In this exclusive interview, Portio Nkosithandile Dlamini reflects on her journey from chemical engineering to entrepreneurship, and how she built Emakheni Group into a purpose-led facilities management company. From navigating a male-dominated industry to transforming an overlooked sector, she shares how resilience, leadership, and vision continue to shape her path.
From Engineering to Purpose
To understand the foundation of her journey, we asked, “Could you share a bit about your early background, education, and the key experiences that shaped your career journey?”
Portio Nkosithandile Dlamini reply -“I was raised by my grandparents in the rural village of eMpendle, near Pietermaritzburg, while my mother pursued a teaching qualification. My upbringing instilled resilience, discipline, and a deep respect for education, which was further strengthened through my boarding school experience.
I went on to build a career in chemical engineering, working with organisations such as Sappi, Sasol, and Unilever. Despite the stability and prestige, I found myself searching for deeper purpose. In male-dominated industrial environments, I often felt unseen, which led me to reflect on where I could create more meaningful impact.
That search led me to the cleaning industry, where I identified both a challenge and an opportunity — a workforce that was undervalued, yet full of untapped potential. This insight became the foundation of Emakheni.
I founded the business in 2013, and the early years were extremely challenging. I had to learn how to navigate a competitive, compliance-driven industry while also developing business acumen and leadership under pressure. With the support of mentors and a clear sense of purpose, I was able to build a strong foundation for the business.”
Building Emakheni
To understand how this vision translated into reality, we asked, “How has your company evolved since its inception?”
Portio Nkosithandile Dlamini reply -“Today, Emakheni Group is a 100% Black-owned, ISO 9001-certified facilities management company serving clients such as Unilever, SA Home Loans, and NCS Resins.
We provide specialised industrial cleaning, including high-pressure, high-level, and chemical cleaning, alongside integrated hygiene, contract cleaning, pest control, and landscaping services. Backed by my technical background, we operate in environments where safety, compliance, and efficiency are critical.
Our purpose, “Transforming Lives While Cleaning Excellently,” guides everything we do. We invest in training, promote from within, and integrate sustainability with social impact.
Looking ahead, we are expanding beyond KwaZulu-Natal, with plans for national growth, AI-driven operational improvements, and the establishment of an NPO to further professionalise the sector.”
Impact on the Ecosystem
To explore the company’s broader role, we asked, “How does your business contribute to the ecosystem in your region?”
“We contribute by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate, which is especially important in the current economic climate.
We also contribute economically by being a compliant business and paying our taxes responsibly.”
Defining Success in the Industry
As the conversation shifted to industry insights, we asked, “What three qualities are critical for success in your industry?”
“Resilience is essential, because this industry requires you to persist despite challenges.
An inquisitive mindset is also important, as you need a strong desire to learn, understand your market, and identify how to bring value.
Leadership is equally critical, particularly the ability to manage yourself and lead teams to consistently deliver results.”
Adapting to Technology
To see how the business is evolving with changing times, we asked, “How has your organisation adapted to technological changes?”
Portio Nkosithandile Dlamini reply – “We are currently upgrading a number of our systems to improve efficiency across multiple sites. We have also integrated Artificial Intelligence into key processes to enhance operational performance and enable smarter service delivery.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Finally, looking ahead, we asked, “What advice would you give to someone entering this industry?”
“You need a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose.
You must have the desire and hunger to learn, and to understand both your industry and the clients you want to serve.
Most importantly, you need to embody a spirit of excellence and be willing to go above and beyond expectations.”
Connect with Portio Nkosithandile Dlamini on LinkedIn. Learn more about Emakheni Group and its work through their official channels.
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