After a strenuous journey that cost the lives of countless individuals in the quest to liberate us from oppression, have we, 30 years into democracy, successfully integrated into the mainstream economy and reaped the rewards of our hard work?
This was the question posed by Dr Anna Mokgokong, an inspiring businesswoman hailing from Soweto, in her poignant speech “The Challenges of Migrating into the Mainstream Economy”, delivered in Bloemfontein at the weekend.
Mokgokong’s question hit home during my trip to Bethal in Mpumalanga, where I visited my mother’s grave.
Her resting place resembles a neglected dumping ground rather than a peaceful sanctuary. Many cemeteries around the country have become an eyesore owing to lack of care and vandalism.
Is the neglect of sacred sites, especially those in townships, a sign that those who fought for democracy are content with the position of blacks on the periphery of the economy?
Is the dereliction of our grave sites a consequence of apartheid or our own disregard for our history?
The state of Bethal’s infrastructure mirrors this neglect.
Other towns, along with their townships, across Mpumalanga and beyond look abandoned.
Mokgokong’s question about the migration of previously disadvantaged people into the mainstream economy wasn’t simply theoretical.
Observing the goings on in marginalised towns like Bethal — that appear to have regressed rather than developed — provides an accurate answer to her question.
Drawing parallels to the biblical narrative of the Israelites’ persecution in Egypt and their subsequent journey home with divine guidance, Mokgokong highlighted the importance of leadership in overcoming arduous challenges.
As the Israelites faced trials, their faith wavered, yet their journey was a testament to their resilience and determination.
In the context of SA, Mokgokong questioned if history was repeating itself.
Some may despair to the point of nostalgia for apartheid, viewing the return of oppressors as a solution.
Others point to the scarcity of black representation in top management of major companies in the mainstream economy as evidence of failed change.
The counterargument is that if blacks struggle to manage their own communities, how can they aspire to control the economic engines?
However, entrepreneurs and businesspeople are not politicians. They seek to create entities that drive change and simultaneously fulfil personal financial goals.
International business figures and the so-called Stellenbosch mafia (beneficiaries of apartheid) were able to, and continue to, thrive in SA.
For them, the environment is conducive for growth.
Yet young black entrepreneurs like Thulasizwe Mavuso, who strive to make their mark in the economy, often encounter barriers.
Mavuso’s story exemplifies the untapped potential within the black youth. Raised by his grandmother in KwaZulu-Natal, Mavuso discovered his passion for IT in high school.
In 2020 Mavuso’s passion saw him establish IT cloud services company Solvyng.
Despite challenges, Mavuso’s determination to empower young black individuals in the tech industry shines through. Under his leadership, Solvyng has become an advanced tier partner of US-based Amazon Web Services, offering IT Cloud services predominantly to the banking and asset management sectors.
Its expansion into sectors such as mining, retail, manufacturing and insurance demonstrates Mavuso’s commitment to innovation and growth.
Solvyng’s international presence in SA, Botswana, Brazil and Mauritius attests to its rapid ascent in less than three years in operation.
This success story underscores the potential ripple effects of empowering young blacks through entrepreneurship.
If more individuals recognised the opportunities for growth and impact, unemployment and crime rates could be reduced.
Mokgokong’s plea for swift solutions resonates strongly.
Time is of the essence.
To realise the dream of a more inclusive economy, black-owned IT cloud services companies could unite to form conglomerates.
Collaboration among these entities would facilitate the growth of black-owned businesses, collectively driving the entire sector forward.
The journey towards full integration into the mainstream economy remains fraught with challenges and setbacks.
Mokgokong’s question compels us to reflect on the progress achieved since apartheid’s end, while also recognising the work that remains.
By spotlighting stories like Mavuso’s and fostering an environment of collaboration, support and opportunity, we can pave the way for a more equitable, prosperous future for all South Africans.
“We can collectively address them if we have unity, establish strong networks, collaboration and partnerships. Let’s not build silos but build walls together,” Mokogong said. “There’s nothing wrong with being a dollar billionaire if you’ve earned it. So we need a mindset reset if we are to succeed.”
• Lourie is the founder and editor of TechFinancials.
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