Page 11 - Business Sense-11.4 - KZN Top Business Awards Supplement -EBOOK

WOA KZN TOP BUSINESS WOMAN 2025

CHAMPIONING PEOPLE-CENTRED LEADERSHIP

Group, Nosipho has also in rural Eastern Cape to think, ‘I’ve arrived. Now in Singapore, Belgium,
advised at the highest level executive boardrooms I do what I want’. But France, Qatar, and the
of government as special across KwaZulu-Natal, leadership is about people: UK have shaped her into a
advisor to the then Minister South Africa, and the world. seeing them, hearing them, truly international leader,
of Public Enterprises. She “I came here in 2002. I’m helping them.” while remaining deeply
is a key contributor to the just someone who came to Determined to shift this rooted in South African
National Logistics Crisis work – and cut my teeth in paradigm, Nosipho retired soil. Recognitions such as
Committee (NLCC) under ports and logistics in KZN,” from traditional executive Businesswoman of the Year
the Business for South she shared with pride. It is (BWASA), CEO of the Year
Africa (B4SA), where she in this province that she roles to focus fully on (IPM), and induction into
provides strategic insights found her stride, and in consultancy in logistics, the Women in Logistics
to address the country’s this community that she and on people, focussing Hall of Fame by the OECD
infrastructure and freight continues to serve and uplift. on leadership development, reflect the global impact of
transformation, and
challenges at a time of Her leadership is deeply empowerment. Through her work.
national urgency.
rooted in spirituality. “We keynote speeches, podcast In 2025, she launched
Beyond her operational are here because He is,” she platforms, executive The Leadership Table,
acumen in supply chains, said during her acceptance coaching, and facilitation, an exclusive roundtable
logistics turnaround, and speech. “There are so many she’s building a scalable series hosting 15 women
infrastructure strategy, people who touch my ecosystem that nurtures per session – an intimate,
Nosipho is best known for heart… I want to honour ethical, empathetic, and high-impact forum
her people-first leadership the work we do for God.” effective leadership – addressing the unique
style. Speaking at the KZN Her ethos is one of service, particularly among women. challenges of middle
Advocate Pria Hassan, CEO, Women of Africa Group and Nosipho Siwisa- Top Business Awards, she fairness, and legacy. management women in
Damasane, Chairperson, Richards Bay Coal Terminal Nosipho is also the author
reminded the audience, A vocal advocate for of five powerful leadership corporate spaces.
osipho Siwisa- transformation to every “90% of the time, when we accountable leadership, books: Nosipho Siwisa-Damasane
Damasane stands as space she enters. Her do certain things, people Nosipho does not hesitate continues to lead a quiet
Na trailblazing leader leadership journey is not haven’t understood this to confront South Africa’s Finding the Woman revolution – through
in South Africa’s transport just about the movement concept of leadership being most pressing realities. Within, The Inclusive conversations, strategies,
and logistics sector. With of cargo, but about the about people. I always say “Our country is going Leader, Leading with and the development of
a distinguished executive movement of people – – even with AI, nothing is through a tough time,” she Empathy, Cracking the leaders who listen, who
career spanning over 27 toward empowerment, going to happen without a declared. “And the biggest Code, and How Women care, and who drive change.
years, she has led complex purpose, and possibility. person behind it.” challenge of this economy is Leaders Thrive – each Her work is a reminder
operations across ports, Nosipho’s unwavering not money – it is leadership. crafted to equip women that leadership is not about
rail, terminals, road, and Currently serving as belief in people is shaped People are not taking time with insight, courage, and titles – it’s about people. And
air transport – bringing Chairman of Richards Bay by her own journey – to develop people. When clarity in their careers. she is lighting the path, one
vision, discipline, and Coal Terminal and the Ivili from humble beginnings they get to the table, they Her global engagements leader at a time. 

BUSINESS LEADER

OF THE YEAR

aptain Salvatore He co-founded the and later launched the
Sarno, chairman of Container Lines Operator Shosholoza Academy, which
Cthe Mediterranean Forum in 1992, advised has trained thousands of
Shipping Company (MSC) Transnet on port South Africans for careers
in South Africa, life has operations, and became on MSC passenger ships.
been defined by the sea. President of the Institute Recognised with Italian
Sarno relocated to Durban of Chartered Shipbrokers’ knighthoods in 2005 and
in 1984, planning to stay South African Branch in 2009 and inducted into the
for two years. Instead, 1998. Inspired by Nelson South African Shipping
he helped build MSC Mandela, he helped create Hall of Fame in 2024,
South Africa into the Izivunguvungu, an MSC Captain Sarno continues to
country’s largest shipping Foundation sailing academy build a lasting legacy in the
organisation. for disadvantaged youth, maritime industry. 

Oscar Siziba, Head of Coverage: Business Banking at Standard Bank SA; Captain Salvatore Sarno,
Chairperson, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC); and Grant Adlam, CEO KZN Top Business.

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