The Fruits of Perseverance: Dr Iqbal Survé and the Sekunjalo Consortium

Esihleliyo sidl’ukuhlala kwaso; esiphilayo sesithwethwayo

                                (The one that sits will eat nothing; the one that lives is the one that moves)

Earlier this month, the Sekunjalo Consortium received final confirmation that their intent to acquire Independent News SA from its Irish owners was approved by the competition authorities. It is a significant transaction that will have an impact on an industry that has historically been dominated by a minority. It is also indicative of further progress to transform the South African economy from the white domination that is the legacy of apartheid.

For me, however, the biggest lesson from this transaction was the determination and perseverance of this consortium, led by Dr Iqbal Survé. This was in the face of opposition to it by historically dominant voices in the mass media.

The editor of the country’s biggest business newspaper spared no efforts in criticising this attempt by the historically disadvantaged to buy the largest newspaper group in the country. A former newspaper editor and now university professor wrote a column that was so personally insulting to Dr Survé he had to write a subsequent apology. This former editor wrote the column in his blog as well as an op-ed on the business newspaper I refer to. The owners of both the newspapers played their part in either objecting to this deal or seeking to negotiate with Sekunjalo in private to buy some of the newspaper titles from them. The forum of editors weighed in and took the side of established media owners. It was sickening to watch.

Throughout this process I can imagine that Dr Survé and his partners could have thought that it was not worth it. They could have given up because the attacks on them had become very personal, questioning their integrity, intellect and business acumen. They could have whittled under the undisguised undertones of racism that permeated throughout the commentary. And they would have felt that it was better to compromise with those seeking to reverse their victory, by agreeing to sell some of the newspapers to the competitors who were attacking them. It would have been more comfortable and also they would have less criticism to deal with.

Dr Survé and team never took their eye off the ball. They never forgot what their objective was when they decided to buy this newspaper group. They knew that in order to succeed in business and life, it is not always the case that you must seek popularity. They just decided to go ahead and follow their dream, and use all resources they could muster to succeed in this objective. In doing so, they have inspired so many others, especially in my country, who want to achieve against all odds.

Their courage, determination, business acumen, intellect, humility and sense of responsibility have been beautiful to watch. Their sense of integrity compared to those who sought to bring them down has been encouraging. And the fruits of their efforts are inspirational.

Ekunyamezeleni kukho umvuzo

(There are fruits from perseverance)