Page 151 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

LINDIWE RAKHAREBE

indiwe Rakharebe has been the chief 2023/24 financial year, comprising 6 818 direct INSTILLING CONFIDENCE
executive officer of the Durban International jobs and 4 569 indirect jobs. In the KwaZulu-Natal
Convention Centre (Durban ICC) since 1 April economy, the Durban ICC’s operations created and/ Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges of a being
L2015. Her passion and dedication in growing or sustained approximately 8 382 annualised jobs, a woman leader in the male dominated world
the KwaZulu-Natal economy as well as her strong including 5,210 direct jobs and 3,172 indirect jobs of business. Lindiwe said: “As a woman, you are
background in corporate management has helped in the 2023/24 financial year. gifted; you are a natural life-giver and whatever
to continue to propel the forward momentum you give life to, will increase and grow. So whatever
of the organisation. She lives by the motto: “I am “Our continued success is a result of a concerted challenges you face as a woman, you know how
driven to achieve excellence in every way in my effort between our staff, our strategic partners in to manoeuvre, whether it’s leading a company or
duty and delegation.” the City and Province and the loyal support of our propelling a cause. A woman influences everything
clients. This coupled with diligent management she touches.”
Lindiwe’s roots are in KwaZulu-Natal. She was born and sound financial controls at all levels of the
and raised in Chesterville. She holds a bachelor’s organisation help to contribute to the overall Empowering others to achieve their highest
degree in management leadership from the success of the Durban ICC,” explained Lindiwe. performance by instilling confidence in all of
University of the Free State as well as a diploma her team is an important part of Lindiwe’s daily
in management development and a number of A WINNING STREAK activities. “I have an ability to get the best out of
professional development programmes. people, enabling them to perform at their optimum.
Durban ICC has again clinched the baton and has My leadership style is characterised by love, respect
Prior to assuming the position as CEO at the Durban been voted Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference and open communication, and I place a premium on
ICC, she served as the regional executive for Absa Centre 2024. The Durban ICC also received this the importance of work-life balance. I also impress
KwaZulu-Natal where she oversaw the strategic illustrious industry accolade last year when it upon my team that despite all the obstacles that we
leadership of the organisation and facilitated the was chosen the continent’s Leading Meetings & might face, the delegates come first. I also ensure
growth of the Absa/Barclays Africa Group’s footprint Conference Centre 2023. that the execution of our employment policies and
in the province. She has served in a management practices are aimed at developing a multi-cultural
capacity for all four of South Africa’s major banking The iconic meetings, incentives, conferences and and diverse workforce that is non-racist, non-sexist,
institutions. events (MICE) venue, which was opened by former and non-discriminatory.”
President Nelson Mandela in 1997 has been crowned
A MASSIVE CONTRIBUTION Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for at “The most important thing in remaining Africa’s
least 20 years in its 27 years of existence. Leading Convention Centre is that we exceed our
The Durban ICC makes a massive contribution to both clients’ expectations and provide an exceptional
the local and national economies and significantly Between 2010 to 2018, the Durban ICC was experience for each and every event we host.”
complements the job creation efforts in KwaZulu- crowned Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference
Natal. The Durban ICC’s contribution to government Centre for nine years in a row before being placed The Centre has been focusing on the development
taxes is projected at R397.7 million for the last fiscal. after Kenyatta International Convention Centre of their high-tech virtual event solutions. Having
in Nairobi, Kenya, which took first prize. Now the invested in the latest, innovative meeting technology,
The primary impact for the City of Durban stems from
the wealth generated through delegate expenditures Durban ICC is again on a winning streak, taking top the Durban ICC is re-inventing itself as the continent’s
while attending events secured by the Durban ICC position for the second year in a row, a testament to leading high-tech convention centre. “Without
and its strategic partners. its unwavering commitment to excellence. moving away from our existing market positioning,
we are adding this competitive edge and aiming to
The Durban ICC’s dedication to providing world-class
The Centre contributed a remarkable R6,3 billion also be recognised as ‘Africa’s Smartest Convention
to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) services and facilities for meetings and conferences Centre’,” explained Lindiwe.
in the 2023/24 fiscal year. Additionally, the Centre has made it a repeat recipient of this prestigious
contributed R4.7 billion to the Gross Geographic title. Lindiwe expressed her gratitude, saying, “We Playing a positive role in society and investing in
Product (GGP) of KwaZulu-Natal and R3.5 billion to are immensely proud and humbled to be named community development programmes remains an
eThekwini’s GGP in the same period. ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre’ integral part of the Durban ICC. “The culture of giving
in the 2024 World Travel Awards. This achievement back is part of our DNA as a Centre, whether it’s by
The activities of the Durban ICC are estimated to reflects the tireless dedication of our team and our partnering with non-profit organisations to help
have created and/or sustained 11 387 annualised unwavering commitment to providing a world-class those less fortunate or volunteering our time and
jobs in the South African economy during the platform for meetings and events.” resources for a worthy cause,” concluded Lindiwe.
149