Bashini Mahomed

Bashini Mahomed, chief executive officer of Dynamic Shipping Services, is Durban born. At 21, she took a gap year and moved to Johannesburg, a decision that marked the beginning of her professional journey. Reflecting on that time, she says, “That was where I met the working world. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Her career began in advertising, where she initially worked in a financial /administration role, which led her to pursue further financial courses. However, she found her true calling in logistics. “After a year in advertising, I ventured into logistics, which has now become my life. I knew this was the industry I was destined for,” she says. Over 22 years later, Bashini has established herself as a key player in South Africa’s logistics industry.

Bashini’s purpose is multifaceted, “There isn’t just one reason; there are many,” she says. “From personal goals to family goals, to goals for my business and my people, and then on a broader scale, goals for our economy and our country.”

On a personal level, Bashini is driven by the desire to set an example to show her daughters that there are no limits to what you can achieve. “You can be a mum, a wife, and the CEO of a business, whatever you choose to get into, you can do it all with a smile on your face and happiness in your life,” she shares.

Her commitment extends to her employees as well. “For my staff, I want them to know that they have a supportive environment and that they are in a space where they can thrive,” she says.

FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH
Bashini’s vision includes a broader economic focus which is driven by the goal of creating employment and fostering economic growth in Durban. “I’m really passionate about our economy. In my years in logistics, I’ve noticed a major disconnect between imports and exports in our economy. Despite being rich in resources, exports are a small percentage. It’s something we really need to focus on,” she explains. The company’s alignment with one of the largest forestry companies in South Africa and its commitment to sustainability through FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) compliance are points of pride for her. “We continuously work towards a greener and more sustainable country,” she adds.

When asked about her proudest achievements, Bashini speaks first of being a mother. “I love my kids, and I’m really proud of who they are and the direction they’re taking in life,” she says. However, she also takes great pride in her business. “My youngest baby, of course, is Dynamic Shipping Services. For a little four-year-old company, I’m extremely proud of how we’ve grown from stride to stride,” she shares.

Bashini recounts the numerous challenges her business has faced, from starting during the Covid-19 pandemic to dealing with the KZN floods, Transnet cyberattacks, and a shortage of essential resources. “All these challenges taught me that if you just focus, realign, and pull on all your resources, you can easily redirect your business and your customers’ mindsets,” she says. Her approach is pragmatic: “Panic does good for nobody. If you readjust your mindset, you can accomplish anything.”

Resilience has been a cornerstone of Bashini’s success, especially in the face of these significant challenges. She says, “Being adamant about where you want to be and how you get there, and having a strong mind about it, is so important.”

OPEN-BOOK POLICY
Managing a team through tough times is never easy, but Bashini has developed a strategy that works for her. “People management is the toughest component in any business,” she acknowledges. “We have a very open-book policy. At any given time, every single person knows exactly what’s going on in the business,” she explains.

Bashini also values emotional intelligence within her team. “We care about each other, and we’re in tune with who we are as a team,” she says. “We motivate each other and push each other on. When challenges arise, we’re quick to support one another.”

Throughout her career, Bashini has received advice from numerous mentors, but one piece of advice stands out. “When I was 29, my general manager, who was a very authoritative German man, told me, ‘I’m employing you based on your personality, your hard work, and what I see in front of me. Others may have 20, 30 years of experience, but I’m giving you this opportunity because of your attitude,’” she recalls.

This advice has been a guiding principle in her life. “That moment stuck with me because it showed me that if someone could trust me enough to give me that opportunity, then I couldn’t let them down,” she explains. This belief in the importance of character, personality, and drive has shaped her leadership style. “I do the same for others now. If you have the right mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she asserts.

A POSITIVE MINDSET
Bashini draws inspiration from her parents, who played a significant role in shaping her values and work ethic. "My dad worked in our industry, and I often went with him to Maydon Wharf where I watched the boats and the warehouses,” she reminisces. “I’ve always admired the hard work my dad put in, raising a family as the sole breadwinner, and my mum, who was the perfect mum.”

In addition to her parents, Bashini has been inspired by the strong women she has met throughout her career. These encounters have reinforced her commitment to driving exports and creating employment in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly through her company’s new packing yard facility in Durban.

Bashini’s personal motto is simple yet profound: “What you put in is exactly what you get out.” She firmly believes in the value of hard work and a positive mindset. “Your mind is your biggest asset. Fill it with the best thoughts, surround yourself with positivity and positive people, and give your work your best effort,” she advises. This approach has guided her through her career, helping her build a successful business and a fulfilling life.