Kerusha Naidu

Kerusha Naidu’s journey from a Durban call centre to managing multi-megawatt solar projects is a testament to grit, reinvention and impact. At 15, Kerusha’s schooling was abruptly interrupted, and self-doubt crept in during a long period of isolation. But at 20, she made a life-changing decision: she homeschooled herself, passed matric, and reignited her ambition to make a difference. Her career began modestly — stacking shelves in a mall, answering phones — but her tenacity never waned. She earned 23 distinctions during her BBA at Mancosa, graduating top of her class, and went on to win the DHL GradStar Top 10 award. Kerusha, 29, is a project manager at Terra Firma Solutions, where she leads the delivery of large-scale solar energy systems for major industrial clients. She has overseen more than 900 residential solar installations and delivered a multi-megawatt commercial system ahead of schedule. A TransUnion Rising Star finalist, she also mentors students, supports retrenched professionals, and helps families in need. Kerusha’s definition of success is simple: show up, stay the course, and lift others as you rise.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Liverpool John Moores University (2nd year candidate)
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Mancosa
• Higher Certificate in Business Management, Mancosa
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management, Mancosa
• Organisational Leadership Certificate, University of California, Riverside

• Completed a degree at MANCOSA with 23 out of 24 distinctions (cum laude), and recognised as a Top Achiever in South Africa
• Named one of DHL GradStar South Africa’s Top 10 Most Employable Students
• Headhunted into the renewable-energy sector and successfully coordinated over 900 residential solar installations across nine provinces, managing logistics, procurement and regulatory compliance
• Led eight commercial and industrial solar projects in seven months, demonstrating agile planning and prioritisation under high-pressure conditions in 2023
• Recognised as a TransUnion Rising Star finalist in the Energy & Environment category in 2023, competing with professionals across the energy sector
• Delivered a multi-megawatt ground-mount and carport system for a major manufacturing client in 2024

• Nelson Mandela showed that true change demands stubborn hope. During a time of early disruption and self-doubt, his mantra — “It always seems impossible until it’s done”
• Matthew McConaughey, through his Oscar speech, reframed the idea of role models. Declaring his hero as “me in 10 years” revealed that the most powerful inspiration often lies just out of reach
• Ursula Burns continues to inspire with her rise from public housing to Fortune 500 CEO. Her story is proof that starting circumstances do not define outcomes — and that education, grit and purpose can break through any barrier
• Jim Carrey, who joked that even as a two-time Golden Globe winner, he still aspired to be a three-time winner, shared the bittersweet truth about accolades: they hold value, but can never outweigh the unseen hours of dedication, empathy and quiet perseverance.