Page 55 - KZN Leaders Portfolio E-BOOK 2107

Provincial Head KZN of Standard Bank “My style has changed as the demands of the modern
world has evolved. I am always trying to be more
MRAAN NOORBHAI, Standard Bank Provincial engaging and supportive whilst ensuring that as a leader
Head KZN, says, “I attest that I see the need to I meet the demands that our customers require of us. I
keep learning and enquiring. I am never satisfied have learnt that the team approach is key to a successful
Iwith the basics and always demand to know more, leader where collaboration and servant leadership paves
ask more, and seek more in my quest to have a better the way for ultimate success,” explained Noorbhai.
understanding of the industry I operate in and the
outside world and how things interconnect with each Currently, Noorbhai is also an active member of the
other in the global village.” KZN Growth Coalition, SAIPA, SAICA, the Durban
Chamber of Commerce, and the Minara Chamber.
Over the years, this philosophy has driven his career
Speaking of Standard Bank Noorbhai says, “We
path. Noorbhai studied at the University of Durban see ourselves more than just a bank and measure
Westville, where he completed his formal studies as our value beyond financial outcomes. By using the
an accountant. Thereafter, he joined Desai Jadwat Inc. fundamental power of financial services and operating
where he served his articles as a trainee accountant. He in a sustainable and inclusive way we have been able to
commented, “As is customary I recall being successful make many positive contributions socially, economically
within 24 hours of completing my articles.”
and environmentally. Every Standard Banker plays a part
Noorbhai then joined the motor industry at a company in delivering our purpose and with this commitment
called Competition Motors as General Manager for we will continue to contribute to the prosperity and
the facility in Johannesburg. Within two years he was wellbeing of the societies in which we operate in,
approached by a core supplier of Competition Motors positively driving Africa’s growth in a sustainable and
to join their team as Financial Manager in Kyalami. His inclusive way.”
departure from the motor industry was in 1998 where Standard Bank has:
he assumed the role as accountant at Standard Bank
Personal and Business Banking SA. Secured the financial wellbeing of 5033 South Africans
by restructuring loans for 38 drought impacted
His career at Standard Bank spanned various
roles from Sales and Distribution to Accountant, agriculture clients
Management Accountant, Financial Manager and Provided more than 90 000 homes with sustainable
finally Director Finance for Customer Channels PBB electricity by partnering with Solar energy providers
(SA). Noorbhai was nominated as a Star and Super Star and generating 190MW of solar energy
performer over five years.
Made banking easier, safer and faster for millions of
In 2010 Noorbhai decided to take up a business South Africans by processing 14.6 million instant
opportunity in KwaZulu-Natal as Head Retail Banking. Money transactions
He said that his career breakthrough was when he was Given 257 University students access to a brighter
appointed Director Finance at Standard Bank and in tomorrow by investing R70mil in bursaries

2015, Head Province KwaZulu-Natal.
Ensures reliable treatment for Cancer patients by
During this time he was successful in being nominated financing radiology equipment in 98 Kenyan hospitals
for three prestigious leadership programmes facilitated
by GIBBS. One in New York, one in China/Hong Kong / Supported 560 000 small scale farmers in Kenya by
Nigeria and one in London. improving payment methods to them
He says that success is always about never being Helped grow hundreds of black owned businesses by
content with what you have but to seek out the providing R502 million in loans they would not
opportunities that lie ahead. “I challenge the status quo, otherwise have had access
always seeking better ways to get the job done and “My plans to 2020 is to continue to build a strong
the need to move away from the conventional if it’s brand team and brand in KwaZulu-Natal and ensure that
not working. This attitude to life I believe is one of the I leave a positive legacy when I do move and take on
reasons for my success. Seeking knowledge from cradle different challenges,” said Noorbhai.
to grave and learning from my mistakes,” said Noorbhai.
He concluded, “My team always asks me ‘what’s my
He recently completed the Financial Advisory and next…’. For me it’s about enjoying every moment at
Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act RE5 and RE1 (Key work and home. I guess the Chinese talk about work
Individual) examinations.
life balance as ‘it does not exist’, it’s all about co-
In most instances he says that his greatest learnings existence. I enjoy quiet time with family and ensure I
have been derived from horizontal moves in an do plan some activity to sustain some fitness levels like
organisation that allows him to test his abilities across jogging and swimming. My perfect holiday destinations
different environments. This he says strengthens ones will always be exotic islands where I can just enjoy the
capabilities to navigate the complex world of business. beauty and nature.”

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