Celebrating Eric Molobi: A legacy of leadership in Kagiso Trust's 40th anniversary
Eric Molobi 's biography celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Kagiso Trust.
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“Humility. Ethical leadership. Courage. Wisdom. Integrity.” These were words repeatedly spoken as Kagiso Trust marked the start of its 40th anniversary celebrations with the launch of a biography of its former CEO, Eric Molobi.
Former president Kgalema Motlanthe, businesswomen Cheryl Carolus and Kagiso Trust trustee Hylton Appelbaum were among those sharing memories of Molobi, who passed away in 2006.
Eric Molobi: A Legacy of Resolute Leadership reflects on the life of a man who helped shape South Africa’s transformation with quiet determination and unwavering resolve.
From his early activism in the Black Consciousness Movement to his imprisonment on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela's journey was defined by his commitment to social justice and empowerment.
Upon his release, Molobi played a crucial role in education during the turbulent 1980s, navigating political repression with strategic foresight.
At the end of apartheid, he transitioned into business, championing Black Economic Empowerment – not as a tool for personal gain but to cultivate talent, support socio-economic reconstruction and ensure economic involvement.
He served on the boards of major corporations and influenced South Africa’s economic landscapewhile avoiding the limelight.
After eight years of imprisonment on Robben Island, a key role in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and leadership of the National Education Crisis Committee in the 1980s, Molobi joined Kagiso Trust as CEO in 1990.
He launched Kagiso Trust Investments (KTI), which quickly became one of South Africa’s biggest investment companies. Today, investments fully fund the work of Kagiso Trust, one of the country’s leading development agencies.
Recalling the launch of KTI, trustee Thabiso Ratsomo said it was a game-changer for the Trust. “And it was largely due to Eric’s unwavering commitment to ensuring Kagiso Trust could survive beyond donor funding.”
Ratsomo said one of Molobi’s key traits was ethical leadership, and he trusted the people he appointed to stand against corruption. “He was deeply committed to our motto at the time of overcoming poverty. And he was a master networker, politically and in the corporate world.”
Written by acclaimed journalist Gaongalelwe Tiro, this biography explores Molobi’s impact across politics, business, and social development.
It is essential reading for business leaders, activists, educators, and history enthusiasts drawn to stories of resilience and purpose-driven leadership.
Through the institutions, careers, and initiatives that he helped to build, Molobi’s legacy continues to shape South Africa’s future.
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