Aneshree Naicker

Aneshree Naicker is the chief executive officer of three businesses. These companies Stallion Towlines, Authentic Scrap Metals, and Nutech Security, stand as pillars of success among industries predominantly led by men.

Stallion Towlines, she explains, was founded by her late husband. “We met in 2010, married in 2012, thereafter I played a vital role in developing the business with an expanding fleet. Armed with my BCom degree I focused on finance and management, while he managed the hustle and grind on the road.” Her second venture, Authentic Scrap Metals, was founded in 2012. “That’s solely my own enterprise,” Aneshree notes with pride. The third, Nutech Security, is her current priority. “It is 100% woman-owned, black economic empowerment level one, and that is where my attention is directed now. Stallion and Authentic have made considerable progress.”

Aneshree’s leadership journey is unique. “I’ve never been employed. I’ve never earned a salary. I was alwayson the opposite side of the table, paying salaries. I’m not sure how good I am at following instructions, but I am skilled at delegating,” she says with a hint of humour.

RESILIENCE THROUGH TRAGEDY
Her professional milestones, however, are only one part of her narrative as life has tested Aneshree harshly.“When I was 27, I lost my dad. When I was 28, I lost my grandfather. Sadly, I lost my husband to Covid in 2021.The last four years have been really challenging because it was my sole responsibility to pick up the pieces and keep the businesses afloat.” However, says Aneshree, “I have been blessed with three daughters, my twins who are 13 and my youngest who is 12”.

Despite immense hardship, Aneshree gives gratitude and dues to her team. “I have an excellent management team across all three businesses. I liaise directly with them,” she explained. Recalling the darkest period of her life, Aneshree says, “It was quite daunting because I was in hospital with my husband for 33 days. He had asthma, an underlying condition, and was eventually placed on a ventilator.

Unfortunately, he did not survive. At first, I just went into operation mode, arranging the memorial service, doing the tributes, and the rituals. Then I looked at my three little kids, my twins were nine and my youngest was eight and realised my whole world had fallen apart.”

Her involvement in the businesses became both a responsibility and a form of healing. Aneshree expanded, “Thankfully, I was already involved in all three businesses, so I was able to keep the reins tight to ensure their smooth operations.” The blows did not stop there. “Two years after my husband passed on I lost my mum. She was 74 and suffered multiple illnesses. She lived with me, and I took care of her.” Reflecting deeply, Aneshree says, “The strongest person I knew, my role model, was definitely my mum. She was quite entrepreneurial, loving, giving, and caring. She also lost my dad when she was relatively young and raised three children on her own. She was my tower of strength when I lost my husband. Losing her was difficult, but because of her age and illness, it was easier to accept. Losing my soulmate was devastating.”

A LEADER BEYOND THE OFFICE
Aneshree is not a CEO who leads from behind a desk. “I am a people’s person. You will see me out in operations, jumping into vehicles, driving around and meeting clients. It is not all about holding the title. My managerial skills are more advanced than my financial ones. I enjoy the day-to-day operations.” Stallion Towlines, she explains is about 30 years old now. “We’re affiliated with all the insurance companies and South African Police Services, and we’ve earned respect in the industry.” Authentic Scrap Metals, too, has grown successfully. “It’s reached its climax,” Aneshree says proudly. “Most of my time now is directed to Nutech Security.”

Her security business reflects her competitive spirit. “Because it is male-dominated, it is challenging but that is more reason to compete harder. We focus on home security, guarding, corporate and commercial protection, VIP escorting, alarms, monitoring, and cameras. We have even opened a branch in Johannesburg.”

Aneshree’s advice to other women in business is both grounded and empowering. “You need to be headstrong and stay focused. You’ll have difficult days, especially after tragedy. It’s been four years since I lost my husband, but with perseverance I’m slowly climbing back up the ladder. It’s motivating; you become proud of your success and realise you’ve achieved heights you didn’t think possible.”

She is deeply aware of her roles as mother and mentor. Aneshree said, “I have three little girls, so I need to be a role model for them. If I can do it after all that I’ve encountered, any woman can.” Aneshree recently turned 45 but shows no signs of slowing down. “I was hoping to retire, but I’ve given myself another five years. You work hard, but you should also play hard. I double up as mom and dad, so spending quality time with my daughters, taking them on holidays, is just as important. It’s not enough to make money; you must also enhance the quality of your life.”

Her entrepreneurial reality, however, leaves little room for rest.

“There is no real balance when you are an entrepreneur. Towing is 24 hours. Security is 24 hours. Authentic is the only one that opens at seven and closes at five. The phones ring at any hour; two, three, five in the morning. You must be available. Even on holiday, you are still working.”

Despite the endless demands, Aneshree remains grateful and inspired. “I am quite overwhelmed at times but proud of all my achievements. Hopefully, my story inspires younger women to work harder, stay focused, and realise that life is not just about family and caretaking. You have your own purpose, and there is a portion of life that belongs solely to you.” With characteristic resolve, Aneshree ends with conviction: “It’s difficult but certainly doable.”