UNITING SOUTH AFRICA'S LEADERS

Reflections on Dr Iqbal Survé's impactful book launch

- PHAPANO PHASHA

DR IQBAL Survé, the chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, at the launch of his book 'A Shared Future for Humanity' at the Marriott hotel at the Melrose Arch.

(ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Newspapers)

IN A country as polarised as South Africa, where political fault lines, economic disparities, and historical and racial divisions often seem insurmountable, genuine moments of convergence feel rare and precious, such as the recent nationwide launches of business mogul Dr Iqbal Survé's book, A Shared Future for Humanity.

Two extraordinary gatherings, in Johannesburg and Umhlanga, brought together former presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma, senior ANC leaders, opposition leaders, business titans, academics, and professionals under one roof, to honour a man whose life's work has been the quiet, stubborn pursuit of unity through philanthropy.

Only Survé possesses the unique confluence of trust and principle necessary to convene such a gathering and actors, and this event became a quiet testament to this singular ability. In Johannesburg, at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, Motlanthe was present alongside Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa, and a host of luminaries.

In KwaZulu-Natal, at the Radisson Blu in Umhlanga, Zuma joined businessman Vivian Reddy and others for an intimate yet impactful event.

This event managed to achieve a shared sense of purpose precisely by momentarily setting aside the very arenas that breed division. For an evening, the event replaced the familiar narrative of insurmountable difference with a lived experience of shared unity and purpose. It proved that a common South African purpose, while often ignored and buried, still exists and can be summoned when the context shifts from antagonisms to aspiration.