Through My Eyes

Seeing the Shree family at last week's launch at Dube Trade Port, made me dream of a family business that will see my sons working along side my husband and I.It has to be said that working for one's family is not an easy task. It must be the hardest way to make a living but the rewards are numerous.Lets be honest you will work harder for your mom and dad than you will for some total stranger who probably doesn't even know your name.

It was the first time that I had met the Shree family and I could see the wealth of support and trust they have in their union.I sat through the press conference, imagining what breakfast at their home looks like and I was in awe.And even though I want my sons to spread their wings and fly in search of their dreams, I can't help but yearn for their support and concord.

Families, headed by a strong patriarch or matriarch, run a majority of successful businesses. Mr Ashok Sewnarain from IBV Group has the unconditional backing of his son Rahul and daughter Yajna who are growing fantastic careers managing elements of his business portfolio.I tear up when I see the devotion of Mr. Sewnarain's children and extended family standing beside his every launch, every promotion and his wild worldly escapades.

Alan Gooderson, from Gooderson Leisure has always valued his family involvement, helping him run his sixty six million Rand empire. The Gooderson family link to the leisure industry dates back to 1957, when they bought the Lonsdale Hotel on the Durban beachfront. Vivian Reddy from Edison Power Group also has the support of his family in his highly lucrative energy business.

And then there is Westmead Logistics, who recently purchased the beautiful Boathouse guesthouse in Ballito. The patriarch Jay Haripersadh, Westmead Group Director has the support of his children, allowing them to expend and succeed.

Even though Jay is the founder and driving force behind the entire Group. Jay believes that true value comes from a solid family structure and a team of experts that make his business a success.His son Vishal Haripersadh, is Westmead Group CEO, he has been with the Group for the past 25 years and continues to drive the business forward. And daughter Vireshka Haripersadh is Westmead's Financial Accounts Director.

Worldwide, families that stay together thrive together. I guess at this point I have a few regrets maybe I should have had more children, then the odds would be greater to have at least one of my off spring working with me into ripe old age.The image of Reg Anthony, Founder and former Managing Director of Zululand Observer, well into her nineties, she is still deeply involved with the running of her newspaper with the hands on assistance of her sons. Oh I can dream.