Page 129 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

EBRAHIM PATEL

brahim Patel, managing director of Magellan make technology accessible to everyone,” Ebrahim achieving long-term success. Ebrahim believes that
Investment Management and director at asserts. For him, technology is not just a tool for perseverance, rather than succumbing to negativity,
SiyaXoxa Technologies, exemplifies dynamic innovation but a catalyst for enhancing business is key to advancing in business.
Eleadership and innovation. Born, raised, and processes and fostering economic growth.
educated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Ebrahim’s He finds inspiration in both his team and himself.
journey began with an early exposure to the A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE “My team often motivates me because they rely on
business world as a shop assistant at a fashion house the vision I provide,” he shares. To keep his team
during school holidays. “That experience ignited my Reflecting on his accomplishments, Ebrahim energised, Ebrahim promotes a positive outlook
passion for business,” Ebrahim reflects. This formative finds his greatest pride in his children. “I’m deeply and focuses on the opportunities present in the
exposure instilled a deep appreciation for business proud of their growth,” he says, attributing this country. “Understanding that opportunities exist
dynamics and customer relationships, shaping his personal satisfaction to the values instilled in him helps us remain motivated,” he notes. Ebrahim also
career trajectory. from a young age, which he now sees mirrored in encourages his team with his personal mantra:
his children. “Every sunrise signals a new contract with life,”
Ebrahim initially pursued a degree in computer underscoring that each day offers a new chance to
sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Professionally, Ebrahim values the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
However, recognising that this field did not align engage with individuals across diverse industries,
with his career aspirations, he transitioned to which has provided him with a comprehensive Ebrahim draws inspiration from individuals like
property management, quickly becoming South global perspective. Another significant achievement Grant Adlam, whom he admires for recognising
Africa’s youngest qualified commercial broker. is his role as the founder and past president of the and celebrating excellence within the business
This role afforded him the opportunity to engage Minara Chamber of Commerce, where he played community, thereby motivating others to strive
with leading property developers and industry a key role in driving economic development and for greatness.
professionals nationwide, enriching his expertise creating new opportunities in the province. ENVISIONING A BRIGHT FUTURE
and perspective.
He has built strong relations with The Association
A pivotal moment occurred in 1994 during a of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Ebrahim is optimistic about KwaZulu-Natal’s future,
noting its significant potential in sectors such as
chance encounter with the CEO of a major clothing was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Indonesia the port, manufacturing, and tourism. Despite
manufacturer in a Hong Kong hotel lobby. Ebrahim in KwaZulu-Natal in recognition of his efforts. challenges such as Covid-19, the 2021 riots, and the
was inspired by the company’s outsourcing model, 2022 natural disasters, he believes the province’s
which operated efficiently without owning extensive Ebrahim treasures the advice he received from a resilience has only grown stronger. He observes
facilities. This experience reinforced his belief that former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, who increasing confidence and investment interest
success does not necessarily hinge on scale, and served as his mentor. The counsel to “take things and envisions opportunities for greater inclusivity
it profoundly influenced his business strategy slowly and build on strong foundations” has and economic advancement.
to emphasise outsourcing as a means to create been instrumental in shaping Ebrahim’s business
opportunities and share success. philosophy and personal approach. This guidance Ebrahim is particularly enthusiastic about KwaZulu-
has encouraged him to address challenges Natal’s export potential, especially through the
The post-apartheid era in South Africa presented thoughtfully and move forward with confidence, African Continental Free Trade Agreement. He
a wealth of new opportunities. Encouraged by fostering a steady and reflective approach to goal believes that by focusing on this potential, the
his peers, Ebrahim founded Magellan Investment achievement. province can emerge as one of the continent’s
Management and expanded into facilities manage- leading economies within five years.
ment and investment management. His significant NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND INSPIRING
contributions in the industry were acknowledged MOTIVATION His unwavering commitment to excellence drives
when he became the first non-white chair of the his efforts, although he acknowledges that his
South African Facilities Managers Association. Ebrahim acknowledges that challenges are an perfectionist tendencies can sometimes pose
inherent part of business, whether they involve challenges. “My motto has always been to give of
Driven by a passion for technology, Ebrahim financial issues, industry shifts, or changing consumer my best,” he concludes.
is involved with SiyaXoxa Technologies with a behaviours. “An entrepreneurial mindset must be
mission to democratise access to technology and adaptable, finding opportunities within challenges,” Ebrahim continues to embody visionary leader-
information, particularly in underserved areas and he explains. He views overcoming setbacks, such as ship, dedicated to advancing progress and creating
small businesses. “My goal has always been to business failures or rejected proposals, as crucial to opportunities across South Africa.
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