Page 145 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

HANTIE PLOMP

antie Plomp is the founder and director Awards Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019. “I needs to set an example; one needs to do your best
of Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions. Hantie’s was really proud of that award because it honoured and show your team how to work in a positive and a
professional studies began at the University the effort that I have made throughout the years. The constructive way to find solutions,” she said.
Hof Pretoria, where she completed a recognition also acknowledged what my team has
Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and done for Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions as well as the Hantie also guides her team through training
physiology. Her first employment was in AngloGold role my parents played, “ says Hantie. and development while encouraging them to be
creative, show initiative and help themselves in
Ashanti’s chemical laboratory. During that time,
she completed a National Diploma in Analytical “My career aspirations began early, between the age terms of their careers.
Chemistry on a part-time basis. of three and five years. Often when driving with my The best advice that Hantie has received was from a
mother between the towns of Orkney and Klerksdorp, previous manager who said that not all people will
In 1996, an opportunity arose for her to move to she would want to know what I wanted to be when I
the environmental sector of AngloGold Ashanti. grew up. I replied with a child’s dream and ambition: think or feel the same as you do, and that they don’t
necessarily share the same values or ethics. This has
After two weeks, Hantie realised that environmental to own a cafe so that I can eat as many chocolates helped her in the environmental field as she often deals
management was where she wanted to work for as I wanted. I believe that my entrepreneurial spirit with stakeholders who have different requirements,
the rest of her life. She then graduated cum laude recognised that ownership would present the ability needs and agendas.
from the University of the Orange Free State with a to make decisions and influence direction.”
Master’s degree in Environmental Management. The biggest challenge that Hantie has faced was when
Consequently, throughout her career, Hantie has she felt that both her competence as well as her ethics
After working through the ranks of AngloGold worked towards opportunities for entrepreneurship. were challenged during a major project. “Keep in mind
Ashanti, Hantie relocated to KwaZulu-Natal in 2007 to She added that her parents had shown her the that when I started my career, I said this is what I wanted
start up an environmental division of an engineering importance of working hard and undoubtedly to do for the rest of my life. I have dedicated 30 years of
company. In 2010 she founded her own company, influenced her to be an entrepreneur. my career towards environmental management and
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions.
“I do believe that my parents played a significant role the profession,” explained Hantie.
CARING ABOUT PEOPLE in my life because the first job that I had was working DO THE RIGHT THINGS
for them. They had a mini golf putting course which
However, Hantie added that another part to her life my dad had built, and we worked there over weekends Hantie’s vision for KwaZulu-Natal is that considering
is caring about people. Throughout her working life and holidays. From early on we learned that you need we have the infrastructure in terms of ports and
she has studied theology as well as natural health to be creative, go the extra mile, and we worked hard.” airports as well an environment that provides open
and has assisted people with their well-being through spaces to support conservation, we should become a
counselling, healing sessions and prayers. Working at the course taught Hantie how to engage powerhouse in the country.
with people and to care about their needs. “We learnt
“Triplo4 really brings together my passion for the to understand what’s important for people, it was not “My vision is that we will strive towards sustainable
environment as well as my passion for people. And just looking after yourself and what you would like to development and excellence where there’s no
this is why this company assists me to live my potential have as a child. This is the reason I care about people corruption and every person and municipality is
and also my divine purpose,” Hantie explains. Triplo4 and am passionate about entrepreneurship.” empowered to deliver the best for their community.”
Sustainable Solutions’ purpose is to solve environ-
mental challenges and to help companies to improve STAND TOGETHER The motto that Hantie lives by is that you should ‘do
their environmental performance in a sustainable way. the right things right’. Hantie has tried to live by this
Speaking of who inspires her, Hantie first turns to God. motto her whole life. She recently found a new aspect
“We look at all issues or challenges that there can be In terms of Triplo4, she feels inspired by her employees to add when she read that one should ‘do the right
to try and help people find an approach where the as they stand together and go through challenging things right at the right time’.
components of social, economic, and environmental times as a team. She added that her husband has
matters are balanced. We help those individuals or always been there for her. “Together with God, my In conclusion, Hantie says that there’s another motto
companies to find a solution that is sustainable and parents, my husband, and the team, I’m always inspired that she lives by in terms of Triplo4. This is that a leader
profitable without impacting on future generations.” to do my best for Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions.” is only as good as the team and the team is only as
good as the leader. “Together, the two need to work
While Hantie has had many accomplishments, she is In line with obtaining inspiration from her team, Hantie together to make the best of the opportunities and
particularly proud of winning the National Business believes in keeping the members well motivated. “One the value that can be created.”
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