MAN bold distinguished You
We profile 40 incredible men all establishing themselves in fields, ranging from entrepreneurship to sport, before they pass 40 IN assocIatIoN WIth
note froM the project editor
Meet the Men who Made the cut adams, siraaj
mpungose, thokozani
Bujela, sipho
murray, Richard
De Waal, Uno
murray, steven
De Wee, Gavin
naidoo, mergan
Ducasse, Bevan
ndlozi, mbuyiseni
Hoernle, Doug
ngcobo, sandile
Hurter, Warren
ntuli, Zee
Kgokolo, thomas
nxiweni, Gugu
Kondile, Unathi
Obojkovits, Dominic
Kwankwa, nqabayomzi
Pardesi, irfan
machona, Gerald
Parker, marlon
makwarela, Phathu
Patra-Ruga, athi
mampeule, Rali
Phakathi, sboniso Ryan
mandela, ndaba
Phukubye, Octavius
mashika, Zethu
Rabada, Kagiso
mbhele, Zakhele
Rani, Luvuyo
mncwabe, sibusiso
steytler, Wim
modjadji, Paul
Van der Burgh, Quinton
mohoje, teboho
Watkins, Dylan
molete, mojalefa
Zibi, songezo
Contributors
Writers: Charl attan, ebrahim moolla, Gillian Klawansky, Guy Faulks, Kojo Baffoe, mzo Witbooi, nazley Omar, Richard Goller, shoks mnisi mzolo, samantha Greathead, thabiso thantsha. Photographers: michelle Wastie (JHB), Justin Badenhorst, Benjamin ace & Leah Hawker (Ct), andrew Griffin (DBn) Grooming: Kathryn marnewick, Lindsey swart @ Red Hot Ops (JHB), sylvie Hurford & toni Greenberg @ infidels (Ct), Volenti @ nixon make-up (DBn). Stylist: Lauren nicoll. Lifestyle Assistant: Bongo mazwana
00 • Destinyman • November 2014
and here it is! Our Power of 40 annual report, in association with Bisquit Cognac, featuring 40 remarkable men under the age of 40 in a variety of fields from business and sport to politics and the arts. the ease with which i typed out those sentences belies the months of preparation that go into compiling a report of this magnitude. From lively discussions around criteria for inclusion to editing down the very long list of possible candidates, to shooting and styling the men, writing the various profiles and designing the report, the pages you see before you now are a matter of pride and passion for the Destiny man team. special thanks goes to our Features Writer and editorial assistant thabiso thantsha, whose organisational skills kept this report on track. Chasing easily distracted journos for profiles, among other tasks, is no mean feat! anyway, enough about us… all of the men you will read about in this report have a certain je ne sais quoi and we have no doubt that they will go on to even greater things. so, without further ado, we give you 21 pages of inspiration. enjoy!
Richard Goller
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is suCCess.” – Henry Ford
MAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE FINER THINGS BISQUIT COGNAC CONNOISSEURS Become one of the Bisquit Elite and join the exclusive Bisquit Cognac Connoisseurs in order to get the opportunity to experience the following: Private Tastings Birthday Experiences A Soirée with the Bisquit Ambassador VIP tickets to exclusive events
note froM the brand Manager Bisquit Cognac partnered with DESTINY MAN’s Power of 40 Report because we believe that remarkable achievements deserve recognition. Bisquit Cognac is enjoyed by innovators, achievers and trendsetters the world over, so we are in good company. All of these successful individuals have worked hard to reach the top of their game and can now make time to enjoy their success and reap the rewards of their efforts. In much the same way, Bisquit Cognac works hard to continually deliver outstanding results through a longer distillation process. Honouring uniqueness and dedication to detail, The House of Bisquit Cognac is the first brand to have every product in its range receive awards. Bisquit Cognac provides a superb selection to suit those who seek quality and distinction. Visit: www.bisquit.co.za to become a member of the elite society of Bisquit Cognac Connoisseurs and enjoy the finer things in life.
Afrika Tyulu
Visit www.bisquit.co.za to find out more about how to join the Bisquit Cognac Connoisseurs.
MEET ONE OF OUR ESTEEMED BISQUIT COGNAC CONNOISSEURS, JAN MALAN AGE: 51 OCCUPATION: Fashion show director and producer. Having staged productions in 22 countries, across four continents, Jan Malan’s gained worldwide recognition. “In the early 80’s, I fell into fashion and show production whilst doing part-time modelling to supplement my income,” he says. Conceptualising and producing M-Net’s Face of Africa model search catapulted his career success and opened the door to producing at New York Fashion Week in 2000, the event’s first on-schedule fashion show featuring designers from Africa. While he’s now constantly on the move, working on everything from Kinshasa Fashion week in the DRC to Mercedes Fashion Week in Cape Town, Malan’s dedicated to giving back. “Seeing the suffering around me motivates me to find ways to make my work meaningful.” For Malan it’s full steam ahead with plans to produce shows in America with a US production company and United Colors of Fashion, as well as continuing to stage shows throughout Africa. BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “A life lived in fear is a life half lived.” TWITTER HANDLE: @JanMalan
Power of 40 rePort 2014
Zethu Mashika (30)
Watkins is also trying his hand at entrepreneurship with his own business, Visual Arts Studio. He does presentation work, such as the 3D rendering of buildings undergoing development, for other industry professionals. In the future, Watkins wants to grow his business and further his education. He is considering requesting mentorship from forwardthinking architects, both locally and abroad. When he gets a break, he loves travelling around southern Africa in his Land Rover. – SG
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ARCHITECT INSTAGRAM: dylnwtkns Dylan Watkins is making waves in architecture and design. He graduated top in his Master’s class and among the top eight architecture students in SA. He competed against these students in an annual Corobrik competition with his project, Shaft No 2. “It all starts with beating the other students in your class. Just to be part of it was amazing.” Further recognition could soon be in store for Watkins. “I was recently asked to present my work at a competition called Archiprix. Like the Corobrik competition, it features the best graduate projects in the world, so I am honoured to take part. There are 1 000 entrants, but only 200 make the shortlist. If you do, you go to Madrid to represent your country.”
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Dylan Watkins (28)
IPLE C N I “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs
fILM SCore CoMPoSer weBSIte: www.zethumashika.com “It feels like I have a superpower,” says Mashika, a multi-award-winning film score composer. “Because what I am essentially doing is using a few instruments, mixing them up in a bowl and applying the result to people – and then seeing them react exactly the way I intended them to.” Having scooped both the 2012 and 2013 48 Hour Film Project awards for Best Original Score, his faith in his abilities has been well and truly vindicated. Mashika, who started out as a producer for Zulu Mobb, Flabba and RJ Benjamin, says:“In those days, I wanted to be famous, but I later realised that what I wanted to do was create something more emotively inspired.” It is this emotive inspiration – which he has brought to bear on feature films such as Zama Zama and Skyf the Movie, as well as shorts like Berea, Expiry Date, Romance at Wedding and Detour – that has seen him grab the attention of directors more than a little eager for his musical touch. A paintballer, gamer and“gadget-builder”, Mashika is currently working on sex comedy Working for Willy and SA’s first full-length dance flick, Hear Me Move. The man himself is the subject of Composed, a documentary that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of film scores. – CA
BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “If you perceive the world like a child, you’ll never have to work or retire.”
Power of 40 rePort 2014
WIM STEYTLER (31) FILM DIRECTOR TWITTER: @wimsteytler Having clinched the young Director award for Haezer’s Minted music video at this year’s Cannes Lions, steytler says:“i couldn’t believe it because the competition was stiff, with thousands of entries.” the video explores xenophobia, among other issues. steytler says:“i was encouraged to listen to my instincts, take risks and tackle challenging subjects.” the director picked up his first video camera after a scene in the movie American Beauty of a plastic bag blowing in the wind captured his imagination.“that was the closest a movie has come to expressing the feel of a cosmic consciousness,” he says. as a resident of Jo’burg’s inner city, the filmmaker says:“i’ve been exploring and photographing abandoned buildings for a while. i use them to come up with concepts.” For steytler, it is the collaborative nature of filmmaking that he finds most rewarding. “We often find ourselves under pressure and that is when the crew members display the most innovative problem-solving skills.” With an anglo american commercial campaign and music videos in the pipeline, steytler is riding a creative wave. – CA BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“Wherever the crowd goes, run in the other direction.” – Charles Bukowski
EXECUTIVE MANAGER: METROPOLITAN HEALTH GROUP (MHG) TWITTER: @siraajadams Hailing from a family of healthcare professionals, adams unsurprisingly chose to become a pharmacist. Having obtained a Bsc, this doctor’s son from the Western Cape went on to graduate with BPharm and mBa qualifications. now a married father, whose passion (in addition to cycling) is to“make a difference and save lives”, adams is pursuing a master’s in Public Health. His first job was as a pharmacist at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape town, followed by a five-year tenure at medscheme, where he rapidly climbed the ladder. in 2009, adams joined mHG.
SIRAAJ ADAMS (37) Here, his duties span product management and client relations. His curative-orientated aids management unit, responsible for all HiV-positive medical aid beneficiaries, is working with the Department of Health to bolster the
Songezo Zibi (38) EDITOR: BUSINESS DAY TWITTER: @songezozibi Zibi wanted to be a journalist when he passed matric in 1992, but his mother advised him against it
because of the political unrest at the time. His career veered towards public relations instead. Working in that field, however, didn’t stop him from publishing articles in mainstream media. “i had been writing for various publications over the past decade when i was approached by the Financial Mail to become an associate editor in 2013. it is something that i’ve always loved doing.” He says mainstream media is facing enormous challenges due to the changes brought about by technology.“We have to do more in less than half the time we had five years ago and still be accurate and insightful. that’s hard.”
Athi Patra-Ruga (30) ARTIST TWITTER: @athiPatraRuga “i’d always been of the mind that agitation of the audience was an imperative, but a decade after i began, i feel that my generation’s role is ultimately to bear witness to our times.” so says Ruga, who, in the last decade, has seen his work included in collections at italy’s the museion and the iziko south african national Gallery. His work was also displayed in the window of the Louis Vuitton Champs-Élysées store in Paris. 76 • Destinyman • November 2014
number of voluntary medical male circumcision (VmmC) beneficiaries by one-third to 100 000 per year. to do this, mHG offers specialised training and hopes to accredit 1 000 GPs before the end of 2015. this will enable the doctors to perform VmmCs in their rooms and reduce the pressure on state clinics. For adams, the point is that the initiative broadens access. mHG’s interventions have improved the mortality rate and kept the motherto-child HiV transmission rates at 0,4% within its schemes, 2% below the national average. – SMM BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “there are no secrets to success. it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” – Former Us secretary of state Colin Powell
the eastern Cape artist’s greatest achievement thus far was “being asked to represent my country in platforms like the Venice Biennale and the san Francisco museum of modern art to a packed house each night. “But,” he adds,“being able to say that i built a studio at the age of 20 that now offers employment and opportunities to my mentees is really the ultimate achievement.” Ruga has been travelling with his partner to Hyères on the French Riviera every year since 2011 to
unwind and loves going home to east London to spend time with his father. With October shows scheduled for both Paris and London, the release of his monograph, The Future White Women of Azania, scheduled for november and a June 2015 solo show at in situ Fabienne LeClerc in Paris, Ruga certainly has a few more highlights lined up. – CA BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“Use a craft that is perceived as forgotten to express relevant matters regarding the body politic.”
His career highlights to date include introducing Volkswagen vehicles – such as the touareg and Golf V – to the sa market and “organisational development at Xstrata, trying to build a progressive company culture in a relatively new company”. He also published his first book, Raising the Bar (Pan macmillan), this year. Zibi says he hopes to make a big difference to south african life, beginning with his work at Business Day. We hope that he is inspired by his hobbies, which include reading, running, gym, cooking and hanging out with friends. – MW BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Work hard. Work smart. take the long view and never give up.”
BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “Your attitude will determine your altitude.”
Luvuyo Rani 40 DIreCtor: SILULo ULUtHo teCHNoLoGIeS fACeBooK: www.facebook.com/luvuyo.rani in 2004, Rani launched silulo Ulutho technologies, addressing the need for computers in Khayelitsha classrooms by providing local schools with refurbished computers. the teachers didn’t understand the technology, forcing Rani to open an internet café where Khayelitsha residents could learn about computers. When the café failed to pique the interest of the community, the business model was adjusted to include training. suddenly, business was booming and 10 years later, silulo Ulutho technologies operates more than 17 training centres – six in Khayelitsha. Rani’s venture has drawn corporate attention. mWeB has refurbished five centres, while a partnership with Vodacom resulted in the refurbishment of two centres in Khayelitsha and the addition of the cellular giant’s products to silulo’s offering. Rani has won the Cape Times/KPmG editor’s award for Business excellence and the national Productivity award and represented sa in the youth entrepreneurship Development Programme in the Usa. a voracious reader and novice golfer, Rani lists opening the first silulo Centre in the eastern Cape as a highlight in a career that is far from over.“i would like to see silulo in every township and rural area of sa within the next five years,” he says,“which can be achieved by franchising and offering computer and mobile training.” – Gf
POWER OF 40 REPORT 2014
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IPLE INC “Economic freedom in our lifetime.”
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Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (29) NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON: ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS (EFF) TWITTER: @MbuyiseniNdlozi No doubt about it, 2014 has seen Julius Malema and the EFF make a loud and impossible-to-ignore impression on the South African political stage. National spokesperson Ndlozi has been pivotal in getting the party’s message across through traditional and, increasingly, social media. A self-declared revolutionary and activist, he has a long list of causes to his name, including the Workers’ Solidarity Committee, the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and the NoBama campaign. “I have a burning concern for social justice. I left university and went straight to Parliament, one chapter away from completing my PhD. I have had an active life
politically nonetheless, both within student politics and outside. But the birth of EFF is really the first of my real responsibilities to society. It is one I hope to do to the best of my ability,” he says. Amid all the media hype and sensationalism around the EFF, Ndlozi, who is also an MP and sits on the communications and telecommunications committees, is very clear about what he would like to achieve as spokesperson.“My objective is to win the core arguments in the public imagination about the economics that constitute EFF’s politics. We need to win the argument with the poor, the skilled, the unemployed – all South Africans.” It’s not all about politics for Ndlozi, however. An avid fan of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Cesaria Evora, he calls music“a ministry to the soul”. – RG
STEVEN MURRAY (35) CEO: WEBFLUENTIAL TWITTER: @InfluenceMurray At 35, Jo’burg-born and bred Murray often “seems to be the oldest man in the room when it comes to the innovative tech startup space”, a space he jumped into after matric as a techie building computers. “I accepted a ridiculously small salary because that’s what it took to get my foot in the door and because I was working towards a long-term goal.” With age comes wisdom and Murray has become wise working around the world, including as CEO of Swish Payments (a mobile payment solutions firm) in Hong Kong. “CEOs serve different roles at various stages. I’m passionate about the early, chaotic stages of start-ups and getting them to a point where they do not require the‘sleeves up, get dirty’approach.” Getting involved in Webfluential, a marketing platform that brings brands and social influencers together, was a perfect fit for Murray. “Firstly, it’s at early development stage with massive potential. Secondly, the founders, Mike Sharman, Murray Legg and David Phillip, have proven themselves, are serial entrepreneurs and incredibly driven individuals. Lastly, the timing is right. The best ideas in the world can be too early or too late. The world is ready for the next stage in online marketing.” Tasked with expanding Webfluential across African, European and US markets, it helps that Murray is a social person. “People recharge me and sharing experiences with them is where I find my centre. I’m also a fitness fanatic. It’s when I let myself go completely.” – KB BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Get it done.”
Gugu Nxiweni (34) EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN: IMPROVATE GROUP TWITTER: @gnxiweni This chartered accountant headed
up Emmanuel Haven, a multisector NGO, and was the first black partner at KPMG in the Eastern Cape before co-founding Improvate. This company, with interests in construction and infrastructure, also serves as a consultancy for small and medium enterprises. Nxiweni believes that the lack of sound advice and administrative support are two of the biggest hurdles facing start-ups. The soccer fan, who also enjoys golf and spending time with his family, took a stab at economics so he could, as Reserve Bank Governor,“sign money”, he quips, before pursuing a career as an accountant. He graduated with a chartered qualification in 2005 and immediately set about putting his many talents to good use.
Awards followed from the Black Management Forum and SA Institute of Chartered Accountants. The World Economic Forum named him a Young Global Leader earlier this year. Under his stewardship, Emmanuel – probably the only NGO to own a farm and radio station – scooped several awards for crusading on HIV/Aids. Nxiweni dreams of an HIV-free world and is working on accomplishing this one neighbourhood at a time. Giving back and imparting skills make up his social DNA.“What drives me is creating a better tomorrow for the next person,” he says. – SMM BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Think big, make the most of your opportunities and constantly aim for excellence.”
NQABAYOMZI KWANKWA (34) DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL AND CHIEF WHIP IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT (UDM) TWITTER: @N_Kwankwa Having arrived in Cape Town in 1999, Kwankwa worked as a cleaner and security officer, before investing in his studies and pursuing a successful banking career for the next eight years.“I was brought up in a politically inclined family, so politics has always been my calling,” he says. He plays an instrumental role in the affairs of the party, its parliamentary activities in holding the government to account and
raising its public profile. Helping ensure the party “punches above its weight”, despite its relatively small size and lack of financial resources, it’s little wonder this voracious reader and family man is rumoured to be UDM leader Bantu Holomisa’s choice to head the party. “I am grateful to General Holomisa for the role he has played and continues to play in my political career. I am, however, not aware that he is grooming me to lead the UDM. There are many others being groomed for leadership,” he says. Regarding his legacy, Nqabayomzi says:“I want to be
Nkosinathi Mbelu (36) [BISQUIT HEAD OF MUSIC: KAYA FM TWITTER: @NuttyNysMbelu Immersing himself in his father’s record collection at an early age, Mbelu developed an enduring passion for music.“I just could not imagine myself doing anything else. I knew I had music in me that I had to share with the world.” Now known for recording, producing and performing his own music,“Nutty Nys”is also focused on building his radio career and with his new role at Kaya FM, he’s on track to realising his dreams.“I count myself lucky to be
remembered as a man who lived his life in service to others.” – RG BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“Do not go where the path may lead; go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Man To waTch] a part of a dynamic group of people who play an important role in the daily lives of Afropolitans. In the long term, I want to be the go-to guy for all things that involve music in the radio world, so I gradually want to move into the radio consulting space.” A nature-lover, Mbelu likes spending time with family. – GK BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “What we have not done yet, we can do now; what we have done badly hitherto, we can do well henceforward.” – Gerard Manley Hopkins
Power of 40 rePort 2014
Marlon Parker (37) FOUNDER: RT LABS TWITTER: @marlonparker Parker is proud to say he grew up on the Cape Flats in a singleparent home. He was the first one in his family to finish school. After pushing trolleys at Cape Town International Airport for two years, he decided to make something of himself and began studying IT, despite barely touching a PC before. Parker soon ventured into social entrepreneurship.“I want to leave a legacy in my community because it is pointless to have a great career
when everyone else is suffering,” he says. In 2007, he started RT Labs with little funding. The firm aims to help people transform their lives when the odds are against them. Today, RT Labs introduces communities to technology and social media through an academy, develops ways to address social problems and invests in enterprise development. Parker is fighting the sense of hopelessness around him.“I looked at the community where I grew up and realised many people had
lost hope. We are starting to build hope economies where people are economically empowered.” Despite being named a World Economic Forum 2014 Young Global Leader, Parker is striving for more. He is expanding the concept to 22 other countries and hopes to reach two billion people in his lifetime. He also hopes to begin a family with his wife soon. – SG BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Circumstances should never determine your destiny. There is always hope.”
Gerald Machona 28 ARTIST TWITTER: @GeraldMachona It’s hard to believe that the xenophobic riots which shocked SA happened six years ago. Zimbabwean-born artist, Gerald Machona, was studying at the Michaelis School of Fine Arts in Cape Town during this period. The attacks had a profound effect on his work. The recipient of the Andrew Mellon Foundation Scholarship in 2011, while working towards his Master’s of Fine Art at Rhodes University, Machona created a space suit constructed out of decommissioned Zimbabwean dollars as a metaphor for the difficulties he faced in adapting to life in a foreign land. He not only graduated with distinction, but also
exhibited at the Goodman Gallery in Cape Town and was named one of the Top 10 Young African Artists by Business Day and the Joburg Art Fair. Machona’s current work touches on the same subject, including issues of migration
and social interaction, while the decommissioned currency remains a key medium for pushing visual art’s creative limits. He exhibited at the Standard Bank Art Gallery in Jo’burg last year and recently had his critically acclaimed work displayed at the Goodman Gallery, also in Jozi. “I’ve just completed constructing a 1m functional Rubik’s cube, which was showcased at the Goodman Gallery booth at the Joburg Art Fair,” says Machona.“And I have a few projects I’m working on with the performance ensemble The Brother Moves On.” He calls himself a“child at heart” and unwinds by taking on all comers on FIFA 13 and other games. – GF BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Success is earned, not claimed.”
richard Murray (25) ELITE TRIATHLETE TWITTER: @RD_murray The highest-ranked triathlete on the continent, Murray is living proof that you don’t have to begin training for a particular sport while still in nappies to join the elite. An avid runner and cyclist as a child, but never more than average in the pool, the endurance juggernaut won two consecutive World Junior Duathlon Championships in 2006 and 2007 to go with his national junior titles in cross-country and mountain biking. He then decided to put his reservations about swimming aside and have a crack at the triathlon. After a few growing pains, the man from Durbanville in Cape Town 80 • DESTInYMAn • November 2014
settled into his new multisport code and capped a fine season in 2012 by coming in 17th at the London Olympics. He is currently the world number eight, with two podium finishes in the ITU World Triathlon Series in 2014 to show for his efforts. On the rare occasion that he isn’t travelling the world competing, this laid-back Capetonian craves a bit of routine.“Being in one place and getting into a rhythm is what I love to do when I get time off, as I don’t often stay in one place!”he laughs. He isn’t content to merely maintain his standards and is targeting three world championships in the next six years and gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016. You may want to put your
money down now. – EM BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Enjoy the ride. Have fun, explore new places and learn something new with mates. Life has so much to offer.”
BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “Be careful of spending too much time doing things that are not in line with your passion, as this often leads to frustration and underperformance. Passion allows one to go the extra mile.”
PhathuMakwarela (30) TV SCRIPTWRITER TWITTER: @PhathuMakwarela When Makwarela joined Muvhango as a trainee scriptwriter in 2007, little did he know how illustrious he would become. Armed with a Motion Picture Production qualification, he was soon offered a permanent job, before joining Zone 14 in 2009 and working on The Wild in 2010. Towards the middle of 2010, Makwarela returned to Muvhango as Head of Story. The show soon broke the three millionviewership mark. Continuing to work on the series, he joined the second season of Skeem-Saam in 2012, which became the most-watched TV drama on SABC1 a year later. He also established Tshedza Pictures with his partner, Gwydion Beynon, and in 2012, developed the first three seasons of Mzanzi Magic’s Rockville, for which he received a SA Film and TV Awards nomination for Best Writing. Tshedza is currently developing an isiXhosa drama. “I’d like Tshedza to grow into a content hub,” he says,“creating a space where writers are masters of their own destinies.” – GF BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“Follow your passion and walk away from any business that compromises your principles.”
Thomas Kgokolo (30) Cfo AND CHIef rISK offICer: CoMPetItIoN CoMMISSIoN twItter: @12Jinvestor success has come to Kgokolo faster than most. He graduated from Bokamoso secondary school at 16 and became CFO and Chief Risk Officer of the Competition Commission at 29. He is also one of sa’s top 35 chartered accountants under 35. Despite his success, he remains as grounded as he was as a youth in seshego. He is awed by his position as Chairperson of the mineworkers’ Provident Fund’s audit and Risk Committee. the fund is one of the largest in sa, with more than 110 000 members
and an asset base of R24 billion. What is remarkable about Kgokolo is his drive to help others, which propelled him to become a financial speaker and lecturer. He also taught himself to trade on the stock market and shared this knowledge in free seminars at churches. Going forward, the keen hiker (he went skinny-dipping with his wife in the Drakensberg recently) hopes to turn these seminars into one of his greatest achievements.“the response is overwhelming – it is beyond words. i hope it will explode in the next five years so we can empower people to invest independently on the Jse.” – SG
Power of 40 rePort 2014
Octavius Phukubye (29) ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: SABMILLER TWITTER: @mohloboloko For a reluctant recruit who“wasn’t excited about the job”, Phukubye has turned things around since moving to SABMiller in 2011. He arrived after a four-year stint at management consultancy Accenture as a public policy and strategy management trainee earmarked for bigger things. That’s exactly where this energetic man is now. Phukubye is responsible for KickStart, the brewer’s entrepreneurship programme for young people. This entails offering advice and igniting an entrepreneurial culture as he works to develop start-ups across SA. He even arranges networking dinners to connect young entrepreneurs with
established businessmen. Phukubye laments the country’s lacklustre spirit of entrepreneurship, which is worsened by a lack of support mechanisms. After graduating with a BCom in accounting, this former member of the Black Management Forum students’society found himself on a work-readiness programme. A year later, Accenture hired him as a business intelligence analyst. Despite being forced into a gap year because he had no money for fees, Phukubye simply soldiered on. He remains as determined today as he was then. When not busy, he enjoys“observing human interactions in congested areas”, gardening, cooking and crosswords. – SMM
foUNDer: wiGroUP twItter: @BevanDucasse Ducasse’s story is one of relentlessness and unwavering spirit. His original business, wiWallet (a payment method linking credit cards to a mobile app), was founded in 2007, but didn’t do well because larger retailers were reluctant to integrate multiple payment applications into their point-of-sale systems. “Having to pick ourselves up and pivot the business was tough. The second challenge has been trying to stimulate change and innovation in the market, particularly in the large corporates. Being a small enterprise, you often can’t afford to wait as long as they take to embrace new ideas.” Ducasse and his team went back to the drawing board.“We realised that the missing piece was an open platform that would sit between the retailer and this growing cloud of applications – so we built the platform ourselves. We renamed the business wiGroup and launched wiPlatform in early 2012.” Since then, the company has grown the number of retailers, brands, agencies and transaction service providers using wiPlatform. The venture has had many highlights, but the three that stick out are going live in two of SA’s largest grocery retailers, passing the R1 billion mark in processed value through the platform and getting the business to break even three years ago,” he says. His BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) is to be recognised as the leader in global mobile transactions, but the medium-term goal is to have more than 100 000 stores on board, processing over R100 billion. When Ducasse isn’t chasing figures, you’ll find him playing golf, running, cycling or kitesurfing. – Mw
“Make a difference, enrich lives and enjoy the journey.”
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BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “Live with clarity of focus.”
Bevan Ducasse (31)
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IPLE INC “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” – Nelson Mandela
Napo Ramodibedi (32) [BISQUIT GroUP Ceo: MeNDI MArItIMe SerVICeS twItter: @BlackOnasis Ramodibedi found his calling when, at 14, he discovered maritime law. With numerous qualifications, including an LLB and a Master’s in Maritime Law and Marine Insurance, he has excelled as one of SA’s few black maritime lawyers. Now, as CEO of shipping and logistics company Mendi Maritime Services, he’s combining his legal and business prowess. His acceptance into Copenhagen Business School to do an EMBA in Shipping and Logistics is one of his proudest achievements
and he’s hoping Mendi will provide the funds to enable him to take up
Man To waTch] this opportunity. His plans include growing the Mendi Group into a premium shipping, logistics, rail and energy group that owns and operates vessels and factories. “To truly change lives by creating numerous jobs and attracting foreign investment, we have to be industrialists involved in production, not just in the provision of services,” he says. After hours, he’s a self-confessed speed fiend, ripping up the tar in his Yamaha R6 superbike whenever he gets the chance. – GK BISQUIt Power PrINCIPLe: “Work hard, play hard.”
BISQU I
MERGAN NAIDOO (32) Cfo: GoLDrUSH GAMING GroUP LINKeDIN: Mergan Naidoo At 32, CFO of the Goldrush Gaming Group Naidoo is responsible
Ndaba Mandela (31) CHAIRMAN & CO-FOUNDER: AFRICA RISING FOUNDATION Set on shifting the global image of Africa by empowering Africans to tell their own narrative, Mandela is a man with a plan. “We can’t allow the international media to dictate the perceptions of Africa,” he says. “The Africa Rising Foundation empowers the youth to truly understand their roots and be proud of where they come from.” Earlier this year, the foundation launched a community centre in Qunu, Eastern Cape, equipped with a library and computer training facilities. “Giving people access to the Internet and training them to use technology will enable them
to leverage the tools needed to compete on a global scale. “At the crux of our success has been our engagement with the international community on the issues of the next generation of African leaders and the future of our continent from a youth perspective,” says Mandela. As the MD of Rebel Soul Entertainment, the Deputy President of the Pan African Youth Council and the global spokesperson for the World Health Organisation’s Protect the Goal campaign, Mandela plans to be a “catalyst and contributor to uniting the great nations of Africa”. A devoted family man, he loves music and is set on studying towards a Master’s degree in the USA. – NO
for turning the company into one of the largest alternative gaming groups in SA. He saw an opportunity in the industry to consolidate various shareholder interests under a single entity. “I saw that if I could flip all these companies into one, I could create something significant,” says Naidoo. The true magnitude of this is illustrated by the fact that it took almost three years to convince hesitant shareholders to support the new system. After Naidoo gained their support, he also needed to convince the various regulatory bodies. He now plans to take Goldrush from being one of the largest
gaming sites to the largest. Other plans include taking advantage of the industry’s diversity and expanding onto other gaming platforms and into Africa and international gaming. Naidoo firmly believes in realising potential.“Even if you are knocked back a few times, never give up. Six months into the consolidation, we all thought:‘What have I gotten myself into?’Just keep going until you get what you want. Work hard and if you see potential, stick with it,” says the father of two, whose free time is spent building with Lego and changing“too many”nappies. – SG BISQUIt Power PrINCIPLe:“Work hard and always be prepared.”
Unathi Kondile (32) owNer: MeDIA YAKwANtU twItter: @UnathiKondile Utata wephepa (“father of the paper”), as he’s affectionately known in the Eastern Cape, won the British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur Culture Award this year for editing and publishing a monthly Xhosa newspaper called Isigidimi. Kondile co-founded two magazines: the Science Stars quarterly under Roswika Media and the WELD bimonthly. After matric, Kondile registered for a BSc in computer science at the University of Cape Town. Later, he realised his passion for media and
switched to the humanities faculty, where he obtained a MA in media studies. He also holds a web design certificate from City Varsity. In the near future, Kondile is confident that he will publish daily and weekly isiXhosa newspapers. “In 10 years, I will have diversified into other media interests, such as writing TV and film scripts and establishing an isiXhosa talk radio station. I’m passionate about indigenous languages and would like to preserve them for future generations,” he says. What does Kondile do when he isn’t building a media empire?
“Absolutely nothing. I find laziness to be a luxury.” – tt BISQUIt Power PrINCIPLe: “If you will it, it can be yours! Nothing can get in the way of your ideas if you are serious about them.”
TEBOHO“OUPA” STEPHEN MOHOJE (24) rUGBY PLAYer: SPrINGBoKS AND free StAte CHeetAHS twItter: @OupsMo Mohoje was almost lost to rugby in 2012. Disillusioned by a series of debilitating injuries, he was ready to quit the game he loved. But it is the mark of the man who came up through the ranks, despite attending HTS Louis Botha in Bloemfontein – not a traditional rugby nursery – that he soldiered on. He was honoured with the Player of the Tournament award for his achievements as the first black captain of the University of the Free State (UFS) Shimlas in the 2013 Varsity Cup and was also named Free State Club Player of the Year in the same season. Dubbed“Oupa”by an Afrikaans teacher who had difficulty pronouncing his name and noticed a grey streak in his hair in Grade 3, the QwaQwa-born blindside flanker went on to produce some blistering performances in the Cheetahs jersey that caught the attention of Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. He took to the field in green and gold for the first time against Scotland in June. For all that he has accomplished, Mohoje remains grounded and insists that he is some distance from achieving his goals. A second-year Human Movement Science student at UFS, he is often buried in the books when not going on barnstorming runs through midfield or contesting a ruck. There is every reason to believe that the 1,93m behemoth will eclipse his idol, Stormers veteran Schalk Burger’s record of 71 Springbok caps. – eM BISQUIt Power PrINCIPLe:“There is no substitute for hard work, but you need to be clever about it and ensure that you strategise properly.”
Power of 40 rePort 2014
Zakhele Mbhele (30)
ZEE NTULI (26) FILMMAKER WEBSITE: www.zeentuli.com While he’s written and directed many episodes of TV series like Intersexions and Soul City, filmmaking is Ntuli’s first love. He won AFDA’s Best Film award four years running while earning his Honours degree. He credits two of his student films, Bomlambo and In Return, as the ones that opened doors for him in the industry. Bomlambo won the award for Best Fantasy Short Film at the New York International Film Festival, was nominated for a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) and has been screened at various film festivals, while the SAFTA-nominated In Return was the local representative at the Student Oscars in 2010. Ntuli rates his greatest achievement as co-writing and directing his first full-length feature, Hard to Get, which was produced by Helena Spring and Junaid Ahmed.“We had the honour of opening the Durban International Film Festival. Our film was incredibly well received,” says Ntuli. “I’m currently developing a music-driven feature with Spring and Ahmed and an African fantasy film. I’m also directing commercials,” he says. – GF BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“Being passionate about your work and who you work with inspires passion in others.”
MP: DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE TWITTER: @zakmbhele Inspired by“the importance of politics in influencing both high-level and bread-and-butter issues that affect our daily lives”, mbhele personifies the new young, ambitious and energetic guard of the Democratic Alliance, following its 2014 election campaign. After graduating from the Wits, he spent three years in the NGO sector, getting to see“first-hand, the underprivileged contexts in which most South Africans live”. “With much of this deprivation being exacerbated by poor governance and poor service delivery, this exposure strengthened my belief in the need for more
competitive politics,” he says. For the next two-and-a-half years, he honed his media liaison skills as spokesperson for Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. Now, as an mP, he is finding his responsibilities, from constituency work to sitting on the Police Portfolio Committee, “enjoyable”and“stimulating”. A gay rights activist, mbhele is ambivalent about being a role model.“I wear the‘first openly gay black mP in SA’title very lightly because it’s not an achievement that I worked towards but, as an objective fact, it is a milestone.” What are the long-term goals for this Durbanite who loves getting together with friends for conversations and laughter?
“I’m looking to integrate social entrepreneurship into my life.” – RG BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Follow your passion, listen to your heart and stay true to yourself.”
Thokozani Mpungose (33) SoUS-CHef: SoUtHerN SUN eLANGeNI fACeBooK: www.facebook.com/ thokozanimpungose.mafresh it was in 2003, when he was in Grade 11, that mpungose decided he wanted to be a chef. “i was inspired by the subject Hotel Keeping, which was part of the school curriculum. i knew then that i had a future in the hospitality industry.” However, he couldn’t afford to further his studies in the food and beverage industry due to financial constraints.“For years, i worked as a gardener to survive, but managed to rise above the challenges and follow my passion. i was so determined to build my career as a chef that i wouldn’t let my background stand in the way of my dreams.” today, mpungose manages the breakfast shift at Ocean Breeze Restaurant at southern sun elangeni in Durban. His career highlights include winning the provincial 2014 inter Hotel Challenge and clinching second place in the Cape Legends inter Hotel Challenge in the same year. His sights are set on growing his career in the hospitality industry and being an inspiration to aspiring chefs. When“mafresh”, as he’s affectionately known, isn’t cooking up a storm, he’s behind the microphone, doing the Mzansi Drive show on Durban’s izwi Lomzansi community radio station. He loves listening to music when he isn’t working. – Mw
SIPHO BUJELA (24) PROFESSIONAL GOLFER: SUNSHINE TOUR FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ siphosam.bujela.5 It’s been more than 50 years since
Papwa Sewgolum became the first South African of colour to win a professional golf tournament, but a major is still proving elusive. Soweto’s Bujela, who is accustomed to crossing boundaries, could be the man to break the duck. The first black amateur ever to be exempted from qualifying for the SA Open, he won several provincial titles and crossed clubs with the likes of Charl Schwartzel, martin Kaymer and Henrik Stenson before turning pro last year. Bujela points to the three years he spent honing his skills at the Gary Player School for Champions in Jo’burg from 2010 for transforming his game. Now back on the Sunshine Tour after seeing most of his 2014 season
wiped out through injury, Bujela is raring to go and has his sights set on playing in Asia and europe before landing that American PGA card. The Kaizer Chiefs fan counts ernie els, James Kamte and Tiger Woods among his role models. even if he never tastes victory at St Andrew’s or Augusta, the 24-yearold has done much to inspire the next generation of underprivileged golfers through his work with the SA Golf Development Board programme, of which he himself is a graduate.“It’s important to give back to the community. I see potential in these young guys,” he says. – EM BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Success comes through perseverance and the Grace of God.”
GAVIN DEWEE (22)
86 • DeSTINYmAN • November 2014
His affair with Kimberley-based skills development and hungeralleviation organisation H&T began when he was a teenager. Not only does H&T run soup kitchens in economically depressed areas in the Northern Cape, but it also promotes sport and offers tuition and mentorship services to children as young as those in Grade 2.“We know some parents can’t read and write, while others are too busy at work and so they aren’t able to support their children. That’s where we come in,” says De Wee.
established in 2006, H&T now serves 1 000 children across the Northern Cape every year and has created jobs for 100 people. Thanks to sponsorships and a more focused structure, the organisation has expanded to operate a fitness academy and offer mentorship services to rural schoolchildren. What’s next?“We want to build a life hub,” says De Wee. – SMM BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these will be added to you.” – Matthew, 6:33
BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “Love and passion drive what I do at work.” galloimages/gettyimages.comes/gettyimages.com
MARKETING MANAGER: HUNGER AND THIRST (H&T) FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ gavin.dewee.50 De Wee’s passion for education, life orientation and skills development is palpable.“The fact that our programme helps kids reach their dreams is more than a reward for me. Young people get told: ‘You’re nothing’, but through our programme, they’re able to rediscover themselves and turn their lives around,” says De Wee, a fitness enthusiast and avid photographer.
POWER OF 40 REPORT 2014
SBONISO RYAN PHAKATHI (26) COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER: SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE Wildlife warrior Phakathi’s life purpose became clear when he saw his first rhino carcass while working for the Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. “Everything changed when I saw that massive animal brought to its knees,” he says.“When I learned about the rhino’s near-extinction in the 1960s, my passion and appreciation for wildlife was fuelled.“ He later joined game ranger Paul Jennings on his Rights for
Irfan Pardesi (31)
OWER PR P T
IPLE INC “Whether you think you can do it, or you can’t, either way, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
CEO: ACM GOLD GROUP TWITTER: @irfanpardesi Growing up in difficult circumstances in Karachi, Pakistan, Pardesi learned very early that “you have to do everything yourself and not expect anything from anyone, as well as actively expand your horizons and your thinking”. With a degree in Operational Research and Management Sciences from the London School of Economics and lessons in “optimism and entrepreneurship from watching my father”, he has built a truly global financial business. “It was difficult to break into a market competing with the corporate giants. We had just enough funds to go for a few months. When we realised that every moment with a customer is a moment of truth – and you should do business one customer at a time – things started working out.” Based primarily in SA, for Pardesi, having spent his honeymoon here,“there was no other place like it – friendly, welcoming people, amazing weather, business opportunities and a strong belief in forming relationships before you do business.” He’s expanded into real estate, fashion and Traming.com, a financial services entity“that gives you an option to trade any currency, equity or index and profit within 60 seconds”. Passionate about travel, cars, bikes and investing in entrepreneurs, he is grateful that he’s been able to make his mother proud and that he can provide inspiration and a foundation for people to do things that are aligned with their purpose. He sees politics in Pakistan in his future. – KB
Sibusiso Mncwabe (36) MP AND PRESIDENT: NATIONAL FREEDOM PARTY (NFP) YOUTH MOVEMENT TWITTER: @sibusisomncwabe While the Inkatha Freedom Party has faded over the last decade, breakaway party NFP is slowly making inroads into its support base in KwaZulu-Natal, winning six seats in both the recent regional and national elections. Part of that growth is attributable to Mncwabe’s efforts. A lawyer by profession, Mncwabe worked for the Road Accident Fund and was also a branch chairperson for the South African Transport and Allied Workers’Union. Passionate about the role of small parties in SA’s democracy, he says:“Smaller parties have been kingmakers in political deadlocks. They play an important role in shaping the political landscape and strengthening democratic gains.” Mncwabe’s dream is to be the founding president of the NFP Youth Movement Political School. “Lack of political education can deprive us of potential leaders. Even in Parliament, politics has been reduced to havoc, without intellectual engagement,” he says. With Mncwabe spending much of his time shuttling between Durban and Cape Town, he relishes spending quality time with his family. – RG BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “The past is the past. The present and the future is what really matter.”
Rhinos walk from Musina to Cape Point to educate people about environmental conservation and the threats facing rhinos. Together, they walked 1 700km, visited 25 schools and gave talks to 16 000 children. “I began to view the environment differently and came to understand how interconnected the actions of humans are,” says Phakathi. Soon after, he formed Green Kidz Initiative, an NGO that fosters environmental consciousness and education in under-resourced schools. He’s currently based in Limpopo, where he spearheads
Lumko Jimlongo (32) [BISQUIT TV NEWS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR: SABC – WESTERN CAPE TWITTER: @LumkoJimlongo Inspired by his father’s passion for news and a desire to empower the voiceless and expose corruption, Jimlongo attained a National Diploma in Journalism.“Nine years later, I still hold these ideals, but with maturity, I’ve realised that it’s not as rosy as I envisaged,” he says. Having rapidly risen through the ranks of the SABC, Jimlongo won the 2010 Vodacom Journalist of the Year award for TV News in Eastern Cape. Yet, it’s being able to make
an environmental services project that educates 300 young people in environmental awareness and monitoring. Another project assists high school graduates interested in environmental education. “Environmental education is as important as the subjects we’re taught at school. We depend on the environment for our existence.” Phakathi enjoys jogging through local villages because“that is when poetry comes to life.” – NO BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “The principles of Ubuntu speak to all my virtues and keep me alive.”
Man To waTch]
a difference that he’s proudest of. “The appreciation from an old lady who finally gets a grant after we’ve publicised her plight is all one needs.” With aspirations of heading a news service focusing on rural and previously disadvantaged areas, Jimlongo’s also planning to train the next generation of journalists. He calls the scenic drive he takes from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape every two months his“source of sanity”. – GK BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.”
WARREN HURTER (26) SOLAR PROJECT MANAGER: UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG TWITTER: @WarrenHurter After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Hurter began working for UJ’s solar team, where he is spearheading the production of a competitive solar vehicle. “While I’m only at the very beginning of my career, I’m looking forward to many highlights in the future,” he says. “Having the opportunity to run a project of this magnitude is an honour. We hope to compete against the best in the world and put SA on the technological map.” Hurter is currently pursuing a Master’s degree, while heading up the project planning and securing
financing for the solar vehicle. As the spokesperson for the project, he has learned to ward off negativity over the last four years. “I had a number of very intelligent people tell me I would
not succeed with such a small team and the limited resources we had. So I used this to motivate me and prove them wrong. If you believe you can accomplish something, you should surround yourself with those who believe it too and weed out negativity,” he says. Hurter is a firm believer in finding a happy medium between work and play. “Sport and exercise are great ways to blow off a bit of steam and control the stress levels. A drink with the team to celebrate the small victories is also a great way to unwind and keep everyone motivated.” – NO BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “To be the very best, you have to work the hardest!”
BISQU I
Power of 40 rePort 2014
Rali Mampeule (34)
OWNER: BETWEEN 10 AND 5 WEBSITE: www.10and5.com De Waal runs SA’s largest creative website, Between 10 and 5, which publishes the best in local photography, illustration, product design and adverts. He’s been part of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship programme and has won both the British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur and African Blogger Arts and Culture awards. De Waal’s latest project, involving documenting the work of eight artists living in Cape Town in the city’s tenure as World Design Capital 2014, has been one of his proudest moments. “Some of the work produced there was shown at the Jo’burg Art Fair and some pieces were picked up by the Iziko Museums. Corporates like Nokia supported us. I packaged the whole project and had my team manage the execution.” Since starting his entrepreneurial journey, he has taken a lot of time off to explore SA.“One of the reasons you work for yourself is so that you can live a‘lifestyle’. I have an adventure motorbike that my girlfriend and I use to travel around SA.” For 2015, De Waal is planning on expanding his publishing area and growing his audience.“Our main platform right now is in digital and events, but we are looking at breaking into print, radio and TV. We want to become the dominant voice for creativity in SA.” – TT
IPLE INC “Red tape will often get in your way. It’s one of the reasons I often carry scissors.”
OWER PR P T
Uno de Waal (30)
BISQU I
BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “Never take yourself too seriously and don’t be an a$$hole.”
Ceo: PHADIMA GroUP HoLDINGS weBSIte: www.rali-mampeule.co.za Mampeule was born in Limpopo and comes from the royal family of Modjadji, the Rain Queen. Considered to be one of the country’s top real estate entrepreneurs, he obtained his own Chas Everitt International Property Group franchise in Midrand and was named Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 by the Africa Heritage Society. He has established a property fund by spearheading investment and trading for his organisation. Phadima is also busy raising capital and preparing to be listed on the JSE. Mampeule highlights acquiring a huge property portfolio from a private investor in Middelburg, which was sold to a non-profit organisation, as one of his hardest endeavours.“It was a particularly challenging deal to put together, as it also involved government. It taught me a great business lesson – you don’t need money to own real estate. The reality is that you can use other people’s money. “I enjoy the fruits of my hard work by spending time with my family, especially my two boys. Of all the different titles I’ve been blessed to have, including CEO and Nedbank SA Property Professional of the Year, nothing beats being called ‘Dad’.” – tt
Mojalefa Molete (30) not passionate about medicine. “in school, i had a small business selling sweets and chips and that motivated me to pursue a career in commerce. a friend’s father was a chartered accountant and his lifestyle motivated me to become a chartered accountant,” he says. a few years ago, molete left a comfortable job at a large accounting firm to start a mining company with a group of friends from university. “entrepreneurship is not something you get taught at university. you learn as you go along. everyone was pulling in different directions and turning a great idea into a lucrative business
DIRECTOR: MOLETE & KHUMALO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS WEBSITE: www.mnkinc.co.za Born in mafikeng in north West, molete’s late father wanted him to be a doctor. However, he was
was impossible. the dream quickly devolved into a nightmare. i lost everything and found myself in a place where i had never been before – in debt.” His second venture, which is now three years old, has taught him that a struggling business is better than no business at all.“to grow, small and medium enterprises must try to retain working capital. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch and always work with people who share your vision.” – TT BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Be the best that you can be and remain positive because the road less travelled has obstacles that can easily discourage you.”
DOUG HOERNLE (24) FOUNDER: RETHINK EDUCATION TWITTER: @doughoernle Hoernle started his first business at 16 and established a number of start-ups during his school career. “i arrived in Cape town to study finance and soon realised that i was more interested in alcohol than studying. i started attending winemaking lectures and eventually took over the UCt Wine society.” the campus“wine guy” established the City Bowl Wine market, before turning his attention to online high school maths and science content with Rethink education.“there wasn’t a lot of
useful content available. students tend to engage via chat applications, so we developed academic material with a chat interface.” Rethink partnered with mxit Reach to ensure that content is accessible on smartphones as well. they’ve reached about 500 000 students in two years. Hoernle is also setting up a gin distillery and recently co-founded Bambisa, which produces an app that facilitates communication between teachers and parents. “my dream is to inspire young south africans to become entrepreneurs. i am doing what i love, which keeps me motivated.”
an avid kitesurfer, Hoernle is working hard to accomplish even more over the next 10 years. – KB BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Break the rules. Change the game!”
Sandile Ngcobo (34) RESEARCH SCIENTIST: COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (CSIR) ngcobo is striving towards scientific discoveries that will improve the lives of south africans. He is currently an integral part of the laser resonator research team at the CsiR. “the laser resonator is a manmade source of light, which has several unique properties that can be used in many applications, such as laser materials processing and laser surgery,” he says. He developed this niche while working at HartRaO. in 2007, he joined the CsiR’s national Laser Centre. He has since helped pioneer 92 • Destinyman • November 2014
the world’s most powerful laser and secured two patents for the CsiR. Originally from Kwamafunze near
Pietermaritzburg, ngcobo hails from the royal Zulu clan mapholoba, but says his birthright hasn’t changed his outlook. “it’s one of those things that you are born into and have to learn to accept. my most significant lesson has been learning not to give up on my dreams. it can be difficult, but with hard work, discipline and learning from others, it can be done. it’s also important to always remain positive,” says ngcobo. the determined scientist spends his days off with his wife and two sons. – NO BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “always be positive about life and those around you.”
PaUL MODjaDji 24 CHOREOGRAPHER WEBSITE: www.paulmodjadji.com “Where i come from, dancing as a career was never an option. you became a policeman or a teacher, or something like that.” Proving the naysayers more than a little wrong, the tshwane University of technology graduate has gone on to notch up a list of achievements that includes winning the 2011 european star Dance Union World Dance Championship. Being appointed the Union’s first african ambassador, says modjadji, is “a huge honour because i got to understand the possibility of using dance to make a difference. to turn to something that is done with purpose and not just for entertainment’s sake. it also reinforces my responsibility because it places me as one of the people at the forefront of making sure our stories – as south africans and africans – are being told.” in 2009, he established the Leaders Who Dare to Dream Foundation. “the main idea behind the foundation,” says the Hammanskraal, Pretoria, native, “is to give young, black people the opportunity to really step into a culture of dreaming, because so many dream only of getting a job. What we are trying to do is create leaders with vision.” tasked with the choreography on sa’s first dance feature, Hear Me Move, and a dance segment currently in its second season on Good Morning Africa, modjadji is by no means resting on his laurels. He takes a break by indulging in “completely mindless tV”. – CA BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “no matter where you come from, use the little you have to move forward.”
CEDRIC LEITCH (33) [BISQUIT Man To waTch]
QUINTON VAN DER BURGH 36 FOUNDER: QUINTON VAN DER BURGH INVESTMENTS WEBSITE: www. quintonvanderburgh.com “I started my first company straight after matric. I always knew I wanted to be a businessman. my father’s one and I grew up around business. I’ve always been good with the numbers too.” Van Der Burgh’s career to date makes you wonder whether entrepreneurs are born or made. He left a successful family business for London to establish himself on his own steam, operating in the fashion, nightclub, IT, communications and motoring spaces. “I then had the choice of staying in London or mining in SA. It’s been great. There are ups and downs, but we can’t grow quickly enough.” His diverse operations include television, with Clifton Shores, and his upcoming reality show, Billion Dollar Playground. He’ll also be producing his first
film in the USA next year, has a jewellery brand called Stateside and is involved in Innovatec Africa, an innovation technology and training solutions company. Van der Burgh is also working with Generosity, an organisation dealing with the global water crisis. “my schedule tends to be hectic. I wake up at 5am, train, hit the office, deal with our coal mines and spend time on the phone to the USA. my day ends at around 9pm. It isn’t to the detriment of my life, though. I’m happy.” He says meeting “the girl of my dreams”, Courtney Cousins, increased his focus. “A supportive partner is what makes a successful man!” – KB BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: ”Live life not for money or a bank balance, but more for success and change. Through my journey, I’ve had more fulfilment and fun than I could ever dream of having by living any other way.”
94 • DeSTInymAn • November 2014
STRATEGY & INSIGHTS PARTNER: 720 MARKETING INCUBATOR (720MI) TWITTER: @ruraloutie “I never had a career plan, but have always had a passion for life and am curious about people,” says Leitch. Finding his niche in advertising and consumer communications at Ingwe Communications, he reached a career plateau and decided to pursue an entrepreneurial mBA at GIBS. “The mBA gave me the confidence and tools to understand one of my greatest fears – failure – allowing me to recognise my potential and begin the journey of building my true character,” he says. “Becoming a successful entrepreneur through 720mI has been my greatest achievement and continues to be my greatest challenge.” Also fascinated by digital content creation and mobile platforms, Leitch’s plans include using these platforms “to deliver the power of information to those who’ve previously lacked access”. Having been raised on a farm, he calls
the outdoors his “natural playground” and celebrating life with close friends, good food and Bisquit Cognac is one of his great pleasures. – GK BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE: “Let passion drive you, reason hold the reins and true creation be the outcome.”
Kagiso Rabada (19) CRICKETER: PROTEAS AND GAUTENG LIONS TWITTER: @KagisoRabada25 Teenage fast bowling phenomenon Rabada first hit the headlines when he spearheaded the SA U19 attack to victory at the World Cup in Dubai earlier this year. The juniors became the first cricket side to emerge triumphant from a global showpiece, due in no small part to“KG’s”12 wickets. Consistently slinging down deliveries at 140km/h, the St Stithians College old boy
ripped the heart out of the Aussie batting line-up in the semi-finals, finishing with tournament-best figures of 6/25 and setting up an emphatic victory. He may not have been the most successful bowler at the World Cup, but he was definitely the most frightening. Rabada was immediately called up for the SA A tour to Australia in July and August and despite having only played five firstclass games, boasts an already impressive average of 22,70, which puts him right up there alongside world number one test bowler, Dale Steyn. The lanky Jozi firebrand was also selected for the Proteas squad who toured Zimbabwe in August and he will be looking to add to his haul of wickets during the domestic season. Although the country has never found the fast bowling cupboard bare, it is heartening to know that when Steyn does eventually walk away from the game, SA cricket will have one more genuine star ready to pick up the cudgels. Rabada is set to provide a selection poser that the national brains trust will surely enjoy having. – EM BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE:“The power of the mind is immense. It is surprising just what you can achieve if you put your mind to it. But no matter where you are in life, be grateful for what you have.” DM
BISQUIT POWER PRINCIPLE “Nothing is ever good enough.”
TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS 041827
Power of 40 rePort 2014
MAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE FINER THINGS
Dominic Obojkovits (20) GAMe DeVeLoPer & Co-foUNDer: GIANt BoX GAMeS twItter: @atomicdomb there are not many things as rewarding as watching consumers using a product you created, according to Obojkovits. He says he’ll never forget the day he“first watched a video of a fan playing Pixel Boy [his first game] on youtube and how much joy i experienced when i was able to see someone else apply their mind to the ingame challenges i created”. Obojkovits, whose first experience with game design came as early as age eight, says he never decided to follow this career path, but believes designing games was a calling. He co-owns Giant Box Games with Canadian business partner David nickerson.“We formed the company in 2012, with the objective of facilitating the release of Pixel Boy.
“there have been a lot of challenges along the way, including being on hold for hours to a London office in order to get our iPhone apps onto the itunes store, and scrambling to fly someone from Canada to Cape town for an important expo.” Challenges aside, Obojkovits says he has many ambitions – including overseeing the growth of Giant Box Games and contributing to a successful gaming industry in sa and the world. He rejuvenates by listening to music and playing cards and board games. – Mw
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