Business and civic leaders gathered at the Umhlanga Business Network’s Networking Cocktail Evening at Mount Edgecombe Country Club. From left are Mahesh Pillay (Evolve VAS), Jay Pillay (FNB Regional Director), eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, Ravin Rajoo (UBN Vice President), Consul General of India Niteen Subash Yeola, Ashok Sewnarain (UBN Vice President) and Dr Suren Lutchminarayan (UBN President).
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Joe Chetty and Kales Chetty Joe Chetty and Kales Chetty were among the guests who attended the Umhlanga Business Network (UBN) Networking Cocktail Evening at Mount Edgecombe Country Club.
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The Umhlanga Business Network (UBN) has embarked on an ambitious journey to raise R100 million for community development, a vision highlighted during its recent Networking Cocktail Evening at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club. The event drew together business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders in a collaborative effort to establish partnerships that would strengthen both business and non-profit organisations across KwaZulu-Natal.
The event served a deeper purpose beyond mere networking. Key figures, including UBN President Dr. Suren Lutchminarayan and Vice Presidents Ashok Sewnarain and Ravin Rajoo, articulated the network's mission to create impactful partnerships that uplift vulnerable communities.
The gathering also featured eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, Consul General of India in Durban Niteen Subhash Yeola, and FNB Regional Director Jay Pillay. Central to the UBN initiative is the proposed establishment of the Gateway to Innovation Philanthropy Fund, which aims to raise funds over the next three years to bolster non-profit organisations.
This fund is particularly targeted at those aiding society's most at-risk groups, including children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, the homeless, and those involved in animal welfare efforts.
Dr Muni Kooblal, Renuka Lutchminarayan, Sharm Maharaj Dr Muni Kooblal, Renuka Lutchminarayan and Sharm Maharaj at the Umhlanga Business Network (UBN) Networking Cocktail Evening held at Mount Edgecombe Country Club.
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For many guests, the evening reinforced the idea that meaningful change happens when leaders from different sectors work together.
“The future of our communities will not be shaped by individuals working alone, but by leaders who choose to work together,” Dr Lutchminarayan told attendees in his closing remarks.
As conversations continued long after the formal programme ended, guests were treated to an elegant culinary spread, with butter chicken and freshly prepared roti proving particularly popular. The evening’s atmosphere was further enriched by the soulful saxophone melodies of Johannesburg-based musician Professor Chats Devroop.
Ram Ramanand and Dr Narissa Ramdhani Ram Ramanand and Dr Narissa Ramdhani were among the attendees at the Umhlanga Business Network (UBN) Networking Cocktail Evening.
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For those in attendance, the gathering served as a reminder that powerful ideas often begin with simple conversations — conversations that can ultimately shape stronger communities across Durban and beyond.