Page 79 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Samantha Swanepoel

Financial Director of Boiler Craft Africa and motivates me every day. My husband pushes me I envisioned at the start of my journey is completely
to do better, and my parents instilled in me the value different from what it is now and I’m better for it.”
of hard work. They are all a huge part of why I do what
amantha Swanepoel, the financial director I do.” She added, “I strongly believe everything that’s happened
S of Boiler Craft Africa, is helping to power through my journey has happened for a reason. I wouldn’t
industries through bespoke boiler and
steam solutions. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, the company BUILDING A BUSINESS change a thing, because if it weren’t for the bumps along
the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today. You have to be
is dedicated to delivering sustainable, safe, and reliable Samantha believes her greatest contribution to Boiler adaptable, especially in fast-paced industries where quick
steam systems that enable industries to operate Craft Africa has been establishing a strong financial decisions are essential. See obstacles as opportunities
structure that enables growth and empowers people.
efficiently while advancing towards a greener future. and turn something negative into something positive.”
“Through my background in the financial sector, I have
Under Samantha’s financial leadership, Boiler Craft Africa
has strengthened its foundations to support growth, been able to create a culture where our people are valued. LOOKING AHEAD
reinvest in its people, and foster a culture that places They are our greatest assets,” she said. “Investing in our
people and building a strong ethos of collaboration has Samantha’s ambition for Boiler Craft Africa is clear.
quality and service excellence at its core.
been a priority for me.” “My goal is to grow Boiler Craft into one of the most
Samantha’s professional journey began in the financial respected boiler companies in Africa, to keep reinvesting
Her leadership also extends beyond business. “At Boiler in our people, and to create a legacy that will stand the
sector. “I started working in the financial sector straight
Craft Africa, we run initiatives to support our senior
out of high school,” she explained. “I became an entry- test of time. Quality is imperative in our business. We are
level bank official and gradually worked my way up citizens, and we are proud of creating employment passionate about customer service and creating value for
through the ranks.” While working full-time, she pursued opportunities for people who did not have work our clients.”
before. Giving back to our community is something
her studies and secured a higher diploma in banking and
very dear to us.” “When you are a business owner, it becomes your whole
financial services, a significant achievement that required life. Every conversation and every decision circles back to
determination and focus. MILESTONES AND CHALLENGES the business – managing cash flow, supporting your team,
and ensuring sustainability. You have people relying on you
“I had very good mentors who guided and coached me,” Samantha’s professional achievements are well comple-
every day, and they have families too. That responsibility
she reflected. “Through those connections, I learned so mented by deeply personal milestones. “Completing my
much and built the foundation for where I am today.” studies while working full time and attaining a higher drives me to make sure the business is stable and that we
diploma in banking and financial services was a proud continue creating value for our customers.”
Her exposure to entrepreneurs and business leaders also moment. Volunteering and community involvement
left a lasting impression. “Through engaging with clients For Samantha, maintaining balance is a conscious effort.
during my years in banking also shaped me.”
and sitting in boardrooms, I saw how passionate they were “There isn’t an exact playbook. What I try to do is carve
about building something for the future and creating She acknowledges that the road has not always been out time each day to spend with my family.”
their businesses. It really inspired me to do something for easy, particularly in traditionally male-dominated One of their favourite activities is competitive shooting,
myself and create that legacy for my family.” environments. “Entering spaces that were initially male which has become a shared passion. “We are competitive
dominated was something I had to overcome. I’m proud
After two decades in banking, Samantha took a bold to hold my place in those arenas,” she said. shooters as a family and spend long days at the range
step into business ownership. “Walking plant and factory together. When you work with your partner, it’s sometimes
floors and seeing what one can build was just a dream Balancing the roles of mother, wife, and business leader hard to separate home life from business conversations.
come true for me,” she said. “After 20 years in the banking also presents daily challenges. “It’s a struggle for most Going to the range allows us to disconnect from work
industry, I decided to take that leap and cross over into women. We have to plan ahead. We don’t always get it and just enjoy time together. Our daughter recently
owning my own business. My dream has changed and right, but we try our best.” competed in a competition and won a prize, which made
evolved over the years, and it has also been a lifestyle us very proud.”
Samantha encourages young women to be courageous
choice to create balance in my life for my family.”
and adaptable. “Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Start Samantha concluded, “What started as a small idea with
Family remains central to Samantha’s motivation. “My and figure it out as you go. Leverage your network a big vision has led us to grow a company with a strong
daughter has been one of my greatest joys. She inspires and mentors, and it’s okay to change your plan. What legacy that we are very proud of.”

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