Regional Business Achievers Awards Winners 2007

Cape Town

Start-up Finalists: Belinda Williams, Anneline Black, Tammy Samandan & Lucille Geldenhuys

Entrepreneur Finalists: Joylee Cedras, Joy van Biljon, Julie Finns Bedford & Thelma Bowers

Corporate Finalists: Gaby Gramm & Ithumelng Pooe

Start-Up

Basetsana Kumalo, Sumaya Adam, Ferose Oaten & Tammy Samandan

Krishnaveni Tammy Samandan

Krishnaveni Tammy Samandan qualified as a teacher in 1987 after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with Unisa and a Diploma in Higher Education from the University of Cape Town. In 1988 Samandan commenced articles of clerkship with Deloitte & Touche, whist studying part-time with Unisa for a Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree. After completing articles in 1991, Samandan chose to specialize in small to medium business and took up a position in the entrepreneurial services division of Deloitte & Touche. This position gave Samandan the opportunity to put into practice her accounting and auditing knowledge by setting up and maintaining a large portfolio of small to medium companies, trusts, individuals and taxation law as well as maintaining extensive investment portfolios. This knowledge and experience has proved to be invaluable in Samandan’s career.

Samandan has held various positions as Accountant, Financial Manager and Head of Finance and Administration in local and international corporates. During this time she has managed and mentored staff in a largely male dominated environment. Samandan gained much personal satisfaction from identifying talent, nurturing these individuals, especially young black women, and watching them blossom into successful careers. Samandan has extensive knowledge and experience in Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources and Administration. This made her a valuable asset to small to medium enterprises that needed to combine all these responsibilities into one position. During this time Samandan chose to become a Mother and gave birth to a daughter in 1995. She has found it challenging to be a single parent and manage a demanding career, without the supporting network of family. This prompted Samandan to start her own business and in 2006 founded At Work Health and Safety. She now works from home, has financed the business herself and has set up and managed every aspect of the business herself. She has directly created full time jobs for 3 individuals and part-time work for 3 individuals. The company retails personal protective equipment and has recently started manufacturing specialized industrial work wear by subsidizing and supporting unemployed black women who are cut, make and trim specialists, who work from home.

Samandan is passionate about promoting, as far as possible, South African made products, thereby promoting job creation in South Africa and in female empowerment. She believes in doing things correctly the first time round, if not, to learn the lesson from our mistakes and that hard work becomes fun if you love what you do.

Entrepreneur

Basetsana Kumalo, Sumaya Adam, Joyleen Cedras & Ferose Oaten

Joyleen Cedras

After leaving school as a result of falling pregnant at the age of fourteen Cedras then found employment at Pick n Pay as a sales lady and later became the supervisor of the fresh produce area and canteen. She was actively involved in the team responsible for the staff training, trouble shooting and problem solving. She worked there for sixteen years. At the same time she was buying and selling clothing during her lunch times and after hours. She also sold Avroy Shlain cosmetics part time and became the sales person of the year.

In 1999, her service at ‘Pick n Pay’ was terminated by dismissal for being “too militant”. Cedras was very passionate about her work and was unsatisfied with the outcome of her hearing. She then proceeded to appeal to it at the CCMA. She was paid out and used this money to start her own business in cleaning services.

Cedras, mother to three sons and four adopted children, started out with five people in her employment including herself, with only one contract to clean Ster Kinekor’s cinemas every night. Red Cross Children’s Hospital was her first government contract that she started out with. Today she has most of the hospitals in Cape Town and even Worcester Hospital , Vredenberg Hospital, Ceres Hospital, George Hospital, and 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein, among many other government contracts including majority of the Magistrate’s courts in the Western Cape, among others.

In security, Cedras has contracts ranging from a few social service sites and Elsenburg Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape region to various security sites in Beaufort – West , Graaff – Reinet, Aberdeen Hospital and George.

In May 2005 City Security Services became the first 100% female owned Security company to be awarded with a big government contract to secure several government buildings in the city centre for a one – year period. With this contract she was able to employ 58 unemployed residents, most of them from Mitchell’s plain, Khayelitsha, and Gugulethu and most of them women. Today Cedras has a staff compliment of over seven hundred. Her family are all supportive of her endeavours and are involved in the business to a certain extent, but Cedras still kicks off her shoes, rolls up her sleeves and help whenever it becomes necessary.

“I MADE IT AND SO CAN OTHER WOMEN. SACRIFICES DO PAY OFF AT THE END”

Corporate

Basetsana Kumalo, Gaby Gramm, Sumaya Adam & Ferose Oaten

Gaby Gramm, Steenberg Hotel

The flair of German born Gaby Gramm, General Manager of The Steenberg Hotel is in evidence on a daily basis at this superbly run hotel. Trained at the sought after Hotel School in Lausanne, Switzerland and having honed her skills working at hotels in France and the United Kingdom, Gramm decided to come to South Africa. She was a member of the start up staff at the five star Cape Grace in 1996 and was their Deputy General Manager from 2000 – 2003 during which time the Cape Grace was voted Best Hotel in the World by the influential Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers.

Gramm joined Steenberg Hotel as General Manager in September 2003 at that time it was under the ownership of The Mantis Collection of properties. In May 2005 when Graham Beck’s Kangra Group bought the Steenberg property, she was given carte blanche to make the five star hotel into a profitable business. This Gramm has achieved in no uncertain manner - from a R1,08m loss in 2005 when the Kangra Group bought the hotel to a R1,75m profit in the present business year which runs until June 30 2007. She has surrounded herself with a team of hand picked professionals, all highly motivated by her motto of ‘always see the positive side and keep your eye on the goal’. Under the leadership of Gramm a state of the art Spa has been added as well as a trendy Pool Bar both popular with guests.

Gramm has established an HIV Aids Peer Educator program, as well as general coaching, mentoring and counseling programs for the Steenberg staff. The Christine Revell Children’s Home for abandoned children has been adopted by Steenberg Hotel as a special project and regular functions are held at the hotel to support the Red Cross Children’s Hospital fund.

Amongst a long list of accolades achieved by Gramm at the Steenberg Hotel are:

Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2006 – Top 10 Best Luxury Africa
Catharina’s – Diners Club Winelist Award of Excellence 2006
Catharina’s – American Express Platinum Fine Dining Award 2006
Steenberg Hotel voted “Gold Achiever” – AA Travel Guide Awards 2006 and 2007
Steenberg Hotel voted: Best Luxury Hotel in South Africa” – AA Travel Guide Awards 2005
Gramm was notified a short time ago that Steenberg Hotel has been nominated in three categories of the 14th World

Travel Awards 2007 (The Oscars of the Hospitality Industry) in three categories:

South Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel
South Africa’s Leading Golf Resort
South Africa’s Leading Wine Estate

Announcement of winners is to be made on 30 May. True recognition for a remarkable hotelier. On the rare occasion when Gramm is not to be found at the hotel she is sure to be on one of Cape Town’s golf courses indulging in her favourite hobby.

Durban

From Left: Penny Govender (Winner of our Entrepreneur category), Karien Hunter (One of two winners in our professional category), Lilian Kistan (Winner of our corporate Category), Amantha Maharaj (One of two winners of our professional Category), Margaret Makhaye (Winner of our Lifetime Achievers Award) and Premi Subramany ( Winner in the Start-up Category).

Start-Up

Premi Subramany, Chemsol Adhesives CC

Having started out her career as an Accountant and serving in many blue chip companies at middle to higher management positions. Premi always had the passion to be a successful entrepreneur. Premi believes you can achieve anything, with perseverance, determination and teamwork. There are no short cuts to success. She is self motivated, driven and daring to take calculated risks, without sacrificing her integrity and passion.

Chemsol Adhesives is a fast growing chemical company specializing in the manufacture of adhesives and stains for the footwear, furniture and automotive industries. Premi enjoys empowering her staff to make their own decisions, and watching them take ownership of their role and developing into well-rounded respected team members.

Entrepreneur

Dr. Penny Govender, Panda Motors

As one of only 3 black female Dealers within the Engen KZN Network of over 400 sites, Dr. Penny Govender has demonstrated her entrepreneurial edge by delivering and succeeding in this male dominated business. As a mother of one and one on the way, creating the balance between personal and business life, has been her biggest challenge to date.
Professionally, Govender, has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of KZN, she headed the CSIR laboratories in Durban before joining Sappi as Regional Environmental and Project Manager. Panda Motors a retail fuel, car wash, convenience store and fast food outlet is situated in Montclair.

Professional

Karien Hunter, AMC Hunter Inc

“You are only as good as the people you hire” Ray Kroc – founder MacDonalds
In 1987 Karien established her law practice, AMC Hunter Incorporated, specialising in all aspects of property law. Karien remains the sole director and shareholder of the practice. The business is based in Durban with branch offices in Hillcrest and Ballito and employs a staff compliment of 36 including 5 attorneys. Karien is involved in the training of estate agents and regularly speaks at conferences on property law. Karien is involved in two children’s shelters.

Amantha Maharaj, Thabile Engineering

Amantha Maharaj obtained a BSc in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) from the University of Natal, where she later completed her Masters in Business Administration. Amantha worked for various engineering companies both locally and abroad and founded Thabile Engineering in 2002, with branches in four different provinces.

Amantha is a member of the International Institute of Electrical Engineers and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers. She has been an active member of BWA serving on the sub-committee for Winning in the Workplace, the only social responsibility project for the BWA in Durban for the past three years. This year she is chairing the committee responsible for the 10th anniversary of this event. She has recently been appointed to the Durban BWA committee.

Corporate

Lillian Kistan, Cell C (Pty) Ltd

Lillian Kistan, with her Diplomas in Hotel and Project Management, has held the position of Cell C’s Regional Manager for Buildings and Facilities Infrastructure for the KZN, Eastern & Western Cape for the past five years. Lillian is the coordinator for the Cell C’s ‘Take a Girl Child to Work Day for the KZN region. This project enables girl learners to gain insight into the business world by spending the day with business leaders. Lillian believes that empowering a girl today – is empowering a family tomorrow.

Her role as a mother to an energetic 3 year old boy, has given her new insight into the power of a true woman. She insists upon maintaining the balance between her work, travel and home.

LIFETIME ACHIEVERS AWARD

Gabonthone Margaret Makhaye, Makhaye Cleaning Services CC

Mrs. Makhaye qualified in 1963 in General Nursing and Midwifery. She obtained a University Diploma in Nursing Education at the University of Natal and graduated from the University of Zululand with Bachelors Degree in Arts in 1983. Prior to leaving the nursing profession she was involved in the administration of nursing.

Joining her husband’s businesses which included supermarkets, butcheries, bottle stores and construction primarily based in Umlazi with outlets around KZN. Following the death of her husband Margaret continued with these businesses. She presently operates a Waste Management venture in Ntuzuma near KwaMashu, West of Durban.

East London

Entrepreneur

Diane Stap, Di Stap Communications

Passionate and dedicated, with an unwavering commitment to excellence, Diane Stap of Di Stap Communications has earned the admiration and respect of professional women throughout the Eastern Cape as a role model for professional success.

Throughout an illustrious career, which has included key positions both in government and the private sectors, Di has carved a reputation as a dynamic and solutions-orientated marketing, media and communications strategist, adding exceptional value to the clients and projects benefiting from her expertise and vast experience.

As Managing Partner of the Di Stap Communications since 2005, Di has built a cutting-edge professional communications agency with numerous high-profile corporate and academic clients.

Apart from setting and maintaining the highest personal standards of professionalism, Di is committed also to skills transfer and development, and to creating opportunities for other women starting out in business.

A respected and much-loved mentor to her own creative team, Di also routinely goes out of her way to help and encourage other young women making their way professionally. Di is also a role model and mentor, a dedicated campaigner for women in business and a tireless advocate for women empowerment.

Professional

Dr Loretta Ferrucci

Dr Loretta Ferrucci set up her own private family practice in East London after qualifying with a Masters Diploma in Technology: Homeopathy (Cum Laude) as well as a diploma in acupuncture in the Lavier Traditional Chinese Acupuncture method.

Whilst running a successful practice she continued her studies and has obtained qualifications in Jin Shin Jyutsu , Body Alignment Technique, Reiki and as a Human Pin Code practitioner.

During a three and a half year move to England, she maintained a part time practice both in South Africa and in North West London after a year’s sabbatical during which time she had a daughter.

Her focus is on providing individualised treatment for each patient, drawing on modalities that she thinks would be most appropriate for them and working in an integrative manner with other practitioners of complimentary medicine as well as wholistic minded general practitioners. She places much emphasis on using evidence and outcomes based treatment protocols and strives to combine the best of western medicine technology with tried and tested (and where possible scientifically verified) treatment protocols.

She is passionate about educating patients and the general public in matters of health, not only of the body but also of their greater environment and to that aim she has started a business with a partner which offers the public a range of clean (preservative, petrochemical and synthetic additive free as well as people, animal and environment friendly products) products that include household cleaners, organic food, organic skin care products and organic feminine hygiene products.

She believes that education is the key to providing people with the information that can lead to them making an informed choice with regards to matters of health.

Corporate

Lorraine Govender, Mitsui O.S.K. Line’s Pure Car Carrier (PCC)

As the pioneer of Mitsui O.S.K. Line’s Pure Car Carrier (PCC) Division in South Africa, Lorraine Govender journeyed the challenges to develop and manage the section to a leading Car Carrier section in South Africa. She started as an Import Clerk in 1994, and worked her way up using her keen business mind and feisty personality to the General Manager of the Car Carrier Section in South Africa.

Today, she is one of very few BEE senior managers in South Africa’s shipping world, and is widely known as a woman who has learnt to hold her own in a male-dominated industry. Govender has earned her place on various committees and forums, including MOL SA’s Executive Committee, Toyota South Africa’s Shipping Lines Performance Workgroup, as well as chairing the once Pure Car and Truck Carrier forum. She is dedicated to furthering South Africa’s economy, focusing on the booming automotive sector. The results of her endeavours are evident in the growth of MOL SA’s PCC business over the years, in keeping with the growth of the automotive sector as a whole. Govender has successfully worked on many contracts with South Africa’s OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and is always researching methods of improving customer service. Her ideas in this regard have become invaluable to MOL’s various global managing parties.

In addition to creating and maintaining excellent relationships with her customers, negotiating contracts, as well as implementing and continuously assessing procedures, Govender has the responsibility of managing the PCC staff members across South Africa. She believes that the core of every business is people, and that a successful company consists of people who are motivated. She manages her staff with kindness, and ensures that they reach their potential by encouraging them to go one step further than they think they can. She approaches discipline with the aim of inspiring growth, and her staff has come to respect her for this. She leads by example, and has made a name for herself as a woman who is always willing to go the extra mile to make things happen, whether for one of her staff members or clients. Govender has worked hard to achieve something that most women only dream of, and she has enjoyed every minute of it.

Special Award

Zine Madyibi

Since her appointment as the Chief financial officer of the East London Industrial Development Zone (Pty) Ltd ( ELIDZ) in 2004, Zine is responsible for the management and control of assets worth over R500 million. As the first Chief financial officer to be employed at the ELIDZ, Zine has championed the process of designing and developing an efficient and effective system of internal controls and risk management. This excellence with which this work is done is evidenced by unqualified audit reports during this period and was recognized by the MEC for the Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism with an award to the ELIDZ in December 2006.

The success stated above is backed by three degrees in financial management and extensive clean experience of excellence. Being in charge of also Human Resources management at the ELIDZ Zine believes that successful organizations are those that develop a culture and system of values of high integrity, mutual respect and professionalism, in learning organizations that invest in developing the skills and careers of employees more so those who are historically disadvantaged. A testimony of the success registered in this and other initiatives is in the very low staff turnover rate which is currently 0.03 at the ELIDZ.

Being a successful career woman and a mother of four, Zine has to always try and balance family life and work. She is also aware that to live a life worth living one has to contribute to ensuring a brighter future for the others. To this end she joined the Girl Guides volunteer movement (The Voice of Girls and Young Women) whose aim is the development of the potential of girls and young woman to be future leaders and responsible citizens. This contribution is made in recognition of the fact that developing a girl and a young woman is developing a nation. To this end she is the Deputy Chairperson of the South African Girl Guided Association, recently nominated to represent the country in the Africa Girl Guides organization.

Free State

Start-Up

Sophie Bob, Petals for Africa Florist

Sophie has always dreamed of having her own business – a florist shop. She struggled to make this dream become a reality because she did not have sufficient funds. Despite of this, she knew in her heart that God will make her dream come true at one or another stage in her life. She kept on dreaming and believing and God brought Ronelle Hamman on her way.

The two of them started the business together and after some time she bought her share of the business. Ronelle then told Sophie: “It is your dream. Keep going!."

“Currently my business is growing steadily and I foresee that it will be a success as I have progressed a lot since I have moved the shop to Northridge Mall. I see myself making a huge difference in the next two years. Difference in South Africa, not just Bloemfontein, because there is a lot of people, especially form the disadvantaged areas, that has so much talent, but because they struggle financially they cannot make a difference. Not in their own lives and not in the lives of other people” Sophie says.

“I’ve worked very hard and struggled enormously to get where I am today. It’s still difficult, but because I believe this is God’s plan for my life, I know I will make it.”

“I dreamed, and I believed.”

Entrepreneur

Veronica Van Vollenhoven, Dolla Tella Clothing Factory

Veronica van Vollenhoven is the director of Dolla Tella clothing factory, which was established in 2000.

Prior to this she manufactured clothing at her small holding, Ferreira, on a normal household sewing machine. After receiving a vast contract with GSL Correctional Services, she started the factory in East End.

Veronica currently employs 68 people at Dolla Tella, and 80 workers at the GSL Correctional Services.

Veronica has been awarded the “Bloemfonteiner van die Jaar” award in 2003 as well as the “ATKV Besigheidsvrou van die Jaar 2003/2004”.

Her vision is to generate more employment possibilities for the people of South Africa in the general and corporate clothing industry.

Professional

Madelane Gerber, The Roodt Partnership Architects

Madelane is a Proffesional Architect and has been with The Roodt Partnership Architects in Bloemfontein for the past ten years.

“Architecture is the most visible of the arts. Architecture creates the built enviroment, the spaces we live in, the world we see. We create peoples dreams within functional and budgetary parameters. “

“I do not follow a particular style of architecture, but rather seek to find the most appropriate solution within the particular context of the project and the needs of the client.

Our ability to deal with projects on a macro and micro scale allows us to offer the client a tailor-made design package. I am involved with all phases of the building process from design inception to construction. I am committed to delivering a professional service that ‘gets it right the first time’.”

“I subscribe to the academic dimensions of all the disciplines of architecture. I have over the past 4 years been involved with external examination of 1st and 3rd year Building Science at the University of the Free State. I subscribe to the aims and ethical standards of the Institute for South African Architects and have been a committee member of the Free State Institute for the past 3 years.”

“We have clients in all sectors of the South African community. We support a policy of affirmative action, empowerment and equal opportunity. The current staff of seventeen (including myself) comprises of six women, one registered as a professional architect, one registered as an architect in training and one registered as a town planner. We also employ at least 4 architectural students during the academic recess.”

“I am married to Enrico, a qualified Biocenetisist employed at Damelin College Bloemfontein. We have a daughter, Enya aged 3.”

Johannesburg

Start-Up

Clara Priester (Chairperson), Kerryne Krause-Neufeldt & Prof Shirley Zinn (Nedbank)

Kerryne Krause-Neufeldt, iSlices Innovations (Pty) Ltd

Termed “Smart, Sharp & Savy” by the Financial Mail in 2006, 33-year old Kerryne Krause-Neufeldt is not new to business. Her first business and business failure at the age of 22 taught Kerryne valuable lessons that built rock solid foundations in her current business that looks ready to take the world by storm. With a vision to build a global brand, dogged perseverance, government funding and small business incubation support Kerryne has recently launched a new patented hydrogel eye cosmetic product called eyeSlices™ into beauty salons & top Spas across the country after 7 long years of development.

R2.5 million worth of free press publicity, a string of awards for her business and global enquiries for eyeSlices from across the globe, this entrepreneur is well positioned to create a proudly South African success story. Recently nominated as the Most Promising Emerging Enterprise in the 2006 annual Top Technology 100 awards. Kerryne ascribes her success to “sheer hard work and determination”.

Entrepreneur

Clara Priester (Chairperson), Shelen Shaer & Prof Shirley Zinn (Nedbank)

Shelene Shaer, Tanaz Hair Body and Nails

At 39 with 27 years of hairdressing, coupled with a passion for people and perfection Shelene Shaer lives her dreams and inspires everyone she knows to do the same. As a Master Stylist with drive, perseverance, and dedication Shaers opportunity to create a hair salon offering service excellence and so much more than a “cut and blow” came 12 years ago when she partnered with Richard Wories to develop the TANAZ Hair,Body and Nails concept. Building the TANAZ brand was realised with great determination but Shaer and her 30 strong team ensured the success of Tanaz at the 2006 Global Salon Business Awards, Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for Client Philosophy/Marketing and Promotion and 4 consecutive top awards in Readers Choice in the Best of Johannesburg.

Shelene is unstoppable in all she sets her mind to. She is a rock and an inspiration to all of how to dream and how to make your dreams come true.

Corporate

Clara Priester (Chairperson), Cathie Webb & Prof Shirley Zinn (Nedbank)

Cathie Webb, Accsys (Pty) Ltd

Science teacher turned business woman, Cathie started her business career in accounting and payroll Software Support. It was while implementing payroll systems for clients that she saw the financial risks run by companies employing unqualified payroll staff and identified a training requirement. Cathie has been passionate about the professionalising of payroll administrators ever since.

A founder member and director of the South African Payroll Association, and Vice-Chair of the Payroll Author’s Group, Cathie has committed both business and personal time to payroll qualifications, first in the co-writing of unit standards, now approved by SAQA as 2 national qualifications, and then in the creation of the first eLearning payroll qualification in Africa, and one of only 2 in the world. She was also appointed to sit on the Standards Generating Body (SGB) for Business Administration.

With only a short interruption in her Support career when she was Financial Manager of an educational NGO, Cathie is now the Chief Operations Officer for Accsys as well as managing the Sandton Branch of the company. Cathie enjoys mentoring enthusiastic and ambitious staff and has achieved an excellent rate of internal promotions through her approach to mentoring and coaching.

Port Elizabeth

Start-Up

Wendy Beaufort, Kids Connection

Kids connection is a comprehensive information directory for families with children aged newborn to 12 years old. Launched in March 2006, and borne from pure frustration, Wendy Beaufort’s sole objective is to assist young families, in a world governed by time constraints, to spend less time planning and more time playing.

In the past year Kids Connection has doubled its pages and grown from 50 loyal advertisers to close on 300, and boasts a distribution of 48 000 magazines per annum. Such is the demand for the magazine that it now offers subscriptions as well as an internet based Kids Club which presents it’s members with discounts, vouchers and much needed family breakaway opportunities. Within one year, the Kids Connection website has increased its hits from 60 to more than 11,000 hits per MONTH.

Three months ago, due to consumer demand, the Kids Connection website went national, offering it’s winning formula, and the most affordable rates in the country, to advertisers both large and small in the rest of the South Africa. Wendy attributes her success to her passion for her product, her determination, the focus of the magazine and the daily desire she has to make a difference in the lives of young families.

Wendy is grateful to give back, with 1 % of the annual turnover of Kid’s Connection going to a local child related charitable cause. Amidst all her success, Wendy still believes that her greatest achievement in life is being a mother of three.

Entrepreneur

Gillian Roffe, Uniglobe Bay Travel

With 20 years corporate experience behind her, and a natural entrepreneurial flair, Gillian Roffe jumped at the opportunity of purchasing a franchise in the travel industry. Uniglobe Bay Travel opened its doors in September 2003.

Her franchise is part of the UNIGLOBE Travel International Group and offers a full range of travel management services to corporate clients throughout the region.

Gillian’s dedication and tenacity has won this young and vibrant business prestigious clients and numerous awards. The most prominent of these came at the 2006 Global Awards Conference in Paris where UNIGLOBE Bay Travel was recognised internationally as 9th overall, competing with 1100 agencies worldwide. UNIGLOBE Bay Travel is also involved with the Rebuilding Hope the UNIGLOBE Way Project.

Having travelled extensively herself, Gillian firmly believes that her success is attributed to her understanding of a travellers’ wish list and her ability to deliver on this. Known for her diligence, enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism, Gillian says that deciding to launch her own business is not always an easy road, but is worth every step.

Professional

Judy Theron, Rushmere Noach Incorporated

Coming from a family of Professional people, it is no surprise that Judy Theron finds herself practising as an attorney and businesswoman. Not only has she broken the glass ceiling by being the first female director on the Board of Rushmere Noach Incorporated, one of the oldest and most well established law firms in Port Elizabeth but Judy has pathed the way for others who have joined her on this Board.

As a director in the Litigations and Collections Department, Judy specialises in Civil Litigation which includes labour work, matrimonial matters, personal injury claims debt collection and civil and criminal litigation.

Rushmere Noach are very aware of their social responsibilities and are committed to the application of equity and BEE principles. On a Pro Bono basis, Judy personally serves as a commissioner in the small claims court, was appointed as the first lady chairperson of the Attorneys Association of the South Eastern Cape as well as the local Law Society representative

Judy is a true role model to women in business, and prides herself on service delivery.

Corporate

Ingrid Segura-Sanchez, Bancassurance

Ingrid Segura-Sanchez started her working career at First National Bank in 1994 on an executive trainee programme and has continued to grow through the ranks. Through her dedication and commitment to the brand, Ingrid has grown to the point that she is currently leading a team in the Eastern Cape who aim to change the face of banking in South Africa!

Bancassurance is a division of FNB with a sales force that focuses on banking people correctly through a proactive holistic approach to banking. Ingrid was given the gruelling task of starting this division in the Eastern Cape from concept and had to build an infrastructure with consultants and support. She currently holds the position of Bancassurance Sales Manager and says that the past two years have proven to be most rewarding from a personal development perspective.

FNB is involved with The Business Trust which targets job creation and capacity building programmes and Ingrid personally supports local children’s homes and AIDS Havens.

As an eternally optimistic leader, Ingrid motivates her team through reward and recognition and spending value-add time with top performers.

Tshwane

Puseletso Modimogale (Start up winner), Tebogo Kgobokoe (Entrepreneur Winner), Marie Viljoen (Corporate Winner), Marilyn Krige (Professional Winner)

Start-Up

Puseletso Modimogale, Therapeutic Touch Studio

As a founder member and the CEO of Therapeutic Touch studio, Puseletso Mary Modimogale is a qualified B-tech somatologist with Cidesco degree. She has started her business doing house calls alone, now she has four qualified therapists working for her and has big companies such as DTI, Post Office, Indalo Yethu, Land Affairs, African Adventures and many more using her services as part of wellness programs within their institutes. She is driven by passion to start and influence the beauty and wellness industry by lifting up the image of somatologists. She has played a big role in taking somatology students for experimental training by offering free treatments at old age homes, hospices and church fund raising.

Entrepreneur

Tebogo Kgobokoe, Tebza Latino Studios

Tebogo Kgobokoe discovered her talent during her traditional dancing days as a child in Mafikeng. She pursued her passion for dancing which led to international dancefloors around the world representing South Africa. She went on to become six time undefeated South African Latin American Champion and World Showdance finalist. After fifteen years as a professional dancer, in 2001 Tebogo started her own business in dancing called Tebza Latino Studios, which specialize in providing entertainment for corporate events and providing coaching to competitive dancers nationally and internationally. In 2006 she bought a struggling social dance business and turned it around into a successful business. Her aim is to grow the business and provide employment opportunities primarily to dancers from disadvantaged backgrounds. She is currently one of South Africa’s top coaches and an international adjudicator.

Professional

Marilyn Krige, Adams & Adams

Starting out as a candidate attorney at Adams & Adams, Marilyn Krige has worked her way up through the ranks being appointed a partner at Adams & Adams in 1998. Although Adams & Adams, as the leading Intellectual Property firm in South Africa, specialises in all aspects of Intellectual Property Law, she has takent he lead in the enforcement field and is regarded as one of the pre-eminent experts both locally and intenationally in respect of anti-counterfeiting. This is an incredibly important field, bearing in mind the growth of counterfeiting over time with the Organisation for Economic Construction and Development (OECD) putting the figure in terms of world trade at about US$200 billion in 2005. Closer to home, this is a problem which is likely to impact on each of our lives, with the built up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Apart from her professional involvemtn, Marilyn Krige has published various articles relating to intellectual property protection from advertising through to labeling requirements and is widely quoted in various national and international publications.

Marilyn Krige is also involved in various training and education initiatives through IPACT which is an Intellectual Property Action Group, where she serves as an executive member and the chairperson for the Training and Education Subcommittee which specialises in training of improving the skills of the police and prosecutors and South African Revenue services to better enforce the provisions of the Intellectual Property Laws in South Africa. She is also very involved with the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law which focuses on the protection of Intellectual Property Law and has served on various committees, publishing committee focusing on the revitalisation of this organisation.

Krige is also involved in the day to day operations of the firm and participates in the Transformation Committee. She take her obligations in this committee, as it is a tool for social re-engineering and development, extremely seriously. Krige believes passionately in education as the cornerstone of advancement and has put her energies into establishing an in-house lecturing system which received SETA approval.

She also finds time during her busy schedule, to spend time with her husband and two boys, while balancing this with full time career at Adams & Adams and is involved in various community projects including one for Phatsima Khana Clinic, which offers comprehensive HIV care for people, primarily children in the Alexandra area.

Corporate

Marie Viljoen, Exxaro

Marie Viljoen is company secretary of Kumba Resources Limited and has 18 years experience in the field.
The company secretary assumes responsibility for the group company secretarial administrative business and corporate governance services to ensure that Kumba meets it statutory and legal responsibilities and to enable directors and management to make the fullest possible contributions to the success of an effective and well-run organisation.

The company secretary supports the running of the board, including board committees, ensuring that the board carries out its business in a professional and efficient manner, in line with its statutory, legal and other responsibilities. She is a source of information and advice to the board and provides quality information with respect to sound decision making.

Zululand

Start-Up

Basetsana Kumalo (BWA President), Chantal Mcnally & Ruby Pillay (Nedbank)

Chantal Mcnally, African Essence Spa

Since November 2005, Chantal Mcnally Mcnally as developed African Essence Spa from a part time hobby to a fully fledged business. Mcnally qualified as a beauty therapist at Natal Technicon in 1993. cnally decided to open a Small Spa on the family farm, due to her determination she expanded the business and developed the
spa into one of the leading spas in Zululand. Mcnally has been able to increase the size of the spa on the farm and open a new branch in Richards Bay.

Apart from running two Spa's Mcnally oversees the administration work on the family citrus and sugar cane farm, is secretary of the local water board and a health and beauty lecturer.

Entrepreneur

Basetsana Kumalo (BWA President), Maria Ferreira & Ruby Pillay (Nedbank)

Maria Ferreira, Marinitino's Tavern

Maria has been the owner of Marinitino's Tavern for almost 10 years. The restaurant originally seated 48 patrons but now able to accommodate 120.

Maria overcome several obstacles during the start up of her business, including struggling to speak English, obtaining funds for her business and a lengthy waiting period before her liquor license was issued.
Apart from the restaurant Maria also supports the House of shalom in Brakenham and is a regular sponsor to both the hospice and SPCA.

Professional

Basetsana Kumalo (BWA President), Dr Lungile Masuku & Ruby Pillay (Nedbank)

Dr. Lungile Masuku

Dr. L.B. Masuku holds a Bachelor of science from University of Durban Westville, is a graduate of medical University of Southern Africa also known as MEDUNSA and is currently enrolled with the Nelson
Mandela School of Medicine to complete a diploma in Advance HIV Management.

She was part of KwaMbonambi business delegation that visited Japan in 2006, accompanying the municipal officials thus unlocking new business opportunities for Japanese partners. She runs her successful practice in Esikhawini. Shefor patients. is currently bidding for a site in the township where she plans to build a HIV/AIDS medical centre with provision of hospital beds and services.

She formed Greenville Industrial PTY LTD which aims to distribute medical supplies, equipment and effective healthcare services of the highest standards, and has recently signed a contract with
Makilifetch PTY LTD. Se is also a registered member of the HIV Clinicians Society of southern Africa and a Member of Autism Society of Southern Africa.

Corporate

Basetsana Kumalo (BWA President), Mimmy Zuma & Ruby Pillay (Nedbank)

Mimmy Zuma, Foskor

Having studied accounting, Zuma had a dream of becoming an Accountant, however the opportunity was not available in time, and she settled for procurement. She has never looked back and is now one of the few female Procurement managers. Since this is still a new field for women, Zuma was faced with the challenge of empowering other ladies so as to develop a pool of female community procurement officers in the area.

Zuma ensures that the plant is running at all times, by making sure that there is enough material required for production. She is accountable for procurement spending of R315m of which 30% must be spent on BEE / HDSA companies. Zuma has 12 years of experience in the procurement field and is well know in the region for her empowerment initiatives. Zuma is a board member for uMhlatuze Water and is involved in various initiatives around Zululand.