Kervin Budram

Kervin Budram heads up the finance depart- ment of Aberdare Cables. Alongside his finance responsibilities, he takes on business analyst roles and some general management duties.

His journey began and continues in the City of Pieter- maritzburg. Kervin attended various primary schools before completing his high school education at Heather Secondary School, where he matriculated. After finishing school, Kervin initially pursued studies in electronic engineering. However, due to financial constraints to support his studies, Kervin worked part-time, which caused him to change career paths, choosing finance and business studies.

Kervin mentioned that while studying electronics engineering, he worked part-time at Tastic Rice Mills. His days were challenging, attending lectures from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then working night shifts from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to sustain himself. “It was quite difficult,” he recalls, as he balanced work and studies.

EVOLVING CAREER
Kervin started his professional journey as a data capture clerk in the creditors’ department of Aber- dare Cables. While working, he pursued a national diploma in financial and corporate accounting, majoring in accounting and law. He later went on to complete postgraduate studies (passed Cum laude), including the Programme for Management Development at the University of Cape Town (completed with distinction).

Kervin’s academic growth paralleled his career advancement, moving from a data capture clerk to a creditors’ clerk, and eventually into cost accounting roles. He became a cost analyst, then a cost accountant, and finally, a financial controller, a position he held for several years.

During his time as a financial controller, Kervin was introduced to SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products), specialising in financial and costing aspects. He attended the SAP Graduate School in Sandton, where he honed his skills in this area.

When asked about his purpose in his current role, Kervin emphasises continuous growth and improvement. “I think we all seek to see some kind of continuous growth and improvement, to just be better than where we were before,” he says. He believes in striving to be better each day, whether through small, gradual improvements or major breakthroughs, both for himself and for the company.

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY
One of Kervin’s proudest accomplishments came early in his career while studying electronics engineering. At the time, he was working in a subsidised repair centre. One day, an elderly lady who was a pensioner brought in a television set that only needed a small repair, costing just a few rands. However, the owner of the business insisted on charging her an exorbitant amount. Kervin stood his ground, refusing to overcharge her. “I will struggle, but I will do it ethically,” he told the owner. This experience led Kervin to leave the repair business and enter the cable industry, where he has remained ever since. “Standing up for what I believed was right at the time might seem insignificant to others, but it was a significant accomplishment for me as it opened another door while keeping my ethics and integrity intact,” he reflected.

In terms of the best advice he has received, Kervin fondly remembers a teacher who encouraged students to envision their future. The teacher would ask them to ‘Envision where we see ourselves in one year, five years, ten years’ time and to dream big’. This advice had a lasting impact on Kervin, who continues to set goals and chase after his dreams.

Kervin has faced many challenges throughout his career but is indeed grateful to his close circle of family and friends who helped him overcome many obstacles in both his work and personal life.

STAY OPTIMISTIC
Keeping his team motivated during challenging times is something Kervin takes seriously. “I tend to be the one who almost always goes around smiling or creating a smile in others,” he says. Kervin understands that if he stays optimistic, his team is likely to follow suit. He focuses on highlighting the good in situations and encourages his team to look beyond the challenges. “If they see that you are looking forward and you’re leading from the front, then they tend to follow you and go by your lead.”

Kervin draws inspiration from various sources, including books and successful people around him. The stories of people who have overcome challenges to achieve success are a source of motivation. “I love success stories... and just putting my hand to the plough with them,” he says.

Looking ahead, Kervin is optimistic about the future of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the challenges and low economic growth, he believes in the potential for positive change. “We’re going to have a much better five years to come than probably the last five or even ten years that we’ve had,” he says.

Kervin finds inspiration in the diverse opportunities in the region and the resilience of the people working to make a difference. “At work we’ve got a thing called ‘Gemba’ which is Japanese for ‘go and see’. A lot of us sit behind our desks and read online or in the newspapers how bleak things might be. But when we go and see, you suddenly see how much growth potential is out there.”

In his personal life, Kervin actively seeks opportunities to serve the community, mainly through churches and non-profit organisations. He is a director on the board of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Kervin continues to study, and recently completed his studies at the Calvary Bible Institute, finishing as the top student and passing summa cum laude. He is also building quite a reputation as a Toastmaster, master of ceremony and even a stand- up comedian!

Together with his wife, Kogi, Kervin is part of KwaZulu-Natal Aquatics, initially fulfilling the role of timekeeper and recently as a judge in the various swimming galas within the province. He pursues this avenue to be close to his twin daughters who aspire to swim at the highest level.

Kervin lives by a motto shared by one of his teachers: “Hang loose but stay vibrantly alive.” It is a motto that is real challenge but reflects his approach to life and work.