The Other Story: A Fireside Chat with African Achievers

by Judy Dlamini

The Other Story is a fireside chat with African Achievers, men and women of different ages, different backgrounds from different parts of the continent. I chose leaders/entrepreneurs that had achieved in their personal capacity but had also gone out of their way to lift others. At the outset I had been aware that their journeys through life, and especially their career paths, would be interesting and diverse, covering various entrepreneurial concerns in the fields of finance -Gloria Serobe, Zanele Mbeki, Information Technology -Ali Mufuruki, Kevin Lubega, agribusiness -Nhlanhla Dlamini, health -Dr Peter Matseke, education & mentorship -Sizwe Nxasana, Fred Swaniker & Mabutho Mthembu, retail -Dr Richard Maponya, retail, mining, property...-Babatunde Folawiyo, a journey from Robben Island to building a business empire- Sakumzi Macozoma, and more. But the unexpected outcome of the talks was that these wide-ranging stories have running through them a golden thread, spun from the values that these remarkable people hold dear, as well as things they regard as important, even non-negotiable; family influence in their journey, and the role of education. The fireside chats were informative, inspiring and a masterclass in mentorship.

The Other Story seeks to tell a story of what Africans are capable of – no matter where you find them in the world, no matter what age they are, no matter what gender they are, no matter what qualification they hold, no matter what sector of the economy they operate in. It’s
not the complete story, because there are many Africans who do things that don’t make one proud as an African. However, we read about these all the time. My purpose is to tell the other story, a story that humanises us, that repairs our broken dignity, that empowers us and the generations
that a story that inspires us, our children and their children. Those are the stories that I want my grandchildren to read ‘over and over again, till they see themselves’ and other Africans in them.

The interviews were made possible by many daughters, sons, sisters and brothers that I’ve met over time. These gifts of life were designed by destiny to enrich my journey as I navigate the mystery called life. I thank my extended family for opening doors for me and trusting me with their relationship.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2019

Reviews

[Rirhandzu Rissenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book it said to me African Child is possible. Was so inspired by everyone’s story in the book🙌.

[Sicelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it was not difficult to read. It introduced me to a lot of exceptional people like Nhlanhla Dlamini and told stories about people I wanted to know about like Sizwe Nxasana and Gloria Serobe. It is motivating but it’s not a motivational book. Must read.

[Yonnique · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ignites an entrepreneurial spirit, and made me want to be a part of the crowd making a difference. More of these African stories should be told.

[Booksoverbreakfast · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows the capability and sheer excellence of Africans in a world where we’re viewed as poor, lazy and deprived.

[Sibusiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diverse collection of interesting African stories.

[Fumane Senyane]

Understanding