On Friday, 25 October 2024, the Dr Sam Motsuenyane Foundation proudly hosted the 7th Annual Dr Sam Motsuenyane Lecture at the University of Pretoria. The event brought together distinguished guests, thought leaders, students, and members of the community to celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Dr Sam Mokgethi Motsuenyane — a pioneer of Black business and a champion for rural development and youth empowerment.
🌟 Keynote by Kennedy G. Bungane
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Mr Kennedy G. Bungane, Group Chief Executive Officer of African Bank. In a powerful and inspiring speech, Mr Bungane paid tribute to Dr Motsuenyane’s unwavering commitment to the economic upliftment of Black South Africans. He reflected on the audacity it took for Dr Motsuenyane to co-found pivotal institutions like NAFCOC and African Bank during a time of immense adversity.
Mr Bungane reminded the audience that this same spirit of “audacity to believe” remains as vital today as it was then. He called on the youth and business community to embrace bold, transformative ideas that build on Dr Motsuenyane’s legacy and drive South Africa’s inclusive economic growth.
🌱 Continuing the Mission
The Annual Lecture series is one of the Foundation’s cornerstone initiatives to keep Dr Motsuenyane’s vision alive. Through thought leadership, meaningful dialogue, and community partnerships, the Foundation continues to empower rural and township communities with opportunities in agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship.
This year’s lecture reaffirmed our collective responsibility to invest in the next generation. As Mr Bungane aptly stated, “The audacity to believe is the seed for prosperity. It is up to us to plant it, nurture it, and let it grow for all.”
đź“Ś Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone lecture, the Foundation remains committed to nurturing dreams, building skills, and creating platforms for young South Africans to thrive. We invite partners, communities, and youth to join us in this mission — because together, we can build the future Dr Motsuenyane dreamed of: a thriving, self-reliant South Africa where no one is left behind.
🎥 Watch the Lecture
If you missed the event, you can watch the full recording here:
👉 Watch the 7th Annual Lecture
“It is a sin to own land and be destitute” -this especially stood out for me, as approximately 46% of the South African population resides in rural areas. Rural South Africa is said to be a vital component of the nation’s demographic and economic framework, contributing significantly to agriculture and other livelihood strategies yet, incidence of poverty is notably higher compared to urban settings.
“Lead yourself, lead through others, leading in service of others and leading with others” – further exacerbating the idea that leadership is multifaced. It is not rigid and requires you to be open to learning as much as you aim to teach.