As we have just commemorated International Nelson Mandela Day, I am reminded once again of the ability of a single individual to alter the course of history. Affectionately referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” Nelson Mandela stood as a beacon of hope, comfort, and unity for a multi-coloured family of South Africans.
I, too, have been fathered by men whose hands I have never shaken, but at whose feet I have figuratively sat. My mentorship didn’t take place in a boardroom, but through watching hours of archived interviews and through absorbing the timeless wisdom bound in their autobiographies and articles but sometimes even through real live interactions.
● As a little girl, I was privileged to witness the Diepkloof business legend Toby Makwakwa firsthand. He was one of the first businessmen who made success tangible to me. The children on our street always looked forward to a trip to Toby’s Fast Foods, where a purchase almost always guaranteed an accompanying sweet. Ntate Toby, still in his hairnet, would step away from the demanding kitchen just to greet us.
We basked in his warmth. This welcoming attention made our meals taste even better, and the way he treated us – as unimportant as we may have seemed to others – left an indelible impression on my young mind. He taught me that every customer, regardless of their background, matters. Consequently, his business thrived without formal marketing, driven entirely by word of mouth because of the humility, respect, and sincere service he showed his patrons.
His other venture, Toby’s Ford, sold motor parts until late into the evening to cater to taxi drivers who worked long hours during the day and could only spare time for vehicle repairs at night. He truly understood his customer. From him, I learned to never lose touch with people and to never lose your DNA, that essential spark of connection with your customers that you often start with as an entrepreneur.
● Figures like Dr. Samuel Mokgethi Motsuenyane demonstrated how to strategically negotiate ownership under the iron fist of apartheid. During his tenure leading the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) in the 1970s, he orchestrated a masterclass in collective economic resistance, mobilizing ordinary members to contribute small sums until they raised the capital required to open the historic African Bank.
● This determination mirrors the resilience I admire in Dr. Richard Maponya, who once worked as Nelson Mandela’s chauffeur before becoming one of South Africa’s household names through his brainchild, Maponya Mall. His journey proves that if you can envision something better for yourself, that vision is enough to start. Today, his family continues to thrive, evidence of Maponya’s intentional passing of the baton to the next generation to ensure longevity. Inspired by this, I have been mindful to carefully develop a succession plan within my own company.
● Similarly, Robert Gumede defied the odds to build Gijima, transforming it into one of the largest 100% Black-owned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies in Africa. However, he didn’t stop there; he has since diversified his portfolio to even include food security. From him, I learned that in business, you start somewhere, but you are always permitted to evolve. You cannot sell one product forever. You must grow with your audience and trends, always keeping a finger on the pulse of what your customers and community need. Ultimately, you have to be a forward-thinker in your business.
These trailblazers served as symbols of possibility to a young girl navigating her dreams in Soweto. Their triumphs demonstrated what was achievable, while their failures provided valuable business lessons that no university classroom could ever replicate.I am deeply grateful to the corporate fathers of our nation; the seasoned business leaders who intentionally take the time to mentor, guide, and listen to both established and emerging entrepreneurs.
This is the blueprint of entrepreneurship to which I aspire: a person who refuses to look solely at the bottom line, but instead focuses on building sustainable legacies. As business leaders, the wealth we generate cannot accompany us to the grave. However, the values we instill and the people we empower will ripple across generations.
True impact outlives the individual, a truth we see vividly reflected in Mandela’s enduring legacy today, and one we must strive to replicate.
Samke Khoza
Soweto Sunrise News
