Celebrating intellect and friendship at Dr Survé's Johannesburg book launch

On Thursday evening, the Chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Survé, took his third Johannesburg book launch tour to the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch for an inspirational gathering with close friends and associates.

The event showcased camaraderie and intellectual exchange, which saw Dr Survé and legal mind, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, both captivate the esteemed audience during the unveiling of his new book, A Shared Future for Humanity.

The book, which offers readers a profound insight into the Survé family's multifaceted engagements in business, philanthropy, and global initiatives, also traces the family’s activism that has withstood decades of challenges and political turbulences.

Among those who attended the launch were former president Kgalema Motlanthe, former MP Dr Naledi Pandor, former UCT VC Dr Mamokgethi Phakeng, venerated businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe, and ANC MP Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

Sikhakhane addressed the guests with a stirring opening speech, commending Dr Survé and his family for their unwavering dedication to uplifting the less fortunate.

His tribute highlighted not only Survé's philanthropic efforts but also his ability to sustain a business in turbulent times — a testament to a commitment that goes beyond mere financial success.

"We must remain with the courage that we carry as activists that we grew up without conforming, and without changing our principles. Dr Survé is an example that you can be wealthy and still know that each one of us is an extension of caring for the less fortunate. This does not have to be money, because the world is full of poverty, and we think poverty is the lack of food, lack of money, or the lack of resources. Of course, that is poverty, but the biggest poverty for those who live in the African continent and those who are black, is the lack of dignity," Skhakhane stated.

Dr Survé regaled audiences with some of the key moments in his young and adult life, bringing through the anecdotes a life well-lived and compassionately driven business principles, instilled in him by his mother, who always challenged him to do his best in helping those who are less fortunate.

"Every week, my mother would say to me, 'Have you seen how people are living in poverty out here? What I want to know is what you are doing about it,' she always wanted to know how I can be of service to others," he said.

EFF Member of Parliament Carl Niehaus shared the personal connection that brought him to a significant gathering in honour of Dr Survé.

"It is all very personal. It is about the kind of person that Dr Survé is. The friendship that I have with him. The commitment that he has shown, and the way he has always been there for me, and many other people, made me come here today," asserted Niehaus.

Professor Mthunzi Mdwaba, who had to alter his travelling schedule to join the event, echoed Niehaus' sentiments.

He said: "It is not often that you find people who are truly devoted to speaking the truth. As a fellow truth warrior, who watches other truth warriors and appreciates them, and understands the pain of telling the truth, I had to be here."

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za