Portio Dlamini

Portio Dlamini is the managing director of the Emakheni Group, a company she founded over ten years ago. The main division of the group focuses on cleaning and industrial solutions, with plans for future subsidiaries. As managing director, Portio oversees the overall operations, implements strategic initiatives, ensures departmental efficiency, and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Reflecting on her roots, she shares, “I was born and bred in a small village called Soffelton at Impendle, about 100km from Pietermaritzburg.” Portio was raised by her grandparents while her mother, a teacher, continued her studies. Though growing up without a father presented challenges, she remembers her childhood as mostly pleasant. Portio matriculated at Pholela High School. She pursued a diploma and then a degree in chemical engineering at the Mangosuthu University of Technology and Durban University of Technology (DUT) respectively.

Portio’s formal career began at Sappi Mandini, a pulp and paper company, where she served as an intern. This opportunity was part of a bursary programme she had been awarded during university. Her intern- ship as a process technician lasted 12 months and provided invaluable experience. She later joined Sasol as a process technician, where she continued to build her industry knowledge.

PERSONAL CHALLENGES
Reflecting on the foundation of Emakheni Group, Portio credits her decade-long experience in the manufacturing industry, where she was exposed to a variety of departments and operational insights. However, as a young graduate, she faced significant personal challenges, including identity struggles and poor self-image – issues that stemmed largely from growing up without a father. Only after seeking counselling and overcoming these obstacles did Portio find purpose in life.

Portio’s decision to create Emakheni Group was driven by a desire to empower others, particularly those facing marginalisation. While working in the industry, she encountered cleaning contractors and observed their struggles, which often affected their service delivery. The goal was to show cleaners and general workers that their roles could be stepping stones to greater opportunities, not lifelong limitations.

Portio notes: “We’ve helped them to dream more and look beyond being a cleaner. We help them understand that they can study further, start a business, or pursue other career paths.” This investment in their growth has led to boosted morale and improved service delivery. Portio sees this as a symbiotic relationship that benefits both employees and clients.

For Portio, transitioning from being an employee to an employer and successfully running Emakheni stand out as major milestones in her life. Sustaining a business for ten years, she believes, is a testament to the hard work and support from countless individuals who have contributed to her journey.

Among the lessons Portio has learned over the years, one piece of advice stands out: “Success is 80% preparation and 20% opportunity.” This wisdom has had a profound impact on her approach to both personal and business growth.

“In the first three to four years of our business, when opportunities were limited, I continued to build the business, increase our capacity, and strengthen our systems,” she shares. She sought guidance, bolstered the company’s customer base, and ensured that Emakheni Group was ready to act when new opportunities arose. By applying this principle, the company became competent, compliant, and well- positioned to step confidently into new ventures.

FACING CHALLENGES
Portio recalls the initial challenges of starting her business as she had no clear understanding of how to run a business. “I lacked insight into our potential customer base and had minimal awareness of the competition,” she shares. However, she said, “I was fortunate to have strong leaders guiding me, instilling in me the principles that later became instrumental in my own leadership style.” Through mentorship, she learned strategies to manage teams effectively, applying these lessons to her company. She prioritises communication and transparency, aligning her team with the company’s vision and ensuring that everyone understands their contributions.

A vital lesson Portio has learned is the importance of cultivating a supportive and positive company culture, which is reinforced through regular team meetings and personal interactions. This enables the organisation to face difficulties with unity and focus on the bigger picture.

Portio’s inspiration comes from various sources. An influential figure in her life was her spiritual mentor, the late Dr Basil Tryon. "His guidance was instrumental during the early stages of my business, helping me to discover my purpose and break through personal and professional limitations,” Portio explains.

David White, a businessman she met through an ESD (Enterprise and Supplier Development) programme facilitated by the SA Home Loans Foundation (called Sekela) and BusinessFit, had a profound influence. “His mentorship taught me invaluable lessons about entrepreneurial mindsets at various stages of growth – from startup to corporate scale,” she says. She also gained valuable insights in other ESD programmes, such as Raizcorp, where she completed NQF level 5 in entrepreneurship.

However, Portio says, “What inspires me most is witnessing transformation – seeing individuals rise above challenging circumstances to improve their lives and reach new levels of achievement. It is this vision of growth and empowerment that keeps me motivated.”

Portio’s current aim is to enter new supply chains in the industrial and commercial sectors, scaling the business to compete in wider markets. Beyond her own company, Portio envisions increased collaboration between small enterprises and large corporations in KwaZulu-Natal to create a robust ecosystem that benefits all.

Portio lives by a powerful motto from one of her mentors: ‘If you raise the inner status of a man, then that inner status will eventually transform his outward life’. “Focusing on personal growth has allowed me to overcome challenges and achieve progress, not only in my career but in all areas of life,” she concludes.