6 days ago
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
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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.
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