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IOL News
23-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Celebrating the Legacy of Don Mkhwanazi: A Visionary Leader in Economic Transformation
Don Mkhwanazi was remembered at event for pioneering business initiatives and innovations Image: File Picture: Marilyn Barnard The Black Management Forum (BMF) gathered at the prestigious Durban Country Club on Tuesday to commemorate the legacy and impactful leadership of Don Mkhwanazi. This celebration brought together business stalwarts, professionals, and admirers to reflect on the life and contributions of a man hailed not only as a pioneer and visionary who significantly changed the landscape of economic transformation in South Africa. Lindani Nsibande, Simphiwe Nsibande and Lwazi Mkhwanazi Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The event was themed 'Driving Inclusive Prosperity: Lessons From Mkhwanazi's Bold Leadership for Transformation,' paid tribute to a man whose accomplishments were numerous. BMF President Mpho Motsei began proceedings by reflecting on the esteem in which Mkhwanazi was held, and appreciated his selfless service and unwavering commitment to uplifting fellow black professionals. 'Lectures come and go, but Don Mkhwanazi's will is hard to perish. There are plenty of stories to share about his dedication,' Motsei remarked, reinforcing the sentiment that the journey initiated by Mkhwanazi would extend beyond the celebration. Paul Nzimande, Dr. Nathi Nkwanyana and Bonga Yengwa Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Motsei said the BMF's recognition of Mkhwanazi was not merely ceremonial; but marked a significant milestone for the organisation. 'We represent an icon and a giant in the business fraternity. The Black Management Forum owes its existence to leaders like Don, who earned the father of BEE title,' he said. Mkhwanazi's influence has been pivotal in transforming the BMF from a professional networking group into a formidable advocacy platform focused on black empowerment and economic justice. Motsei described Mkhwanazi as pivotal in shaping the organisation's ideology and legacy, emphasising that 'under his guidance, BMF's core agenda moved beyond managerial representation to systems change, advocating for access to ownership and control of companies'. He mentioned that Mkhwanazi's foresight in conceptualising and promoting the notion of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) occurred long before it became government policy, was a testament to his visionary leadership. Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane and Mqondisi MQ Ngubane Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Brian Cebisa, Phumlani Mzila and Nathi Ngwenya Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Thomas Radebe and Nyikiwa Mavunda Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Londiwe Ndlovu, Bongulwazi Mavimbela, Luyanda Ngcobo and Rorisang Moabi Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Sharing heartfelt memories during the commemorative event, Prasheen Maharaj recounted his personal journey with Mkhwanazi, recalling how they transitioned from friends to business associates. Maharaj, the president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described Mkhwanazi as an innovator dedicated to inclusive economic transformation. 'He dreamt of economic transformation not just as a slogan but as a lived reality for all,' said Maharaj. Murangi Tsanwani, Lizalise Dingalibala, Prasheen Maharaj and Mpho Motsei Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Apart from pioneering BEE initiatives, Mkhwanazi founded the National Empowerment Trust in 1992 and was the chairperson of the anti apartheid debt committee that presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1997. His entrepreneurial ventures, such as Southern African Shipyards, generated headlines in December 2014 when awarded navy contracts worth R406 million, and earlier secured a R1.4 billion contract from Transnet to build tugboats. Don Mkhwanazi's extraordinary journey was universally recognised as a lighthouse of hope and direction, illuminating the path for future generations. He is survived by his wife, Zodwa Msimang, and five children, who continue to embody his values of courage, integrity, and impactful leadership. DAILY NEWS Thembalethu Shange, Siyethaba Nyawose, Zolile Msomi and Bawinile Gwala Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Phumi Blose and Khwezi Zulu Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Mail & Guardian
10-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
The Nedbank Top Empowerment conference 2025 is around the corner
The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2025, taking place on 31 July – 1 August 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre . This premier two-day event is South Africa's leading platform for advancing inclusive economic growth and transformation. Under the theme 'Empowerment Through Bold Transformation' , this year's conference will tackle critical conversations in the form of panel discussions and fireside chats with the below topics: The Changing Landscape of BBBEE: Policies, Frameworks, and the Road Ahead From Learning to Earning: Empowering Women and Youth Through Lifelong Education Driving Shared Prosperity in Africa Through Integration and Innovation Creating a Financial Sector That Reflects South Africa's Diversity Making Disability Inclusion a Business Imperative With Leanne Manas returning as our MC, attendees can look forward to engaging with top-tier speakers and industry trailblazers, including: Hon. Nomakhosazana Meth, Minister, Department of Employment and Labour Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga , Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Kershini Govender , Executive Head: Transformation, Nedbank Monde Ndlovu , Managing Director, Black Management Forum (BMF) Taelo Mojapelo , CEO, bp Southern Africa Dr Terence Sibiya, Group Managing Executive for Nedbank Africa Regions (NAR), Nedbank Livhu Mukhithi, Director: Policy & Institutional Management, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Nkosinathi Ndlovu, CEO, South African Disability Development Organisation With many sessions and networking opportunities, the conference brings together the public and private sectors, corporates, and entrepreneurs to share actionable strategies and success stories in transformation. You are sure to leave this event with new business contacts. For those not able to attend, you are able to tune in virtually to the event thanks to our premium digital partner, iME, Thank you to our sponsors: Platinum: Nedbank Premium Digital Partner: iME Silver: Sanlam, SALGA, Merchants, and Psira Bronze: TEG – Tshimolong Executive Group, NHFC (National Housing Finance Corporation), Vaxowave, BP South Africa, Diversifi, and EWSETA Showcase Counters: Technique Drilling, Hloba Clothing, LEAP, Youth Employment Service (YES), Nexia SAB-T, Africa Graphix, BEE123, Fasset Seta, Sage, Reverside, and Shaper Strategic Partners: Good Governance Africa, BPESA, and Association of B-BBEE Professionals Book Your Tickets Today Tickets are available For more information on the conference and other ways to get involved please email: Head of Brand: Lee-Ann Bruce – Marketing Manager: Alexandra Kotchoubei –
Mail & Guardian
05-06-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
A future without broad-based BEE and affirmative action is not possible
There has been progress since 1994. South Africa now has a black middle and upper middle class but the means of production remain largely owned by white people and black people swelling the ranks of labour. Photo: Mujahid Saofodien/AFP) We are witnessing the different calls to end broad-based black economic empowerment (broad-based BEE) and transformation in general. There seems to be a layer of peddling specific narratives across society about the failures and consequences of broad-based BEE and affirmative action, which are gaining momentum, and thus a response is necessary to remind each other of what transformation is. In the words of former Black Management Forum president Lot Ndlovu, 'The new economic dispensation should match the aspiration for economic freedom and the fulfilment of the highest ideals of our democracy.' The political changes in the country in 1994 did not amount to transformation in and of itself, but the new political order created conditions for transformation to take place. Building a school, sporting facilities or a clinic does not amount to transformation in its fullest extent. These activities are part of economic development of any society in the world and should not be seen and understood as the end result of transformation. The argument that is tabled by Ndlovu's words is that our aspirations as a country are embedded and anchored on how we can conduct our economic affairs in a new way, by separating from the past and embracing these noble ideals that democracy has afforded us. Democracy cannot thrive in an environment where the economic order underuses or undermines human freedom and capabilities. Therefore, the economic order that we run must match our aspirations for economic freedom, otherwise our efforts in becoming a world class country will not be achieved. So, the focus after 1994 under new conditions is that we need to unleash the potential of the country by being bold and intentional about our development and uplifting black people and freeing our white compatriots from the past. We have seen since 1994 the behaviour of both black and white people in the process of transforming the country. On the one hand, we have experienced detractors of transformation coupled with tokenism and silence from some quarters. On the other hand, we have also seen the power of legislation and how it can unlock opportunities through business and the public sector. The prevailing noise in the country today is that the transformation process has not yielded the expected outcomes, which in the main is true, but throwing out the baby with the bath water cannot also be equally true. The understanding of the Constitution should lead us to view transformation in a variety of different ways. Here is my proposed approach, which I have written about before, that incorporates three facets of transformation. Transformation as a science seeks to measure the progress of black people in terms of their socio-economic prosperity in a democratic dispensation. This centralises research and development as a cornerstone of economic transformation, forcing both government and business to invest in proper research . Transformation as a craft seeks to create policies and frameworks that will drive the inclusion of black people into the mainstream economy. This is then the legislative framework and the work of government. All policies and pieces of legislation must be driven by eliminating poverty, inequality and unemployment. In business this would take the shape of having transformation as the life blood of business, from top leadership to the last employee. Woven into the life of business should be breathing and thinking about transformation, daily. The power of management would be charged with creating a more equitable working environment from remuneration policies, appointments, recruitment, skills development, ownership and ESD, supply chain to procurement. Transformation as an art seeks to deal with the mindset of society around creating a new society, which is fundamentally distinct from what was there prior to transformation efforts. Building it from the ground up and focusing on values and principles. This would entail accepting that Apartheid succeeded in developing unethical leaders in both government and business who intentionally abused the majority to build their wealth. Business fulfilled the economic mandate of apartheid. Therefore, a new value system is needed that will create the kind of leaders who will champion this transformation. Every sector of society will need to be clear on their role in this regard, as to how a new value system can be created and maintained. Business would need to denounce its racism and demonstrate that it is on a new path, and not what we are seeing today by crowding out black leadership and black business. It is pleasing to see that through the work of So transformation is not just about change, it is a fundamental shift in all areas of society, in how we think and make decisions, in how we develop law and policies, how we do business, with a deep understanding our past and wanting to create a different country based on good social values and giving equal opportunity to all. Economic theory can also assist us here. We know that the factors of production are the following — land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship. In the country today we are well aware that we have acute challenges with all four factors, with heavy concentration of white people owning the means of production and black people swelling the ranks of labour in most cases. This cannot be the future of our country, where the majority are narrowly focused on being labourers and not owners. In most sectors we still have three to four major players that dominate, and this is part of the legacy of the past. Therefore, broad-based BEE is the engine of transformation, and the economy is the engine of reconciliation. We cannot talk of reconciliation without talking about the economy, and we cannot talk about the economy without talking about broad-based BEE as its engine. Ownership is the engine of broad-based BEE, coupled with controlling and managing the economy. The three keys to transformation are therefore ownership, control and management. These ought to be the key focus of every transformational discussion and discourse. They are also supported by other elements and the whole transformation infrastructure in the country. Business and government have been invited to embrace broad-based BEE and affirmative action as a tool and measure of transformation. Business is central to society, for it produces goods and services that are needed by society. Therefore it must look like the society it operates in, not just in rhetoric but in substance. When people identify with the business they work for, energy and commitment follow effort and drive higher productivity. The government must protect the transformation process by ensuring that the conditions for business to operate are conducive so that goods and services can be produced. Therefore we need to create a critical mass through these three key aspects to unleash the potential of the country. A critical mass in simple terms is the minimum size or amount needed to propel a process or system forward, without any further intervention. When we pay attention to the damage caused by both colonialism and apartheid, which succeeded in their mandate to desecrate black people, a critical mass of black people is needed at every sphere of economic activity to unleash the potential of the country. Without reaching critical mass at all levels will harm all efforts to resuscitate the dilapidating economy. There is also an attempt to separate economic growth and transformation and positioning transformation as a costly exercise that needs to be scrapped, including that only a few black people have benefited. This logic is greatly flawed and disingenuous. We today have the black middle class and upper middle class because of these laws. Second, broad-based BEE ownership transactions have created value for shareholders, communities and employees. While not sufficiently adequate, this can be measured. Affirmative action through employment equity has opened the door to black people moving into management, but at top leadership Africans remain below 20%. We remain the most unequal society in the world, and if broad-based BEE and affirmative action — which drives ownership, control and management in transformation — is removed, what will drive ownership, control and management control in the country? As Ndlovu said, our aspirations of economic freedom must match our economic dispensation, we have a right to be ambitious, to be this clear that the economic order in our country must be aligned to our collective aspirations to be economically free, free to move, free to think, free to be, free to create a new country. Monde Ndlovu is the managing director of the Black Management Forum.
