Mzansi business personalities were celebrated at the Shared Interest 30th Anniversary Voices of Change Gala at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
South African talk show host and businesswoman Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, who sits on the organisation’s advisory board, presented entrepreneur Wendy Luhabe with the Women’s Economic Leadership Award at the event on Monday.
Shared Interest, established three decades ago as a nonprofit guarantee fund by anti-apartheid activists, has reached over 2.3-million beneficiaries by providing $34m (R635.4m) in loan guarantees.
“What comes to mind immediately is that first honour of being called home by Nelson Mandela — for South Africans abroad to come back home to serve — when he was in New York,” said Mabuza-Suttle.
“I heard that call, and I went back home to do exactly what I thought I could do — bring black and white South Africans together through just talking to each other, after 40 years of apartheid when we could not talk to each other. So, for me, that was the most memorable thing, because it impacted our family in so many ways. I had the honour of interviewing Nelson Mandela in 1991 — it was my first interview with him, and we had dinner together, which was so special.”
Luhabe said: “I am deeply humbled to stand among the distinguished voices of change, mirroring our collective commitment to drive and champion positive change.
“We underscore the pivotal role of youth and women in dismantling injustice and fostering future prosperity. Shared Interest’s work is not merely about financial transactions — it’s about providing pathways for the most underserved segments of our society to thrive by unlocking local capital, strengthening local resources, and benefiting local communities. Together, let us continue to amplify our voices of change, fostering a world where equity and justice prevail.”
Zimbabwean-born host Makho Ndlovu introduced the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, as the guest of honour.
“I may be American, but I’m African,” said Adams to the audience.
“All of the major cities in America are being headed right now by those of African descent — Chicago, New York, Los Angeles [and] down in Atlanta. Attorney-general of New York Letitia James and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are of African descent — and there are more.”
“When you [in South Africa] were fighting to dismantle apartheid, your cousins and uncles and nephews were in the streets saying it was time to take down the apartheid regime and fight on behalf of the South African people. People thought apartheid would break your spirit, but you have steel spines and golden arcs. You gave back. You didn’t allow the ugliness of an action to take away the beauty of your dedication.”
Neil Diamond, president of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the US, said, “It’s wonderful to be in the US and see the overwhelming support that has remained intact in the US for the democracy of South Africa. Many of the people here tonight were student activists at Spelman College, Moorehouse [College], Howard University — and today they are here to celebrate 30 years of democracy in our country.”
South African journalist Redi Tlhabi moderated a talk with Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as his granddaughter, author Mungi Ngomane.
“The reality is that we are all on that path, and that there is no way, as I said, that we can live a prosperous life anywhere on the globe as long as there are people around the globe who are struggling, who are hungry, who are needy. That’s the reality,” said Tutu.
“People seem to be doing wonderfully well, while others are suffering. But then when we look at how they are sustaining and doing incredibly well, they have billions of dollars, [and] it is by living in an artificial world where they are not in connection even with the rest of the creative order. And they are definitely not connected with other human beings around them. So how do you live when you are not connected to humanity?”
The Cultural Innovator Award was presented to Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake, who was unable to accept the accolade in person, owing to conflicts with his tour schedule. In a display of gratitude, the Broadway cast of Disney’s The Lion King put on a special performance for the audience, which was followed by a videotaped acceptance speech by Lebo M.
“Huge congratulations to Shared Interest — 30 years is an amazing journey — [for] changing lives, changing society, and thank you so much for honouring me. This is not for me or about me. I’m a South African by birth, [but] a global citizen, and I’m honoured to [have been] part of this amazing journey with Shared Interest for 30 years.”
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