Page 121 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

MICHAEL NEWTON

ichael Newton, the chief executive recalls. “When you go from having nothing to and the 8 billion Rand Lion Park Airport opportunity,
officer of the uMgungundlovu Economic suddenly having income coming in, you can put as examples of the magnitude of work involved.
Development Agency (UMEDA), has food on the table and buy shoes for kids – it gives “These are big numbers, and you need to treat them
Mspent the majority of his career in local people dignity.” with respect,” he says.
government, climbing through the ranks to hold
influential roles. He is a qualified civil engineering Reflecting on the most rewarding aspects of his As for keeping his team motivated, Michael has
technologist, but his career trajectory shifted as he work, Michael highlights the significance of helping a rather unique approach: “I have a doughnut
discovered a passion for the economic sector which communities. “What I do is a passion. I enjoy helping day. We get doughnuts from a local shop in
he found interesting and stimulating. His journey people who have really had a rough run. At the Pietermaritzburg, and it’s a small thing, but it
took him from technical positions to leadership agency level, you’re at the cold face of things. You makes a difference,” he comments with a smile. He
roles, including that of municipal manager for can see how you’re making a real difference, and adds that they also have regular team celebrations,
iLembe District Municipality on the North Coast. that’s what drives me.” He speaks especially about such as a braai, to show appreciation for the hard
how rewarding it is to help people get something work and dedication of his staff.
His work has often involved creating and managing tangible out of government, particularly when it
development agencies to stimulate growth. One leads to job creation and positive change in people’s ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
such initiative was the establishment of Enterprise lives.
iLembe, which he introduced after discussions with Michael finds inspiration in ethical leadership,
the Auditor General. He explains, “We were painting IT’S A BALANCING ACT looking up to figures such as South Africa’s President
outside the numbers a little bit, so we introduced Michael highlights the influence of a piece of advice Cyril Ramaphosa for his integrity. “I think ethical
a development agency, and we also established he received early in his career from Frank Stevens, his leadership is something we need to focus on. Our
the iLembe Chamber of Commerce and Industry.” director when he was a chief technologist. “He told current president is a good example of that, and I
These projects were part of a broader effort to drive me that management is like plucking a goose – you also get a lot of direction and inspiration from the
economic development, particularly on the North have to get the most feathers with the least hissing.” District Mayor Mzi Zuma.” Michael added, “He’s
Coast, and were aimed at simulating long-term This advice resonated with Michael throughout his someone I can call for advice, and he always gives
growth in the region. me direction that I respect.”
career, particularly in managing complex projects
and teams. “It’s not just about keeping your eye When discussing his vision for the future of KwaZulu-
A SIGNIFICANT TURN
on the ball; it’s also about seeing what’s going on Natal, Michael focuses on the region’s competitive
Michael’s career also took a significant turn when he around you and looking for opportunities,” he says. advantages. “KZN has an amazing coastline but
was called to higher office in the province, becoming “It’s a balancing act, but I’m blessed to have a great we need to get the basics right including that of
a special advisor to Premier Senzo Mchunu. “He team that helps me focus on what’s important.” the maritime sector. If we focus on growing the
asked me to help with the National School Nutrition agriculture sector, we’ll start exporting more, and
Programme,” Michael explains. The request was Michael’s leadership has not been without its that will put us back in the game,” he says. He is
based on the success of the iLembe project which challenges. “The biggest challenge is trying to confident in the province’s potential, noting that
involved feeding around 155,000 children every encourage inbound investment into a region where the manufacturing side is already strong. “We’re a
day for 45 weeks, with the food sourced from there are infrastructural and social environment net exporter of goods, so we’re on the right track,”
54 community gardens. “We started with fresh challenges. KwaZulu Natal is not the most attractive he adds.
produce from the market, but as the communities investment destination based on the history of Michael says my motto is: ‘Play as much music as
began growing their own vegetables, 80% of the social unrest, bad weather events along with energy you can’. “I’m in a band, and we play at weddings
produce came from those gardens,” he recalls. This and water security.” However, he has overcome these and venues. It’s a great way to unwind, and we do
programme proved not only to be a success in challenges by upholding a strong sense of integrity a lot of charity work with our music. It’s something
terms of providing for children but also contributed in his work. “When people come to us, they know that keeps me grounded and happy. But more than
significantly to the local economy. they’ll get an honest deal. We do our best with what
we have, and we treat the money as if it’s our own,” that, it’s about doing good and leaving behind a
Michael said, “We ended up with around R600,000 he explains. Michael points to large-scale projects, legacy so that people will remember you with a
divided amongst the communities involved,” he such as the 2.2 billion Rand airport development smile,” he concludes.
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