By Lizaan Nel
In South Africa’s corporate landscape, where tradition often stifles progress, Sekunjalo Investment Holdings stands as a beacon of real transformation. Under the leadership of Dr Iqbal Survé, Sekunjalo is not just another business corporation but a vessel of social change, particularly when it comes to the empowerment of women. This is no corporate gimmick. It is a deliberate, passionate commitment to levelling the playing field for women—especially black women—who have for too long been relegated to the side-lines of leadership.
Dr Survé’s mission to uplift women is not a new initiative. It is a deeply entrenched philosophy that has grown with Sekunjalo over the years. At a company event, Dr Survé didn’t mince his words. He spoke about the ugly reality of societal privilege—the kind that favours white people and particularly men—and how this skewed structure continues to leave women in the shadows. “Preference is given to white people and preference is given to men,” he said, with no apologies. But Dr Survé wasn’t just naming the problem; he was offering the solution. And that solution is Sekunjalo’s commitment to placing women in top positions, not to meet some arbitrary quota, but because these women are more than capable of leading with excellence.
Dr Survé said “We still haven’t been perfect at it, but what we have done very successfully is that we removed the glass ceiling.” This is the heart of the matter. Where other corporations have offered token gestures, Sekunjalo has made real strides in removing the barriers that have long kept women from occupying the highest levels of leadership. This is not some fancy slogan slapped onto a corporate brochure, it is a living, breathing reality at Sekunjalo.
One need only look at women like Shakeerah Diedericks, CEO of Loot.co.za, a leading e-commerce platform in South Africa. Under her leadership, Loot has flourished in a cutthroat industry. Diedericks is a testament to what happens when women are trusted to lead—when they are given not just a seat at the table, but the confidence to run the entire boardroom. And Sekunjalo fosters this kind of environment.
Then there’s Aziza Amod, CEO of Premier Fishing and Brands, South Africa’s largest black-owned and managed fishing company. In an industry that has traditionally been a male stronghold, Amod is rewriting the rules. Her leadership is not just a victory for women, but for the entire company, which under her guidance, champions sustainability and social responsibility—principles that mirror Sekunjalo’s larger ethos. The empowerment of women at Sekunjalo isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about real leadership, real change.
Let’s not forget Valentine Dzova, the force behind African Equity Empowerment Investments (AEEI), a company that listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Her leadership spans industries like technology, health, and tourism—industries where women are rarely given the reigns. But here she is, leading with grace and power, breaking down barriers as she goes. Sekunjalo’s commitment to empowering women like Dzova is not an exception, it’s the rule.
The future of business isn’t just digital—it’s fast, furious, and requires leaders who are adaptable. Enter Samantha Naidu, CEO of Volt Africa, a digital marketing powerhouse responsible for some of the most innovative campaigns in the country. Naidu’s leadership in this space proves that women are not just keeping up with the future—they’re leading it.
And in the media world, where shaping public opinion is paramount and fighting for media freedom, Adri Senekal de Wet, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Media, oversees a diverse portfolio that reaches millions. Independent Media reflects the inclusive values that are at the core of Sekunjalo.
“We have the most women of any organisation in top structures,” Dr Survé proudly declared. And that’s the point—it doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of deliberate, sustained efforts to elevate women, efforts that Sekunjalo is committed to pursuing.
But let’s not be naïve. Sekunjalo’s empowerment of women is about more than corporate success—it’s about reshaping South Africa’s future. In a country still reeling from the effects of apartheid and entrenched inequality, the empowerment of women is essential to building a more just and inclusive society. Women bring economic growth, innovation, and productivity to the table. But more than that, they bring the possibility of a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality.
As the country shifts away from the outdated thinking of old corporations—those that cling to patriarchal and exclusionary practices—Sekunjalo stands as a shining example of what is possible when equity is at the heart of business. Dr. Iqbal Survé’s vision for South Africa is one where opportunity is not confined by race or gender but extended to all. It is a vision where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated.
Sekunjalo is doing more than giving women a chance—it’s giving them the reins. In a world where women, particularly black women, have been excluded for far too long, Sekunjalo has created a space where their contributions are not just acknowledged but amplified. The glass ceiling is not just cracked—it’s shattered, and it’s never coming back.
* Lizaan Nel is Company Secretary of Sekunjalo.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.