Page 97 - KZN Top Business Women 2019 eBook

We are born with different skills-sets and

have been put on earth to serve a higher purpose in life.

area of job creation. “For every individual attending serving on the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Network
Chief Executive Officer, a conference or exhibition at the Durban ICC, on Violence Against Women..
of the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC)
either as an exhibitor, delegate or visitor, there are In addition, Lindiwe is well aware of the challenges
positive economic spin-offs for local businesses. I
INDIWE RAKHAREBE, the CEO of the Durban of a being a woman leader in the often male-
ICC, is affectionately known as the “mother of would like to see continued meaningful enterprise dominated world of business. She commented, “As
Lthe house” by her team. development for SMMEs taking place at a grass- a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural life-giver
roots level.” and whatever you give life to will increase and grow.
Lindiwe hold a bachelor’s degree in management
leadership from the University of the Free State as well Under her leadership the Durban ICC has won several So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you
as other qualifications in marketing management awards including the World Travel Awards as Africa’s know how to manoeuvre, whether it’s leading a
Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and a company or propelling a cause. I believe a woman
and management development.
KZN Premier’s Service Excellence Award in 2018. The influences everything she touches.”
Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, Durban ICC is ranked in the top 1% of all convention Companies must put strategies and action plans
Lindiwe has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic centres globally and is the only convention centre on
that are measurable and sustainable in place to
management and leading high-performance teams. the African continent to make that list. advance women. Only when people are held
She has served in a management capacity for all four
of South Africa’s major banking institutions. Exceed our clients’ expectations accountable to these plans will their full impact
She says, “Whilst we celebrate all the good strides truly be felt,” she said.
Consequently, the forward momentum of the
Durban ICC has been propelled by Lindiwe’s strong we have made in business, we must be mindful that Serve a higher purpose
background in corporate management as well as there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The Lindiwe is a self-confessed perpetual learner who
her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu- most important thing in remaining Africa’s leading places a high value on education and imparting
Natal economy. Lindiwe said, “I am driven to achieve conference centre is that we exceed our clients’ knowledge in order to uplift the lives of others. “We
excellence in every way in my duty and delegation.” expectations and provide an exceptional experience are born with different skills-sets and have been put on
for each and every event we host. We need to make earth to serve a higher purpose in life. The extent to
Since its foundation, the Durban ICC has made an sure that when we open the doors to our customers
which your unique skills are used to uplift others is the
immense contribution to both the provincial and that they experience the warmth and the great
extent to which your fulfilment will be found,” she said.
national economies. During the past financial year, service that we have at the Durban ICC.”
R6.3-billion was added to South Africa’s GDP and no Empowering others to achieve their highest “Treat others the way you would like to be treated. As
less than 14 000 jobs were created and sustained as performance by instilling confidence in all of a champion of equality, I have a vision for a world in
a result of the Durban ICC’s activities. which all human beings are comfortable with cultural
her team is an important part of Lindiwe’s daily diversity and where uncompromising respect exists
A Concerted Effort activities. “I believe I have an ability to bring the for one another. It all starts with teachings at home.”
Lindiwe said, “I believe our continued success is a best out of people, enabling them to perform at The mother of four and grandmother of two, says
result of a concerted effort between the Board, our their optimum. My staff tells me that I lead with nothing supersedes the value of being a mother
staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province love and respect, which motivates them to give and the importance of belonging to a family.
and the loyal support of our clients. This effort their best effort and this ultimately benefits the Lindiwe places a premium on the importance of
coupled with our balanced strategy and diligent organisation,” said Lindiwe. work-life balance.
management at all levels of the organisation all A woman influences everything she touches
help to contribute to the overall success of the As a staunch advocate of gender-equality and Lindiwe said in the quest for success, it was
Durban ICC.” important to respect yourself and have your feet
women empowerment, Lindiwe has made a personal firmly on the ground. “Humility is an important
Lindiwe strongly believes that the Durban ICC has and professional pledge to making a difference quality. Believe in yourself and love what you do. Be
an important role to play in promoting sustainable in the lives of those less fortunate. Her passion for open to learning and make the best of opportunities
economic growth for eThekwini, especially in the women’s empowerment issues has resulted in her
that are available.”

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