In the annals of South African history, the story of black entrepreneurship is both a testament to resilience and a struggle against formidable odds. At the heart of this narrative lies the indomitable spirit of individuals like the late Dr Sam Mokgethi Motsuenyane, whose journey from humble beginnings to becoming a titan of commerce and industry is emblematic of hope, selflessness, and ethical leadership.
Born into a modest family in rural North West, Motsuenyane’s early years saw him herding cattle and tending to white farms alongside his father. However, his thirst for knowledge propelled him beyond the confines of his upbringing, leading him to pursue a formal education despite apartheid’s oppressive limits and dire financial circumstances.
Central to his legacy is the pivotal role he played in the evolution of the black entrepreneurial class and the establishment of institutions aimed at empowering black businesses in apartheid-era South Africa. Alongside visionaries such as Richard Maponya, he played a foundational role in the formation of the National African Chamber of Commerce and its subsequent evolution into the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc). These organisations served as bastions of resistance to the restrictive legislation that stifled black economic empowerment, advocating for change and providing a platform for black entrepreneurs to thrive.
However, Motsuenyane’s contributions extended far beyond the realm of advocacy. In 1974, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the African Bank, the first black-owned bank in South Africa. This landmark achievement was a testament to his vision of economic empowerment. Yet, despite his unwavering dedication, Motsuenyane bore witness to the painful unravelling of his dream decades later when the bank faced near-implosion in 2014, highlighting the enduring challenges facing black-owned institutions in a landscape fraught with a myriad obstacles.
As we reflect on his legacy we are confronted with the harsh realities of present-day South Africa. The dearth of ethical leadership and pervasive corruption threaten to undermine the hard-won gains of pioneers like Motsuenyane. Too often, those entrusted with leadership prioritise personal gain over the collective advancement of society, betraying the ideals for which Motsuenyane and countless others sacrificed.
At this critical juncture of South Africa’s history, there is an urgent need for concerted action to uphold the values of ethical entrepreneurship and selflessness espoused by Motsuenyane. This entails not only honouring his legacy through words but through tangible action aimed at fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and combating corruption.
One crucial avenue for honouring Ntate Motsuenyane’s legacy is through the reform of public services aimed at spurring entrepreneurship. Access to essential services, such as the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, must be prioritised to ensure that aspiring entrepreneurs are not hindered by bureaucratic red tape.
The imperative of inter-agency collaboration and cultivating empathy within the entrepreneurial ecosystem cannot be overstated. It is a cornerstone upon which the success and sustainability of businesses, particularly those in their nascent stages, depend.
Inter-agency collaboration embodies the notion that no single entity exists in isolation within the entrepreneurial landscape. Rather, it recognises the interconnectedness of various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry bodies, educational institutions, and private enterprises. By fostering collaborative partnerships and synergies, these entities can leverage their respective expertise and resources to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship to thrive.
Moreover, empathy serves as the guiding principle that informs and humanises these collaborative efforts. It entails a deep understanding and appreciation of the challenges, aspirations, and needs of entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalised or underserved communities. By empathising with their struggles and triumphs, stakeholders can develop more responsive and inclusive support mechanisms that address the array of obstacles faced by entrepreneurs.
Indeed, the significance of inter-agency collaboration and empathy lies not only in their capacity to drive innovation and economic growth but also in their potential to foster social cohesion and equity. By breaking down silos and fostering a culture of collaboration, stakeholders can transcend bureaucratic barriers and harness the collective wisdom and ingenuity of diverse perspectives. Likewise, by cultivating empathy, they can ensure that policies and programmes are designed with the genuine needs and interests of entrepreneurs in mind, thereby promoting greater inclusivity and equity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr Sam Mokgethi Motsuenyane, let us not merely pay lip service to his memory but rather commit ourselves to the realisation of his vision for a more equitable and just society. In doing so, we honour not only his contributions to black entrepreneurship but also the enduring spirit of hope and resilience that defines the South African people.
Robala ka kagiso Mokwena!
• Khaas is chair of Public Interest SA and chief entrepreneur at the Institute of Chartered Entrepreneurs
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