Aneshree Naicker: Leading with Resilience and Vision

Pioneering Leadership Across Industries

Aneshree Naicker stands at the helm of three successful businesses—Stallion Towlines, Authentic Scrap Metals, and Nutech Security—each thriving in sectors traditionally dominated by men. As the chief executive officer of these companies, she has established herself as a formidable leader and an inspiring figure in the South African business landscape.

Forging a Path in Business

Stallion Towlines, the first of these ventures, was founded by Aneshree’s late husband. Reflecting on their partnership, she recalls, “We met in 2010, married in 2012, and from there, I played a vital role in developing the business, overseeing its expanding fleet.” With a BCom degree, Aneshree focused on finance and management, while her husband managed operations on the ground.

Her entrepreneurial spirit soon extended further. In 2012, she established Authentic Scrap Metals, her own independent enterprise—an achievement she takes great pride in. Today, her main focus is Nutech Security, a company that is 100% woman-owned and holds a level one black economic empowerment status. She notes, “Stallion and Authentic have made considerable progress, allowing me to devote more attention to Nutech Security.”

A Unique Leadership Journey

Aneshree’s professional journey is marked by an unconventional path. “I’ve never been employed. I’ve never earned a salary. I was always on 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 shares with a touch of humour.

Resilience Through Tragedy

While Aneshree’s career achievements are remarkable, her personal story reveals profound resilience in the face of hardship. She recounts, “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 especially challenging, as she shouldered the responsibility of keeping the businesses running while supporting her family. “I have been blessed with three daughters, my twins who are 13 and my youngest who is 12,” she adds.

Aneshree expresses deep gratitude for her management teams across all three companies. “I have an excellent management team across all three businesses. I liaise directly with them,” she explains. The loss of her husband was particularly harrowing: “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.” Despite the immense grief, Aneshree entered “operation mode,” managing the memorial arrangements and then focusing on her children, realising the full weight of her new responsibilities.

Her continued involvement in the businesses became both a necessity and a means of healing. “Thankfully, I was already involved in all three businesses, so I was able to keep the reins tight to ensure their smooth operations.” However, life’s challenges persisted. “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.” Aneshree’s mother was her role model: “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.” While accepting her mother’s passing was somewhat easier due to her age and illness, the loss of her soulmate remains devastating.

Leading Beyond the Office

Aneshree’s leadership style extends far beyond the confines of an office. “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.” She notes that Stallion Towlines has now been operating for around 30 years and is affiliated with insurance companies and the South African Police Services, earning significant respect in the industry. Authentic Scrap Metals has also achieved substantial growth. “It’s reached its climax,” she says, with most of her current attention directed to Nutech Security.

Her drive is especially evident in the competitive security sector. “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.”

Empowering Women in Business

Aneshree’s advice to other women in business is both practical and inspiring: “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 acutely aware of her roles as both mother and mentor. “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.” Now 45, Aneshree 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.”

The Reality of Entrepreneurship

Despite her achievements, Aneshree acknowledges the relentless demands of entrepreneurship. “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.”

Yet, Aneshree remains grateful and motivated. “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 unwavering determination, she concludes, “It’s difficult but certainly doable.”