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CLOSE YOUR CIRCLE

I could to stand out.” In the sees it as essential for achieving p.m. with a piece of sponge cake
initial stages of her career, Farah greater outcomes together. and a cup of tea, no matter what
was like a “sponge,” soaking up was happening around her,” she
knowledge and being reactive Throughout her career, Farah reminisces. This lesson became
to opportunities. Over time, she has witnessed both the growth especially significant during a time
grew more proactive, seeking and setbacks of Durban. when Farah experienced burnout.
out opportunities for growth “Durban’s trajectory is always “It’s like the safety instructions
and learning. She became in flux,” she acknowledges. on an aeroplane: put on your
adept at navigating political “Globally, that’s how life is. What mask before helping others,” she
environments, understanding goes down must come up, and I explains. “You cannot pour from
ethics and corruption, mastering believe we just have to have faith an empty cup.”
communication skills, and in that.” Despite challenges, she
learning the importance of remains optimistic, believing in To recharge and find her
protocol and etiquette. Her the city’s potential to thrive. One balance, Farah enjoys simple
determination drove her to of her key goals is to build civic pleasures like cooking, listening
complete a marketing degree and pride and encourage collective to the sound of rain, reading,
participate in internationally responsibility. “You wouldn’t spending time with her family,
recognised investment burn down your own home,” she and visiting the beach. “I’ve never
promotion and facilitation reasons. “Let’s join forces to shape put pressure on myself to have
programmes. a positive narrative for the city, as one big dream,” she explains.
it belongs to all of us.” Her vision “I sustain myself with smaller
Power of Collaboration for Durban is a sustainable and dreams that are easier to achieve,
At Invest Durban, Farah’s thriving economy that not only and in catching these smaller
focus is on enhancing visibility prospers today but lays a strong dreams, I find better fulfilment.”
and communication. “When foundation for future generations. This approach helps her maintain
you’re visible, it’s easier for a more balanced life, appreciating
people and organisations to Better Versions the blessings that already exist
reach out and have confidence Farah’s inspiration comes from around her. “You realise that you
in you,” she explains. “We are various sources. “I’m inspired need not go hunting; you are
the first stop for businesses and by the people around me,” she already blessed,” she reflects.
potential investors looking at says, “because they encourage
Durban.” Farah has participated us to strive to be better versions Focus on Your Goals
in efforts to reach international of ourselves.” She also finds In advising young women, Farah
markets through outbound motivation in South Africa’s encourages them to “stand up,
missions, conferences, and other history and the sacrifices made stand tall, and build sustainability
Farah Goolam initiatives, creating a more by past leaders. “We don’t take in everything you do.” She
attractive business landscape enough time to acknowledge believes in the importance of
arah Goolam, a “My parents named me after a for the city. those sacrifices and the benefits staying true to oneself amid the
professional in investment Persian princess,” she reveals. Reflecting on her career, Farah we enjoy today,” she asserts. world’s many opinions. “Focus on
Fpromotion, plays a pivotal “And I feel a certain duty to live expresses appreciation that after Even meaningful sayings or your goals without being swayed,”
role at Invest Durban, the up to that name.” Beyond her twenty years of service she is memes, resonate with her. she advises. She also warns
business arm of the eThekwini professional achievements, she is trusted to represent the city on “The struggles you feel are not against self-doubt, believing that
Municipality. Her work focuses a proud mother of nine-year-old global stages. One particular isolated; others have faced them it is often the biggest barrier to
on attracting sustainable twin girls and a devoted wife. “I’ve moment of gratitude stands out and emerged stronger.” success. “We are our own biggest
investments that can benefit known my husband for half my for her: standing in 303 West enemies,” she says. “Once we get
all of Durban’s residents. “My life,” she shares. “He has always Street, gazing out at the harbour For Farah, self-care is not just this out the way, we need to place
business is business,” she says supported my goals and ambitions, and the city below. “You realise an afterthought but a necessity, blinkers on and focus ahead.”
with conviction. “I give Durban and for that, I’m grateful.” that you’re making a positive especially when dealing with
a business face, and it’s a call Farah’s journey in public difference, and it’s a moment to the various personalities and Reflecting on her journey, she
to action.” Farah is passionate service began two decades step back and say thank you to challenges in her profession. “You concludes, “Without discipline,
about contributing to the city’s the Almighty,” she reflects. can’t change the person or the drive, and accountability, you
long-term goals, which include ago with an internship at the project,” she advises. “You can only risk running in circles.” She often
the 2030 vision to make Durban municipality. “I was one of Farah views her adapt yourself and your approach.” shares her personal motto: “Close
the best place to live in Africa. three people chosen from over accomplishments as proof that Her grandmother’s wisdom has your circle,” meaning to finish
fifty applicants,” she recalls. “I ‘teamwork truly makes the always been a guiding light for her. what you start with pride and
Farah feels her path was always delivered mail in heels and a dream work’. She believes in “My gran was a farm lady who integrity. “It’s been quite a journey
destined for something significant. pencil skirt, doing everything the power of collaboration and always took time for herself at 3 and it’s not over yet.” 

CITY APPOINTS DEVELOPER FOR ICONIC

BEACHFRONT PROPERTY

Thekwini Municipality The redevelopment aligns Mugg and Bean restaurant will EThekwini Mayor Councillor initiatives. This redevelopment
has appointed a developer with the Municipality’s Inner- be introduced, with additional Cyril Xaba said the Municipality is a significant step toward
Efor the long-term leasing City Local Area Plan, which tenants to be confirmed as is committed to ensuring that realising the Municipality’s
and redevelopment of Erf 12281 emphasises protecting and construction progresses. all existing jobs are retained vision of creating a vibrant and
Durban, commonly known enhancing the beachfront as a key and anticipates additional thriving beachfront for both
as “Joe Kools”, located at 137 tourism asset. Details of the construction employment opportunities will be residents and visitors,” said
Marine Parade. timeline and programme will created as the new building will Mayor Xaba.
This project will transform the be announced, but the property be 68% larger than the current
This milestone follows the property into a modern facility will remain operational for The Municipality has
Municipality’s Proactive Land while retaining its charm and the upcoming holiday season. structure. also finalised supply chain
Release Strategy which invited appeal. Construction is anticipated “This expansion will attract management processes for
industry proposals through a to commence after the Easter new tenants, further boosting the redevelopment of the old
Request for Proposals (RFP) The project will retain current holidays in 2025, subject to local businesses and job creation. “Funworld Site.” A formal
issued in November last year. The national tenants under the necessary statutory approvals. The Municipality remains announcement regarding this site
successful proposal secured a 45- Famous Brands umbrella, The redevelopment is expected committed to driving economic will be made in due course. 
year lease for the redevelopment including Wimpy, Steers, to create approximately 80 jobs growth and urban revitalisation
of this iconic property. Fishaways, and Milky Lane. A new during the construction phase. through strategic property W: www.durban.gov.za

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