Page 115 - KZN Top Business Women 2019 eBook

Don’t just talk to like-minded people, talk to divergent people

to get as many different perspectives as possible.

vision, and energy. She is a creative, hands-on Women bring a different heart to the table
Chief Executive Officer,
at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of organiser, with a flair for marketing and a ‘can-do’ As a woman, Melanie can’t state if men and women
Business attitude. She ensures that the PMCB is an effective experience business differently but admits that
voice of business addressing all issues, including perhaps women need to work harder to get the
ELANIE VENESS has been the CEO of the those that businesses find hard to raise. “My job is same credit. She believes that the perspectives
Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, to advocate for business and to help develop an of men and women are different, the one not
Mnow the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands easier business environment.” necessarily better than the other. However, their
Chamber of Business (PMCB), since February 2011. PCMB offers networking and training opportunities, diverse perspectives are needed for a 360-degree
She is the treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Business and Melanie is directly involved with skills deve- view. “Women bring a different heart to the table,”
Chambers Council and serves on the KZN Economic lopment. The development of business is key in she says. Research confirms women are good at
Council. Previously, Melanie was the director of alleviating poverty and addressing unemployment; things like networking, business relationships and
Pietermaritzburg Tourism. negotiations.
in her capacity as CEO she plays an important role
Melanie is exceedingly passionate about South Africa, in this area. The advice she would give her younger self is to
which she describes as, “her beautiful country that question her truths; not take anything as a given.
she will defend to the last”. She thinks this passion leave the world a better place “When your truths are faulty, your behaviour is not
comes from being the daughter of a game ranger at Currently, Moeletsi Mbeki who she considers a friend appropriate. Form your own opinions, develop your
Hluhluwe and growing up close to nature. Melanie and mentor serves as a source of inspiration for her. own view of the world. Don’t just talk to like-minded
says she is cause-driven rather than profit-driven, Mbeki has helped her understand South Africa’s people, talk to divergent people to get as many
which is possibly due to her Irish upbringing. history and where the country’s people came from. different perspectives as possible.”
Unsure about what career to follow, Melanie worked She admires him for his willingness to debate any Finding space for everything and everyone
for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a issue and question things held as truths. Something
while before going to university. She loves the theatre, Mbeki said that she remembers is, “when entering For Melanie, achieving a work-life balance involves
but her parents persuaded her not to follow acting as a potentially explosive situation, be 100% prepared fulfilling different roles and finding space for everything
a career. to be convinced of the other person’s point of view. and everyone. She grew into her career and was there
for her children during their foundational phases.
Melanie explained that while numbers make sense If after really listening and considering you are not Working made her children confident, capable, and
to her, people fascinate her. She became the convinced, then prepare yourself to convince”. independent, making Melanie proud of the people
director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism after gaining While Melanie has been nominated for several they have become.
experience in the finance world where she worked awards, there is much she still wants to achieve. “I am
for ten years. Melanie was persuaded to apply for the driven to make a difference in my country; leave the She adds that in some spheres of one’s life you
Pietermaritzburg Chamber CEO position which, “has world a better place, starting in my city. I want to see belong to others as someone’s mother or wife, but
just been a fantastic fit”. She guesses that a range real difference on the ground; greater equality. The it is important to grow in a space that belongs to
of opportunities, networking, and engaging with inequality in the country is inexcusable.” yourself, filled with meaningful things. This makes
people, contributed to her landing where she is now. you a better person for yourself and others. Melanie
One of her dreams is greater access to decent is grateful for the way things worked out for her.
As part of her quest to grow, learn and better
understand, Melanie has recently graduated with schooling and more opportunities for everyone. She concludes, “It is not only important to balance
B Comm in Industrial & Organisational Psychology. She wants the diversity of the country to be your work needs with your family needs, but you
“Which just goes to show that you are never too old acknowledged and the value thereof recognised. must also do things that are important to you, you
to learn!” she commented. “I’m not capable of solving all those problems, but have one life, you may as well enjoy the journey.” For
I can make a difference and try to bring people her, there is no end to her journey. “There is a vision
Advocate for business
to make contributions around issues that are as and a dream so it will hopefully always be a process
Melanie is a team player with plenty of passion, meaningful as possible.” of continuous improvement for me.”

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