Melanie Veness

Melanie Veness, chief executive officer of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, has a deep-rooted passion for South Africa, shaped by her early years spent in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. Reflecting on this time, she says she is passionate about Africa. “Her smells, her sounds, everything about the Bush. It’s deeper than my soul, and I love her passionately.”

Her family moved to East London, where Melanie began her education at Stirling Primary School followed by Beaconhurst Primêre Skool. She attended Hudson Park High School before relocating to Durban and then to Pietermaritzburg, where she completed her schooling at Carter High School. Afterwards, Melanie entered the workforce and later pursued a BCom in industrial and organisational psychology from UNISA.

Melanie remarked that her first job was as a clerk at the Receiver of Revenue, at the time when everything was processed manually. “That will tell you that it was a while back,” she laughed.

Today, as CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, Melanie believes that she is privileged to serve as a voice for the business community. “From a Chamber perspective, my why is really to give voice to the issues that business face and to try to help through advocacy to create a more conducive environment for them to operate in,” she explains.

Melanie’s mission aligns with her personal goal of contributing positively to society by addressing issues related to inequality and access to opportunities. She is cause-driven by a desire to leave a positive mark on the world.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
When asked about her proudest accomplishments, Melanie highlights the cumulative impact of several key moments rather than a single event. On a personal level, she takes pride in raising two well-adjusted, happy young adults, describing this as “probably the greatest thing I’ve done on a personal level.”

Professionally, Melanie is proud of her ability to stand up and voice difficult truths on behalf of the business community, even when challenging. “I guess having the guts to be able to stand up and say some of the stuff that needs to be said on behalf of business, it’s not always easy to do that,” she shares. Another accomplishment is the Chamber’s Global Export Accelerator Programme. Each success in this programme represents the tangible outcome of Melanie and her team’s efforts to foster economic growth. She reflects, “Cumulatively, that’s meaningful work. When each of those businesses has a measure of success…all of those are celebrations.”

Melanie has relied on two key pieces of advice throughout her career. The first came from her mother, who taught her that reacting dramatically to a situation won’t change the outcome. “You can throw yourself on the floor, you can have a tantrum… but when you get up, it’s going to be exactly the same. So, you can decide whether or not it’s worth the effort,” Melanie explains.

The second piece of advice came from a mentor who encouraged Melanie to enter situations of potential conflict fully prepared to be convinced of the other person’s point of view. “Go in being 100% prepared to be convinced of the other person’s point of view,” she recalls. If she remains unconvinced, she should then prepare to present her own case persuasively.

One of the most significant challenges Melanie has faced was during the July 2021 riots in KwaZulu- Natal. During this time, she felt completely helpless as she was unable to secure help for her Chamber members. “I’m a fixer…when I get a call, I find a way,” she explains. But during the riots, there was no help available, and the devastation she witnessed was deeply unsettling. Standing amidst the debris and destruction, Melanie grappled with the harsh reality that those people who incited the violence did so for selfish motives, fully aware of the harm they would cause to people’s livelihoods and lives. “I don’t think that it’s something that I’ve gotten over, and I don’t think that I will until there is some justice,” she reflects.

MOTIVATING A TEAM
Despite the challenges, Melanie manages to keep her team, composed mostly of women, motivated. They have been with her for a long time and have developed a close-knit bond. To keep team spirit high, Melanie incorporates fun activities into their routine, from adventure outings to spa days.

Moreover, the work they do is inherently rewarding, which contributes to the team’s motivation. “Every time one of our entrepreneurs has a win, that’s cause for celebration, that’s the really meaningful stuff,” Melanie explains.

Melanie draws inspiration from questioners, people who seek new understanding and are willing to challenge their own beliefs. She admires individuals who speak truth to power and advocate for positive change without personal agendas.

She acknowledges the influence of mentors in her life, particularly Moeletsi Mbeki, who has shaped her approach to leadership. Additionally, Melanie, says with a smile, she is a fan of Tannie Evita, whose candidness inspires her.

FUTURE VISION
Looking ahead, Melanie envisions a future where businesses in South Africa can operate in an environment conducive to their success. She dreams of an economy where most of the population is economically active, and she is committed to advocating for policies that can help achieve this vision. However, she acknowledges that much depends on the political leadership that emerges following the 2024 elections.

Two issues are close to her heart. First, she is passionate about the promise of an integrated society made in 1994, which she feels has not been adequately pursued. “There has not been any intentional action to ensure that happens,” she notes.

Secondly, is the current government procurement system which Melanie believes fosters opportunism rather than developing sustainable businesses. She advocates for a system that builds competencies and supports the growth of SMEs into medium-sized enterprises capable of servicing both government and private sectors.

Melanie’s overarching philosophy in life and work is to continue adding value as long as it brings joy and fulfillment. “You’ve got to ensure that what you’re doing is adding value and is fun. Otherwise, what’s the point?” she concludes.