A heart-to-heart with Morongwa Makgamatho

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial household in Hammanskraal, Morongwa Makgamatho always knew that she would create her own destiny by running a business.

Speaking to a large audience at the Riversands Incubation Hub, Makgamatho described how she was in the right place at the right time in 2004 when the first BEE codes were promulgated. “I took advantage of the situation and delivered value to my clients, building up a sizeable business,” she said.

Makgamatho described her success in an uproariously funny way with a self-deprecating description of the way in which she indulged in an over-the-top lifestyle. However, the high-flying came to an abrupt end when her creditors foreclosed on her and she was forced to take stock of her situation. She realised that she had made a number of serious mistakes including having lavish offices, executives on generous packages, a number of fancy cars and other luxuries.

At her lowest point, she realised the importance of family support and was spurred to say enough is enough and change her thinking about herself.

From that point, she worked towards paying back her debts and re-establishing herself as a credible brand based on her vision of herself and her value system. She emphasised that it was important to pause and take stock of life when things were not going as planned. She is now a successful organisational transformation consultant and professional motivational speaker.

Makgamatho has self-published two books to spread her message of personal fulfilment and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Riversands Incubation Hub Business Club’s next meeting will feature Nonkululeko Gobodo, founding partner of SizweNtsalubaGobodo and South Africa’s first black female chartered accountant.