H E H A S N OT H I N G
BUT RESPECT AND
A D M I R AT I O N F O R
S TA R T- U P S A N D
THE PEOPLE WHO
DRIVE THEM.
Following this, Mohale spent two years as a
researcher with the Ford Foundation Diversity
Initiative at Queens College, CUNY, during
which time he worked on published studies
examining the housing situation in New York City
(1991-1992). Along with this he participated in a
study appraising factors affecting Latino, AfricanAmerican, Asian and White youth’s performance
in mathematics and science (1992-1993).
Sometime afterwards, while employed at
HerdBuoys Advertising, Peter Vundla rewarded
him with a rare qualification from Harvard
Business School helping him achieve a
childhood dream.
What matters most.
Mohale boycotted his graduation ceremony
where he was to be celebrated as an iconic
student leader – receiving his service recognition
certificate by mail. He shared differing principles
with the president and his commitment to those
principles underpinned his defiance. Besides,
his brother's and best friend’s graduation in
Harlem (his intellectual home) beckoned.
When I began to ask for his perspectives on South
Africa’s young professionals, he responded with
a glowing assessment. He told me that although
there’re many people without a fair chance at
participation, and despite the widening divide
when it comes to accessing quality education,
those that are in the mix give him hope. Mohale
noted how he has nothing but respect and
admiration for start-ups and the people driving
them.
He went on to say that South Africa is mostly on
the right track. By his measure, the next five years
will see the country becoming more African in
every way as transport-links integrate previously
excluded communities. Along with this young
black voices continue to make themselves heard
in arts, culture and the boardroom (despite
continued efforts to marginalise them).
Mohale acknowledges that the global economy
is still tender and says he’s cautiously optimistic.
He points out education as the crucial ingredient
for the growth of a prosperous Azania. “…but the
biggest challenge facing the government, and
in fact every African government, is balancing
priorities and their limited resources.” He asserts
that while wastage exists there just simply
isn’t enough to fix sectors like health, security,
education, housing and others simultaneously
and swiftly.
More importantly, he tells me, is an
acknowledgement from all sec F