreement will further enhance our resilient economy.

By: Dylan Naidoo   Rachael Gillespie shines as a business leader in both her determination as well as her drive to always strive to achieve success. Being the face of one of our Business Sense newspapers, Rachael, like many other business leaders that I have interacted with, started with a rather humble beginning, an aspect that she openly acknowledged.   When I first arrived at Rotacon, I immediately took notice of the industrial-like atmosphere where workers in dark blue workwear were operating big heavy machinery. But most importantly, they were a team of well-integrated individuals who were very friendly to me, which made me feel quite welcome in the offices.   When I walked into those offices, I was blasted by the fresh smelling air of an air conditioner. I should mention that it was around 30 degrees in Durban on top of rather high humidity when we arrived, however, the cool air did make entering the offices more rewarding. After sprawling up some steps and a narrow hallway, I made my way to Rachael Gillespie: general manager of Rotacon Engineering.   Rachael struck me as an individual that was passionate about the role she plays at Rotacon. Despite the engineering field being a predominantly male-oriented field, Rachael has proven herself to exceed expectations and gained the position that she rightfully deserved. Emerging from what she described as being a “humble background”, Rachel served as a receptionist in 1996 without even any computer literacy at all.   However, with her clear determination, Rachael moved up the ranks, bought tools to aid her work,  and got more involved in the field, and did so for 30 years. During this time, she had the opportunity to work in various departments within Rotacon, before she would eventually rise up to the general manager position.   When talking about her biggest accomplishment, Rachael said that it was being the major shareholder in the company, and I saw why. Rachael being the face of the company inspires young women to achieve their biggest dreams, no matter what the challenge may be. At the same time, she also gives praise directed towards her team. Rachael is an individual that continuously cares for and encourages her team in their workplace.   When discussing her source of inspiration, the first person that Rachael mentioned was her pastor, keeping to her faith to put God first in everything that she does. On top of this, she also mentioned that women who had the life experience of starting from the bottom and working their way up were a source of motivation for her. In essence, it can be said that Rachael got to her position from perseverance, motivation, and breaking away from pre-existing stereotypes. I had the opportunity to interview Rachael and immediately wanted to discuss how she felt being a part of the KZN Top Business Women, as well as landing on the front page of the Business Sense newspaper. She said that she could not believe that she achieved this milestone and thanked us quite wholeheartedly for the opportunity.   After some quick photo shoots, Rachael gave us a tour of the factory, showcasing all of the heavy machinery, as well as giving us the chance to see the workers that drive Rotacon in action. And yes, going straight from the air-conditioned offices to the factory really did feel quite the transition, but I felt excited. Heavy machinery was everywhere, and with my phone in hand, I captured many of these amazing machines handled by the talented team of workers who were excited to get their photos taken. After some video shoots and photography, we were on our way.   So Rotacon Engineering, pioneered by Rachael Gillespie, was certainly a trip. Seeing the heavy machinery and the people that make these industrial machines that many of us use every day was exciting and felt so new to me. Most importantly however, it showed me that anything is possible no matter how impossible it may look. Rachael Gillespie - general manager of Rotacon Engineering

At a time when the global conversation on ageing is more urgent than ever, social worker and chief executive officer of Tafta, Femada Shamam stands out as a leader whose personal journey and decades of impact have transformed thousands of lives. In 2026, she takes a historic step onto the world stage as Chair of the Commonwealth Association for Ageing (CommonAge), building on her prior experience as vice chair and her longstanding advocacy for older persons across the Commonwealth. This appointment not only recognises her career but also elevates Tafta and South Africa’s influence in shaping policies and practices that affect older people internationally. Femada’s career began in 1999 when she joined The Association for the Aged (Tafta) as a newly qualified social worker and service centre organiser at John Dunn House. From the start, she brought a deep sense of empathy and dedication to elder care. Over the next 25 years, she steadily rose through the ranks, becoming head of Tafta’s Social Agency in 2003, chief operations officer in 2016, and chief executive officer in 2017. Under her guidance, Tafta has flourished. The organisation continuously improves on ways to serve over 1 800 older persons in-house annually, while reaching tens of thousands more through community engagement, upskilling programmes, advocacy campaigns, and wellness initiatives. Organisation’s Achievements Since 2019, three residences have earned Eden Alternative accreditation, reflecting environments that foster meaningful engagement, autonomy, and quality of life. In 2025, Tafta was recognised as the third top brand in KwaZulu-Natal and received the “Excellence in Active Ageing” award from Global Brands Magazine, affirming the organszation’s innovation and impact under Femada’s leadership. Globally, Femada has long been a prominent voice for older persons. Having served as vice chair and now chair of CommonAge, she promotes age friendly policies, advocates for the rights and responsibilities of older persons, and fosters international collaboration. She participates actively in the Global Ageing Network, the Pass It On Network, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) and other international forums, contributing to discussions at the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM). Through these platforms, she brings insights from Tafta’s innovative programmes to influence global approaches to ageing, amplifying the experiences of older persons and advancing systemic change. This appointment carries significance far beyond personal recognition. For Tafta, it positions the organisation as a leader influencing global policies and best practices for older persons. For South Africa, it amplifies the nation’s voice in international ageing discourse. And for older persons, it ensures their dignity, rights, and responsibilities are championed at the highest levels. Femada sees this role as a unique opportunity to inspire an age friendly world, demonstrating that ageing can be a period of purpose, engagement, and meaningful contribution. www.tafta.org.za JANUARY IS NOT UNLUCKY, IT’S PREDICTABLE - MOBIVENTURES

Printing SA has announced the appointment of Rajesh Lutchman as President of its Board. Lutchman currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Siyaka, a leading packaging manufacturer, where he has spent the past three decades building extensive hands-on experience within the industry. Under his leadership, Siyaka has emerged as a respected market leader, driven by a clear growth strategy focused on successful acquisitions, expanded market share, and sustainable long-term value creation. In addition to his role at Siyaka, Lutchman serves on the executive management of several property development and equity investment boards. He is widely recognised for cultivating high-performance teams, fostering results-driven organisational cultures, and developing strong leadership across diverse enterprises. His vision, resilience, and commitment to innovation have consistently positioned him at the forefront of the industries he serves. Lutchman succeeds Simon Downes, Chairman of the Shave & Gibson Group, who assumed the presidency during a period of significant uncertainty for Printing SA. At the time, the association faced complex legacy structures and competing agendas, which placed its long-term sustainability at risk. Drawing on his experience, resolve, and strategic focus, Downes led a decisive effort to redefine the organisation’s purpose and direction. His tenure marked a meaningful turnaround for Printing SA—one that is already evident today and is expected to yield lasting benefits in the years ahead.