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Kirsty van der Linde

Editors NOTES

The KZN Top Business Women 2024 Collection, now in its fifth year, continues to grow, drawing more interest and participation. Each woman is professionally photographed and featured in a video interview, which informs the articles in this publication. Full interviews can be found on the KZN Top Business YouTube channel.

KZN Top Business Women 2024

https://youtu.be/HpEaNDsmXnI?si=Zi9p4hTe84Yi6WYN

Amanda Swana

You nurture those relationships that are valuable to you, and you draw strength from them

Managing Director and Founder,
Powerpoint Lifestyle

http://Azande Ndebele, the founder of Shlobo Designs, speaks with enthusiasm about her brand. “Shlobo is a Zulu word,” she explains. “It means a relative, a family, a friend, basically everyone around you. The idea is to marry cultures together and create products that reflect that connection.”  Her business includes handcrafted beaded acces- sories and genuine leather bags. “These bags and beads speak for you. When you walk into an international market or anywhere, people notice those bright, colourful beads. They’re associated with South Africa and particularly Durban. It makes you stand out, and it’s a conversation starter.”  Reflecting on her education, Azande describes it as unconventional. “I repeated standard three, three times,” she recalls as her English wasn’t good enough at the various schools she attended. Her time at Queensburgh Girls’ High marked a turning point. “I became a prefect, and there I discovered Toastmasters,” she says. “That’s where I learned to stand out and speak confidently.”  After school, Azande studied dental technology because ‘parents want a doctor or a teacher in the family’, she explained. “But I hated it. I wanted to be with the crowd, to mingle, to speak.” She eventually left dental technology and worked odd jobs, including waitressing at the Holiday Inn. It was there that an opportunity arose. “A manager from Standard Bank noticed how I interacted with guests,” she recalls. “She invited me for an interview, and that was the start of an 18-year career at the bank, from sales teller to forensics.”  A Turning Point However, the journey ended when Azande was retrenched. “I had everything — a stable job, comfort,” she reflects. “Then, suddenly, it was all gone. I didn’t know what to do.” Azande’s resolve led her to the mining sector, where she worked temporarily until a harrowing experience was a turning point.   “I was on my way home, giving a colleague a lift, when we found ourselves surrounded by a mob during a strike,” Azande recounts. “They began pouring petrol over the car, and I thought that was it. But just as one of them lifted a match to ignite the fuel, someone called my name. It happened twice.” It was a woman Azande had once helped at the bank who saved her life. “She recognised me and told the mob to stop. She said, ‘You will dine as a queen in my house.’ I didn’t even remember helping her at first, but she reminded me that I had gone the extra mile to ensure that funds were released on time for her grandmother’s operation.”  The trauma of this experience resulted in Azande returning to KwaZulu-Natal. Despite not having a specific skill set, she immersed herself in the activities of local women who engaged in beadwork, pottery, sewing, and traditional dance. Inspired by their abilities, Azande proposed introducing extra-mural activities at a local school to keep children off the streets, reduce teenage pregnancies, and curb drug abuse.  One of her first successes came through teaching Latin American dance, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the arts. A boy who had been struggling academically found a new sense of purpose through dancing. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of fostering each individual’s unique talents. It also marked the beginning of her passion for community-driven work.  For Azande, the drive to uplift others is personal. “I often hear from women who aren’t doing anything, asking me to lend them money. I always tell them, ‘I can’t keep giving you money. Let me teach you a skill.’ Once you have a skill, you can create wealth with your hands.”  Her leadership style is distinctly people centred. She performs a skills analysis with each person to understand their strengths and assigns tasks accordingly, ensuring they are confident in their work. Azande believes that true excellence comes from doing what one loves, which translates into the quality of the final product.  Azande’s approach to business is collaborative. “I believe in working together to go far,” she says. Shlobo Designs is committed to handcrafting everything for now. “You can’t sit and wait for money to buy machinery,” Azande adds. “When the funds come, we’ll get the equipment. But for now, we’re walking this journey together, and as long as we do, we’ll achieve sustainable income.”  Her collaborations aren’t limited to craftspeople. As a motivational speaker and coach, she helps women upskill, focusing on empowerment. “I’ve worked with KZN Top Models South Africa, coaching young ladies on how to command confidence on stage,” she shares. “It’s about more than just teaching them to walk; it’s about building self-assurance and the ability to captivate a crowd.”  Support System Azande encourages young women to stay committed to their vision, even in the face of adversity. She highlights that the challenges one encounters are unique to each individual. “I’ve overcome difficulties by truly understanding who I am, and I put God first in all that I do,” she explains. Azande also acknowledges the importance of recognising her support system—be it family, the church, friends, or colleagues. “When the storms come, I’m grounded. I may be shaken, but I remain standing.”  The Covid-19 pandemic tested her resolve, but by listening to her “inner voice”, Azande made strategic decisions that paid off, including securing a significant order from the KZN Department of Education.  With a vision to go global, Azande has established a shop in Dongguan, China, and has partnerships in Germany, Mauritius, and local hotels in South Africa. Her unique designs, which feature vegetarian-tanned leather, are aimed at international markets while staying true to local craftsmanship. Her achievements have culminated in winning a silver award at the China Asian Expo, an accolade she views as a testament to all South African entrepreneurs.  To unwind, Azande enjoys practising Pilates regularly, which helps her stay relaxed and focused. She dedicates some of her time to serving at the Bible Institute at the Durban Christian Centre where she finds joy and relaxation in connecting with others, offering support, and sharing advice.

Azande Ndebele

I believe in working together to go far

Founder,
Shlobo Designs

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=z4aeHFSFWWncpjZF

Kim Woods

Watching her team members grow and
succeed is another source of immense pride

Co-owner,
Tyson Properties

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JqyFLHjsiczKDtGK

Michelle Bradfield

If there’s a problem, there is always a solution

Owner and Director,
Design Origin and Eventtiming

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JqyFLHjsiczKDtGK

Dr Nokuthula Shah

Most importantly, have passion for what you do. If you lose sight of that, you lose sight of yourself

Dr Nokuthula Buthelezi,
Lacee’s Special School

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Ana Roberts

Even if we only improve once a week,
by the end of the year, we’ve made significant progress

Owns and Manages Just Property

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Annelene Govender

I know where my blessings come from, and that motivates me to give without expecting anything in return

Owner,
SA Water Products

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Ashika Dorasamy

If you take care of the cents, the rands will take care of you

Manager,
Maidstone Service Station

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=cWCwwPtvz-lv95J9

Beverley Murray

I love my clients, I just love to know that they feel at home, and that’s my main priority

Owner,
Bev’s Beauty and Wellness

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=cWCwwPtvz-lv95J9

Brenda Ndlovu

I don’t see business highs and lows as different.
When things dip, it’s just a sign that we need to adapt

Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Imbokodo Electrical Construction

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=cWCwwPtvz-lv95J9

Carmen Reddy

It’s tough at times. It’s hard being a woman, but you
were chosen as a woman for a reason. I believe that women have a unique magic, a unique quality that sets them apart

Co-host East Coast Breakfast,
East Coast Radio

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=zkgQndaiFDthfCV1

Carol McDonald

Some things can be sacrificed for a season, but others, if neglected, are gone

Partner,
Cox Yeats Attorneys

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Farah Goolam

I sustain myself with smaller dreams that are easier to achieve, and in catching these smaller dreams, I find better fulfilment

Investment Marketing,
Invest Durban

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Hantie Plomp

Once you have done your due diligence, believe in yourself.
Do not consent to limiting views or self-entitlement attitudes and give your chosen goal your full commitment

Founder and Managing Director,
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=8-WYL6KZCjlgMV5z

Hlengiwe Koza

Don’t limit yourself or your thinking.
Often, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders and forget to prioritise ourselves

Chief Operations Officer,
Total Serve Facilities Management

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JqyFLHjsiczKDtGK

Inanda Bezuidenhout

I want to show them that no matter where they come from,
there are opportunities out there. Mentorship can truly shape lives

Franchise Principal,
Consult by Momentum Peak Sure

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=YJk48jOlKtq3hisE

Iris Naidoo

I live by the principle of doing good, even when no one is watching

Partnership Manager,
Do More Foundation

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JqyFLHjsiczKDtGK

Janine De Jesus

Don’t put your makeup on and be someone you’re not.
Be you, even if it is crazy and outgoing – I think that’s cool

Co-Founder,
Lance Klusener Exclusives and Friends

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Jessica Govender

Keep pushing, no matter what.
Even if the world gives up on you, don’t ever give up on yourself

Owner,
3@1 Business Centre Richards Bay

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=z4aeHFSFWWncpjZF

Karen Howard

When you’re put in a really difficult position, you have two choices: sink or swim

Founder, ASI KZN

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=z4aeHFSFWWncpjZF

Lynette Pretorius

My dream is to see a more equitable world where everyone,
regardless of gender, has the opportunity to achieve their dreams

Owner,
Austral Accounting

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JqyFLHjsiczKDtGK

Madeleine Pretorius

Don’t try to live someone else’s dream; let your dream shape who you become so you can be the person who achieves it

Chief Executive Officer and Founder,
Skills4Africa Training Industries

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=wg-oXgZiO_L6HLSY

Mandisa Pepeta

Competence brings confidence, the more you know, the more confident you become in your work

Founder,
Qhakaza Africa Consulting

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=Uq4yqBwgVYYT8MXU

Michelle Isaac

I always remind myself not to get stuck in a comfort zone.
Comfort kills growth, so I’m always pushing myself and my team to do better

Founder and Director,
MGM HR Services

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JqyFLHjsiczKDtGK

Monica Van der Berg

I’ve learned how to market,
and it has really impacted my business

Founder,
Mons Accounting and Business Consulting

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=VWhKBrHYQwUiA2NB

Nadeera Ramharakh

Don’t be afraid to start over

Founder and Director,
Pinetown Diff and Gearbox

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=VWhKBrHYQwUiA2NB

Noeleen Naidoo

Business is like riding a wave — you have ups and downs. The key
is to stay resilient, adapt, and keep moving forward. It takes a thick skin and innovative thinking, but there’s always a way through

Principal and Owner,
Ingwe Property Group

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=VWhKBrHYQwUiA2NB

Nonhlanhla Makhubalo

Follow your passion. It’s okay not to have everything figured out from the start

Founder,
Diverse Intellectual SA (DISA)

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=eHVr-N0dlWgnBdxu

Nontokozo Londiwe Dludla

Finish what you start with pride and integrity

Founder and Director,
Mcebowethu Projects

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=JHTsoL9bUvXok_z1

Pria Hassan

KwaZulu-Natal was where my heart lay.
I needed to come home, not only to be nurtured by my family but to establish a brand that would resonate with my roots

Founder and Group Executive Chairperson,
Women of Africa

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=wg-oXgZiO_L6HLSY

Raksha Laghari

The people who stand forward in this race are the ones who understand that one failure is just a stepping stone to another success

Director, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer,
AML Group

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=wg-oXgZiO_L6HLSY

Rashmee Ramdeen

There’s always someone out there who can connect with what
you have to offer. The world is so big, and there’s a slice for everybody

Chief Executive Officer,
Zilon Bulk Bags

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=wg-oXgZiO_L6HLSY

Sasha Pather

If you know your worth, you won’t need external validation or
seek it in the wrong places. As long as you’re following your purpose and doing what makes you happy, that’s what truly matters

Founder,
Sasha Talia Counselling

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=a05kvTi4qVYah5vh

Shannice Mahadeo

It’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and genuinely wanting to make a difference

Group Pharmacy Manager,
Pharmaclin Group of Pharmacies

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=a05kvTi4qVYah5vh

Sorisha Naidoo

The essence of being a woman is humility and kindness,
and if you can spread that in the world, we’d have fewer problems than we do have right now

Owner,
Umhlanga Laser and Aesthetic Spa

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=a05kvTi4qVYah5vh

Sugeshnee Naidoo

Believe in yourself.
Don’t be afraid of hard work or taking risks

Managing Director,
Enermous Foam Tapes and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=Ck4_5TMAhYvHPM1k

Thabisile Madondo

Start wherever you are, with whatever you have.
Find a mentor or a coach, and don’t be afraid to rewrite your story

Owner and Founder,
Tabby M. Wellness Boutique

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Thirusha Govender

No matter the adversity, there’s always something to smile about.
It’s essential to focus on the positives

Chief Executive Officer,
ControlPro

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Virosha Pillay

We need fresh perspectives, and young people bring that.
They need to know that their ideas are valuable, and they can have influence

Director,
Avvo Labels

https://youtu.be/JWxlpMRdPBo?si=LjrGsZ_NzEoZs7bF

Yugashani Pragasan

I think my experiences allow me to empathise better with diverse situations

Founder,
Minimorphosis

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