It is rare to take a project from conception to implementation but for former Saldanha Freeport CEO Kaashifah Beukes this has been precisely the case.
Beukes left the Saldanha Freeport, formerly the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ), in December 2023 and spoke to Weslander about the company’s and her own journey in the West Coast.
Beukes was part of the initial team that completed the feasibility study for the development zone back in 2010. Since then she continued in some capacity and nine years later she was leading the SBIDZ.
“When I was recruited to the position of CEO in 2019 it was the ultimate honour to then lead this company that I so passionately believe in. The IDZ has been in my life longer than my kids,” she jokes.
Thirteen years later Beukes says she knows the company is in good hands and believes a change means an opportunity for new growth, both for the project and herself.
She has since relocated to Gauteng with her family.
Over the last decade the SBIDZ has had many changes and challenges but Beukes says the West Coast, in its no nonsense way, has taught her many lifelong lessons.
“I am not from the West Coast, but I believe in the West Coast and that is what I have been working for the last 13 years.
“In the beginning I was very shy and there was this sentiment from locals that we are different and I think when I started in the role – because I was very young – and I wanted to make an certain impression, but over the years I have became more confident in my differences and where I am from.”
She holds a BSc in Civil Engineering but later decided an MBA would improve her career prospects.
Business is more than merely rands and cents and Beukes says this has been one of her biggest lessons in her time at the Freeport.
“The space we are in is an emotional space. It is about people’s livelihoods. What the Freeport stands for, if you look at the Act, what the company’s mandate is, you understand we are meant to do something for the citizens to grow the economy and to reduce unemployment and poverty.
“It lands in the heart of everyone – all races, genders, classes, so I think you [as CEO] need to know that what you are dealing with is an emotive topic for everyone. And you need to be sensitive to that and be clear on what you are there to do.”
She believes being consistent and “showing up” are the main ways to succeed. Beukes says projects are set up with grand plans and ideas but breaking them down to building blocks, using them to create tangible, pragmatic tasks has been the biggest task of the Saldanha Freeport.
“We – not just the company but all the stakeholders together – have built a robust organisation and a special economic zone that is primed for the future. It’s been challenging and there will probably be more new challenges in the future, but we have a solid foundation to build on and one that is adaptable.”
Despite all her time spent in meetings and networking, Beukes says she will miss the beautiful views, beaches and fields of the region.
Beukes says although she is unsure of her future career moves, resting and making sure her family are settled in their new home are her main goals for now.
