Page 16 - KZN Top Busines Portfolio 2020/21

Right Leadership Significantly, each member of the panel agreed that
Dr Cassius Lubisi, who during Covid-19 was changes, both in business operations and business
employed in the Office of the Presidency, said that culture, have occurred, which are likely to remain
the South African government faced Covid-19 as “an evident in the foreseeable future. Many businesses
extra-ordinary event, which required extra-ordinary have had to cope with the extended periods of
steps in response”. He added, “The government had lockdown; have had to find new ways of working, and
to take the approach of a learning organisation and in some cases have had to work at re-establishing
fight an enemy that we did not know. We also had their businesses on reopening.
to break down government silos – departments, The responsibility for navigating the ‘new normal’
provinces and municipalities – and work together.” depends on each business leader’s timeous and
Ashok Sewnarain commented that as business leaders appropriate actions to keep moving forward. Elias
we are faced with challenges daily. But he explained Masilela holds the view that in thinking of a new
that Covid-19 had been ‘a special challenge’ that had leadership and in creating a new future for South
been experienced worldwide and had impacted on Africa we cannot rely on Government alone but that
his business operations not only in South Africa but leadership from the private sector is required. He
in London, Switzerland and Dubai. added, “We can hope that in that future Government
will focus on policy making and in ensuring that the
Zubeir Moosa commented that the Willowton private sector is able to operate in an environment
Group was started 50 years ago as a family owned. that is profit enhancing and sustainable over
business. He said that he was grateful that Willowton generations.”
had strong leadership from his late grandfather,
father and other family members. He explained, THINK implements King IV recommendations within
“Effectively we have had a situation where skills its organisation says Trevor Mvundura. According
have been passed on from generation to generation to the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa, the
over many years.” He commented that the current King lV Report on Corporate Governance (“King IV”)
team of third generation leaders find it fortunate recognises companies as integral parts of the broader
that many of the previous business leaders now play society. King IV defines corporate governance as
a strategic role and are still available to assist and the exercise of ethical and practical leadership
lend advice, which has helped the business grow by the management towards the achievement of
from strength to strength. defined governance outcomes: ethical culture,

Roshan Moran, Chairman, David White, CEO, Grant Adlam, CEO, Rowan De Klerk, CEO,
Morar Incorporated DRG Outsourcing KZN Top Business The FD Centre

Mahomed Zubeir Moosa, CEO, Merrill King, CEO, Ashok Sewnarain, CEO, Trevor Mvundura, CFO THINK:
Willowton Group Capitol Caterers IBV International Vaults TB and HIV Investigative Network

Elias Masilela, Non-executive Pearl Bengu, CEO, Ithala Dr Cassius Lubisi, former DG, Watch the webinar:
Chairman, DNA Economics Development Finance Corporation South African Presidency www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1VMzxJfBRc
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