A passionate, humble leader
21-YEAR MILESTONE FOR DURBAN ICC
LINDIWE RAKHAREBE,THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE ALBERT LUTHULI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SHIES AWAY FROM THE LIMELIGHT, WRITES
RMARY PAPAYYA
ESPECTED by her peers and well liked by her staff, the chief executive of the ICC in Durban, Lindiwe Rakharebe, puts people first in her endeavours. She is described as an “authentic and loving leader who prefers to lead from behind”, according to those who work closely with her.
Rakharebe’s passion is to make every moment count for her and the people in her close-knit circle – home, work and community.
“People matter. My family, my employees, suppliers, clients, heads of states, celebrities and all the many people I am blessed to meet, engage and learn every day from. These are people from high places and all walks of life,” says Rakharebe.
Rakharebe, who holds a degree in management leadership from the University of Free State and several other qualifications in marketing and management development, joined the ICC as chief executive officer in April 2015.
She has more than three decades of experience at the helm of various corporates and financial institutions.
Rakharebe, who grew up in the townships of Chesterville, umlazi and at Montebello, grew up politically aware – she had little choice. She reaffirms that being politically aware provided her with good childhood experiences, including her stand-out experience of the time spent at Montebello Catholic Girls Boarding School.
Developing people and improving the lives of others is a way of life. She is known to be a leader who remains in the shadows and puts others first.
“I have always wanted to serve others and make a direct impact on economic growth and job creation in Kwazulu-natal, and this position allows me to do just that. I am passionate about the work I do.”
A staunch advocate of gender equality and women empowerment, she also serves on the board of the KZN Network on Preventing Violence against Women and currently chairs the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) ethekwini.
“We are in uncertain economic times, which is a challenge for business, both locally and internationally. Women always have to go the extra mile to demonstrate their capabilities, and are often underestimated.
“Business needs to offer equal opportunities to both men and women. Business must have an action plan/strategy in place for their advancement, including putting women in top positions. We must also refrain from just talking about women’s advancement in the workplace.”
Apart from mentoring, coaching and sharing her skills in her professional circles, Rakharebe supports projects and organisations that are committed to the well-being of children with special needs, and the elderly.
Wisdom
“The elderly have so much wisdom to share. The children are our future. Apart from donating my time and assisting these organisations (of which there are many) with their fund-raising and financial resources and platforms, I also have a personal interest in entities that deal with children with special needs.”
Despite her title, her professional accolades and awards, motherhood and family count uppermost among her achievements.
She is the mother of four children – three boys and a girl – whom she shares with her long-time partner, Eugene Jackson.
“Nothing should supersede the value of a family. My mother, grandmother and aunt were strong, disciplined and compassionate, and inspired me to be the best I could be. I am passionate about the work I do and my family. I always ensure that both parts of my life get enough attention.” DURBAN’S Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) turns 21 in August and has enjoyed a run of success.
The ICC is described by those instrumental in its establishment as “a seed sown during the days of racial division and hatred which took root and spread into a mighty tree that espouses global harmony, equality, health, well-being and development”.
The ICC was opened on August 8, 1997 by Nelson Mandela, who praised Durban’s foresight.
In Mandela’s launch address he said: “The decision to proceed with the plan was an investment in our democratic future in more ways than one. The decision was taken when the former Durban City Council and representatives of non-statutory organisations came together to lay the basis for a transition to nonracial government.”
The ICC was later renamed after Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Inkosi Albert Luthuli. In its two decades of existence, the ICC has hosted kings, queens, presidents, bishops, actors, celebrities and entertainers, and some of the biggest, most prestigious gatherings including the World Economic Forum.
To cater for an increasing demand, it was expanded with the opening of the arena in March 2007 transforming the centre into the largest flat-floor, column-free exhibition and meeting space in Africa.
Since inception, the ICC has had a major impact on the economy of the region and the country, creating and sustaining nearly 100 000 jobs. In the past financial year, 11 024 people were employed as a result of ICC activities – 7 991 directly and 3 033 indirectly as a result of events hosted at the centre.
“Having led the continent in its first 21 years of hosting the world, the Durban ICC will now usher in the highest level of technologically advanced meeting facilities. Leadership in service and technology will remain the hallmark of our performance excellence,” said chief executive Lindiwe Rakharabe.
The Durban ICC was poised to evolve into one of the world’s top 10 global meeting facilities, she added.
Eric Apelgren, head of international and governance relations at ethekwini Municipality, who was among the founders, said the ICC reflected vision, co-operation, endeavour, bravery, patience, and triumph.
“It took the courage and farsightedness of a group of civicminded individuals who formed Operation Jump-start to kick-start development in the city and region. This brought together role players from all sectors of the community who were united in the shared belief that Durban deserved better,” said Apelgren.
People who worked tirelessly to make the ICC project a reality included business, political and government leaders, including Gordan Hibbert, Mike Sutcliffe, Sharm Maharaj, John Bhengu, Jeff Radebe, Pravin Gordhan, Wally Meyer, Andrzej Kiepiela, Margaret Winter, Sbu Ndebele, Mzi Khumalo, Thami Mohlomi, Richard Moore and Alec Gilbert.
The ICC is ranked in the Top 15 convention centres by the AIPC, which recognises excellence in convention centre management.