Business book club hosts top CEO

The Business Book Club hosted another successful discussion with esteemed businessman Mteto Nyati on 3 December at The Capital 20 West in Morningside. Book club founder Jacques Velleman had the opportunity to interview Nyati about his new autobiography Betting on a Darkie: Lifting the Corporate Game.

Pondering on the rather controversial title, Nyati assured readers that it was intentional – it was his way of owning his identity. “You know we as black people sometimes joke around and call each other darkies while other people use this word in a negative way. This is my take at claiming back that word, claiming my own identity,” he said.

Nyati noted that this was also a strong case for giving people opportunities to get out into the world. “People don’t want favours, they want opportunities. This is a call, way beyond just cooperates, to just give people opportunities.”

Born in the Eastern Cape, Nyati has turned into one of the country’s powerhouses having turned the tide for both Microsoft South Africa and MTN South Africa. He currently serves as the CEO for Allied Electronics Corporation Limited (Altron), having joined the company in April 2017.

He added that being in a number of leadership roles has taught him to become a good listener, which has allowed him to achieve a lot in the corporate space. But regardless of his successes, Nyati added that humble beginnings taught him that everyone has value to add, no matter where they come from. “When you come to a new environment like taking over a new company, you can’t just overlook everything. You must look at the company as a whole before taking on a transformation. Take the time to listen and learn.”

Nyati is added to a list of over 30 local authors which the book club has welcomed. According to founder Jacques Velleman, the book club solely focuses on local authors, providing them with a platform. “There are so many stories and knowledge that we need to share and that is just half of what the business book club is about,” he said.

The evening’s attendees donated just over 50 books which will be passed on to a number of underprivileged areas and libraries, a cause close to Velleman. “Every time we have an event, we get people to donate books and we collect books outside of the event and, up to date, we have collected over 6 000 books. This will go to less fortunate communities and libraries in Diepsloot and Alexandra. This will give kids the opportunity to learn what can be done.”

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/235616/dragon-opens-up-to-business-book-club/