Annelene Govender

Annelene Govender, the proud owner of SA Water Products, located in Richards Bay, embodies resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to giving back to her local community. “I’ve always believed that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve, as long as you believe in yourself,” she says, a philosophy that has driven her impressive career.

Born on a beautiful farm in Nonoti, Annelene’s early life was grounded in rural simplicity. “I studied at Stanger Secondary before my family relocated to Richards Bay, where I completed my matric at Richards Bay Secondary,” she recalls. She wasted no time in launching her career, starting work immediately after school. “Four years into my career, I joined Amanzi Ichweba, where I began in internal sales and worked my way up to sales manager, and eventually, sales director." During her 14-year tenure at Amanzi Ichweba, Annelene gained invaluable experience in the water products industry. She credits her former employers for shaping her business acumen. “They’ve left a remarkable impression on me. I’m grateful for their guidance, which has influenced how I run my business today.”

When the company closed its doors, Annelene seized the opportunity to start her own venture. “That was my moment. I had the skills, the experience, and the passion, and I knew it was time to take the leap.” In 2018, SA Water Products was born. The business has flourished ever since. “We’ve received immense support from the local community and surrounding areas, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Annelene attributes her success to hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of her partner, whom she describes as her rock. “He always pushes me to strive for excellence,” she says. Over 21 years in the industry, she has built solid relationships, which have also played a crucial role in her growth.

A Passion for Giving Back
For Annelene, success goes beyond financial gain. “People often focus on pay cheques and achievements, but to me, success is about doing something that makes a difference in someone else’s life,” she explains.

While her business reflects her professional accomplishments, Annelene’s heart lies in her desire to give back to the community. “My biggest dream is to open an orphanage and an old age home, where the younger generation can care for the elderly,” she shares.

This vision is deeply personal for her. “I’ve always had a soft spot for the elderly. Many children don’t take care of their parents when they get older, and that’s something I want to change. The orphanage and old age home would be a place where both generations can support and care for each other.”

Her goal is to fund the project independently. “I’m working towards making this a reality, and I hope the local community will support me in achieving this dream,” she says with determination.

This desire to help others isn’t just a dream for the future; it’s an ethos that Annelene lives by every day. “I believe you’ve never truly lived until you’ve done something for someone who can never pay you back,” she says, a statement that reflects the selflessness that drives her. She also acknowledges the importance of giving, stating, “I know where my blessings come from, and that motivates me to give without expecting anything in return.”

Building a Legacy
Annelene’s success is not just the result of hard work, but also her ability to overcome adversity. “Being a woman in our industry, especially in a place like Richards Bay, is not easy,” she admits. “I’m the only woman in my field, but I stay focused on my goals. Every challenge I face is a stepping stone that helps me grow.”

Her resilience is a trait developed early in life, having grown up in a humble home. “We came from very poor beginnings, but I was determined to change that. I

wanted to be the one in my family to make a difference,” she recalls. Through sheer hard work, dedication, and a strong belief in herself, she rose to the top. “I’m the only one in my family who owns a business, and I’m successful because I’ve always believed in my ability to achieve my dreams.”

Annelene’s father remains a significant influence on her journey. “My dad raised five children on a single income, and he did it selflessly. He’ll always be my hero,” she says with pride. Family is central to her life. She is a proud mother to her four-year-old son, Sian, and finds constant strength in her husband Selvan.

Empowering Others
Despite her success, Annelene always remains grounded. “I come from humble beginnings, and I never want to lose that sense of humility. It’s important to stay grounded and to always look for ways to improve and help others.”

Consequently, Annelene’s role extends far beyond being an entrepreneur. She is also a mentor and an inspiration to many. “I always try to motivate my staff to strive for excellence, to push themselves beyond their limits,” she says. Her leadership is rooted in her own experiences of overcoming obstacles. “I’ve built my confidence over the years, and now I try to pass that on to others. I tell them, ‘Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything’.”

Her advice to young women is clear and powerful: “The world is your oyster. Go conquer it. Be a go-getter, pursue your dreams, and trust that with faith and determination, you can achieve anything.”

Looking to the future, Annelene has ambitious plans for SA Water Products. “I want to expand the business beyond Richards Bay, to broaden its footprint and make a bigger impact,” she says with confidence.

In everything she does, Annelene exemplifies resilience, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her journey is a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy. “I know I can do it,” she says with quiet confidence, “because I’m a go-getter, and I believe in myself.”