Me and the Chief of the Shangaan Tribe

We have met many great people along this trip, people that are doing a great service to this beautiful country and to her people.  Today was no exception; fore it was the day that we met Chief Mkhonto Peer of the Shangaan tribe.

The Shangaan were the original settlers on what is now Kruger National Park.  They were forced out of the land over a hundred years ago, but have recently been granted a small parcel of land to continue their tribal culture.  As the chief narrated the events of his people, he was not the least bit bitter.  Instead, he seemed happy that the place that his people once called home was now an international known wildlife reserve.  He believes that just as the elephant and lion are a part of the Kruger experience, so are his people and because of the international exposure the Shangaan tribe receives, the hope is that their tradition will continue on.

Chief Peer does more than lead his tribe.  He is also the protector of children whose parents have either died of HIV/AIDS or have been otherwise adversely affected by the disease.  We had the privilege of watching these children perform three very impressive tribal dances and they displayed such energy, grace and pride.  You can see this pride on the face of the chief as he, through a succession of blows from his horn, guides and encourages them throughout the routine.  His focus is just not on their ability to perform well for the crowds.  In fact, after the children were done performing he made certain that they had all changed clothes and were well on their way to school.

It goes without saying that the toll that HIV/AIDS has taken on this country is amazing; however, what is also amazing is the infinite number of Africans who are willing to help in any way they can…even Chief Mkhonto Peer of the Shangaan tribe.

Old Mutual's front entrance

Old Mutual is the largest insurer in the South African region.  Unlike their rival, Sanlam, they successfully executed their IPO, choosing to list on the London exchange instead of in Johannesburg.  Prior to our arrival, we read extensively about Old Mutual’s business model but what we didn’t learn in  the class was just how committed the company is improving the lives of so many of its fellow South Africans who live in rural areas.  Old Mutual’s philanthropy does not take the form of annual toy or canned goods drive as it often does in America; instead, the company’s commitment to social responsibility takes the form of micro-loans. 

We met with Charmaine Evans, Operations Manager for the Mesiszane Fund and during our discussion she provided us a wealth of information about the company’s financial performance, its business model and how its transforming the products to needs based product offering.   While these are all very important, what impressed me most was Old Mutual’s commitment to the community in which it serves.  While many financial institutions are expanding their portfolios to include micro-loans to depressed communities, I doubt if any are looking at it with the same perspective as is Old Mutual.  The company is not looking at the loans as a means to increase its profit margin; instead, Old Mutual sees this as a way to invest in the community that has made it the household name it is today. 

For what is the equivalent of $25 US dollars, Old Mutual is able to empower neighboring villages with a means to create sustainable agri-businesses.  We learned that in these villages, many of the households are led by women who have a long tradition of farming but due to the lack of funding, have been unable to continue the tradition.  These micro-loans, in addition to the financial education the institution provides has enable a new generation of South African women to regain their financial independence.  There are long term plans for partnerships with other companies to improve the distribution model for the farmers, but in the interim, the result of the teachings, these micro-loans have a 0% default rate.

This is amazing given that prior to now, this community has been exposed to very little by way of financial education and know very little about business savvy but thanks to the likes of Charmaine Evans and Old Mutual, South African rural villages are becoming breeding grounds for something other than infectious diseases…they are becoming breeding grounds for tomorrow’s entrepreneur.

I am literally just hours away from boarding the plane to take what will probably be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.  Aside from the fact that I get to travel with some great people (the jury is still out on few though), I get to travel to SOUTH AFRICA!!!   While in class, I’ve tried to contain my excitement and focus on the lessons at hand but it has been hard.

When I signed up for the PMBA program I knew that I was about to embark on an educational journey.  One that would stretch me in ways that yoga never has.  I knew that I would get the prvilige to be taught by great minds and work with some great people.  I didn’t know that while on this journey I would end up here.

One of our guest lecturers, Toni Castel gave a wonderful lecture about the legal environment in Africa.  I asked her a question about the challenges the country is now facing as it merges tribal law with the traditional law and how well does that translate into politics.  I am very interested in speaking with the people of South Africa to get their take on this issue.

When I return, I know that I will have my memory bank completely filled with great moments in time.  I will come back enlightened about life in this emerging country and havea greater since of how globalization is really having an impact on the rest of the world.  I also hope to come back with some mean recipes too.