Khweza reaches the big 5 Year Anniversary!
Celebrating the 5th anniversary of Khweza Environmental Consulting feels a bit like standing on top of a mountain, looking back at the wild hike it took to get here. When I left my cushy government job back in August 2019, after 11 years of serving in various departments, including environmental affairs and water affairs, people thought I was nuts. “You’re leaving a stable job for what?” they’d ask. My answer was simple: I wanted to chase my passion for the environment, even if it meant I might end up as Durban’s best-dressed Uber driver.
Yes, I really did sign up with Uber as a backup plan. I figured if Khweza didn’t take off, at least I could still navigate the streets like I used to navigate bureaucracy. But, let’s be real—nothing could have prepared me for what came next. COVID-19 hit, and suddenly, my new business lost two of its biggest clients. I went from being the boss of my own company to a tutor for UNISA by day and a photographer by night, just to keep the lights on. If you’d told me then that this was part of the “entrepreneurial journey,” I might have opted for a one-way ticket back to the 9-to-5 life.
But here we are, five years later. By the grace of the Almighty and with the unwavering support of my family and friends, we’ve not just survived—we’ve thrived. My deepest gratitude goes to the environmental consultants and partners who helped guide me through the stormy waters. And to my incredible clients, who trusted me with their developments, paid their invoices on time (you’re the real MVPs), and spread the word about Khweza—thank you. You’re the reason we’ve grown to serve over 100 clients across 6 provinces.
Now, let’s talk about my team—the real backbone of Khweza. These folks have pulled off the impossible, working odd hours, juggling projects, and doing whatever it took to get the job done. From day one, my vision was to help young graduates break into this field, and today, I’m proud to say we’ve hired over 15 of them. Watching them grow and thrive has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
As a company, we’ve made strides in becoming a leader in the industry. We’ve protected countless plant and animal species, including the tiny yet mighty dwarf chameleon, and we’ve helped prevent serious environmental damage through proper auditing. Balancing economic growth, social benefits, and environmental protection isn’t easy—it’s like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. But somehow, we’ve managed to do it, ensuring limited harm to the environment and creating positive impacts for our communities.
So, here’s to the next five years of navigating this crazy, wonderful, unpredictable journey. And if I ever have to pick up my Uber driver hat again, well—let’s just hope it’s for a victory lap.
Managing Director – Nazeer Jamal