Full Name: Alfred Arthur Challis

Position and Company name: CEO at MANZI Water

Main Activity of the Company: Retail of purified water

Date and Place of Birth: January 17, 1990, Mowbray, Cape Town

Schools and Tertiary Education: National Senior Certificate (matric) at South Cape College

First Job: Pizza delivery driver

Size of First Pay Packet: R1 700 a month

Career Path to Date: I have been the CEO of MANZI Water since 2023, based in Cape Town. Before that, I worked for Oasis Water as a manager in Mossel Bay from 2008 to 2010, and as a consultant, first in Pretoria, from 2010 to 2014, and later in Cape Town, from 2018 to 2021. I also served as director of multiple Oasis Water outlets from 2014 to 2022

Number of People under Your Leadership: We have more than 20 licensees representing more than 100 outlets across South Africa, whose operations provide job opportunities and income stability for more that 350 employees and their families

Management Style: I always lead by example – from the front, not from the top. My focus is on empowering my team by listening to them and supporting them, and clearing obstacles. I set high standards and match them with my own actions, driving us to achieve more, faster

Personal Best Achievement: Building a sustainable business that supports more than 350 employees, while also contributing positively to communities across South Africa by providing access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Johan Steynberg and his wife, Elize

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Johan Steynberg – his mentorship laid the foundation for my career, and now, as my business partner, his insights continue to drive my professional growth and strategic thinking

Person You Would Like to Meet: Elon Musk – his vision for innovation, resilience in the face of challenges and commitment to making a global impact are qualities I admire

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Gerrie Fourie – his leadership in transforming Capitec into one of South Africa’s most successful and customer-centric banks is truly inspiring. If MANZI Water can achieve for the water sector what Capitec has achieved for banking – making a vital resource accessible and affordable for all – that would be a remarkable success.

Philosophy of Life: Lead with integrity, empower others and stay adaptable. Success is not just what you achieve, but what you inspire in others

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Becoming CEO of MANZI Water

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Allowing work to dominate my life, which affected my personal wellbeing and relationships. This experience taught me the importance of balance and that success is more sustainable when you take care of yourself. While I haven’t fully achieved that balance yet, I am continually working towards it

Hope for the Future: To Expand MANZI Water’s reach nationwide, providing more communities with access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water and supporting more job opportunities for South Africans

Favourite Reading: Start with Why, by Simon Sinek – it emphasis the importance of purpose-driven leadership

Favourite TV Programme: Suits and Yellowstone

Favourite Food/Drink: Hawaiian pizza

Favourite Music: Anything from hard rock to Kurt Darren’s Hop Hop Spinnekop

Favourite Sport: Stakeboarding

Hobbies: I enjoy quiet, reflective activities like reading, learning new concepts, or spending time in nature. Solitude helps me recharge and stay focused

Car: VW T-Cross

Pets: A cat, KittyKat

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Shopping, relaxing and musicals

Married: To Hanrie Challis

Children: Not yet

Clubs: None