Shamani Naidoo is a distinguished professional with over two decades of multifaceted expertise in finance, corporate governance, and administration. As an Associate Member of the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa, Shamani holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance. She is also a seasoned journalist, contributing insightful articles on the evolving role of company secretaries in South African corporations. With her extensive experience and deep knowledge, Shamani is a respected authority in her field, dedicated to enhancing corporate governance practices and supporting organizational excellence.
Carving Her Path
Shamani started her career by working for accounting companies, then moving on to Trust and Corporate Services Companies, a JSE-listed mining company, and then into the private equity space. While she was doing great, she also felt unappreciated in her various positions. She did not receive the recognition that she deserved and was often denied promotions although she put in the effort. She realized that she needed to step out of her comfort zone and resign, which led her to establish Shamani Secretarial Services (Pty) SSS.
Being denied her worth taught her that one can achieve what one puts their mind to, and have faith in oneself and the talent that GOD had given each one of us. In 2021, she finally resigned from formal employment and started Shamani Secretarial Services (Pty) Ltd (“SSS”) with the aim of providing high-quality and cost-effective services to her clients. SSS gives her the opportunity to service her clients in numerous ways which she could not have done should she have been an employee.
As a self-motivated individual, with a strong work ethic, Shamani believes what can be done today must be done today and not carried forward to the next day. She believes in forward thinking and looking at providing a solution to the problem. “I cannot be classified as being a pure company secretary or an accountant. I have the ability to use all my experience for the benefit of my clients,” she says.
The Business Idea
As the Founder and CEO of SSS, Shamani aims to look at different stakeholders, more especially the family behind the Chairperson, CEO, CFO and staff. Through SSS’s financial planning partnership, she is able to assist with the financial planning needs of the clients.
Shamani Secretarial Services (SSS) offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support businesses in navigating the complexities of corporate governance and compliance. Their services include company secretarial solutions, private equity fund administration, securitization and structured finance services, and various administrative and compliance tasks. Shamani’s team ensures that businesses stay compliant with the latest regulations, manage corporate governance effectively, and achieve their business goals. With a focus on transparency and efficiency, Shamani provides expert guidance and meticulous attention to detail, helping organizations maintain accurate records and meet their statutory obligations.
“We aim to know the individuals and their families, and we believe in the protection of wealth and assets of our clients,” says Shamani.
Comprehensive Services
Shamani Secretarial Services (SSS) delivers expert advisory solutions designed to empower businesses at every stage of growth. Specializing in Corporate Governance and Compliance, Private Equity Administration, Securitisation, and Structured Finance Administration, it provides a holistic, tailored approach to meet the unique needs of an organization.
SSS offers a wide range of specific services tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses:
· Company Secretarial Services: It provides comprehensive company secretarial solutions, including company incorporation, managing changes with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), preparing board packs and meeting minutes, and ensuring compliance with the Companies Act and other relevant legislation.
· Private Equity Fund Administration: SSS specializes in setting up Private Equity Vehicles in South Africa and Mauritius, ensuring compliance with agreements, managing payables to portfolio companies, and maintaining accurate statutory records.
· Securitization and Structured Finance Services: The company offers advanced securitization and structured finance services, including establishing Issuer and Security SPVs, validating agreement execution, and maintaining precise records of share certificates and bonds.
· Corporate Governance and Compliance: SSS provides expert guidance on corporate governance best practices, managing statutory obligations, and maintaining accurate records to help businesses stay compliant with regulatory changes.
· Additional Services: SSS also offers services such as Trademark registration and renewal, Know Your Client (KYC) processes, BEE renewals, Commissioner of Oaths services, and acting as Independent Trustee or Independent Director.
“With over 45 years of heritage as a second-generation business, SSS blends tradition with innovation to offer solutions that work. Our reach extends beyond borders, serving local and international clients, and we are continuously expanding through strategic partnerships that unlock new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike,” shares Shamani.
Keeping up with the Trends
The dynamic nature of the industry keeps Shamani on her toes and prepared for whatever changes the industry and life throws at her. She keeps an open and learning outlook towards every challenge that comes along. For instance, the pandemic has taught her that you can work from anywhere, but one is required to have a proper work-life balance. As such one needs to ensure their mental well-being, having a mentor or a psychologist is great.
Owing to her work, she gets an opportunity to work with companies in the technology sector and comes across new inventions that help her streamline her work and offer even better services. She also relies on networking and attending seminars and workshops to continuously grow herself and help her company grow.
Empowering Women
Shamani strongly believes in empowerment and more specifically female empowerment. SSS had its inaugural EmpowerHer Conference in November 2024 where 30 women attended the conference. The event touched upon Mental Health issues, financial planning, accounting and taxation.
“Our aim is to empower women business owners to have the correct structures for their business. We look at the importance of having family financial planning in place as this protects
a family during times of unforeseen circumstances, especially the disability or death of the main breadwinner,” says Shamani.
Exploring New Opportunities
Shamani Secretarial Services has currently entered into a partnership with an international management company and will have a footprint in Mauritius in 2025. As part of its partnership, SSS will have access to offices in 26 countries. This gives the company an opportunity and the ability to service all clients in as many jurisdictions as possible. This furthermore gives SSS access to corporates that are looking to enter into the South African market.
“We are also looking through our other partners to engage with our clients on their individual and business financial planning needs. We believe that it is of utmost importance that every business looks at their financial planning needs,” concludes Shamani.
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An Impactful Meeting
Shamani had the privilege of meeting President Nelson Mandela when she was very young. She shares the entire experience of meeting him:
“I had tried to get close to him to shake his hand and his bodyguards had pushed me aside. He had noticed me and he had asked his bodyguards to come and look for me.
When I did get escorted to meet him, I was greeted by a warm hug and he made me a cup of coffee and asked me how many sugars I would like. We spoke about the future of the youth in South Africa and his vision for South Africa.
I later sent him a gift for his birthday and he responded to me in a letter. In the letter he mentioned, “I want you to know that I love you and will work very hard so that all young people will be able to grow up strong, healthy and with all the opportunities you deserve.
He later stated “As the future young leader of our beautiful country, I urge you to work hard, listen to your teachers and parents and give love and respect to all your family and friends.
The above advice was given to me in 1995 and we are now in 2025. It is 30 years since and I try to live to the words given to me. These are the words that inspire me to make this world a better place for all of humankind and the environment.”
Quote: “By collaborating with trusted partners, we dive deep into every aspect of our clients’ operations to create bespoke strategies.