The University of Pretoria (UP) hosted the fifth Dr Sam Motsuenyane annual lecture, which was held at the Future Africa institute.

Dr Motsuenyane is founder of the African Bank and a former president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC). In 2009, the Dr Sam Motsuenyane Rural Development Foundation (now known as the Dr Sam Motsuenyane Foundation) was established, and since 2018, has held these annual lectures.

“Addressing the needs and challenges that are impeding the development of township and rural communities in South Africa, particularly in the agricultural sector, and thereby stimulating economic activity in these areas, has been of critical relevance ever since the esteemed Dr Sam Motsuenyane began to dedicate his life to pioneering and promoting entrepreneurship and black business during the dark days of apartheid,” said UP Professor Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, in his keynote address.

“As we stand in 2022, the vision remains as relevant as ever, as we remain a very unequal nation, facing a myriad of challenges that manifest most noticeably in the unacceptably high rate of unemployment and the dignity-robbing poverty that grips a large part of our society.”

Prof Maharaj added that the selfless work being done by the foundation continues to uphold the concept of ubuntu or Africanism, as embodied by Dr Motsuenyane. “Throughout his career, Dr Motsuenyane modelled the very essence of service-driven leadership in action – leadership which is compassionate, accountable and introspective,” he said.

According to Theo Molamu, incoming trustee of the foundation, the annual lectures are meant to celebrate Dr Motsuenyane and highlight some of the foundation’s achievements, as well as point out other initiatives and projects that the organisation is involved in. For instance, the foundation has amalgamated with Tshwane South TVET College and is working to take over the Marapyane agricultural college, which has not been functional for 10 years.

“We host these lectures to reflect, teach and to inspire people that through hard work and determination anyone can reach their goals,” he said.

In his presentation, Molamu indicated that a lot of work has been put into the foundation’s projects, but that most of them have to be revived.

“We appeal to businesspeople and the public and private sectors to assist,” he said. “When we meet next time, we hope to come back with more exciting feedback. The foundation aims to build offices and more, and we need money for daily operations. The African Bank has pledged more than R250 000 to assist the foundation to carry out some of its initiatives for the benefit of the community.”

“The Motsuenyane partnership with the African Bank is important as we carry out our strategy, which we call Accelerate 25,” said Edna Montse, Group Executive: Transformation and Sustainability at the African Bank. “It is called this because we want excellence that is going to accelerate us to achieve certain goals by the year 2025. This vision will guide us to who we are meant to be. The foundation serves as a partner that reminds us not to lose our way. The African Bank has changed in so many ways, technology-wise, in order to manifest all the ideologies that Dr Motsuenyane sought to bring to life. The bank believes in a greater South Africa. In partnering with other stakeholders, the African Bank has built three schools in KwaZulu-Natal and hired people from those communities as part of efforts to eradicate poverty.”  

During the lecture, attendees pledged money and were offered an opportunity to make donations.

Click here to watch the lecture.