What/Who is God?

The creator of anything, and he loves the world he created. This includes nature’s beauty, human beings and animals. He is the father in all of us, regardless of colour or creed, and we are all his children.

What happens when you die?

That’s a good question. I am a Xhosa, and have a strong belief in ancestors. Everything profound in our life is done through our ancestors to reach God. One of the ten commandments is that one must love and respect our parents, and this includes our ancestors. I have a deep respect for that link. Our bones remain on earth, which affords us the physical legacy but it is through our ancestors, that we are linked to God.

Describe your life in one word?

Challenging.

Describe yourself in four words?

A man of respect, honest, hardworking and committed.

How do you think others describe you?

Aggressive, demanding, selfish and business orientated.

Define success?

Dedication to achieving the things that you have been desiring. Its borne out of hard work.

Name a skill you don’t have, but would love?

Apartheid robbed me of being a commercial advocate.

Who do you admire most?

Richard Branson, Bill Gates – both came from humble beginnings and have remained well-mannered and modest.

What are you afraid of?

Embarrassment.

What is your greatest wish?

Upliftment of the poor in South Africa – which will ultimately contribute to peace and harmony.

What do you do with a spare 15 minutes?

Catch up with mails – they are always outstanding.

What does money mean to you?

Money facilitates the exchange and development in the economic cycle and it is what keeps most people going.

What is one great lesson you have learnt?

My father said to me: “A bird flies high, but at the end of the day, that same bird has to return to the earth to eat and drink. We all live on that level, and we must treat each other accordingly”.

Any regrets?

That someone or somebody created and instituted the system of apartheid. It has negatively affected the long-term DNA of our country.

If you could ask God one question, what would it be? What can we do to change our lives for the better and still remain his children?

How would you like to be remembered?

As a stepping stone for upcoming entrepreneurs.

Define what you do?

I run African Pioneer – an investment company.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your career?

Get a proper education that includes economics, finance and marketing. And then arm yourself with determination, passion and vision.

Are you living your life purpose?

Yes, I think I am. I have achieved in pulling together issues that have been bothering our family.