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Top 40 under 40
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Business
Chamber is proud to launch the
second annual Top 40 Under 40 list of
young business achievers.
Editorial Team
Editor and Convener
Nicole Klokow
media@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
Communication Assistant
Sandra Pow Chong
communication@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
Advertising and Sales
Neil Terblanche
sales@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
Photographer
Sandy Coffey
www.sandycoffey.com
Design and Layout
Carl Venter
Printers
Cadar Printers
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Top 40 under 40
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Nicole Klokow
Top 40 Under 40 convener
Our call for nominations in August 2012 brought in over 80 nominees,
demonstrating the immense potential the Bay holds in its young
business talent.
Please join us in congratulating the successful achievers, the innovators
and entrepreneurs who are the new face of business in Nelson
Mandela Bay. This year’s list features a broad spectrum of young
business owners and entrepreneurs, company directors, managers and
talented individuals fulfilling their lifelong passions. Many of our
achievers are recognized leaders in their fields. Others are plotting their
career trajectories, skipping up the corporate ladder or striking out on
their own.
These promising young businesspeople – together with last year’s
achievers – now form the Top 40 Network. This network provides our
Top 40 achievers with access to exclusive networking opportunities, the
chance to participate in issues-driven business forums, and the
opportunity to give back to the community through co-ordinated
community projects in 2013.
This by no means comprehensive or exhaustive list seeks to highlight
the wealth of business talent available in Nelson Mandela Bay. This year’s
achievers represent a growing force of young people under the age of
40 who see not only the potential in our region to support their
business aspirations, but the means to help them grow and flourish.
The 2012 Top 40 Under 40 process was supported by a high-calibre panel of judges.
They are (from left): Mzi Baleni, Provincial Manager Business Acquisitions at Standard Bank, Nicole
Klokow, Communication Specialist at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Lize Hayward,
Group Brand Communications Manager for Goodyear, Paul Geswindt, Director: Alumni Relations at
the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Michelle Brown, Owner of Brown’s PR, (front, from left)
Jane Stevenson, Owner of Jane Stevenson and Associates, and Carol Hall of Luced Agencies.

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Abel Naidoo, 30
Regional Finance Manager – First National Bank - Eastern Cape
Abel Naidoo believes the role of young people in business is twofold,
Firstly, to be entrepreneurs and secondly to be educators. “Entrepreneurship
is at the centre of the global economy,” he says, “and even
as employees young people need an entrepreneurial mindset to help
breed success. Young business people should also inspire others and
teach them how to grow the economy.” Naidoo has been in the banking
sector for 11 years and is currently studying towards an MBA in Finance.
As the Regional Finance Manager, he provides support to the Eastern
Cape management team, helping them to achieve profitable outlets,
creating growth in the region and ensuring that the principles of corporate
ethics and policies are adhered to. He was named the bank’s National
Innovations Champion for 2008 and 2009, and was recognized as
a Pinnacle Achiever in Sep 2012, the reward for which was an overseas
holiday. Naidoo believes that being successful means working smart,
not hard.
Adam Volpe, 28
Director: Retail, Volpes
At 28, and as the youngest director in the history of the company, Adam
Volpe has played a key role in bringing a long-standing family-run linen
manufacturer and retailer into the twenty-first century. “I have redefined
the market positioning and strategic offering of Volpes, transforming a
siloed manufacturer into a multi-channel retailer,” he says. “Both the mail
order business and the online division are my overall responsibility.” The
retail expansion strategy he developed in 2010 remains the blueprint
for growth in the company, and his project management of the company’s
online platform according to best industry practices has seen
online business enjoy double digit growth. “The biggest challenge in
an established business is to ensure it remains relevant and dynamic,
while maintaining its tradition and ethos.” Volpe believes that the role
of young business is to make things happen. “We can grow the local
economy, create jobs, and make the Eastern Cape a hub of activity.”

Ajay Sam, 33
Finance Manager: Sales, Marketing and Logistics, Coca-Cola
Fortune
A qualified Chartered Accountant and member of SAICA, Ajay Sam
joined Coca-Cola Fortune as the Financial and Management Accountant
for Port Elizabeth, East London and George in 2005. In only three
short years by 2008, he had made his way up the ladder to Finance Manager
for Sales, Marketing and Logistics for the South African Business.
“When I graduated from university in 2001, it was a challenge to find a
company through which I could complete my articles. At that time, opportunities
at the Big Four Accounting and Audit Firms were limited, until
finally I was given an opportunity at PricewaterhouseCoopers.” Ajay is
encouraged by the tremendous potential for development he believes
exists in Nelson Mandela Bay. “Leadership is not about position,” he says,
“but about the passion I have in performing my duties. It is not about
image, but about the impact I have and the value I add to the organization
and the people around me.”
Adrian Ristow, 39
Owner and lead consultant, Adrian Ristow and Associates
In 2008, Adrian Ristow left a demanding role as head of Public Affairs and
Communications at Coca-Cola Sabco to establish his own management
consulting firm. His company’s focus is on strategy consulting, with a
particular interest in the role of business in society. “I built my company
on the extensive experience I gained in the corporate affairs environment
in the emerging and developing markets of Africa and Asia,” says
Ristow. “I saw an opportunity to improve the way that business contributed
to society.” Through his relationships with influential clients, Ristow
has been able to develop innovative community projects. Significant
projects have included an initiative to create economic opportunities
for African distributors in the Coca-Cola distribution chain, and a publicprivate
partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and two large
donor organisations to improve the availability of critical medicines in
Tanzania. “I believe young business leaders should be models of excellence
and integrity. We should be the voice of optimism, and believe in
the potential of the Eastern Cape.”

Avinash Govindjee, 35
Professor of Law, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Avinash Govindjee has proved his abilities as both a lawyer and an
academic beyond a shadow of a doubt. With a number of respected
academic publications and high-profile speaking engagements to his
name, the 35 year old was named Researcher of the Year in the NMMU
Law Faculty in 2011 and 2012. This is just the latest in a series of honours
which have included his appointment as Visiting Professor to the National
Law School of India University in Bangalore in 2011, and as a mentor
for both the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Programme and the Business
Women’s Association. Govindjee, who was admitted as an Attorney
of the High Court in 2002, serves as the Deputy Head of the Labour and
Social Security Law Unit at the university. He is also a consultant to Burmeister
de Lange Soni Incorporated, and a part-time Senior Commissioner
of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
“Young business has the potential to transform the province through
socially responsible strategies which empower the disadvantaged,” say
Govindjee. “We bear the responsibility of changing the mindset of the
local business community.”
Babalwa Teka, 34
Regional Head – Personal Banking Channels, ABSA Bank
Babalwa Teka heads up 66% of the East and South Cape Region for Absa
Bank Retail (Personal Banking). At 34, she leads a team of 234 people on
all levels, and oversees an impressively long list of operations, including
revenue generation, sales management, customer experience, operations
and risk management, channels and footprint management. Her
business portfolio handles an annual turnover of R370 million in 63
branches.
Teka believes that her success has been based on a ‘people first’ strategy,
based on a culture of high performance and inclusivity. “Young business
leaders need to go back to basics,” says Teka, “and lead by example. We
need to go back to our roots and plough our expertise back into our
communities.” She is actively involved in supporting the Laphum’ilanga
Home Care Centre in Zwide, giving them her time and other resources
on a monthly basis. “It is not always about money, but about the time
and effort to impart skills for sustainability.”

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Bianca Wright, 34
Head: Journalism, Media and Philosophy, Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan UniversitySchool
At just 34 years old, Dr Bianca Wright leads the Department of Journalism,
Media and Philosophy at NMMU. A successful freelance journalist
and Public Relations strategist, Wright is no stuffy academic. While she
relishes her role managing the strategic direction of her department, it
is her continued work in journalism and public relations that allows her
to best serve her students, by giving them insight into current industry
trends and the benefit of her real world experience. She encourages her
students to engage in the community through projects with non-profit
organisations that are integrated into their learning. “My management
philosophy is based on the idea of visionary leadership,” says Wright,
the recipient of three teaching awards. Wright recently took on the role
of Managing Editor of the new student newspaper, NMMyou, and has
worked closely with the Department of Student Development and Governance
on a proposal for a new student radio station. “I encourage my
students to be entrepreneurial in the endeavours,” says Wright. “The field
of media is small in the Eastern Cape, and equipping students to create
their own jobs is vital to the future success of our province.”
Benita Jones, 33
Owner and Director, Producer Ally
Benita Jones has always been an entrepreneur at heart. “I had my own
shop on my parents’ farm when I was young, and even had a little clothing
shop when I was in Matric,” she says. “My ‘actual’ career started in
1999 when I began working for Riverside Enterprises, a citrus pack
house in Fort Beaufort, managing their cold store and loading of containers
for exports.” It was here, says Jones, that her passion for logistics
was ignited. She launched a logistics company called Citrus Direct (later,
Hooked on Fruit), managing the complete logistics chain for Riverside
Enterprises and three other exporters. Finally, in November 2006, Jones
began her own logistics company called Producer Ally with partner Liezl
Pentz. “The main obstacle was obtaining finance,” says Jones. She credits
her team’s dedication for her company’s continued success. “We started
Producer Ally with no funding at all. Young entrepreneurs should take
that crazy leap of faith – the rest will come,” she says. Jones is passionate
about the Thembani Sindawonye Bedford Project, aimed at creating
employment, and the Bedford Township Garden project, both initiatives
that are managed by her mother, Lana Blom.

Braddon McCleland, 34
Managing Director, Network Associates / Computech IT
Braddon McCleland went to meet his first client on a bicycle! Starting off
as a one-man show, he now employs sixteen people through Network
Associates/ Computech IT. McCleland considers the greatest challenges
facing small businesses to be skills shortages, motivating staff, and
cash-flow management. This young entrepreneur believes the motto –
Outrun, outsmart, outplay – has served him well. The best motivation,
he says, is to give of one’s best, re-invent oneself and to stay ahead of
the competition. “Young businesses are dynamic. They have fresh ideas,”
says McCleland. “The Eastern Cape needs economic growth, and young
business is perfectly placed to create a wide range of new job opportunities.”
McCleland is active in Business Against Crime, and has aligned his
company with many community efforts, including the Sunshine Coast
Charity Trust.
Brent Oakes, 30
Director, Siyaya Skills Training
After matriculating in the year 2000, Brent Oakes hit the ground running
and joined the family business as one of only four employees. 12
years and five businesses later, the group of companies employs close
to 150 people nationally. Oakes holds directorships in all five concerns,
including the Siyaya Skills Institute and Extrinsic, a disability management
business. He believes that the lessons he’s learned working from
the ground up help him to spot commercial opportunities and bring
balance to the companies within his portfolio. “Through Extrinsic and
Siyaya we’ve achieved the large-scale recruitment and placement of
about 2000 unemployed people with disabilities through partnerships
with organizations such as the Association for the Physically Disabled,
Epilepsy South Africa, Cape Mental Health and the Department of Education,”
explains Oakes. “It is the responsibility of young businesspeople
to share the lessons they have learned,” he says. “Nelson Mandela Bay is
a fertile proving ground for future business leaders.”

Busisiwe Nzo, 37
Managing Member, Lakhanya Quantity Surveyors
Busisiwe Nzo has worked hard to overcome the misperceptions that
some of her clients have had about young black women in business. “I
have been very hands-on,” she says, “especially when it comes to stakeholder
relations, marketing and human capital management in my
business.” As a quantity surveyor, Nzo has come up against resistance
to both her gender and her race. “I stand up to this by ensuring that,
in a group of professionals on a project, I put greater effort into meeting
the client’s demands and expectations, not only to match my white
counterparts, but to ensure that quality service is delivered.” Nzo was
recently appointed as a Member of Council to the National Home Builders
Registration Council (NHBRC), and was named an Advisory Board
Member to the Quantity Surveying Department at the Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University. “Young businesspeople have to take a fresh
approach and ensure positive spin-offs for society in its pursuit of economic
intelligence.”
Chantal du Pisani, 37
GM: Operations and Legal Compliance, Access Facilities and
Leisure Management
Chantal du Pisani set off to London in 2000, where she was appointed
as an Insolvency Practitioner with the Department of Trade and Industry.
Thereafter she was appointed within the Department of Trade and
Industry’s Corporate Regulations Department in a senior government
research position specializing in company law. She returned to South Africa
after six years and was appointed as a Director in the Consumer and
Corporate Regulation Division at the dti. Her career brought her back to
Port Elizabeth as a Legal Compliance Officer, and finally to her current
role as General Manager: Operations and Legal Compliance for Access
Facilities and Leisure Management, which operates the Nelson Mandela
Bay Multi-Purpose Stadium. “When I joined the company, it was in post-
World Cup euphoria,” says du Pisani. “It was up to the small management
team to find unique solutions to ensure that this ‘White Elephant’ would,
in fact, become the most successful post-World Cup stadium in South
Africa.” She continues: “It’s up to those who show a willingness to remain
loyal to their roots to ensure that their contribution showcases South
Africa as a frontier of innovation.”

Clifford Mounsear-Wilson joined Canon in 1998 when he was taken on
as Financial Manager. He climbed quickly to Financial Director in 2002,
and was appointed Managing Director in June 2011. That December
saw Wilson take on additional responsibilities as Regional Managing Director
for Canon and Smart Office in the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu
Natal. “ I believe it is the responsibility of young business to ensure the
sustainability of their actions,” says Wilson. “This points not only to our
impact on the environment, but also the ability of business to endure
and grow.” Canon EC’s business has grown from R10 million to R100 million
during Wilson’s tenure, and he has played a key role through his
responsibility for financial control and the effective use of resources.
“Doing good is good for business,” he says, “and young businesspeople
in Nelson Mandela Bay should make a meaningful and sustained contribution
to the development and the upliftment of the Eastern Cape.”
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Clifford Mounsear-Wilson, 38
Managing Director, Canon Business Centres and Smart Office –
EC and KZN
Cor van Deventer, 35
Associate Director, Greyvensteins
Cor van Deventer forms an integral part of a successful, award-winning
conveyancing team at Greyvensteins Incorporated. “It’s tough to establish
yourself in a law firm, and when you’re young, it’s even harder to
build trust,” says van Deventer, who is an admitted attorney, notary and
conveyancer. “I’ve worked hard to build excellent working relationships,
leading by example, and not being afraid to take on challenges.” Van
Deventer is the driving force behind many initiatives at the firm, including
the challenge of building the company’s online presence. He’s been
responsible for training over 100 estate agents at NQF level four and
five level, and has found a new outlet in Broad-Based Black Economic
Empowerment (B-BBEE) consulting. Through the firm, he supports the
Ithemba Lam charity for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and has been
instrumental in securing bursaries for previously-disadvantaged university
students, many of whom work for Greyvensteins Incorporated
today. “Our country presents various challenges in doing business,” says
van Deventer. “Young business leaders should see to it that challenges
become opportunities.”

Dave Coates is not one to let circumstances hold him back. Within two months of moving to
Port Elizabeth from Pretoria, he started Port Elizabeth.NET, a software developer community
sponsored by Microsoft South Africa. Within 18 months, participation in the community had
been made a formal requirement on the BSC Honours degree at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University. He worked as a senior developer on a project for the Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan Municipality for two years, playing a role in developing and designing billing
systems, playing a leading role in the reporting functions of the system. He was also a senior
developer and joint development lead on a housing delivery management system for the
municipality. Currently the owner of Create IT, Coates has no formal business or technical
education apart from graphic design. “I don’t see this as a hindrance,” he says. “I just work
harder than everyone else and never give up.” Coates believes that raw talent should be put
to use. “Push the boundaries of what consumers and existing businesses think is possible,” he
says. “Young entrepreneurs should not be held back by failures in the past.”
Deirdre Elphick – Moore, 36
Founding member, The Office Coach
The Office Coach is a small, female-run enterprise, operating nationally and focusing on soft
skills development. “I co-founded The Office Coach in 2009, and, with my partner, manage all
aspects of the business, including material development, the facilitation of training, marketing,
public relations and finance,” says Moore, who is not originally from Port Elizabeth, but
moved to the city after a successful stint in London to enable her young family to enjoy the
Friendly City lifestyle. Moore and her co-founder have leveraged opportunities presented
through networking and consistently high service levels. She believes their greatest success
has come from proactively seeking partnerships. “My passion is for personal and workplace
effectiveness training and development,” she says. “I facilitate learning across a wide range of
government and corporate clients.” Moore feels a profound sense of purpose and believes
strongly in the importance of her role in developing the people of South Africa. “Every young
business person should be looking at ways to generate employment for the people of the
Eastern Cape. We should be giving a leg up – not a hand out.”
Dave Coates, 32
Owner, Creative IT

Dirk Kotze, 36
Partner, Mazars
Dirk Kotze began specializing in tax consulting after qualifying as a Chartered
Accountant in 2001. Joining Mazars as a tax consultant in 2006, he
found himself swiftly promoted to Tax Partner in March 2008. “The tax
consulting position was initially planned to assist the firm in addressing
the tax risks of clients and provide risk management to tax planning
due to ever-changing legislation ,” says Kotze. “However, I was able to
expand the role into a fully-fledged tax consulting division.” This sense
of initiative saw Kotze promoted to partner at the age of 32, and after
only 20 months with the firm. He advocates humility in young businesspeople.
“When we take over the reins from those who came before us,
we should continue doing what they did right, but have the courage
to change what they did wrong.” He continues, “Sustainable businesses
must be built and retained in order to grow the economy of the Eastern
Cape. We need to attract talent to the region, and overcome obstacles
through self-discipline and perseverance.”
Elzette Pieterse-Landman, 31
Organisational Development Manager, Coca Cola Fortune
Elzette Pieterse-Landman has been tenacious throughout her career.
Through setbacks, sacrifices and redundancies, she has persevered to
pursue her passion for her vocation in the field of Industrial Psychology.
She has recently taken up the position of HR and Organisational
Development Manager within Coca Cola Fortune, with the aim of building
a long-term corporate career. Pieterse-Landman began her career
in recruitment and advanced through the ranks of psychometry, facilitation
and talent management. Facing retrenchment at the age of
28, she began her own practice providing organizational development
consulting services to reputable companies within the Metro. She was
offered the opportunity to gain some operational HR experience whilst
taking up the National Organisational Development portfolio at Coca
Cola Fortune, to establish an Organisational Development function and
to build an Organisational Development mindset in the business. “The
role of young businesspeople is to innovate and reinvent for tomorrow’s
client and consumer needs,” says Pieterse-Landman. “We need to create
and leverage opportunities to identify, inspire and develop talent ahead
of demand. Pro-actively building capability will ensure sustainability in
growing our local economy.”

Gareth Burley, 35
Presenter, Kingfisher FM
Through the power of radio, Gareth Burley brings people together over
two of his passions: Sports – as a sports reporter and the producer of two
sports-focused national radio shows – and the environment – through
The Green Hour, an award-winning energy and climate awareness slot
on the lunch-time show he presents on Kingfisher FM. After 14 years as
a pastor and 3 years in industry in Port Elizabeth, Burley joined community
radio station Kingfisher FM in 2010, taking on the lunch time show
full time in 2011. He also heads up the regional branch of the Southern
African Association of Energy Efficiency (SAEE), which advocates
sustainable development and empowers South Africans to save energy.
The Green Hour – a national conversation about energy efficiency led
by Burley – won the 2012 International Association for Energy Engineers
Best Community Service Award, and won Eskom’s ETA Award for Energy
Efficiency Awareness. I’m passionate about bringing fresh perspective
on burning issues and providing a platform for good news stories,” says
Burley. “I am convinced that if we don’t mentor the next generation, we
won’t leave a sustainable legacy.”
Ettiene Steyn, 39
CEO, MC Design & Contracting
1993 saw Ettiene Steyn begin his career at MC Design and Contracting.
Part-time studies followed, as did a promotion to Financial Manager
and the completion of SAIPA’s three year accounting articles program.
A management buy-out saw him take on the role of Financial Director
to the company, and ultimately his appointment as CEO in 2008. “Coming
from a financial – in other words, non-technical – background, I first
had to learn the ropes and gain the respect of my co-directors. I had to
deal with difficult economic conditions on top of getting to grips with
the operations of the business.” Steyn is a member of the GM Supplier
Council and a past chairman of the Shepherds Field Rehabilitation Centre
for substance abuse. Through his company’s foundation he also supports
various community projects. Steyn is also involved in the property
industry in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. “As young
entrepreneurs, we need to promote ‘out of the box’ thinking,” he says.
“We have a responsibility to lead by example.”

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Gareth Williams, 31
Co-owner, TwoTone Music
As co-owner of TwoTone Music, Gareth Williams brings together hundreds
of freelance artists to provide corporate and wedding entertainment.
TwoTone Music has positioned itself as a sought after producer for
visiting acts, including musical and artistic direction and technical support.
Together with his wife Ulagh, Williams has built a solid client base
for TwoTone music that stretches far beyond the Bay. “Our success lies
in integrating our passion for education and development into our corporate
products,” says Williams, who founded, funded and managed the
Sound of Learning (SouL) music development initiative in New Brighton,
Zwide and the Northern area. “Funding is a challenge,” he admits,
“and we’ve undertaken intensive once-off projects twice a year until we
can secure funding to run the programme full time.”He also founded
the multicultural Mandela Bay Symphonic Wind Orchestra providing a
performance platform for young Bay musicians. Williams believes he has
a responsibility as a young business owner. “One, to provide top notch
services that can compete at an international level, and two, to give
back by creating jobs, being loyal to local talent, and developing the
less-privileged youth.”
Garrick Bowker, 37
Financial Director and Dealer Principal, Tavcor
Garrick Bowker grew up on a farm in the Eastern Cape. Though he
had his heart set on farming, economic circumstances forced him to
change his focus. He registered for his articles, and is today a qualified
Chartered Accountant. Today, he is a director of the Tavcor Group, and
is Dealer Principal of the biggest dealership within the group (and the
third largest VW dealership in the country in terms of volume). “I believe
the role of young business leaders in the Eastern Cape is to energize
and develop the region,” says Bowker. “We should enable the region to
support itself through sustainable job creation and the development of
infrastructure.” Bowker sits on the Rhodes University audit committee, as
well as on the Port Elizabeth regional committee of the South African
Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). As Dealer Principal he has
won the coveted VWSA Club of Excellence Award for three years running
in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

James Scholtz, 29
Managing member, Rooftop Productions
James Scholtz has always been his own boss. Together with his business
partner, Richard Ahlfeldt, Scholtz began Rooftop Productions in 2003.
He was just 21 when, with only a couple of hundred Rand saved up
from a stint as a guitar teacher, Scholtz set about growing his television
and video production company, completing his BCom degree at
night. “My contribution was to drive every aspect of the business, from
marketing and production, to HR and finance. Essentially, I contributed
an entrepreneurial drive.” What was once a tiny start-up in a backyard
garage is now a leading production company operating throughout the
continent and employing a talented staff of 15 people. “We met with a
lot of resistance when we started,” says Scholtz. “People said we were
too young and inexperienced, and we had no access to capital.” Scholtz
believes that the responsibility lies with young business to help Nelson
Mandela Bay reach its full potential. “We need the kind of leadership that
helps everyone to see the bigger picture.”
Lourens Badenhorst, 35
Director, Morgan Cargo
Lourens Badenhorst was responsible for opening the Port Elizabeth
branch of Morgan Cargo in 2005. He was promoted to Director: Ocean
Freight and Automotive for the group in 2009, and quickly made his
mark establishing ocean freight and imports on a national level. “My biggest
opportunity was opening Morgan Cargo back in 2005,” says Badenhorst.
“The company was unknown in the Eastern Cape, but hard work,
continued sales efforts, and a strong operational background meant we
began to make inroads into the Eastern Cape export market.” Since then,
his award-winning team has been recognized for excellence every year
since 2008, most recently as “Best Provider of Services to Exporters” at
the Exporter of the Year awards in 2011. The Morgan Cargo PE Team was
also named the SJM Flex Logistics Supplier of the Year 2011. Badenhorst
credits this success to his hands-on, involved approach to leadership.
“There are always opportunities for young business to develop and play
its role in the business environment,” he says. “Through hard work and
perseverance, no challenge is too big.”

Mandla Javu, 27
Managing and Technical Director, Mzansi Telecoms
As the owner of Mzansi Telecoms, a telecommunications company specializing
in VoIP and ViBE systems, Mandla Javu’s passion lies in providing
computer literacy skills and ICT development to disadvantaged areas. “I
come from a rural area myself,” he says, “and I want to inspire other youth
to become pioneers of their own destinies.” He and his partner have won
two top African awards this year, and they show no signs of slowing
down. Mzansi Telecoms was the recipient of the Young Enterprise Sector
Award, and was named Africa’s SMME of the Year at the Africa SMME
Awards 2012. “Finances have been the main obstacle, but with the assistance
of the SEDA ICT Incubator, my business skills development was
taken care of,” says Javu, who oversees all product development and
new service offerings. “Given the right platform and the opportunity to
compete in mainstream economic activity, young business will play a
major role in the development of our province.”
Mispah Carelsen, 25
Internet Marketer, Webware Studios
Mispah Carelson impressed her nominator right off the bat. “I met her
at a Chamber networking event. While others chatted, Mispah did business.”
Carelsen is the Internet Marketer for Webware Studios, a division
of the Johannesburg-based strategic IT firm Infoware Studios. “I head
up the Webware Studios Internet Marketing division,” says Carelsen, “and
I am responsible for the division’s overall marketing and sales and for the
company’s brand and marketing initiatives.” Her key focus is on growing
and developing the Internet Marketing division beyond the initial
start-up phase. “My biggest career challenge has been limited growth
opportunities and the under-utilization of my skills,” says Carelsen. “However,
I am now at a point in my career where there is a wide scope for
development, and this excites me.” Carelsen is co-president of the Rotaract
Club of Port Elizabeth, and she holds a firm belief in the resilience of
young people in business. “We are the drivers of economic change, and
our innovations will shape the business landscape for decades to come.”

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Nelisa Faltein owns a professional cleaning
business that trains people from disadvantaged
backgrounds. “We aim to empower
those with little or no qualifications to
become professional cleaners. It was my
desire to make a difference in my community
that inspired me, against all odds, to
turn my dreams into reality.” Nelisa believes
that young business has the potential to
transform the province, attract investors,
and provide sustainable employment and
growth opportunities. “Opportunities are
there for the people who seek them and
seize them,” says Faltein. “I was raised in a
culture where becoming employed was
the only path to success. I had to let go of
that and step out into the unknown.” She
continues, “Hard work and learning brings
rewards. Unless I go out there and find
work, there will be no work. The success
and failure of this business depends on me.
Quintin Levey, 37
Chairman, Exporters Club
A qualified chartered accountant, Quintin Levey is currently serving his fourth elected term
as chairman of the Exporters’ Club, a non-profit organization. “I spend a lot of time promoting
the club through the media, and meeting with potential members,” says Levey of his role in
the club, which, during his tenure as chairman, has stood as a model for clubs around the
country. His day job is that of Senior Manager in the audit department at KPMG, where he
has worked for the last 13 years. Levey heads up the government incentives department at
KPMG, and is chairman of the local offices’ Transformation Committee. “To remain globally
competitive, we can no longer assume that it’s ‘business as usual’,” he says. “Our role as young
business leaders is to challenge traditional ways of doing business, and to encourage our
industries to think and do things differently.” Levey’s community involvement sees him act
as Treasurer for Thandu’sana Baby Home, a safe haven for abandoned babies with HIV/AIDS.
Nelisa Faltein, 27
Owner, The Clean Housekeepers Company

Richard Ahlfeldt, 29
Managing member, Rooftop Productions
Richard Ahlfeldt credits the success of Rooftop Productions to the
strength of his business partnership. He was just two years out of Matric
in 2001 when the entrepreneurial bug bit, and he and partner James
Scholtz launched their specialist television and video production company.
“Looking back now, it all seems impossible!” says Richard. “But,
we’ve managed to build a successful company with an international
footprint – it’s an incredible sense of achievement.” Ahlfeldt says he battled
at first to be taken seriously by clients because of his youth. “We
overcame this by producing work to a high standard. Today, our portfolio
sells itself.” The company has attracted a dynamic group of industry
professionals, and Ahlfeldt and his partner employ 15 people. “Entrepreneurship
is key to the development of our province,” says Ahlfeldt. “The
creative industry holds huge potential for Nelson Mandela Bay, in film,
TV and video production. It’s an industry that can push the boundaries.”g
40
Samantha Streak, 39
Owner and Principal, PE Montessori School
As past president of the South African Montessori Association, registrar
and senior lecturer for Headstart Mercy Montessori Teacher Training
Centre, and as a director for the Montessori Professions Council of
Southern Africa, Samantha Streak has worked relentlessly to promote
Montessori education in Southern Africa. She is currently the owner and
principal of PE Montessori School, where 15% of the children are special
needs learners. “Our school underwent a quality assurance evaluation in
2011. Our adjudicators highlighted the strengths of our school, saying ‘if
there is a school to clone in its entirety, it would be this one’,” says Streak.
“That was a very proud moment for me.” She names her greatest challenge
as the opposition to and misperception of Montessori education.
“I am actively involved in Montessori teaching to empower people with
skills and knowledge,” she says. “I dream of using my 21 plus years of
experience to mentor young women and encourage them to enter the
education profession. Education, I believe, is the master key.”

Sinazo Vabaza, 30
Business Advisor, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
“I am passionate about skills and enterprise development,” says Sinazo
Vabaza, a Business Advisor at SEDA, whose role it is to encourage entrepreneurship
as a vehicle for economic strength in the Eastern Cape.
Vabaza works with different enterprises, diagnosing their development
challenges, and recommending processes aimed at enhancing their
local and global competitiveness. “The success stories keep me going
– to know that I have helped an entrepreneur to a access market,
secure much-needed business funding, increase their productivity or
improve their profitability is immensely satisfying to me.” In July 2010,
Vabaza started the Nankumntwana Adopt a Learning Child programme.
This non-profit organization gives individuals and companies the opportunity
to sponsor the education of a child from a disadvantaged
school. “Sponsors may pay school fees for a year, buy the child’s uniform,
and provide tutoring, stationery and books – in fact, anything the
child needs to remain motivated and experience school life at its most
positive,” she says. Her project has grown tremendously since its inception,
with 67 learners benefitting from the initiative. “Young business will
bring change to the Eastern Cape,” says Vabaza.
Simon le Gras, 39
Owner, SimonSAYS Advertising
“My team works with me, not for me,” says Simon le Gras, founder of
SimonSAYS Advertising, a creative and strategic agency celebrating
eleven years in business. Le Gras launched his business in 2001 after
qualifying as a graphic designer. Today, he employs a six –strong team
of designers, public relations specialists and account managers. “We
like to think of ourselves as the McGyvers of the advertising world,”
he says of his team. “We’ve kept going and maintained growth in a
tough business environment.” Le Gras believes that the Bay’s greatest
resource lies in the young businesspeople who choose the region
as their home. “We should learn from our peers,” he says, “and,
in turn, pass our knowledge on to others. Plan for the future, guide
your business in the direction you want it to grow, and always lead
by example.”

Sonja Tifloen, 35
Director, BLC Attorneys
Sonja Tifloen is an Equity Director at BLC Attorneys and an admitted
attorney, notary and conveyancer. She heads the Road Accident Fund
(RAF) Litigation department and the successful conveyancing practice
at her firm. “I am a hardworking woman and the mother of three boys,”
says Tifloen. Tifloen is currently the only female Equity Director at the
firm, and is actively involved in its marketing and branding. She was a
winner in the professional category of the Business Women’s Association’s
Regional Business Achievers Awards in 2008, and is a trustee of
COMSEC, a business development centre aimed at creating sustainable
jobs through the development and support of SMMEs. “It is the responsibility
of young business to be actively involved in business and community
projects aimed at increasing and sustaining the Eastern Cape,”
says Tifloen. To that end, Tifloen was the driving force behind the firm’s
involvement in the Nal’ibali Literacy Programme, and the mentoring of
Grade 11 pupils through the BWA’s Businesswomen of Tomorrow
project.
Tanya Lilley, 30
Assistant Branch Manager, Headhunters
“My personal motto is ‘act for what you want, not what you have’,” says
Tanya Lilley, who joined Heahunters recruitment agency in 2008, and
was appointed Assistant Branch Manager in 2010. Lilley’s contribution
at Headhunters is twofold: firstly, as a consultant, she brings to the table
exceptional and high-profile placement success; as Assistant Branch
Manager, she assists in motivating and supporting the close-knit team
in reaching their shared goal. Lilley is an active member of the local HR
Forum, a group of HR and talent professionals who meet on a regular
basis to discuss issues relevant to the success of human capital management
within companies across Nelson Mandela Bay. “The Eastern
Cape is an untapped pool of talent and potential,” says Lilley, who sees
her role as one of support in growing the local economy by identifying
and retaining top talent in the Metro. “Young businesspeople are a force
to be reckoned with. We should stand together and hold our region’s
name up high!”

Thuli Mtila, 37
GM: Human Resources
Until recently, Thuli Mtila worked as the Human Resources and Corporate Social Investment
manager at Algoa FM. She established the HR department from scratch,
developing strategies to accommodate the long-term vision of the organization. “I
drove the transformational aspects of the business, focusing on Equity and BB-BEE,”
says Mtila. She also implemented a greater focus on internship programmes during
her tenure. Mtila is the founder of a support group for parents with Autistic children,
which aims to share information and build knowledge amongst its members. She
participates as a board member for the East Cape Training Centre, and is a trustee of
the Ironman for the Kidz Trust, through which funds are raised for charity. “My life’s
challenges have taught me that perseverance will get you ahead in life,” says Mtila.
“Young people in business should not limit themselves, but should instead use their
experiences as stepping stones.” Mtila took up a position as GM: Human Resources
with Access Leisure and Facilities Management in November 2012, and is looking
forward to this new chapter in her life.
Timann Esterhuizen, 26
Operational & Branch Manager – Eastern Cape, Bartenders Workshop
Timann Esterhuizen first found herself in the service industry at the age of 14, working
as a clown at her local Spur. Fast forward 12 years, and she heads up the Eastern
Cape branch of Bartenders Workshop, a company specializing in mobile liquid
catering and events. As Operational and Branch manager, Esterhuizen believes in
being as hands on as possible. “My commitment to every aspect of the business has
insured that it has grown from strength to strength.” Esterhuizen is the only female
in a management position in all regions, but, she has let neither this, nor her youth,
count against her. “Young business’s should focus on job creation to lessen the
impact of unemployment on the South African economy,” she says. “The Bartenders
Workshop EC provides free training and skills development to young men and
women through the Siya Sibenza programme in Port Elizabeth.” Esterhuizen believes
that a focus on sustainable growth is what will keep her in the industry - and by
extension the Eastern Cape – in prosperity.

40
Ulagh Williams, 36
Co-owner, TwoTone Music
The year 2009 saw Ulagh Williams bring together her years as a professional musician
and her passion for entertainment when she opened up TwoTone Music with
her husband and business partner, Gareth Williams. The couple have dedicated
themselves to the development of Bay artists and sought-after entertainment products,
including the popular Crooners Series, Rat-Pack inspired The Tuxedo Club, and
The Divalicious Project, a showcase of dynamic female vocal talent. Her commitment
to the support of local talent saw Williams found and host the first Mandela
Bay Fest of Sound international music festival in Nelson Mandela Bay in 2010. “In a
tough economic climate, entertainment services – and the arts in general – have
had to take a back seat,” says Williams. “We have managed to stay in demand by
constantly producing high quality shows and showcasing local talent.” Experience
has taught her that adaptability is the key. “Young business owners need to face
challenges by staying ahead of their competitors, reinventing themselves, and, most
of all, by taking advantage of every available local resource to the benefit of their
industry and community.”
Wayne Hart, 29
Presenter and Production Engineer, Algoa FM
Wayne Hart co-presents The Fast Lane on Algoa FM. With his fresh and vibey
approach, the four hours that Hart spends behind the mike every weekday have
proven to be one of the station’s most successful shows. When he’s not on air, Hart
works behind the scenes as a production engineer, creating the station’s jingles and
promotional advertisements. His rise through the radio ranks has seen him nominated
for two MTN Radio Awards. “Being in the public eye, it is my responsibility to
uphold the company brand,” says Hart. “I am involved in a number of community
projects through the station, like the Algoa FM Winter Woolly Week, and the Discovery
Algoa FM Big Walk in aid of cancer.” But his heart lies with animals. “I have a
soft spot for the furry ones, and dedicate most of my time to Animal Welfare.” Hart
believes that young businesspeople should put the Eastern Cape first. “We need to
use our talents and skills to support the growth of this province.”

Wendy Fisher, 31
Owner, Strategic EDGE Solutions
An economist, strategist and facilitator of public-private partnerships, sustainability
is at the heart of all Wendy Fisher does. Her company, Strategic EDGE Solutions, is a
scenario planning and economic development consultancy providing partnership
and process facilitation, and strategy development. “My vision is to increase regional
economic growth and development to improve the wellbeing of all citizens,” says
Fisher, who left the Development Bank of South Africa to start her business in early
2012. “EDGE is an acronym for Economic Development, Governance and Education
– the keys to realizing my company’s vision.” Fisher has brought together various
renewable energy role players to establish the provincial RE Forum, which facilitates
networking and advocates collaboration to position the Eastern Cape as a renewable
energy hub. “Many people have predetermined perceptions of young women
in business, particularly in the male-dominated fields of economics and finance,”
says Fisher. “This motivates me to work even harder to prove my knowledge, insights
and value over time.”
Zolani Wolela, 28
Co-owner and managing member, Nzoe Projects
Zolani Wolela is the proud co-owner and managing member of Nzoe Projects, a
building maintenance and construction company. Almost two years in business,
and Wolela is working towards making the difference he always intended. “I am privileged
to act as a mentor to a number of people, one of them a young company employees
who I encouraged to go back to school. The others are from previously disadvantaged
backgrounds and are studying at NMMU.” As a young business owner,
Wolela has encountered – and overcome – a number of obstacles. “It is important in
the first few years of business to ensure that the company has the financial resources
to secure a project and see it through,” he says. “I’ve also invested a lot in human
resources and building strong client relationships.” Wolela serves the Black Management
Forum Nelson Mandela Bay as the Events and Projects Manager. He is proud to
be involved in enterprise development where he is being mentored on how to run a
successful business. “Young businesspeople should commit to improving the socioeconomic
activities of the Eastern Cape, and this can only be achieved by forming
sustainable and prosperous companies.”

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