Page 79 - KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK 2019

Chief Executive Officer of SmartXchange Naidoo says that SmartXchange’s success has been
made possible through three key elements. Firstly,
ONATHAN NAIDOO is an economics he has the backing of motivated staff, patrons and
graduate with post-graduate specialisation a highly supportive board. Secondly, SmartXchange
in research methods, political and economic has developed powerful strategic partnerships with
Jgeography. He was previously COO of Trade government and the private sector. Third is the
and Investment KZN and holds certificates commitment and dedication of SMMEs which is
in imports and exports, project financing for essential. “If they don’t give us good,” results then we
public-private partnerships, conflict management, don’t look good, commented Naidoo.
program management, financial modelling. he also Naidoo’s vision would be to see SMMEs moving
holds an estate agents’ diploma and an education from business support and reselling to the innovation
degree specialising in mathematics. of great products, which results in high growth
Jonathan has extensive experience in trade companies. SMMEs also need to ensure that they
and investment-related activities, having led and have a broad client base in order to avoid being a
accompanied a number of outward and inward high-risk company in the event of the loss of key
business missions. Jonathan’s business experiences, clients. This is especially apparent when companies
coupled with his connectivity, both domestically are over-dependent on government contracts, which
and internationally has earned him the reputation of are at times not renewed at the end of the service
an astute “deal maker”. delivery agreements.
As the CEO of SmartXchange, he is passionate In the future, Naidoo would like to see the
about the work that the business incubator is doing SmartXchange model being duplicated as it has the
to promote the development of entrepreneurs potential to be adopted as a national model.
in the MICTe sector. He is focused on what he Another of Naidoo’s passions is for innovation to
wishes the organisation to achieve and always contribute to the development of ‘Smart African
maintains a visionary outlook. This approach Cities’. He said that South Africa has the potential to
is necessary in order to remain relevant in the be a leader and to have a global footprint. However,
innovation space. Naidoo maintains that the on- innovations in technology are only one aspect of
going exposure to the vibey and fantastic ideas the solution. “We also require people to develop
of these young entrepreneurs is very exciting and smart attitudes. We need smart minded people who
provides momentum to the management of the are able to deliver the ‘wow’ factor. We need those
day to day business. people who are able to give me bad news with a
Jonathan’s entrepreneurial passion resulted in a smile and who are able to go the extra mile and make
number of start-ups: Excellent Signs (1985), a 180 me feel good even if there are challenges.”.
seater a la carte restaurant, and a take away and In conclusion, said Naidoo, “Incubated SMMEs
ice cream parlour at the Port Shepstone beachfront are a formula for success with guaranteed results on
(1989), and Excellent Furniture (1992). In 1998 he condition that they work hard, have a little bit of luck
established a property development company, and faith in God,”
Jorano Investments. In 2000, Jonathan sold off his When not at work, Naidoo enjoys the outdoors,
three businesses to focus exclusively on property including hiking, gardening, golfing and fishing. He
development.
says, “Gardening is my therapy. As you would nurture
Jonathan is currently appointed onto the Ray a garden, similarly with entrepreneurs. you would do
Nkonyeni Mayoral Economic Advisory Committee the same. You plant the seeds, nurture and care for
and serves as a Council Member of the KwaZulu them and watch them grow, blossom and flourish
Natal Human Resource Development Council as the into successful sustainable businesses for all of us to
lead champion for the ICT sector. enjoy the fruits of our labour.”

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