Bereng Mpaki
BUSINESS mogul, Sam Matekane, has been named as one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs in the annual Forbes Best of Africa awards.
The chairperson of the Matekane Group of Companies (MGC), will receive the award formally known as the Forbes Best of Africa Award, tomorrow evening during a virtual ceremony.
The award is presented to business personalities with a record of creating and building great global businesses that have made far-reaching contributions to the development of Africa.
Established by Mr Matekane in 1986, MGC started off as a transport and plant hire business but has evolved into a multi-sector corporation including aviation, property development, mining, hospitality and farming.
MGC head of corporate communications and marketing, ‘Mamotake Matekane, confirmed Mr Matekane’s nomination to the Lesotho Times yesterday.
“I can confirm that our chairperson, Ntate Matekane has been nominated for the Forbes Best of Africa Award for 2021,” Ms Matekane said.
She said MGC was proud to have one of their own getting continental recognition by a renowned and credible organisation like Forbes.
“The excitement is overwhelming for us here at MGC for Ntate Matekane’s recognition by a credible organisation that has taken it upon itself to follow his journey. Ntate Matekane is proof that nothing is impossible and his story should inspire anyone who desires to achieve greatness in life.”
Forbes’ Mark Furlong said Mr Matekane’s track record has elevated him from being a businessman to being one of the biggest African philanthropists.
“It is with great pleasure that Forbes Custom, founders of Forbes Best of Africa, informs you that you have been nominated for the Forbes Best of Africa Award.
“We, at Forbes Custom, have followed your business career with keen interest over the past years, including the sterling and pacesetting achievements that elevated you from being a businessman to being one of the biggest philanthropists in Africa.
“For this and other landmark achievements which you have recorded throughout your enviable career, your nomination for this prestigious Forbes 2021 Award has been approved by Forbes Custom’s Awards Committee.
“This award is usually given annually in connection with our Best of Africa event held in NYC around the UNGA meetings to highlight business personalities with a record of creating and building great global businesses that have made far-reaching and positive contributions to the development of Africa.
“This year is of course different. This year the award will be conferred on you by members of the Forbes Custom organisation during the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) Leadership and Philanthropy online roundtable discussion on 6 August 2021.
“The event will be graced by members of the international business community, policy makers, entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders, the media partners, religious leaders and international investors. Our representatives in Africa, FIN will be in contact to finalise all logistics and other arrangements with your office towards the event.
“Congratulations from all of my colleagues at Forbes Media and please accept my personal congratulations on this honour.
“Thank you for putting us on the world map. Thank you for giving us hope. Thank you for showing us, anything is possible. We salute you,” Mr Furlong said.
