As we near the final stages of selecting the KZN Top Business Woman Collection 2024, the quality of this year's nominations has truly impressed us. In an effort to ensure inclusivity, we have set aside 10 slots for those who missed the initial campaign. It's crucial to emphasize that the KZN Top Business Woman event stands as a premier platform, shining a spotlight on the remarkable business accomplishments within the province.  The Why A new collection of women is featured each year to continually grow the number of women featured as KZN Top Business Women. The How Each woman participating will be interviewed on video and an edited recording will be produced. The women will also be individually photographed by a professional photographer at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Each woman will have a selected photo framed, which will be on display at the final event and available to take home. The photos from the photo shoot will be provided to each participant digitally. The interviews will be used to create edited profiles which together with the photos will be collated into a hardcopy book, which will be available as an eBook.  Each woman will participate in one of three panel-based webinars. These will be marketed via an ongoing social media campaign (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn). The webinars will be made available on the KZN Top Business website and YouTube channel. All the women’s articles, profile photos and webinars will be available online at www.kzntopbusiness.com .   The When The Grand Finale The ‘blue carpet’ showcase event will take place on the 14 November 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga from 18H00 until about 22H30.  The number of guests at the in-person function will be limited to 120. The recording of the evening’s proceedings will be available online after the event to allow for viewer numbers to grow. The content of the event will include: Three stage panel discussions with selected women (three in each panel), as well as Jennifer Reddy and our host Carol Ofori. Dinner and networking Lucky draw prizes      Media partner  East Coast Radio and The Mercury are our media partners in this event     Grant Adlam 0832629529   ( WhatsApp ) www.kzntopbusiness.com

Shannice Mahadeo, the group pharmacy manager for the Pharmaclin Group of Pharmacies, passionately shares her journey in healthcare and community involvement. She oversees 12 pharmacies around Durban and reflects on her educational path, starting at Merebank Secondary School and earning a BPharm Honours degree at UKZN in 2015. Despite early career challenges, Shannice's determination led her to Pharmaclin, fulfilling her dream of helping others through healthcare. Inspired by her late grandfather's work ethic, she has made a significant impact in community initiatives, launching health information campaigns and participating in local events. Shannice emphasizes the importance of confidence and active involvement in making a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, she plans to open more pharmacies and pursue further studies in Public Health while balancing her career with a newfound love for adventure sports.

Jessica Govender, owner of the 3@1 Business Centre Richards Bay, has successfully established her business in a competitive market by offering a wide range of secretarial services, including photocopying, printing, and courier services. Despite challenges, she embraces creativity and innovation to stay ahead. Growing up in Brackenham, Jessica overcame hardships and initially aimed for a career in engineering before discovering her passion for the printing industry. With 12 years of experience, including a stint at Bell Equipment, she took the leap into entrepreneurship with her husband's support. Family plays a crucial role in Jessica's journey, providing inspiration and motivation. She wants her children to see her perseverance and success despite challenges. Running a printing business in the digital age requires convincing customers of the value of tangible products, like photo books, which offer a personal touch. The business adapts to community needs by expanding services and maintaining competitive pricing. Jessica is committed to positively impacting her community by supporting local charities and offering services to those in need. She embraces obstacles as opportunities for growth, believing that failure is a stepping stone to success. Jessica encourages young women to pursue their dreams with hard work and determination. Looking ahead, Jessica plans to expand 3@1 Richards Bay by opening more stores and enhancing services. Balancing work with family life is a priority, cherishing moments with her children. Despite the challenges, Jessica finds the journey rewarding and worthwhile.

Sugeshnee Naidoo, managing director of Enermous Foam Tapes and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives, transformed a personal health crisis into an inspiring entrepreneurial journey. After a brain tumour diagnosis forced her to leave her corporate job, Sugeshnee seized the opportunity to fulfil her dream of owning a business. Despite the challenges of balancing family, health, and launching a company, she founded a successful business specializing in foam products and adhesives. Her determination was fueled by a desire to demonstrate to her children that a diagnosis isn't a death sentence. Over 18 years, she grew her company, emphasizing personal touch and leadership, and made significant community impacts by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. Sugeshnee's resilience was tested during the July 2021 riots and subsequent floods, which devastated her business. Yet, she rebuilt without external help, demonstrating tenacity and earning multiple awards. Looking forward, she plans to expand employment and global reach while maintaining personal balance through family and hobbies. Sugeshnee's story is one of perseverance, community impact, and unwavering ambition.

The Goscor Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Owen as the new Group CEO, effective 1 January, 2025. Barry brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, having been with the Group for the past eight years. During his tenure at Goscor, Barry has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success. His deep understanding of business and commitment to excellence make him the ideal candidate to lead the Group into its next phase of development.   “We are delighted to have Barry step into the role of Group CEO,” said Neil Wilson, the outgoing CEO, who will now serve as Chairman of the Goscor Group. “His dedication, innovative approach, and extensive experience will undoubtedly drive our company forward and ensure continued success.”   The Goscor Group is confident that under Barry’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive and achieve new milestones, and thanks Neil Wilson for his many contributions as Group CEO over the past 15 years.   About Goscor The Goscor Group has been a trusted partner in supplying, servicing, and renting state-of-the-art industrial and construction equipment to the Southern African market since 1984.  With four decades of experience in the capital equipment markets, Goscor caters to industries such as earthmoving, mining, construction, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics.  Partnering with the world’s leading equipment brands, the Group ensures peace of mind for its customers, backed by skilled factory-trained technicians, extensive parts holdings, and a national branch footprint.   As part of the Bud Group, a diversified portfolio spanning industries like industrial equipment, automotive, and logistics, Goscor benefits from a synergistic network of complementary businesses. This affiliation allows the Group to deliver robust, tailored solutions that meet diverse customer needs across Southern Africa and beyond.

Yugashani Pragasan, founder of Minimorphosis, has a career deeply rooted in her passion for child development and education. Her journey began with a gap year as an au pair in the US, igniting her interest in child development. She pursued studies in youth development, early childhood education, and Montessori teaching, gaining diverse experiences, including work with Disney Cruise Line. The pandemic brought her back to South Africa, where she launched Minimorphosis, focusing on holistic child development and parental coaching. Her approach integrates cognitive, social, and emotional growth, offering personalized coaching to help parents understand and support their children better. Yugashani emphasizes adaptability in parenting techniques to address children's unique needs and aims to foster emotional resilience in children. Her greatest accomplishment is overcoming challenges and using them as growth opportunities. She dreams of establishing a holistic center for families, providing comprehensive support services. Her advice to young women is to embrace life's challenges as growth opportunities and find happiness in gratitude. Balancing her career with personal time is crucial, and through Minimorphosis, she continues to impact children and families positively, fulfilling her soul’s purpose.

Farah Goolam plays a crucial role at Invest Durban, focusing on attracting sustainable investments to benefit Durban's residents and supporting the city's 2030 vision. Proud of her Persian princess namesake, Farah balances her professional achievements with being a devoted wife and mother. Her career began with an internship at the municipality, where she learned to navigate political environments and honed her skills. At Invest Durban, she emphasizes visibility and communication, participating in international initiatives to enhance Durban's business landscape. Farah values collaboration, believing it essential for achieving greater outcomes. Despite challenges, she remains optimistic about Durban's potential, aiming to build civic pride and encourage collective responsibility. Inspired by those around her and South Africa's history, she stresses the importance of self-care and maintaining balance through simple pleasures. Farah advises young women to focus on their goals, warning against self-doubt and emphasizing discipline, drive, and accountability. Her journey continues with the motto, "Close your circle," finishing what she starts with pride and integrity.

Noeleen Naidoo, principal and owner of Ingwe Property Group, has forged a career marked by dedication and a strong commitment to people. Over 25 years, her vision has propelled the company, with its main office in Pinetown and branches in Winston Park and Umhlanga, to thrive and adapt within a changing industry. Despite early life challenges, including marriage and motherhood, Noeleen finds fulfillment in achieving her goals and helping others realize theirs. Her unexpected entry into real estate, after working in hospitality and finance, allowed her to pursue her passion for people. Starting with affordable housing, her business now caters to a diverse clientele, providing exceptional service to first-time buyers and high-end investors alike. Noeleen has mastered various aspects of real estate, transitioning from paper-based systems to the digital era. Her recent entrepreneurship course at GIBS and studies in life coaching and NLP reflect her commitment to growth and mentorship. Inspired by her family, especially her late mother and grandfather, Noeleen values perseverance and resilience, believing that one's journey defines their success. She embraces change, viewing industry formalization and qualifications like NQF4 positively, as they ensure well-trained agents. Noeleen prioritizes mentorship and training at Ingwe Property Group, fostering lifelong learning among her agents. Her leadership style is relational, promoting open communication and support within her team. Understanding the challenges of business, Noeleen sees them as opportunities for growth, maintaining resilience through tough times like the 2008 financial crisis. Beyond business, Noeleen is committed to making a difference in her community, emphasizing the impact of homeownership and community work. Her proactive leadership during crises underscores her belief in action. With franchising on the horizon and a licensed training academy offering real estate qualifications, Noeleen aims to attract young talent and diversify the industry. Despite her commitments, she maintains her energy and enthusiasm through faith and fitness, rising early for her workout routine.

Ashika Dorasamy, manager of Maidstone Service Station in Tongaat, has followed an unconventional path to success. Born in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, her life changed at 16 when she became the first foreign cultural exchange student from her hometown to visit Germany. This experience shaped her future. After completing her matric in 2006, she earned a Diploma in Advanced Make-up and Aesthetics in 2007, winning the Professional Beauty Top Make-up Artist award. By 2015, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to the fuel industry, where she excelled, earning praise from Shell SA senior management for her business acumen. In 2019, Ashika was recognized as a top retailer, validating her hard work. She attributes her success to determination, faith, and the support of her mentors and family, especially her father, who inspired her. Her influence extends beyond personal achievements; she guides other retailers and emphasizes HSSE practices, earning recognition from Shell. Committed to social responsibility, Ashika engages in community initiatives, such as recycling education and sanitary drives for young girls. Despite challenges like the 2021 unrest and 2022 floods, she remained resilient, supporting her community and staff. Her advice to young women is to understand every aspect of their business and never give up. Ashika aims to expand her business empire while maintaining a balanced personal life, valuing family time to stay grounded.

Mandisa Pepeta, founder of Qhakaza Africa Consulting, navigated her path into architecture and property development, providing services to diverse clients. Her company takes on projects from initial client briefs to construction management, ensuring quality and adherence to plans. Originally from Bizana, Eastern Cape, Mandisa's journey began with a detour from drama to architecture, driven by her artistic flair. Her independent career emerged from a desire to serve underrepresented communities, leading her to establish her own business. Mandisa emphasizes the educational aspect of her work, helping clients understand architectural processes and advocating for industry inclusivity. Despite language barriers, she pursued competence and confidence, advising young women to seek mentorship and continuous learning. Her aspirations focus on influencing decision-making in the industry, balancing professional and personal life, and advocating for those without a voice. Mandisa's story is one of resilience, education, and striving for excellence.

Monica van der Berg, founder of Mons Accounting and Business Consulting, speaks passionately about her journey in the world of accounting and business consulting. “I have a passion for accounting, income tax, and all your business consulting needs,” she shares, reflecting on her path to entrepreneurship. Recalling her early years, Monica explains, “I grew up in a small industrial town called Richards Bay, and that’s where I matriculated and got my accounting diploma.” Interestingly, she didn’t initially consider accounting as a career. “I never thought of doing anything in accounting during matric. I didn’t even have it as a major subject,” she reveals. Instead, her academic interests lay in maths and physics, subjects that required precision and balance. “With maths and physics, you have to balance everything; it has to come to a specific number.” It was this fondness for numbers that ultimately led her towards accounting, even though it wasn’t part of her initial plan. Monica’s entry into the field was unconventional. “I got my diploma through Boston, and all you needed was your matric. You didn’t have to have accounting,” she recounts. After obtaining her diploma, she began her career in Richards Bay, working in various accounting firms. “I did my articles and gained ten years of experience in accounting firms, and I also ventured into the imports and exports industry,” she says.

Sorisha Naidoo is a dynamic entrepreneur owning Umhlanga Laser and Aesthetic Spa and a frequency healing room, also involved in import-export. Initially studying journalism at Rhodes University, her career naturally shifted to the beauty industry, driven by a market gap she identified 16 years ago. Her journey into beauty was influenced by her time in radio and acting, which sparked an interest in skincare and anti-ageing. She is passionate about introducing alternative healing methods in South Africa, aiming to reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals. Sorisha credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her family and her husband, Vivian Reddy, who inspires her to excel. She meticulously manages her spa, ensuring each client’s experience is memorable. Her achievements include earning a journalism degree and winning Miss India South Africa, but she considers motherhood her greatest accomplishment. Sorisha is also dedicated to animal welfare, supporting the SPCA and Pug Rescue. Despite public scrutiny, she values kindness and advises young women to embrace it. Looking forward, Sorisha focuses on personal growth, balancing her roles as a mother and businesswoman, and managing burnout. Her participation in “The Real Housewives of Durban” challenges her to find balance and release emotions. Yoga, exercise, and family time help her maintain equilibrium. Sorisha’s journey is one of continuous evolution, always ready to embrace new dreams.