Biography of  - Mr Kanthylal “Kay” Makan (CEO)

Kay has served on a number of diverse boards, including the council for the former University of Natal, Tembaletu Community Education Centre and Gujarati Vedic Society in Pietermaritzburg. Makan was a treasurer for the Gandhi Memorial Committee Foundation in order to raise funds to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s rather unique “enlightenment” after being thrown off a train in Pietermaritzburg. Kay currently serves on the executive committee for the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal.

In 1988, Makan was fortunate enough to be invited by the Natal Indian Congress to meet with a number of ANC members in exile. There, Makan conversed with the late Joe Slovo, Thabo Mbeki, Steve Tshwete and current president Jacob Zuma. Makan was extremely impressed by the attitude of these expatriates and returned to South Africa feeling positive about the future of South Africa under an ANC Government.

As a result of his outstanding work, Makan has received several awards for his service to the community and success in business. In 1991, Kay was chosen as marketing man of the year by the Natal Midlands branch of the Institute of Marketing Management. In 1993, he received an award for business excellence from British Airways and the Natal Mercury. In 1996, he was awarded the Golden Peacock by the Indian Academy of South Africa for his contribution to uplifting the disadvantaged, leadership in the business world and his fight for justice and equality. In 2002, he received a Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg.

Makan has made a visible impact on the lives of those in his community, his family and the business world – his altruism and dedication to the betterment of humanity are perhaps his most noteworthy and indispensable personal traits.

In short, Kay Makan is a visionary, an altruist, an excellent businessman and all-round inspirational human being.