By Dr Anna Mokgokong
Some people join organisations, companies and serve communities and their nation looking for something for themselves.
They look for inspiration, leadership ideas, day-to-day advice, seek reflection on the more intellectual and entrepreneurial benefits for their personal benefit.
Some members recognise that an organisation and a nation can only offer what is put into it in the first place. They do stellar work. They stand out. They are the ones whose input is so significant that the organisation, community and nation could not be what it is without their specific and immeasurable contribution.
These are the passionate nation builders. On this list, you will find Dr Vuyokazi Mahlati.
She was committed to the notion that an organisation and nation is more powerful and useful to society as a result of the contribution made to it by dedicated professionals.
The characteristics that Vuyo came to be appreciated for are numerous. She was a wonderful person, selfless, caring, giving, an outstanding businesswoman, executive director, entrepreneur, a superb farmer, manufacturer, a gifted mentor, a devoted family woman, an inquisitive adventurer, an avid reader, a sharp intellectual and a daring innovator.
Vuyo was a fearless social entrepreneur and gender activist who was always at the forefront of feminine entrepreneurship and made deliberate decisions and influenced policies that affected rural economies.
These are only some of the exemplary qualities I observed in her over the many years of our association and friendship, which included our time serving various organisations and her becoming president of the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA).
Here are just a few of the gifts she shared:
◆ Former chairperson of the Land Reform and Agriculture Advisory panel
◆ Former member of the National Planning Commission. As the commissioner she chaired the working group on the Capable and Development State, as well as spatial transformation
◆ Deputy Chairperson of the Panel of Experts tasked with developing the Integrated Urban Development Framework for South Africa
◆ Founder of Ivili Loboya, which led to the birth of the Dedani Collection – Africa’s first indigenous wool processing plant
◆ Former president of the International Women’s Forum South Africa
◆ Global Director of the International Women’s Forum
◆ President of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa.
The range of Vuyo’s talents, interests and accomplishments is testimony that she was an astoundingly wide-ranging lady – a woman for all seasons with a renaissance spirit.
Her energy was boundless and generous.
I was particularly impressed by her unquenchable enthusiasm for people.
Her intellect was fertile and her energy was of supernova dimensions. Her accomplishments will live on in the memories of the countless people she helped.
The whole structure of her life was about helping others.
The saying goes: “It is not how long you have lived on this earth that matters, but rather how impactful you have been.” Vuyo was impactful.
Through her courage, talent or altruism, she has shown us what selfless servant leadership can look like. May God rest her gentle soul.
Dr Anna Mokgokong is the chairperson of AfroCentric Health Group, and a former president of the International Women’s Forum South Africa.
The Star