I decided to go against the current wave of reading and talking about international entrepreneurs and look for local entrepreneurs that have made an impact. The problem I see is that younger South Africans focus on the impact that Richard Branson, The Google Guys and many other international entrepreneurs have made. I understand as most of these are well known and there is a fair amount of literature available about them and their successes. The problem I have is that the South African market and economy is totally different. The principles are the same but I do feel that local knowledge needs to be talked about.
A well known case is Anton Rupert and the Rupert Family. I had the privilege of reading his biography (the Afrikaans version written by Ebbe Domisse) and certain things stuck out which I found interesting. Anton Rupert made himself an international icon by being market savvy and a man that could sign deals with handshakes (leaving his attorneys to sort out all the paper work), something which is quite a compliment. His story is one which gives hope to all South Africans and should be read. You will see things in different light – giving back, being creative and most of all living with certain ideals.
His childhood is a normal one as he was part of South Africa’s depression and saw that education would be the way that he would be able to help himself. What I found interesting is that he had the gut feeling in being able to walk away from politics at university and post university which lead him to being able to go into business. The book chronicles his ventures which he started with almost nothing and that he saw a gap in the smoking and alcohol industries. He was taught some severe lessons early on- not having proper machines, improper packaging and most interesting the effect of brand names. After that all branding and naming he took responsibility for and created Rembrand cigarettes and various other brands. The thing which I found interesting is that he forced his sales stuff to only use the products which he sold.
As the years went on he became the saviour of a British tobacco manufacturer after they denied him buying a majority stake in the business. However as time went by they did buy the rights to the manufacturing of it – Dunhill. The other interesting ability that he had was being able to create relationship all around the world during the height of apartheid. In one specific case he took a behind the scenes role for a deal as he was scared that the seller might retract the offer if he knew that the business is operated by a South African based business. He also never moved out of his Stellenbosch home in order to accommodate his family something which only Warren Buffett is known to have done. (At least, that I am aware of).
He also created something like a venture capital business in which he wanted to invest in small business who was struggling to find finance for their business. So he never forgot his roots and struggles, something which I see other successful entrepreneurs have done.
He had a passion for his country and his language, but never walked away from it. He in my opinion is a great role model for young South African entrepreneurs as he wanted apartheid to be taken away prior to 1994 as he saw the damage it did.
He made a point to work hard and consistent in order to be a good role model for his staff. He made sure that they were properly remunerated and productive to the point that it was a big issue of they left him to go to another company.
Another thing which I found quite refreshing is that he never placed pressure on his children. When his son Johann wanted to experience business, he told him to go work abroad. He went to Chase Manhattan in the United States and started at the bottom of the company. I think this is a good lesson for any parent – give children the opportunities and contribute to their growth.
When Anton Rupert saw that the liquor and tobacco business was beginning to become controlled by legislation he took his Rembrandt Group in another direction. Luxury Goods and put all of these assets under one company Vencome. I believe it takes real feeling and intellect to be able to see that the walls around you are closing in on you.
He had tragedies as well his one son passed away in a motor vehicle accident and his daughter had some health issues. So it was not all moonshine and roses but he rose above it with the support of his wife his biggest confidant. He had a run in with Louis Luyt and his businesses which was destined to fail and which did become a legal battle.
I enjoyed this book for various reasons -
- A South African was the architect of this dynasty.
- He was socially responsible even before it became the corporate buzzword it is today.
- He made a contribution to South Africa in many ways – nature parks all over the world and in places of conflict which he used as a point to bring people together.
- He inspired many non-South Africans by being a gentleman and being brand cognisant.
I can only recommend it – it will inspire..
