Page 37 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

I learned not to fear the unknown, but to explore opportunities...

Usha has always been passionate about contributing to to fear the unknown, but to explore opportunities which
Managing Director BEESCORE Pty Ltd
a world in which women and other oppressed/minority might have a positive impact on my future. This helped
groups were granted equal rights, and where family laws that me get to where I am today.”
sha Jivan is a 61-year-old single mum with two empower women and children were upheld. This passion
children – a son, aged 35, and a daughter of 33. She fuelled her decision to become a lawyer and encouraged Usha says that she has been personally involved in all areas
Usays that raising her children, though filled with her to spend time on pro bono cases focusing on women of the business since 2015. “Working on my business has
many challenges as a single parent, has been her greatest empowerment and in family/divorce mediation cases. resulted in effective handover of many of my tasks to my
achievement to date. Usha’s son has gone on to become efficient managers and administrators, which has had a
an investment banker and venture capitalist across Africa, Usha has published in “Street Law” manuals for learners positive impact on my accomplishments in the recent years.”
while her daughter is a counselling psychologist practicing and educators. Street Law is a tool used to improve the
in Johannesburg. lives of communities. These strategies give the children Playing our part
opportunities to practice their speaking skills, improve
Usha studied law and, after completing her articles of their literacy, and give teachers the confidence to delve A vision that Usha and her team share is that they are
clerkship, was in legal practice for four years. In 1994, into some controversial topics. committed to playing their part in actively promoting the
she was offered a lecturing position at the University of intended spirit of the BEE codes to support the businesses
Durban-Westville where she lectured on various subjects, She has delivered a paper at the Commonwealth Legal and communities that will ultimately drive inclusive
including criminal law, civil procedure, and family law. Conference in Sri Lanka on “The Legal Recognition of Same- economic growth in South Africa.
Usha obtained her master’s degree in law in 1997. Sex Marriages” and contributed extensively to community On a more personal level, she looks forward to contributing
projects, providing pro bono legal assistance to help fight
In early 2007, an opportunity was presented to Usha, for such causes. to the further development of the incredible women who
with three others, to start the business currently known run BEESCORE so that one day they can say that they have
as BEESCORE Pty Ltd. She commented, “Today I am the Great teachers successfully taken the business to greater heights.
sole shareholder and managing director of BEESCORE, a As a service business, human capital says Usha is her
company which verifies Black Economic Empowerment During the initial phase of the business, Usha’s encourage- greatest asset. “I am equally excited to play an active role
(BEE) compliance of businesses nationally. Our all-star black, ment came from the co-founder (a chartered accountant) in the lives of my children and in helping nurture the next
female-managed business has gone on to become the BEE who initiated the first meeting. “He educated me on policy generation of activists, leaders and changemakers.”
verification partner of choice for large organisations such making, and together we built our management systems
as SAICA, Aramex SA, Colgate-Palmolive, Mr Price Group, and developed a policy manual collectively. I drew from Usha has much advice for young women who are following
BP SA, The Interwaste Group, and the Euro Steel Group.” his expertise and knowledge,” she explained. in her path. This includes the importance of:
Usha added that her principal, with whom she served her w Facing problems head-on
Business achievements articles of clerkship, is a woman who demonstrates power w Learning as an investment in oneself
and resilience. “She has followed my journey to where I am w Making time for the people you love
The initial challenge Usha faced was to build a credible
business amidst constantly evolving laws and regulations. today. She was a great teacher to me, became my mentor, w Embracing change
“Since the entire industry was emerging, we were all ‘figuring and still inspires me to this day. She started practising as She added that challenges are the steppingstones to
it out as we went along,” she explained. “The next challenge an attorney in 1964; is in her late 80s and still goes to her success. “Embrace them with courage, and you will carve
we faced was to educate potential clients and industry office daily. I can see myself following in her footsteps in your path to greatness. Life presents us with challenges
stakeholders about the benefits of these new laws. BEE was this regard, to keep my mind active as I age.” that test our resilience and courage. By confronting
a grudge purchase during the initial years of the legislation. Finally, added Usha her son and daughter are her challenges, you build resilience and adaptability, qualities
My passion for transformation, and training was reignited by greatest inspiration. that are crucial in a rapidly changing world.”
this opportunity to apply these skills in a new environment.”
Continuously upskill Lastly, it is important to have a work-life balance and to
More recently, Usha presented at webinars held by the BEE
Chamber SA together with the SA Chamber UK. She was The biggest obstacle she has had to overcome is take care of your minds and your bodies.
also a speaker at an Enterprise and Supplier Development becoming increasingly relevant in an era of constant Usha has invested in herself physically and spiritually. She
Summit held at the ICC in July 2023 presenting on change and the need to continuously upskill or reskill to eats healthy food, practising yoga and meditation as well
Transformational vs Transactional BEE. meet business demands. “The lesson I learned was not as enjoys walking and jogging.

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