Destiny power of 40 report by Ndalomedia

Celebrity gastronome Gordon Ramsay’s publicity agent, African app gurus and the CFO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange – they’re all represented here in our annual Power of 40 report, powered proudly by Mazda. Putting this supplement together, it’s fair to say we’ve all been in awe of the accomplishments of these 40 winning women aged under 40. Many of

them are drawn from diverse corners of the planet, but they’ve all managed to successfully chart brilliant careers and businesses on home shores. Adopt some of their power principles for your mood boards – and use their lessons to take you through to the festive season on a high note. SHEENA ADAMS PROJECT EDITOR In association with

COMPILED BY THANDI SkADE, ATlEHANg RAMATHESElE, gIllIAN klAwANSky, SHOkS MNISI MzOlO, lISA wITEPSkI & SHEENA ADAMS

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Photographer: Tim Hulme. Hair & make-up: Kathryn Marnewick. Stylist: Lauren Nicoll. Lifestyle assistant: Bongo Mazwana. Model: Neo Theledi. Dress: LK Bennett @ Luminance. Jewellery: Songezo, Veronica Anderson. Heels: Europa Art Shoes. Shot on location @ Morrells Manor House, 011 476 5077, www.morrells.co.za

here’s only one car like the multi-awardwinning Mazda MX-5. Only one car that combines the true roadster elements – an impressively high power-to-weight ratio, outstanding dynamic agility, rear-wheel drive and ideal 50:50 weight distribution – with Mazda’s unique approach to car design. The original Mazda MX-5 was a pure roadster, inspired by the philosophy of Jinba Ittai: “Rider and horse as one.” Three generations later, we’ve used the same principle with the Mazda MX-5, a vehicle that seems to anticipate a driver’s every move so that they work together in perfect harmony. We took into account every bolt, wire and stitch to produce a car that’s perfectly balanced. But the Mazda MX-5 is precisely engineered to account for one more variable: you, the driver. For over two decades, the MX-5 has been defining and redefining what a roadster’s meant to be. It’s earned its iconic pioneering status through years of unwavering dedication and commitment to creating a truly authentic sports car. Daring, nimble and engineered to dominate the open road, master every curve and effortlessly transform instinct into action, the MX-5 has always been and will always be the classic roadster. It comes as no surprise, then, that it’s been entered three times in the Guinness World Book of Records for the best-selling roadster of all time. Recently it was entered again for holding the longest parade when over 600 cars converged in the Netherlands. To truly understand why it’s so special, you need to be in the driver’s seat. The interior of the MX-5 is engineered to be even more refined and spacious, providing more leg and head room. Operating the retractable hard top is a breeze. One button lowers the top, another raises it and a single latch secures it – in 12 seconds flat, from the comfort of your seat. Thoroughly geared for exhilaration, the powerful 118kW 2,0-litre MZR engine utilises an electronic throttle and electronically controlled port fuel injected to promote a more linear response and superb acceleration. Top down, wind-in-your hair driving enjoyment is what the Mazda MX-5 is known for. A powerretractable hard top, Bose audio system, Xenon headlamps, front and side airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA, and Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control are some of the features that make it a timeless, classic, fun-loving roadster that’s ideal for anyone who genuinely enjoys driving. • The Mazda MX-5 comes standard with a fouryear/60 000km service plan and a four-year/ 120 000km warranty.

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NONO MOFOKENG (26) DIGITAL/IT DIGITAL ANIMATOR: LUMA ANIMATION

As one of SA’s foremost young black female animators, Mofokeng attributes her success to a willingness to learn, an innate passion for what she does and – above all – her fear of poverty. She moved from Mafikeng in North West Province to Johannesburg in pursuit of a film-making career, but fell into copywriting unexpectedly. “I heard about the Imagination Lab on the radio. It was a Vega initiative seeking to recruit young talent and I jumped at the opportunity, even though I wasn’t too sure what it was about,” she admits. She secured an internship at The VideoLab as a trainee producer shortly after creating an advert for Imagination Lab – an experience which sparked her interest in animation. Mofokeng started at Luma Animation in 2008 and after undergoing training, eventually realised she could take on projects of her own. Accordingly, she travelled to France to attend the Annecy Animated Film Festival, where she was able to network with animation giants like Disney and Pixar, as well as discuss the South African industry with international stakeholders. She now hopes to do an MBA and get into radio. – AR TWITTER: @nonomofokeng

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “It’s not about how good you are – it’s about how good you want to be.”

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Love, laugh and live with no regrets.”

02 ROBYN BROWN (24) SocIAL AcTIvISm VOLUNTEER: BRIGHTSTART NPO

With a BSc in psychology, Brown was the youngest of the 20 “Vodacom Change the World” winners given the opportunity to work with a non-profit organisation of her choice. She opted for BrightStart, an educational support and mentorship programme in Hout Bay, Cape Town, which sponsors children from disadvantaged backgrounds through prominent schools. She also develops and runs the community outreach programme and facilitates capacity-building and parenting workshops, in line with her aim of encouraging people to embrace education. Brown initially dreamed of becoming a

doctor or a psychologist, both professions which would have satisfied her philanthropic vision. “I’ve always had a scientific mind, but I love working and interacting with people,” she says. She previously interned at a psychology practice and volunteered at both Forest Town School in Johanesburg (which caters for cerebral palsied children) and Nazareth House, where she spent time with sick and abandoned youngsters. Brown plans to do a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and carry on effecting positive change. “I feel as if my destiny is bright. Maybe I’ll start my own non-profit organisation in the future,” she says. – AR WEBSITE: www.brightstart.org.za TWITTER: @robyn_brown89 and @BrightStartSA

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sPoRT PROFESSIONAL TENNIS-PLAYER

03 TERRI BROWN (37)

ENTREPRENEUR CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR: ACTUATE

Brown’s entry into the industry was somewhat serendipitous: after a “lacklustre start”, she dropped out of fashion design at Wits Technikon and decided to do a BA in communications. “It was the practical alternative to getting a job,” she recalls. Eventually, though, she did get a job: in marketing. “Surprisingly, I liked it – and if you enjoy something, you’ll probably be good at it. After two years, my boss and I started our own company and 12 years later, I’m still here.” She likens this time to being on a mechanical bull set to whiplash speed. The reason she’s been able to adapt to changing circumstances is that she understands the importance of staying relevant and takes a pragmatic approach to both success and failure. “You don’t always need to tackle problems: sometimes it’s just a matter of surviving them. Success is sometimes just about having one more patch than there are holes in your inner tube,” she says. “I’m inspired by people who fight to be individuals in a world where it’s easy to conform and tough to stand out. I’m inspired by creativity and thinkers.” – LW EMAIL: terri@actuate.co.za WEBSITE: www.actuate.co.za

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Get out there and do things – nobody’s going to change the world from their couch.”

Harrismith-born Scheepers first hit the tennis court at the age of five. “My mom was one of the top juniors in the country and she got me into the sport,” she says. “She coached me until I was 13.” Now living in Florida, USA, Scheepers admits there’ve been times when she’s been tempted to put down her racquet. “In my second year as a professional, I lost 25 consecutive matches. I had to decide whether to continue playing or give up and go to university instead. I knew I’d regret quitting, so I started over and worked extra-hard. Now I’m happy I persevered.” Her career highlights have included winning her first WTA singles title in 2011 in China and making the semi-finals of the doubles at Wimbledon this year. “I love tennis and I love to compete. I continuously try to improve because if I’m not working on changing or improving something, I get bored very quickly,” she says. Tennis remains her future focus. “I’ll probably continue doing something tennis-related,” says Scheepers. “I’m focusing on playing at the moment, but I’ll plan the next stage of my career when the time comes.” – GK EMAIL: info@chanellescheepers.com TWITTER: @ChaniScheepers

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Never, never, never give up.”

ANNE KEYWORTH (37) ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDER: FRUIT PACK AND LICENSEE: PAUL SMITH SA

When Belgian-born Keyworth left the UK for SA, she discovered that her permit prevented her from finding a job. Instead of whining or going back to Europe, this Oxford Brookes University graduate set up her own shop here. That was a decade ago. Today her venture is one of the most promising enterprises in the Western Cape. Her business, Antanna, which page 176 | NOVEMBER 2013

started as a leather manufacturing unit in 2002, diversified to include kids’ juices with the launch of Fruit Pack three years ago. “When I was travelling through Europe with my sister, she showed me a similar product. I thought: ‘Why don’t we have that in SA too?’ That’s what got us started,” recalls Keyworth, a mother of three. Her husband and business partner in both Antanna and Paul Smith (which sells high-end men’s fashion) has been a constant source of inspiration. Fruit Pack – a natural fruit purée for toddlers – is proving to be a hit. Last year it represented SA at a global food industry awards ceremony and it’s now available at many outlets around the country, including Baby City and Dis-Chem. Keyworth’s medium-term plan is to extend her footprint to markets beyond SA and Mauritius and add one more business to her portfolio. EMAIL: info@fruitpack.co.za

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “When faced with negativity, simply carry on building your reputation.”

RepoRt HAZEL MATHOORA (39) Digital/it DIRECTOR: MEDIALEARN AND HEAD OF EDUCATION & TRANSFORMATION: DIGITAL MEDIA & MARKETING ASSOCIATION (DMMA)

Mathoora’s establishment of MediaLearn in 2012 allowed her to combine her two passions: education and technology. MediaLearn’s traditional training programmes incorporate aspects of technology to enhance the learning experience, combining conventional curriculum material with curated, selfdirected studying techniques. Mathoora, a pioneer of elearning in SA’s corporate and public sectors, explains that South Africans are generally sceptical about digital educational mediums. “The government calls for schools to use technology, but there’s little understanding of how this can be done,” she says. Her solution is a system that enables children to download free content from the Internet in a structured manner. “Children’s futures are impacted by ineffective teachers and a lack of textbooks. My goal is for every student to be able to access a portal containing interactive, effective content aligned to the curriculum, connecting them with best-of-breed teachers and facilitating peer collaboration.” Mathoora also serves as the Head of Education and Transformation for the DMMA, where she focuses on educating and transforming the digital industry in SA. EMAIL: hazel@medialearn.co.za TWITTER: @MediaLearn

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Technology is a conduit to positive change in education in SA and Africa as a whole.”

BUSISIWE MADUNA (38) corporate HEAD OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: STANLIB

Maduna says she’s always been interested in “money and human behaviour” and initially wanted to be a psychologist. “However, I ended up studying business, but didn’t enjoy accounts or economics, so I switched to marketing and advertising,” she says. After obtaining her Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Natal, she completed several additional courses at the Vega School of Global Communication and Gibs, purposefully upskilling herself. “I identified opportunities where I could learn from the greatest [like one of the world’s most innovative business thinkers, Gary Hamel, who featured on a Gibs leadership course she completed] and

06 think differently.” A serious bump in the road came up in August 2010, when she was retrenched from her executive marketing position at Glenrand MIB. However, she got by doing freelance work for her husband’s media company. When the Stanlib position became available in July 2011, Maduna was raring to go. She was tasked with repositioning the brand in the market and devised a bold, new corporate identity for the organisation that’s raised her profile significantly. “I’ve always been driven and ambitious. I want to become a business executive with a portfolio that’s more diversified. I don’t foresee being in marketing forever,” she says. WEBSITE: www.stanlib.com – SA

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Eat, pray, love.”

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MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Opportunity doesn’t come through luck, but through preparation.”

08 ZINHLE JIYANE (“DJ ZINHLE”) (30) arts & entertainment DJ AND BUSINESSWOMAN

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Jiyane embraces her role in a male-dominated industry. “My brother introduced me to the world of house music,” she says. “At first I did it as a hobby, but I fell in love with the genre. When I got more involved, I realised there was a major gender imbalance in the DJ industry. I saw the opportunity and went for it.” She navigates the challenges that confront her by having clear goals. “Nothing beats having a plan: it guides your efforts and you progress faster because you know exactly where you want to go.” Her innate talent has distinguished her in the industry. “My style of music and energy on stage set me apart,” she says. “I know how to brand myself. I hold a Diploma in Marketing from the University of Johannesburg, which has come in handy.” Aside from her music interests, Jiyane plans to capitalise on her business savvy. “I’m growing my wristwatch brand called ERAByDJZinhle and am adding a few beautiful bracelets. I’m excited about seeing the business grow to empower more young women.” – GK EMAIL: bookings@djzinhle.com TWITTER: @DJZinhle

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BRIDGETTE HARTLEY (30) sPORt SPRINT PADDLER

Winning a bronze medal in the kayak single women’s 500m event at the 2012 London Olympics catapulted Hartley into the spotlight. “It was a very emotional and exciting day for me – the best one in my career. I still get goosebumps thinking of it.” Although she was always an athlete, Hartley only started paddling

after matriculating in 2001. “I was introduced to kayaking by my dad." She’s currently living between Pietermaritzburg, Hungary and Austria, training for the 2016 Rio Olympics. “Staying motivated is really difficult at certain times. Having an end goal as well as smaller ones helps keep me going when it’s tough.” Her tips for other sportswomen? “Success doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s important to have determination and perseverance. Don’t let anyone tell you something isn’t possible. As explorer Mike Horn told me: ‘If your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s not big enough!’” – GK EMAIL: bridgitte@bridgittehartley. com TWITTER: @for_bridgitte

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Go with love, not fear.”

LEBO MADIBA (33)

PR & AdVeRtising FOUNDER AND MD: PR POWERHOUSE

ANDREA DESFARGES (33) PR & AdVeRtising FOUNDER: PUBLICITY SA

Desfarges always knew PR was her niche – and proved it with the runaway success of her Londonbased firm, Red Box PR. Over seven years, she grew the business into a high-profile enterprise specialising in food and drinks, working with celebrity clients like master chef Gordon Ramsay. Returning to SA was a spontaneous decision: “I decided to come home for the birth of my son when I was six months pregnant. But as soon as I stepped off the plane, I knew I was staying. It felt right,” she recalls. Initially Desfarges freelanced for an advertising agency, but managing fragmented ideas in tandem with several other companies to which an account’s been outsourced – as is the norm in the PR industry – gave her the incentive to do it differently. Publicity SA offers all services, from digital and design to creative marketing, in-house. She has a uniquely proactive approach to generating business. If she has an idea and there’s a market

10 for it, she takes on the project herself – such as Cape Town Special, a group restaurant promotion to stimulate trade that included flash mobs and on-the-street sampling, and the first Cape Town Family Farmers’ Market. “I believe in my abilities and in taking calculated risks,” she says. – LW EMAIL: andrea@publicitysa.com TWITTER: @AndreaDesfarges

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Do work you can be proud of and be someone your children can be proud of.”

Any business owner knows that the first year of operation is the most difficult one – and Madiba would agree. Having established the PR Powerhouse in 2012 – after nine years in the PR industry – she heads a four-person team with clients which include global pharmaceutical organisations. “It’s been a good year,” she muses, though she admits there have been challenges. “You get to know many people – prospective clients – when you work for a company and because you have its backing, you feel confident. It’s different when you’re trying to establish a relationship without that backing. People were slow to show their support, but eventually my networks paid off.” Another challenge has been trying to fill all roles, from HR manager to accountant. “I’ve made some bad mistakes that have caused me to question whether I should soldier on or give up. What made it easier was that I waited before hiring people, so there was less risk.” Her mother’s advice – “Don’t cry before you solve your problems” – encouraged Madiba to accept mistakes as learning opportunities. – LW EMAIL: lebo@prpowerhouse.co.za TWITTER: @lebonator

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Always seek ways to be new and different.”

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DR KGOMOTSO MATHABE (38) Science, technology & healthcare UROLOGIST: WITS UNIVERSITY DONALD GORDON MEDICAL CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

One of only nine female urologists in the country, Mathabe aims to pave the way for more women to enter the discipline. Initially turned away from medical school, she spent a year improving her marks in order to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor. Her perseverance led to her becoming one of a handful of black medical students to graduate from the then Afrikaans-only University of Pretoria during SA’s post-apartheid transitional phase. “I didn’t learn about oxygen ions – I learnt about

suurstofione!” she laughs. Dealing predominantly with male conditions, she occasionally has patients who show reluctance at having a woman examine their most intimate body parts. However, she doesn’t take their “momentary pauses” personally. Her greatest joy, she says, is her “lower-stress, less demanding” job of raising her six-year-old son. Her second passion is her fascination with the pelvic floor. “There’s a move among urologists to sub-specialise in this area, which is a convergence of urology, gynaecology and gastrointestinal surgery. It’s still a relatively neglected field and I want to be one of the specialists helping develop pelvic floor skills and creating awareness of it,” she says. – TS EMAIL: kgomotsomathabe@gmail. com

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Nothing worth having comes easily – persist in all you do.”

13 KERRIN TITMAS (36) Food, beverageS & hoSpitality CEO: FANCOURT HOTEL ESTATE

In a career that’s spanned almost 20 years in the hospitality industry, Titmas has risen to assume the reins at Fancourt, an upmarket holiday spot boasting one of the world’s top 10 golf resorts. The estate, spanning 613ha, includes a hotel, an 18-suite luxury house, three golf courses and 470 residential properties. The timing of Titmas’s promotion to the CEO’s seat in 2010 wasn’t ideal, coming at the onset of the global economic recession and the local hospitality industry price page 180 | NOVEMBER 2013

war ignited by SA’s hosting of the Fifa World Cup. To add to her challenges, Fancourt owners began restructuring the estate. But then, Titmas, who holds a MBA (cum laude) from Stellenbosch, thrives on challenges. Her career started in Germany in the 1990s before she came to SA and worked at Cape Town's Steenberg Country Club and Victoria & Alfred Hotel. “When the Fancourt owners offered me this job, they had a new brief in mind. We’ve since transformed into a leaner and smarter organisation, repositioning the business from being just a golf resort to a lifestyle destination. And we’ve doubled the number of visitors on a year-on-year basis. “We want to continue building brand awareness and enhance client experience,” she adds. – SM EMAIL: kerrint@fancourt.co.za TWITTER: @kerrintitmas

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Challenges are exciting opportunities to do things differently and break new ground.”

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14 MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Pursue a career because you’re passionate about it.”

DR BOITUMELO SEMETE-MAKOKOTLELA (33) Science, technology & healthcare GM, R&S AND INNOVATION: THE INNOVATION HUB (TIH)

Having grown up in Soweto with an innate interest in genetics, Semete-Makokotlela, a doting mother, is living her dream – and loving it. “My job energises me, so I’m able to give 100% in what I do,” she says. She holds a PhD in biochemistry and has completed an Advanced Management Programme at the Wits Business School. She honed her skills at Pretoria’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in 2005, where she spent part of her tenure researching nanotechnology, which has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of tuberculosis. The following year she did her post-

doctoral degree in Europe. She also did a stint at McKinsey & Co before joining TIH this year. She’s currently in charge of ICT, green economy and biotechnology and is passionate about closing the “innovation gap” through commercialisation. “A lot of technology stems from innovators who are straight out of university, have an idea and want to set up an enterprise,” says Semete-Makokotlela. Her advice to prospective scientists? “Find a field that you see making a difference to the lives of those around you. Give it your all and don’t be distracted by peers who may start working earlier. The best time to study is when you’re still young.” – SM EMAIL: bsemete@theinnovationhub.com TWITTER: @tumisemete

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15 MAUREEN MANYAMAMATOME (36) corporate FINANCIAL DIRECTOR: AIRPORTS COMPANY SA (ACSA)

Growing up in the Modjadji area of Limpopo, Manyama-Matome’s fighting spirit became clear when she passed matric, thanks largely to her own discipline in studying at home, rather than spending time in the classroom. “Those circumstances proved to me that where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says.

This philosophy served her well throughout a career that’s spanned diverse industries, with highlights including completing her articles at the Office of the Auditor-General, where she also audited the United Nations Peacekeeping missions and headquarters, as well as obtaining an MBA from Gibs. Manyama-Matome occupied posts at several of SA’s largest corporates before her appointment to her present position. However, she admits that the journey hasn’t always been smooth. “Whether it’s because of my age or gender, people sometimes fail to take me seriously. This is especially true when dealing with other women, when professional jealousy sometimes results in the PHD [‘pull-her-down’] syndrome. The solution is to do your work to the best of your ability.” – LW EMAIL: mmamatome@hotmail.com. TWITTER: @mmamatome

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Dedication, focus, hard work and diligence create a formula for success.”

DR NELISWA GOGELA (36) Science, technology & healthcare ADVANCED HEPATOLOGY AND TRANSPLANT FELLOW: GROOTE SCHUUR HOSPITAL

Born in the Eastern Cape, Gogela defied her impoverished circumstances through hard work and determination to succeed. After matriculating, she headed to the University of Pretoria’s medical school – from which she graduated top of her class. Her interest in hepatology was sparked when she realised there were only three hepatic specialists in the country. She’s now training to become the fourth. “I looked after a young woman with liver failure caused by acute hepatitis B. I contacted a specialist, who advised the treatment protocol, but the prognosis was bleak. I followed the protocol and she survived. I knew then that I wanted to gain a greater understanding of liver disease,” Gogela says. She recently received the Discovery Foundation Award, which will see her and her family spend 2014 in the USA, studying under liver specialists at Boston’s worldrenowned Massachusetts General Hospital. – TS EMAIL: neliswa.gogela@uct.ac.za

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “If you’re doing something right, doors will open for you.”

LYNETTE HUNDERMARK (36)

Digital/it HEAD OF PRODUCT STRATEGY: PREZENCE

As a gadget freak, Hundermark was ecstatic when she was approached by www.kalahari.com to head up its new mobile department. She’d already proved her pedigree in the UK, working in large corporates first as a programmer and then gaining insights into business analysis – but, even so, the extreme newness of the mobile arena made it a challenge. What followed was an intense time: launching the product in just nine months gave Hundermark a taste of how dynamic the mobile industry is. It also gave her a head start for operating in the mobile network space. The industry was still limited and lacked knowledge-sharing, but when Tim Bishop, founder of Prezence, invited Hundermark to lead a mobile app team, she was ready. The success of the company’s first apps encouraged it to set up the team as a separate department. Hundermark points out that although IT has an “old-fashioned” connotation, new channels such as apps belong in this realm. “Women need to be educated about the different areas of IT,” she says. “It’s a difficult field – and it’s tough keeping up with the pace of evolving technology – but I enjoy what I do.” – LW EMAIL: lynette@prezence.co.za TWITTER: @lynetteanthony

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Care about what you do.”

Y in ou vi ’r te e d

oin us at one of our Power of 40 breakfasts where Mazda and DESTINY celebrate SA’s most exciting, dynamic and inspiring achievers under the age of 40. The previous Mazda Power of 40 event was a huge success, with Basani Maluleke, founder and Executive Director of Ndiza, truly inspiring those who attended. Guests will be hosted by author, DESTINY columnist and inspirational speaker Timothy Maurice Webster and the format of events will be a Q&A session with Maluleke, who was featured in DESTINY’s Power of 40 2012 report. The events offer guests valuable guidelines and insights into achieving their ambitions, as well as a chance to network with others in similar fields, fabulous goodie bags and a truly empowering experience.

your dreams The lasT Two evenTs of This series will be hosTed as follows: PRETORIA: Date: 31 October 2013 Time: 9am registration Venue: The Royal Elephant, Bondev House, Pretoria

Timothy maurice webster

CAPE TOWN: Date: 5 December 2013 Time: 9am registration Venue: Fire & Ice Hotel, Cape Town

booK your TiCKeT PRICE: R280 CONTACT: Email: events@ndalomedia.com with “Mazda Power of 40” as the subject line, or call Shaakirah van Rensburg on tel: 011 300 6700

basani maluleke

DESTINY EVENT

POWERING

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MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “The universe doesn’t promise that things will be easy – just that they’ll be worth it.”

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RepoRt NAIMA McLEAN (30) arts & entertainment SINGER, ACTRESS AND POET

Fresh from performing her new single Hero at the Unite4Madiba sports event and starring alongside Paul Walker in Vehicle 19, McLean’s star is fast ascending. Born into a musical family, she always aspired to be a performer. After working in New York as a producer for major urban annual music conference The Power Summit and a short stint in the South African corporate world, she followed her real passions, landing jobs that included a feature role in

19 SUZIE NKAMBULE (25)

ConstruCtion & engineering SPECIALIST IN CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING, GROWTH AND STRATEGY OFFICE: AVENG AFRICA

Nkambule recalls with delight seeing on TV the launch of Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Bridge in 2003. It was this moment which awakened her passion for engineering. A decade later, she’s a qualified civil engineer (and pursuing a Master’s degree in finance) serving in the executive management at Aveng, a listed R10 billion construction titan that built that same bridge. “The Nelson Mandela Bridge symbolised linkages and connections. It was a small thing, but it made a huge difference. That’s what civil

the British TV series, Wild at Heart. She also recited her poetry on both corporate and festival platforms such as Urban Voices. After recording her first album, she debuted at the Cape Town Jazz Festival. As an independent artist, her main hurdle is multi-tasking. “I don’t have the luxury of relying on a big record label to handle necessities like PR and brand management, so I’ve had to compile a team under my own label, while still concentrating on my art,” she says. – AR WEBSITE: www.naimaworld.com TWITTER: @naimamclean

engineers do – improve and transform lives,” she says. In between her daily tasks, which include client interaction and reviewing market conditions, Nkambule researches public-private partnerships in Africa to create enabling infrastructure that will fast-track sustainable economic development. She also does market reviews and liaises with a range of clients. In her other role, as President of the Association of Allan Gray Fellows, Nkambule – an accomplished public speaker – helps to identify bright young individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset. Her quest is to help SA unlock its potential. “We try to find visionary people, a good balance between doers and thinkers,” she says. – SM EMAIL: suzie.nkambule@ allangrayfellow.net TWITTER: @Sue_Nkambule

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Infrastructure is the backbone of economies. It underpins success.”

20 TSHEGO TSHUKUTSWANE (36) entrepreneur FOUNDER AND CEO: CHIC SHAPEWEAR

Ten years ago, while battling to source quality shapewear locally, Tshukutswane hit on the idea of providing such a service, while simultaneously creating a sustainable business model. Launched in September last year, Chic Shapewear is an online boutique that imports top-of-the-range American shapewear brands that include underwear, swimwear and contourenhancing clothing. The most challenging aspect of running a business dependent on imports, she says, is the unpredictable rand/dollar exchange rate. It was $1/R7,80 when she launched the business, but today hovers around the $1/R10+ mark, so she mitigates fluctuations by negotiating bulk supplier discounts. She also opened an account with a freight company, with whom she negotiated a 30-day payment agreement. This, she says, helps with cash flow and exposes her business to discounted “preferential” freight rates. A serial entrepreneur, Tshukutswane also owns Greenstone Marketing, an integrated marketing and brand development firm, as well as a 50% share in the Artjamming art studio in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. Recently accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10 000 Women programme, Tshukutswane’s teamed up with a local designer to launch a range of shapewear specifically designed for African women’s figures. She also plans to launch a bricks-and-mortar shapewear boutique in the next five years. – TS EMAIL: info@chicshapewear.com TWITTER: @chicshapewear

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Life won’t give you more until you do something with what you have already.”

In association with

RepoRt LEANNE DLAMINI (28) arts & EntErtainmEnt SINGER

With two Samas and a Metro FM award under her belt, Dlamini is an R&B powerhouse. She knew singing would be her future, as she’d been obsessed with it from a young age. “I breathed, ate and slept music, even as a little girl,” she says. Having studied contemporary music at the National School of the Arts, she started as a backing vocalist for Loyiso and Danny K. She then interned at Creative Kingdom, where she enjoyed writing songs and doing sessions for other artists. Since recording her own album with the same label, she hasn’t looked back and is now collaborating with both local and international DJs. She’s also been nominated for a South African Achievers Award in the UK for music, as a result of her music being played and sold in

CHARLOTTE MONAKISI (34) EntrEprEnEur OWNER: DARKIE CAFÉ

Since closing down her first restaurant in its first year of operation seven years ago, Monakisi’s become a force to be reckoned with in the highly volatile and competitive food and beverage industry. The sole owner of Darkie Café – a name she deliberately chose in order to be controversial and memorable – in the heart of Jo’burg’s CBD, she also owns a quarter-share of swanky restaurant and bar lounge FTV in Village Walk, Sandton. Although she holds a Master’s degree in botany, Monakisi’s always been an entrepreneur at heart. With Darkie now in its fifth year of operation, She plans to franchise it in areas like OR Tambo International Airport and Rosebank. She’s also working on a media project – Business Africa – that will provide business opportunities for Africans around the continent and create a network of like-minded, enterprising individuals. “Business in SA has been saturated, so – in terms of sustainability – there’s a need to seek opportunities further afield and to pioneer innovation in Africa,” she says. – TS EMAIL: mnkcha@yahoo.com

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Go big or go home.”

23 ZODWA VELLEMAN (38) LEGaL DIRECTOR, LEGAL AND CORPORATE SECURITY: BRANDHOUSE

After matriculating from Jo’burg’s Roedean High School, Velleman earned a BJuris, LLB and LLM. She interned at the SA Human Rights Commission before joining the Parliamentary Justice Portfolio Committee. Now a married mother of two, she plans to obtain a Master’s degree. Last year Velleman joined Brandhouse, a joint venture marketing and distributing Diageo, Heineken and Namibian Breweries products. This came after her tenures at British American Tobacco and Edward Nathan page 186 | NOVEMBER 2013

22 that country, as well as in Dubai and Japan. Dlamini’s currently working on her third album and credits her husband, daughter and team as her biggest sources of support and inspiration. – AR WEBSITE: www.iamleannemusic. com TWITTER: @iamleannemusic

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 Sonnenberg, where she qualified as an attorney, and placement at Weil Gotshal & Manges. Working for Brandhouse could raise eyebrows, given SA’s high levels of alcoholism. “We’re aware of the abuse, but we’re not just about the bottom line. We put responsibility first and always operate within the ambit of the law,” Velleman says, referring to her company’s proposals to government on responsible drinking. She names her parents, Head of UN Women Phumzile MlamboNgcuka and Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson as her role models. Above all, she credits perseverance for her success. “When I left home for Cape Town, as a student, I had a one-way train ticket – that’s all my family could afford. Anyone can turn stones into bread.” EMAIL: zodwa.velleman@ brandhouse.co.za

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Never let negativity blind you.”

RepoRt DR VANESSA NAIDOO (30) MEDICINE ANAESTHETIST: DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS (MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES – MSF)

Naidoo’s managed to forge a career combining her two passions: medicine and people. She joined MSF two years ago, after watching disturbing newsclips of injured people in the Libyan uprising. Her first mission involved setting up a maternity hospital in Afghanistan and supervising the operating theatre. “The harsh realities of ongoing war are plain to see in a trauma centre. Although we provide a high standard of healthcare, many injuries are so severe that there’s little we can do to save patients,” she says. Her work’s taken her to Afghanistan, southern Sudan and Syria, where she’s battled hepatitis E breakouts, malnutrition, bomb blasts, gunshot and mine explosions. Naidoo’s also had to endure extreme temperatures, primitive accommodation, physical danger from close proximity to battle zones and “taking a bucket shower every day in the dark with bats flying above and spiders crawling below”, but says the hardships are worthwhile when patients smile and thank her. She debriefs after each mission by talking to peers, but says she’s witnessed certain horrors that she’d rather not discuss at all. In the long term, Naidoo sees herself teaching in the public health sector while completing as many missions as possible. – TS TWITTER: @MSF_southafrica

24 CHANTAL SOMBONOS (35) CORPORATE GM, OPERATIONS AND IT: CHICKEN LICKEN

Sombonos is passionate about Chicken Licken, the fast-food brand founded by her father, George, that’s grown to make billions in annual revenues. The number of outlets (predominantly franchises), staffed by 5 000 people, has surged from just one in 1981 to over 250 at present. She started out in the royalties department in 2001 directly after obtaining an economics degree, although she’d done work for the group for years previously. “I grew up in the business and am familiar with all its facets. I used to come here for training during school holidays,” recalls Sombonos, adding that she’s passionate about her job, despite the long hours. “The late

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Leave any place you enter better than you found it.”

Apple founder Steve Jobs once said that you can only produce great work if you love what you do. That’s how I feel here. I love finding solutions to different challenges.” Despite her credentials and experience, Sombonos still encounters sexism. “Being young and female makes some men uncomfortable. Since men dominate the food industry, some try to push you around, but you have to learn to overcome that attitude and remain focused.” With the business well entrenched in most provinces of SA, she’s now eyeing sub-Saharan Africa as an area for expansion before taking the brand abroad. “Follow your dream and don’t let anyone tell you: ‘You can’t.’ Life goes on,” she says. – SM EMAIL: chantal@chickenlicken.co.za TWITTER: @sombonos007

25 MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “If you fall, pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes and keep going.”

In association with

RepoRt

AARTI TAKOORDEEN (32) corporate CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: JSE

Takoordeen’s entry into the accounting profession was somewhat unconventional. “Although I wanted to start my own business, I didn’t have the capital – so, instead, my career started at an auditor’s firm, where I was able to complete my articles while studying,” she says. As a result, she qualified far younger than most of her peers, growing up within the working world and gaining a wealth of experience while obtaining her qualifications: Honours CTA accounting and auditing and Honours B Compt in commerce,

as well as a CA (SA). “I moved out of the audit firm and into the business environment, where I was driven by innovation and the need to add value as a commercial partner.” Takoordeen attributes her rapid rise to setting big goals and tackling them with tenacity. This approach has given her the confidence to innovate. “My motto is: ‘Go big or go home’ – I refuse to tolerate mediocrity,” she says. She’s also a firm believer in viewing situations in perspective. “Ultimately, I want to make a sustainable difference in the business world, while impacting the hearts and minds of people,” she says. – LW EMAIL: aarti@jse.co.za TWITTER: @Aarti_JSE

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Insight and accessibility are easier to achieve in our digital age than they’ve ever been before, so use them to be the best you can be.”

27 CARIEN DU PLESSIS (39) Media SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER: citY preSS

“Love what you plan to do, because you’ll be doing a lot of it,” Du Plessis advises young people trying to choose a career. It’s clear this award-winning journalist and respected member of SA’s Twitterati has followed her own advice. “The page 188 | NOVEMBER 2013

thought that what I do matters keeps me motivated,” she says. “I still love getting an important scoop or breaking news – even after 10 years of reporting. Doing this job is a privilege,” she says. Although she comes from a politically aware family and was active in student politics, Du Plessis never thought she’d land up reporting in that area. Yet doing so for City Press eventually became her ultimate career goal. With a BA in English and political science, and an MA in linguistics, she also prizes education. “If I’m a little more settled in a decade or two, I might do a doctorate in literacy, the media and politics,” she says. She also plans to take a gap year to travel after she turns 40. “I dream of waking up in a different city every day, but I’m still figuring out how to get to that point.” – GK EMAIL: carien.duplessis@ citypress.co.za TWITTER: @carienduplessis

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “It’s all in the state of the mind.”

RepoRt SYLVIA GRUBER (30) EntrEprEnEur CO-FOUNDER AND CEO: WWW.RUBYBOX.CO.ZA

Originally from Austria, Gruber relocated to SA in 2009 for love. Although the relationship didn’t work out, she was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and – having worked for beauty giants such as P&G and L’Oréal in Europe – drew on her experience to launch Rubybox in 2011. “The beauty industry in SA is worth R30 billion, with an annual growth rate of 12%. It’s also a recession-proof industry and with my background, it made sense to provide a platform where women could find the right products for their needs,” she says. Based on a “try, discover and buy” model, Rubybox offers consumers monthly customised beauty boxes containing sample and full-size products from over 50 local and international brands, as well as an ecommerce retail store where the products can be purchased directly, thus “closing the loop”. In two years Gruber and her business partner, Margaux Knuppe, have grown the business from three employees to 15 and a database of 19 000 active subscribers. Gruber was one of 17 individuals selected from 10 countries to participate in the global Endeavour Network, which offers strategic support and mentorship to highimpact entrepreneurs in developing markets. She plans on expanding the business into African and European markets. – TS EMAIL: sylvia@rubybox.co.za TWITTER: @rubybox _beauty

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “There’s a positive lesson to be learnt from every experience – even negative ones.”

In association with

RepoRt BARBARA BIRUNGI (27) digital/it COUNTRY DIRECTOR: HIVE COLAB

Birungi believes technology is the most powerful tool to combat poverty in her own country, Uganda, as well as the rest of Africa. That's what motivated her decision to run Hive Colab, an innovation hub, business accelerator and incubator for young East African techpreneurs who don’t have access to resources. She spends much of her time mentoring 50 start-up tech companies and helping aspirant innovators safeguard their intellectual property from large corporates and potential investors.

29 TERTIA BEHARIE (30) legal PARTNER: SPOOR & FISHER

With a rare mixture of science and legal degrees, Beharie’s right at home at Spoor & Fisher, the specialist intellectual property (IP) firm she joined in 2006 directly after graduating with a BSc Honours in chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2010 she obtained an LLB from Unisa. Working full-time and studying (with exams every other month) was taxing, admits this attorney. However, her tenacity and focus saw her through. Having served her articles at Spoor & Fisher and climbed the corporate ladder, Beharie now aims to become a Senior Partner and an authority in IP matters. “My journey’s taught me a lot about being true to myself,” she says. “The difficult choices and routes we take can make all the difference. We should always stand by our morals and values.” Her job, she says, puts her “at the forefront of cuttingedge technology” and entails writing drafts and filing patent applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical and metallurgical fields in SA and across the globe, as well as prosecuting. – SM EMAIL: t.beharie@spoor.com

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Find the right balance between working hard and playing hard, and never leave anything until the last minute.”

31 SINDISO KHUMALO (33) FaSHiON FASHION DESIGNER

Khumalo’s design aesthetic is heavily influenced by “contexts and spaces” – drawn from her formal architectural training and tutelage under London-based architect David Adjaye. “As a child, I used to think of myself as an artist, so becoming a designer was a natural step, as it involved a combination of function and artistic fantasy,” she says. While Khumalo’s been based in page 190 | NOVEMBER 2013

Also passionate about “closing the gender technology gap”, Birungi founded Women in Technology Uganda to encourage more female participation in the male-dominated industry. “We need to move from the ‘tech needs more girls’ point of view to two or three generations’ time, when we’ll say: ‘Boys need to catch up to girls in tech.’ That’s my goal. If more women owned mobile phones, there’d be more development,” she says. Currently working towards her MBA, Birungi’s teamed up with a group to design a mobile app called Mama-App which sends information to women about pregnancy care via SMS. EMAIL: info@hivecolab.org TWITTER: @Barbs311 – TS

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Foster genius and encourage creative techpreneurship.” the UK for over 11 years, she hasn’t severed ties with SA, having teamed up with Capetonian seamstresses and KwaZulu-Natal craftswoman Bertina Khumalo to create “bombastic, yet minimalist” textile designs under the Sindiso Khumalo design label launched in September last year. On the back of a highly acclaimed Autumn/Winter 2013 collection at Labotechnic in Paris, France, Khumalo launched her online retail store in September working on a “made-to-order” model. “My goal for my label is to be not just a fashion brand, but also an empowering agent, especially in the formerly marginalised parts of Africa. We aim to develop more sustainable practices and create value in my supply chain,” she says. – TS EMAIL: studio@sindisokhumalo. com TWITTER: @sindisokhumalo

MAZDA POWER PRINCPLE: “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs (1955-2011), founder of Apple

RepoRt SHILUBA MAWELA (27) social activism CORPORATE FINANCE OFFICER: JOHANNESBURG STOCK EXCHANGE AND CO-DIRECTOR: TRANSITIONS FOUNDATION

Johannesburg-based chartered accountant Mawela has used her expertise to better her community through the Transitions Foundation. “It was the brainchild of the Matlwa-Mabaso family, who are passionate about helping young people realise their dreams through education,” she explains. “Dr Kopano Matlwa-Mabaso, a medical practitioner and Rhodes Scholar currently studying for her PhD in public health, was its founder and involved me as Co-director and Treasurer early last year, during the foundation’s infancy. “Through its ‘Young, African and Dreaming’ initiative, Transitions runs a maths and science support programme at Allanridge Secondary School in Rabie Ridge, Johannesburg, where talented, but socio-economically disadvantaged children are provided with supervised tutoring in those subjects.” As a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, Mawela also belongs to a network of extraordinary young leaders aged from 20-30 who are committed to improving the state of the world. “I plan to increase my engagement in social initiatives, explore my interest in development finance, complete a Master’s degree in that field and grow my entrepreneurial incubator hub to reach more small start-up projects,” she says. – GK EMAIL: shilubamawela@gmail.com TWITTER: @Ms_Shubi BLog: http://africaentle.wordpress.com

MAZDA power prINCIpLe: “pursue your passions and purpose wholeheartedly. Dream big and always fight for your miracle.” LoRNA RUTTo (28) entrepreneur FOUNDER AND CEO: ECOPOST

Not afraid to get her hands dirty, Rutto’s established a multi-million-Kenyan shilling turnover operation by turning plastic waste into poles and fence posts in a bid to save Kenya’s forests. “We recover any type of plastic that can go through the extrusion process – such as polypropylene and polyethylene, the materials used to make carrier bags – to use for our posts,” she says. Faced with a “patriarchal social structure” and a lack of access to funding and education – the biggest obstacles hindering female

32 entrepreneurs in Kenya – Rutto aims to eradicate poverty by empowering marginalised women in the country’s slums. Over the past five years she’s created 500 jobs and prevented the chopping down of thousands of trees. She’s also received an impressive list of prestigious awards, including the Cartier Women’s Initiative, the World Wildlife Fund’s Nature Award at The Hague, Netherlands and the SEED Award. Named as one of Africa’s 20 Youngest Power Women by Forbes, Rutto plans to set up at least 10 more collection yards around Kenya. – TS EMAIL: info@ecopost.co.ke TWITTER: @ecopostbuzz

MAZDA power prINCIpLe: “Never be afraid of failure – there are great lessons to be learnt from it, particularly perseverance.”

In association with

RepoRt SEAPEI MAFOYANE (35) Corporate CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: SHANDUKA BLACK UMBRELLAS

She might be a microbiologist who holds a BSc, but Mafoyane prefers the boardroom to a laboratory. Today, armed with the MBA she obtained despite having contracted the “swine flu” H1N1 virus during her studies, she’s a sought-after corporate strategist. She began her career in 2000 as a Client Services Consultant at Discovery, where she remained for six years. She also worked for Standard Bank and SABMiller before switching to Shanduka Black Umbrellas, which supports black start-ups. Since her arrival at the organisation, it’s doubled the number of its incubators. “I was hugely attracted to Shanduka because it deals with the challenges black women face in SA,” says Mafoyane. “What we’re doing is exciting and critical in entrenching a mindset of entrepreneurship in SA. This needs to be a career choice even for young people beginning university or graduating from it.” She admits being disappointed that the New SA hasn’t truly restored the dignity and pride of black people. “There are still many things to do in this country. However, the amount of work shouldn’t bog us down: one step at a time does it.” – SM EMAIL: seapei@blackumbrellas.org

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Challenges aren’t obstacles; they’re just life’s way of telling you to make a choice. And whatever choice you make is always the right one.”

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.”

ROBERTA NAIDOO (40) Corporate MD: AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS (ABN) GROUP

PUMELA SALELA (36)

Naidoo’s appointment as Head of Finance at CNBC Africa in 2008 marked the beginning of a soaring career trajectory: just two years later, she was named General Manager of the company, with a further promotion to Group MD in 2011. Key highlights during this time included maintaining staff morale and helping the organisation weather the recession, as well as driving the growth of the ABN Group by playing an instrumental role in its strategic planning, financing and implementation of Forbes Africa and other key business units. In her current position, she’s also the Chair of ABN Productions, ABN Pictures, the ABN Training Institute, the ABN Education Trust, ABN Nigeria and ABN Kenya. “Knowing the buck stops with you can be intimidating,” Naidoo admits. “The responsibility becomes less daunting if you realise that yours aren’t the only footsteps on the mountaintop: no matter how innovative you are, others have been there before you and sometimes being a good leader means being humble enough to ask for advice. It also requires sticking to your original vision, but being flexible in the tactics you use to get there.” – LW EMAIL: roberta.naidoo@abn360.com TWITTER: @roberta_naidoo

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Don’t shy away from doing things you don’t feel quite ready to do. That’s how you grow.”

Corporate INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING CONSULTANT

When Salela approached her first employer, Network Radio Services, she was told there was no work for her. “I told them I didn’t want a job; I wanted to sweep their floors,” she recalls. This story demonstrates both her determination and fascination with learning, attributes which led her from working in promotions in the media industry to being one of only 10 students in SA that year who were awarded a Mandela Scholarship to study an MBA in the UK. When the passionately patriotic Salela was invited to join the marketing arm of Trade & Investment SA, she didn’t hesitate. This was where she was first exposed to business process outsourcing, first managing investment promotions for the business process outsourcing sector and later moving on to policy, as a Director. When the World Bank asked her to join as a Consultant in Washington DC, USA, she relished acting as a link between Africa and the rest of the world. That position ultimately led to her appointment as a Global Fellow in Social Innovation, the only South African to receive this recognition. Despite her achievements, Salela remains humble. “I'm thankful to the Lord, Who opens and closes doors,” she says. – LW EMAIL: pumelasalela95@gmail.com

page 192 | NOVEMBER 2013

RepoRt

37 THANDI NGWANE (37) Corporate HEAD OF STRATEGIC MARKETS: ALLAN GRAY

“Excellence is the best deterrent to prejudice. Whether you’re black or a woman or likely to be prejudiced in any manner, just excel. The rest will fall into place,” says Ngwane, paraphrasing American talk show queen Oprah Winfrey. Raised by a domestic worker mother who was widowed at a young age, Ngwane understands the excellence dividend. As a schoolgirl she was a prefect, excelled in swimming, captained sports teams, modelled and was once crowned Miss Durban. Ngwane holds a BSocSci, LLB, LLM and an advanced post-graduate diploma in financial planning. She’s been with asset management firm Allan Gray for five years and sees herself entering the consultancy or retailing domain at some point. She strongly advocates financial literacy – something she regards as a form of justice. “Allan Gray is about creating wealth for our clients over time. My job is to ensure we’re relevant in new markets, where we don’t have a footprint, whether in terms of age or colour,” she says. “It’s challenging because many people aren’t well-versed in what we’re doing. However, our resilience and tenacity pay off." A member of the Black Management Forum, she also serves on numerous boards and mentors students and young managers in the Western Cape. – SM EMAIL: thandi.ngwane@allangray.co.za TWITTER: @mangwane247

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “You’ve only got one shot at life, so make the most of it. There’s no room or time for complacency.”

In association with

RepoRt NICOLA BREYTENBACHSTEINER (35) social acTivism SUPERMODEL AND AFRICAN ANGEL AMBASSADOR FOR THE DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND

MICHELE FOURIE (40)

ENTREPRENEUR CO-FOUNDER OF WAKABERRY FROZEN YOGHURT

Having opened the first frozen yoghurt branch of Wakaberry in Durban’s Florida Road in 2011, Fourie has since walked a varied and profitable franchise journey. It’s not hard to see why the business has exploded, given its focus on quality – the certified organic yoghurt is sourced from a well-established dairy in KwaZulu-Natal that has a “wakatank” reserved for it. There are currently 22 Wakaberry branches around the country, with more planned for the near future. “The three of us [her cofounders are her husband Ken Fourie and friend David Clark] initially didn't intend to franchise Wakaberry, so the demand for the brand and requests for franchises took us by surprise. We were thrilled, but had to put processes in place quite quickly and learn how to run a national business – it's been fun, though!" she says. They had more than 800 applications from franchisees in 2011, an astounding response considering that one needs R1 million in start-up funds. She says one of her biggest business lessons has been time management. “We're opening a further six stores in 2013 and plan to have 50 by the end of 2014. Although we've grown so much over the past two years, we remain a closely-knit family with exceptionally loyal and passionate people.” – SA EMaIL: info@wakaberry.co.za TWITTER: @Wakaberry

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Do something original.”

39 Angel Ambassador for the Diamond Empowerment Fund. The NPO, co-founded by American business magnate Russell Simmons, is a global fund focused on supporting education initiatives in diamondproducing African nations. The ambassadorship allows her to give back. “I felt I’d finally found an organisation into which I could put my heart and enthusiasm.” – GK TWITTER: @NicBrey

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Never take rejection personally. Believe in youself and have fun.”

CAREY VAN VLAANDEREN (32) digiTal/iT CEO: ESET

Since being appointed to her present position in 2010, Van Vlaanderen’s grown ESET into an organisation of 25 employees operating in 18 African states, with a network of 3 600 partners – not bad, considering the first time she joined 4D Digital Security in 2003, the enterprise consisted of her and three other employees, including founder Justin Stanford, working from a garage. After six “gruelling” months, Van Vlaanderen took a break, rejoining the company in 2004. By this stage, 4D Digital Security had acquired the distribution rights to ESET software products, then known as NOD32, for southern Africa. “We moved into an office and for the next five years I worked in several positions, aiming to streamline our offering and drive business and employee growth,” she says. She admits she’s had to work page 194 | NOVEMBER 2013

40 hard to prove herself in a maledominated industry. However, she also believes her gender gives her an advantage in that female executives are more empathetic than their male counterparts. Her leadership style is one of making informed decisions timeously, encouraging everyone in the organisation to share their knowledge and hiring people whose values accord with those of the company. – LW EMAIL: carey@eset.co.za TWITTER: @ESET_SA

MAZDA POWER PRINCIPLE: “Leadership is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.” – Oprah Winfrey

Photographers: Tim Hulme, Adam Letch (CT), Dean Demos (KZN). Hair & make-up: Diana Maphapho, Kathryn Marnewick, Lynn Hoff, Sian Bianca Moss @ Infidels & Juliet Downes

Although she moved to the Netherlands at the age of 14, Durban-born Breytenbach-Steiner is very much a South African success story. After her mother’s hairdresser convinced the teenage beauty to see a modelling agent, a contract as an in-house model at Christian Dior quickly followed. Her ascent continued with magazine covers and spreads, campaigns for Revlon and L’Oréal, and a contract with Trump Models. These days, it’s her family and charity work that keep her motivated. Based in New York with her husband, American business tycoon Ben Steiner and their two children, she’s the first African

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