As we step into the second quarter, I find myself reflecting on the power of knowledge and the lessons we gain from those who came before us. Recently, I have been reading a fascinating book by Napoleon Hill, The Science of Personal Achievement. There is an interesting parallel between Hill and Robert Kiyosaki, particularly in their perspectives on mentorship and the role of unpaid work in shaping future success.
Kiyosaki, in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, shares a pivotal moment when his ‘rich dad’ gave him a job but refused to pay him, insisting that the lessons learned would be far more valuable than a salary. Similarly, Napoleon Hill recounts his meeting with Andrew Carnegie, one of the first billionaires of his time. Carnegie tasked Hill with a project, offering no financial compensation but promising that the insights gained would be life-changing. Hill, much like Kiyosaki, accepted the challenge, choosing to invest in wisdom over immediate financial reward.
These stories highlight a compelling truth—growth often comes from stepping beyond our comfort zones and embracing challenges that force us to rise beyond the status quo. This reflection is particularly relevant as we approach this quarter’s focus at Simphiwe Mtetwa. Our upcoming magazine issue will delve into Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and the impact it has had on Black businesses over the last 30 years. A crucial question emerges: can we identify three Black businesses that have been genuinely empowered and sustained by the CSI industry? If not, what principles must we put in place to create a legacy of lasting success?
If we are unable to pinpoint such businesses, it begs a larger conversation about the frameworks and strategies we need to adopt moving forward. How do we ensure that, in the next 30 years, we can look back and confidently say that our work has directly contributed to building thriving, sustainable Black enterprises? Many Black-owned businesses have received media attention and temporary support, only to falter soon after. Our goal in this issue is not just to showcase industry leaders but to challenge ourselves to implement real, transformative change.
Throughout this quarter, we will explore the essential principles, processes, and strategies that contribute to long-term sustainability. We will also critically examine how our current efforts align with the approaches of leading corporates such as Standard Bank, Old Mutual, and Absa. Are we moving in the right direction? Are we effectively positioning Black businesses for enduring success?
Another exciting aspect of this quarter is our upcoming podcast series. Last year, we examined the future of CSI; this year, we focus on The Year of Numbers: CSI Taking Stock. As we transition beyond 30 years of democracy, this initiative aims to assess where we currently stand and what steps we must take to foster a more robust and impactful CSI sector. This is our opportunity to take stock of the progress made and to determine whether we are on course to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future.
One of the most valuable insights I have gathered from my recent readings is that real success is not solely about financial investment. It is about the systems, frameworks, and guiding principles we put in place. Napoleon Hill recounts that Andrew Carnegie once challenged him to stand in front of a mirror every day for 30 days and declare: I am going to be the best. I am going to be better than my mentor. I am going to surpass even the greatest minds of my time.
At first, Hill dismissed the idea as absurd. But over time, he realised that this exercise was about instilling a mindset of self-belief, discipline, and long-term vision. Carnegie could have given Hill money, but instead, he gave him a tool—one that outlasted wealth and fundamentally reshaped his future. Similarly, Kiyosaki’s rich dad provided him with lessons that ultimately enabled him to surpass his own mentor.
As we move through this quarter, I challenge all of us to think about the tools we are developing for ourselves and future generations. Are we equipping them with resources that will empower them beyond financial assistance? Are we fostering systems that will sustain businesses for decades to come? The time has come for us to shift from merely providing funding to building frameworks that ensure lasting success.
Let’s take this quarter to reflect, reassess, and commit to shaping a future that is built on more than just financial aid—it must be built on knowledge, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable impact.
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