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SHABIR CHOHAN

habir Chohan chief executive officer of was appointed as finance executive and based in A TANGIBLE IMPACT
Al Baraka Bank reflects on his roots with Umlazi,” he recounts. Four years later, he became In order to achieve progress and to overcome
pride. He noted that his family is deeply the chief executive officer.
S connected to the Chohan surname While challenges have been a constant presence business obstacles, Shabir believes in keeping his
team motivated through communication. “People
through the family business, Chohan Spice that throughout Shabir’s career, they were particularly might say I have too many meetings, but I think
was founded by his grandfather nearly 70 years apparent during his time at Ithala. “There were a they are essential. It’s not just about meeting;
ago. Shabir was involved in the family business lot of pressures from provincial government, and
from an early age, however, his ambitions I wasn’t even the first choice for the CEO role. it’s about listening and creating a collaborative
environment,” he explains. His approach aims
extended beyond the spice industry. “During my But we persevered,” he reflects. Significantly the
schooling, I had a dream to become a chartered role exposed him to the needs and potential of to foster teamwork and remove silos within the
organisation. “Our success is only possible if we
accountant. I can’t say exactly why – perhaps it KwaZulu-Natal.
was the financial statements I used to read from work as a team,” he affirms. Shabir added, “The
Zulu proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone;
my father’s companies listed on the Johannesburg SOCIETAL GOOD if you want to go far, go together,’ has always
Stock Exchange. But I was driven.”
In his current role, Shabir is focused on providing resonated with me.”
After completing his schooling, Shabir attended strategic direction and fostering a thriving Shabir draws inspiration from individuals who
the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College) organisational culture. He explained, “I want Al make a tangible impact, like Dr Imtiaz Sooliman,
to pursue his dream of accountancy. “In those days, Baraka Bank to grow and be known not just as an
apartheid meant Indians weren’t allowed to study Islamic bank for Muslims but as a bank accessible founder of Gift of the Givers. “His commitment
to serving humanity, with humility and purpose,
at Howard College, and we had to go to Durban- to all.” Shabir is passionate about the role Al Baraka
Westville,” he explains. However, he successfully can play in job creation and broader societal good. is incredibly inspiring. He’s an example of the
difference one person can make, regardless of
applied for a special course which allowed him to “I want to see this type of banking grow because
attend Howard College. Reflecting on this time, it has unique attributes. But beyond that, I also background or religion.”
Shabir says, “When I finished my fourth year in want to help create jobs and contribute to a better For KwaZulu-Natal, Shabir envisions a prosperous
1986, I topped the class. It was a proud moment.” South Africa,” he asserts. future driven by the province’s unique strengths.
This achievement, he notes, set the scene for “When I travel, I see the greenery, the people,
future successes in his life One of Shabir’s proudest achievements is the hospitality. We’ve got the weather, the
transforming Al Baraka Bank. When he joined the environment, and the major ports. Our province
Upon qualifying, Shabir joined the firm Coopers bank in 2004, it faced various challenges. “There
and Lybrand (now PwC). He fondly recalls the iconic were expectations from stakeholders, directors, has tremendous potential,” he says. Shabir hopes
to see local citizens take an active role in shaping
“Glass Building” on Field Street in Durban, where regulators, staff, and customers,” he recalls. He
the firm was based. After passing his board exams, immediately convened a strategy discussion with the future. “We can’t wait for politicians; it’s up to
us to make KZN the leading province.”
he followed the path of many young professionals all stakeholders to identify the issues and formulate
of the era, taking up a two-year stint with Coopers a practical plan. “It was clear that we needed a new Reflecting on a motto that guides his life, Shabir
and Lybrand in London. “Working in London was path for the bank, one that played to our strengths shares, “It’s not your aptitude but your attitude
invaluable,” Shabir shares, noting the international but also addressed weaknesses. And over the last that determines your altitude.” This lesson has
exposure and experience it provided. 20 years, I believe we have achieved quite a lot.” driven him to go beyond his job description,
actively participating in and contributing to all
When Shabir returned to South Africa, he rejoined At Al Baraka, his proactive approach to overcoming aspects of his work. “The right attitude can open
Coopers and Lybrand before moving on to the challenges has involved collaborative strategy
Banco Group, a prominent clothing business at the sessions and a firm commitment to implementing doors you never even knew existed,” he says.
time. This period in the 1990s saw Shabir honing the plans. “It’s one thing to have a strategy; it’s For Shabir, leadership is about leaving a legacy
his skills in the corporate sector. His career took another to follow through on it. I focused on of service, unity, and continuous improvement
a pivotal turn when, at 30, he was headhunted by execution, and I think that’s made a difference for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa at large. “I’m
the Ithala Development Finance Corporation. He over the years,” he adds. The best advice Shabir has committed to making a difference,” he concludes,
joined in 1996, just two years after South Africa’s received speaks to this goal: “People often aim for as he sets his sights on creating opportunities and
first democratic elections. “It was a big leap – I perfection, but it’s better to focus on progress.” strengthening communities.

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