Page 195 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

MELANIE VENESS

elanie Veness, chief executive officer of the guess having the guts to be able to stand up and say high, Melanie incorporates fun activities into their
Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber some of the stuff that needs to be said on behalf of routine, from adventure outings to spa days.
of Business, has a deep-rooted passion business, it’s not always easy to do that,” she shares.
Mfor South Africa, shaped by her early years Another accomplishment is the Chamber’s Global Moreover, the work they do is inherently rewarding,
spent in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. Reflecting Export Accelerator Programme. Each success in this which contributes to the team’s motivation. “Every time
on this time, she says she is passionate about Africa. programme represents the tangible outcome of one of our entrepreneurs has a win, that’s cause for
“Her smells, her sounds, everything about the Bush. Melanie and her team’s efforts to foster economic celebration, that’s the really meaningful stuff,” Melanie
It’s deeper than my soul, and I love her passionately.” growth. She reflects, “Cumulatively, that’s meaningful explains.
work. When each of those businesses has a measure of Melanie draws inspiration from questioners, people
Her family moved to East London, where Melanie began success…all of those are celebrations.”
her education at Stirling Primary School followed by who seek new understanding and are willing to
Beaconhurst Primêre Skool. She attended Hudson Park Melanie has relied on two key pieces of advice challenge their own beliefs. She admires individuals
High School before relocating to Durban and then to throughout her career. The first came from her who speak truth to power and advocate for positive
change without personal agendas.
Pietermaritzburg, where she completed her schooling mother, who taught her that reacting dramatically
at Carter High School. Afterwards, Melanie entered the to a situation won’t change the outcome. “You can She acknowledges the influence of mentors in her
workforce and later pursued a BCom in industrial and throw yourself on the floor, you can have a tantrum… life, particularly Moeletsi Mbeki, who has shaped her
organisational psychology from UNISA. but when you get up, it’s going to be exactly the approach to leadership. Additionally, Melanie, says with
same. So, you can decide whether or not it’s worth a smile, she is a fan of Tannie Evita, whose candidness
Melanie remarked that her first job was as a clerk at inspires her.
the Receiver of Revenue, at the time when everything the effort,” Melanie explains.
was processed manually. “That will tell you that it was The second piece of advice came from a mentor who FUTURE VISION
a while back,” she laughed. encouraged Melanie to enter situations of potential
conflict fully prepared to be convinced of the other Looking ahead, Melanie envisions a future where
Today, as CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands person’s point of view. “Go in being 100% prepared to businesses in South Africa can operate in an environ-
Chamber of Business, Melanie believes that she be convinced of the other person’s point of view,” she ment conducive to their success. She dreams of an
is privileged to serve as a voice for the business recalls. If she remains unconvinced, she should then economy where most of the population is economically
community. “From a Chamber perspective, my why prepare to present her own case persuasively. active, and she is committed to advocating for policies
is really to give voice to the issues that business that can help achieve this vision. However, she
face and to try to help through advocacy to create One of the most significant challenges Melanie has acknowledges that much depends on the political
a more conducive environment for them to operate faced was during the July 2021 riots in KwaZulu- leadership that emerges following the 2024 elections.
in,” she explains. Natal. During this time, she felt completely helpless
as she was unable to secure help for her Chamber Two issues are close to her heart. First, she is passionate
Melanie’s mission aligns with her personal goal of about the promise of an integrated society made
contributing positively to society by addressing issues members. “I’m a fixer…when I get a call, I find a way,” in 1994, which she feels has not been adequately
related to inequality and access to opportunities. She she explains. But during the riots, there was no help pursued. “There has not been any intentional action to
is cause-driven by a desire to leave a positive mark on available, and the devastation she witnessed was ensure that happens,” she notes.
the world. deeply unsettling. Standing amidst the debris and
destruction, Melanie grappled with the harsh reality Secondly, is the current government procurement
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS that those people who incited the violence did so for system which Melanie believes fosters opportunism
selfish motives, fully aware of the harm they would rather than developing sustainable businesses. She
When asked about her proudest accomplishments, cause to people’s livelihoods and lives. “I don’t think advocates for a system that builds competencies
Melanie highlights the cumulative impact of several that it’s something that I’ve gotten over, and I don’t and supports the growth of SMEs into medium-sized
key moments rather than a single event. On a personal think that I will until there is some justice,” she reflects. enterprises capable of servicing both government and
level, she takes pride in raising two well-adjusted, private sectors.
happy young adults, describing this as “probably the MOTIVATING A TEAM
greatest thing I’ve done on a personal level.” Melanie’s overarching philosophy in life and work is
Despite the challenges, Melanie manages to keep to continue adding value as long as it brings joy and
Professionally, Melanie is proud of her ability to her team, composed mostly of women, motivated. fulfillment. “You’ve got to ensure that what you’re
stand up and voice difficult truths on behalf of the They have been with her for a long time and have doing is adding value and is fun. Otherwise, what’s the
business community, even when challenging. “I developed a close-knit bond. To keep team spirit point?” she concludes.
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