Full Name: Bheki Vilakazi

Position and Company Name: MD of SVA International

Main Activity of the Company: SVA International is an architectural and urban design firm which, as a member of the Gibb Group of Companies, operates across an extensive sub-Saharan African footprint. The practice offers the full range of architectural services, including master-planning, urban design and building design, as well as specialist services such as brief development, feasibility studies, green building and audit preparation, among others

Date and Place of Birth: October 28, Katlehong, Gauteng

Education: MBA, Business School Netherlands (currently studying); BCom (with majors in economics and insurance), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits); corporate governance, University of Johannesburg; executive development programme, Wits Business School; construction management, Stellenbosch University

First Job: Cotton, Walsh and Brown Adjusters Gauteng – domestic and commercial division

Size of First Pay Packet: R4 000 a month

Career Path to Date: It really has been a learning journey – being exposed to different industries and becoming an expansion specialist in the process. I did that through the First 90 days principles. Overall, it’s been an exciting journey and it’s also been a practical MBA because I got to be exposed to different industries

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: 80

Management Style: A participative management style which is results driven

Personal Best Achievement: Getting married to my wife, Philisiwe Vilakazi

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother – she was stern and a go-getter

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Maurice Radebe, who is currently the head of Wits Business School. He is my personal mentor and was my nonexecutive chairperson in an investment company we had together

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng – mainly because he is principled and focuses on servant leadership

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Ruel Khoza, chairperson of Dzana Investments, the Public Investment Corporation and Assupol Insurance Group, among other companies

Philosophy of Life: Faith, hard work and dedication to the cause do pay. Going for the heart first instead of the hand also makes a difference when you start in a new company. Lastly, you may be delayed in life, but it does not mean you are denied

Biggest Ever Opportunity: My biggest ever opportunity was at Zimisele Underwriting Management Company, which was part of the Hollard Group. In that company, I started as a portfolio manager and left as acting joint MD

Biggest Ever Disappointment: The loss of my son, Binda Simphiwe Vilakazi

Hope For the Future: That I help take SVA International to greater levels of success, given the long and successful history it has had since it was established in 1943, and that our country achieves a quick economic recovery so that the youth, women and people with disabilities can be employed. I also hope that government will speedily roll out its infrastructure spend so that the entire built environment value chain benefits

Favourite Reading: Crushing, by TD Jakes. I have also read a number of other books, including The Founder’s Mentality, by Chris Zook and James Allen; The First 90 Days, by Michael D Watkins; Retire Rich through Property, by Jason Lee; and In the Driving Seat, by Brand Pretorius

Favourite TV Programme: All kinds of sport

Favourite Food/Drink: Lamb stew and fresh orange juice

Favourite Music: African gospel music

Favourite Sport: Soccer

Hobbies: I used to play table tennis and I still enjoy playing chess

Car: A BMW, but I would like to have a Range Rover Sport one day

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty and a lack of follow-through – when you say you’re going to do something and don’t do it, it’s something that I really dislike

Married: To Philisiwe Vilakazi

Children: Ntando, 27; Sandiso, 20; Qiniso, 14; Buhle, 12

Clubs: None