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RAJESH LUTCHMAN











                teeped  in the  entrepreneurial spirit  of   a global journey across Europe and the Americas   the organisation– Luan most recently, following his
                South Africa’s East Coast, Rajesh Lutchman   in pursuit of innovative solutions and cutting-  tenure at Investec.
                has spent over three decades leading with   edge technologies. His goal? To enhance the lives
         S vision, determination, and a relentless work   of consumers while creating sustainable, waste-  Grooming tomorrow’s leadership is a profound
          ethic. As chief executive officer of Siyaka, Rajesh   efficient packaging that contributes to a healthier   responsibility. “In passing on what we refer to as the
          has grown the business from a small, dedicated   planet.                                        ‘holy grail’, we place strong emphasis on continual
          team into a thriving, multi-site enterprise with                                                improvement (CI) – a principle we uphold alongside
          operations in  Durban, Johannesburg, Mauritius,   Rajesh is driven not only by curiosity for processes,   innovation, accountability, and strategic thinking.”
          and strategic representation in all major hubs   but  by  a  deep  respect  for  the  people  behind
          primarily servicing southern Africa and East Africa.  them. “My passion has always been in developing   SOUL OF A FAMILY BUSINESS
                                                          teams – nurturing a culture where individuals are
          Siyaka is a trusted name in the fast-moving     empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully   While the organisation is structured and mirrors
          consumer goods sector, providing high-quality   to continuous improvement.”                     the operational discipline of a corporate entity,
          printed packaging solutions. From snack packets to                                              Siyaka proudly retain the agility and soul of a
          detergents and beverages, products with Siyaka’s   Siyaka remains grounded in the same core     family business. Swift, decisive action on emerging
          packaging line the shelves of retail stores across   principles it held at inception: alignment among   opportunities has long been one of its key
          southern Africa – many consumers have likely held   stakeholders, collaborative problem-solving, and a   differentiators.
          a Siyaka-printed item in their hands without even   culture where the best ideas win. Rajesh fosters an   Family remains  a central  pillar.  “Every  quarter,
          realising it.                                   environment of psychological safety, co-creation,
                                                          and shared accountability.                      we retreat as a family to a remote destination
          “I started with a small team,” Rajesh recalls, “many                                            – a tradition that serves as a reset, fostering
          of whom are still with the company today. Honesty   LEAVING A LEGACY                            harmony and alignment across both personal and
          and integrity have shaped our culture. We’ve built   Beyond Siyaka, Rajesh now sits on the board   professional spheres,” explains Rajesh.
          a family, bound by a common vision: delivering   of various industries, including a property    “Our business endeavours are united by a shared
          value-engineered packaging with purpose.”
                                                          development and management portfolio and        vision and long-term commitment.  We remain
                                                          an investment entity.  But for him, success has   optimistic, guided by a clear five-year outlook
          CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT
                                                          never been about  the numbers.  “The greatest   and a focus on delivering lasting impact in
          Rajesh’s drive for perfection was evident from an   investment you can make,” he reflects,  “is in   emerging markets. Challenges persist, but so do
          early age. For him, printing artwork on paper was   something that outlasts you. For me, it’s about   opportunities – and there is much to be done by
          never enough  – he  envisioned packaging that   leaving a legacy – one that improves the lives of   the next generation of industry leaders.”
          combined consistency, durability, and artisan-like   employees, families, suppliers, customers, and
          quality at scale.  That philosophy remains at the   consumers alike.”                           Over  the  years,  Rajesh  and  his  team  have  been
          heart of Siyaka’s operations.                                                                   honoured with numerous accolades, a testament
                                                          At Siyaka, succession and leadership development   to their dedication and excellence, and the values
          Navigating the complexities of the manufacturing   are not taken lightly. “As part of our family tradition,   we stand for.
          world requires more than operational excellence.   each of our children is encouraged to first gain
          It calls for foresight, adaptability, and the ability to   experience in the open market following their   He comments,  “We remain driven by purpose,
          mitigate risks and remove roadblocks. “You need   tertiary qualification. Only thereafter, should they   united in our mission, and committed to excellence
          to see the end at the beginning,” Rajesh says, “and   express the desire to join the business, do we have   –today, and for the future.”
          map the path with precision.”                   that conversation,” explained Rajesh.
                                                                                                          In conclusion Rajesh says that his business
          Change is the only constant in the packaging and   Following this principle, his two elder sons, Mikhail   philosophy  is  guided  by  his  mantra  which  is:
          printing industry – a reality that has led Rajesh on   Lutchman and Luan Lutchman, have both joined   “Question the status quo. Dare to change it.”



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