Motsepe: First African to sign the Giving pledge

Patrice Motsepe, aged 51, is a South African mining magnate born in Soweto who is now reputed to be the richest man in his country. This year he joined The Giving Pledge and has resolved to make over half his $2.4 billion fortune to charitable causes.

Motsepe is the first African to sign up and we hope that he will be an inspiration to others. His generosity is an answer to those who say that only the elite came to benefit from black empowerment post-apartheid. The stated objectives of the Patrice Motsepe Foundation are to improve the lifestyles and living conditions of the poor, disabled and unemployed. The Foundation supports female empowerment, young people and all marginalised South Africans.

“The State needs to create an enabling business and country environment, while business should keep its focus on not only creating value for shareholders, but on creating real value for communities and the people of South Africa.”

A specialist in mining and business law, Motsepe was the first black partner in the firm Bowman Gilfillan. He was soon to set up a mining services business which brought profit-sharing to employees. Three years later, in 1997, with the price of gold at historic lows, he started buying up mines on very favourable terms from Anglo Gold and this would become the basis of his great wealth.

CFI

Recent Posts

David Ogilvy, the Original Mad Man: The Man Who Sold Selling

He revolutionised advertising with intelligent, witty campaigns and a deep respect for the consumer. David…

1 day ago

A Bold Shift in the Desert: Saudi Arabia’s $100bn Mining Venture and the Future of Battery Metals

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its economic transformation. In its latest move to reduce reliance on…

6 days ago

Could Elon Musk Revolutionise Social Media by Acquiring TikTok?

The U.S. operations of TikTok face an uncertain future as the Supreme Court prepares to…

1 week ago

Why Coffee and Chocolate Prices Are Heating Up in 2025

If you're a fan of mocha lattes or indulgent chocolate treats, 2025 might be a…

1 week ago

The Future of Luxury Watches: Trends, Players, and Market Insights for 2025

The luxury watch market, long a symbol of sophistication and craftsmanship, is entering a dynamic…

2 weeks ago

Paolo Sironi, IBM: Mind the Gap Between Small-Medium Businesses and Their Banks

Financial services are adapting to better serve SMEs, but a gap remains between what banks…

2 weeks ago