Page 21 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

I know where my blessings come from, and that motivates me

to give without expecting anything in return.

A Passion for Giving Back wanted to be the one in my family to make a difference,”
Owner,
she recalls. Through sheer hard work, dedication, and
SA Water Products For Annelene, success goes beyond financial gain. a strong belief in herself, she rose to the top. “I’m the
“People often focus on pay cheques and achievements, only one in my family who owns a business, and I’m
nnelene Govender, the proud owner of but to me, success is about doing something that makes successful because I’ve always believed in my ability to
SA Water Products, located in Richards a difference in someone else’s life,” she explains. achieve my dreams.”
A Bay, embodies resilience, ambition, and an
unwavering commitment to giving back to her local While her business reflects her professional accomplish- Annelene’s father remains a significant influence on her
community. “I’ve always believed that whatever you ments, Annelene’s heart lies in her desire to give back journey. “My dad raised five children on a single income,
put your mind to, you can achieve, as long as you to the community. “My biggest dream is to open an and he did it selflessly. He’ll always be my hero,” she says
believe in yourself,” she says, a philosophy that has orphanage and an old age home, where the younger with pride. Family is central to her life. She is a proud
driven her impressive career. generation can care for the elderly,” she shares. mother to her four-year-old son, Sian, and finds constant

Born on a beautiful farm in Nonoti, Annelene’s early life This vision is deeply personal for her. “I’ve always had a strength in her husband Selvan.
was grounded in rural simplicity. “I studied at Stanger soft spot for the elderly. Many children don’t take care of Empowering Others
Secondary before my family relocated to Richards Bay, their parents when they get older, and that’s something I
where I completed my matric at Richards Bay Secondary,” want to change. The orphanage and old age home would Despite her success, Annelene always remains grounded.
she recalls. She wasted no time in launching her career, be a place where both generations can support and care “I come from humble beginnings, and I never want to
starting work immediately after school. “Four years into for each other.” lose that sense of humility. It’s important to stay grounded
my career, I joined Amanzi Ichweba, where I began in Her goal is to fund the project independently. “I’m and to always look for ways to improve and help others.”
internal sales and worked my way up to sales manager, working towards making this a reality, and I hope the local Consequently, Annelene’s role extends far beyond being
and eventually, sales director.” community will support me in achieving this dream,” she an entrepreneur. She is also a mentor and an inspiration

During her 14-year tenure at Amanzi Ichweba, Annelene says with determination. to many. “I always try to motivate my staff to strive for
gained invaluable experience in the water products This desire to help others isn’t just a dream for the future; excellence, to push themselves beyond their limits,” she
industry. She credits her former employers for shaping it’s an ethos that Annelene lives by every day. “I believe says. Her leadership is rooted in her own experiences of
her business acumen. “They’ve left a remarkable impres- you’ve never truly lived until you’ve done something overcoming obstacles. “I’ve built my confidence over the
sion on me. I’m grateful for their guidance, which has for someone who can never pay you back,” she says, a years, and now I try to pass that on to others. I tell them,
influenced how I run my business today.” ‘Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything’.”
statement that reflects the selflessness that drives her. She
When the company closed its doors, Annelene seized also acknowledges the importance of giving, stating, “I Her advice to young women is clear and powerful: “The
the opportunity to start her own venture. “That was know where my blessings come from, and that motivates world is your oyster. Go conquer it. Be a go-getter, pursue
my moment. I had the skills, the experience, and the me to give without expecting anything in return.” your dreams, and trust that with faith and determination,
passion, and I knew it was time to take the leap.” In Building a Legacy you can achieve anything.”
2018, SA Water Products was born. The business Looking to the future, Annelene has ambitious plans
has flourished ever since. “We’ve received immense Annelene’s success is not just the result of hard work, but for SA Water Products. “I want to expand the business
support from the local community and surrounding also her ability to overcome adversity. “Being a woman beyond Richards Bay, to broaden its footprint and make
areas, and I couldn’t be more thankful.” in our industry, especially in a place like Richards Bay, is a bigger impact,” she says with confidence.
not easy,” she admits. “I’m the only woman in my field,
Annelene attributes her success to hard work, but I stay focused on my goals. Every challenge I face is a In everything she does, Annelene exemplifies resilience,
dedication, and the unwavering support of her partner, stepping stone that helps me grow.” selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to making
whom she describes as her rock. “He always pushes me a difference. Her journey is a testament to the power of
to strive for excellence,” she says. Over 21 years in the Her resilience is a trait developed early in life, having belief, hard work, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy.
industry, she has built solid relationships, which have grown up in a humble home. “We came from very poor “I know I can do it,” she says with quiet confidence,
also played a crucial role in her growth. beginnings, but I was determined to change that. I “because I’m a go-getter, and I believe in myself.”

Annelene GOVENDER | 19