Page 71 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Ashika Sewduth

Leasing Manager at Transnet Property in have shaped her path from regional secretary to senior says. “She came from humble beginnings, yet worked
KwaZulu-Natal management. “It’s been hard work and a lot of sacrifices,” incredibly hard, and built a beautiful life for our family.
she reflects. “You have to empower yourself. You have She may not have had formal qualifications, but her
to wake up every day with a positive outlook and say, strength, faith and determination made her a true
shika Sewduth plays a pivotal role in ‘Today I’m going to do X, Y and Z’, and then get on with success. She’s set big shoes for me to fill.”
A one of South Africa’s most significant it. You might not finish everything, but you can still look Ashika finds inspiration in the people around her every
infrastructure portfolios. Speaking with
energy and conviction, she reflects on her journey and back and say, ‘I achieved something today’.” day. “I find inspiration everywhere – even in the people
on the transformation currently underway at Transnet “Working in the public domain is challenging,” she admits. whose stories may often be overlooked. I recall speaking
SOC Ltd. “Transnet Property, an operating division of “But you take each situation as it comes and make the with a cleaner and walking away inspired by her journey.
Transnet, manages the current property portfolio across best of it. Inspire people, create multifarious projects, and Inspiration is everywhere if you choose to see it.”
the country,” Ashika explains. “There are five regions build a positive environment. South Africa has enormous
nationally, and KwaZulu-Natal is one of the largest and a potential; we just need to keep improving.” NEW POSSIBILITIES
major catalyst in South Africa’s economy.”
“One of my proudest achievements is the Newlyn Reflecting on her professional influence, Ashika says, “I
Ashika is part of a transformative movement for the PX Bayhead rail terminal development at the Port of bring a lot of knowledge and experience to the table. The
organisation. “Transnet is undergoing a major reinvention Durban, inaugurated by the Honourable President Cyril economy after Covid is so volatile, it’s business unusual.
– a restructuring and regrowth programme,” she says. Ramaphosa,” she says. “It’s a project that truly reflects But you take it as it is, create opportunities, and make
“We implemented a turnaround strategy, and over the teamwork, innovation, and impact.” Her leadership and things work.”
past 18 months, we’ve seen phenomenal financial results. contribution to the sector were recognised when she
Our overall operational performance has improved, and was honoured as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Her ambitions continue to grow. “I hope to contribute
the change is visible.” at the highest level of Transnet’s leadership, alongside
Women in 2024. colleagues who share the same vision for transformation,”
The company’s focus is on revitalising South Africa’s “Balancing work and personal life are one of the biggest she says confidently. “My advice to women is simple:
critical infrastructure, including ports and rail. “Our rail upskill yourself. Empower yourself to take on the world.
infrastructure is being rehabilitated through one of the challenges,” she says. “You have to align the two. Dream Nothing is ever too much – take it one step at a time and
largest programmes in decades,” she adds. “We’re driving big but stay realistic about what you want to achieve, just breathe.”
growth, creating jobs and strengthening the economy. both professionally and personally.”
Our goal is simple: to focus, to develop, to motivate, and Her advice to young professionals is both practical and Ashika believes in the importance of pausing to
to empower.” inspiring. “There’s a lack of skills and knowledge in many recharge. “Being a career woman, a mother and a wife is

Transnet Property has also been forging new alliances to industries, so it is vital that we empower one another,” challenging,” she says. “That’s why it is important to find
your hobby. I love art, especially mosaics. I take walks on
strengthen its developmental reach. “We are establishing she says. “If we do that, we’ll achieve more and win the beach, lie on the grass, and admire nature. Those little
joint ventures with the private sector,” she explains. bigger. Keep your feet on the ground, reach for the stars, moments help me recharge.”
“It’s going very well and with foreign investment, we’re put your head down, and get the work done. Find your
creating a platform that attracts international partners balance, and you will succeed.” Ashika is proud to be part of a generation of women
and builds confidence in the South African economy.” breaking barriers and creating new possibilities. “We’ve
THE POWER OF DREAMS broken boundaries as women leaders,” she says proudly.
Her enthusiasm is unmistakable. “My journey has been While Ashika’s career has been defined by large scale “But you must always reassess your goals. Once you achieve
very exciting and humbling,” she says. “I started at the transformation, her personal motivation comes from one dream, set another. Keep growing, keep dreaming.”
bottom. When I left school, I went into retail and worked something far more intimate – her family and her faith.
my way up. Property soon became my calling. Creating “My greatest inspiration is my boys,” she smiles. “I have She smiles as she reflects on the journey ahead. “We’ve
catalyst projects and seeing developments come to life three sons, and I see my dreams through them. They come so far, but there’s always more to learn and more
has been deeply fulfilling.” to do,” she says. “Dream big, stay grounded, and believe
inspire me every step of the way.”
in your strengths. Nothing is impossible when you take
PERSEVERANCE AND PURPOSE She also credits her mother for shaping her values and it one step at a time – the horizon is endless, and so are
Over 25 years, Ashika’s determination and work ethic determination. “My mum has such a vibrant spirit,” she the possibilities.”

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