Local Banking Executive Motivates Commerce Graduates

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UKZN alumnus and Managing Principal of Absa Group in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Faisal Mkhize, delivered an inspirational address to commerce graduates in one of UKZN Graduation ceremonies.

In his opening remarks Mkhize reminded the graduates of the remarkable example set by the late statesman Dr Nelson Mandela on ethical, selfless and visionary leadership and encouraged them to emulate him as they graduate and start their journey in the business world.

He said: ‘Madiba could have been satisfied to be a successful black lawyer running their law practice with Oliver Tambo but he was moved by the injustice he saw against his people by a brutal system. This drove him to dedicate his life to the freedom of all the people of South Africa.’

Mkhize cautioned graduates not to equate success with financial success but focus on being passionate about contributing meaningfully to local economic development by being active participants in the transformation of the South African economy.

‘Leaders who do not seek success but rather seek to serve the ones they love, the job they love, the community they love and the country they love, tend to display the ethical leadership which this country greatly needs. To be a graduate is a gift of intelligence but to serve others is a choice,’ he said adding that as new graduates they have an added responsibility to make the country work.

Words: Hazel Langa