During these perceived uncertain times it is within the general discourse where South Africans lament the perceived absence of heroes, yet the trait is inherently within the disposition of the different nations within the population of South Africa.
By definition a hero is someone who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities so then let us introduce you to SGWILI GUMEDE who is the Chairperson of the Board at the SPORTS INDUSTRY GROUP.
We had the honour of interviewing entrepreneur and businessman Sgwili Gumede who was born and bred in Kwazulu Natal and grew up herding cattle at their traditional family homestead.
“My life presently is inconceivable and incompatible with where I come.” Said Gumede as he reflected on his upbringing adding “My parents had a clear vision of what we would become as my first important guardians.”
He grew up in a Community which embodied the words “umntu ngumntu ngabantu” in which every elder took up a role as a parent raising and educating every child within the community as their own.
“There was a very seamless and aligned way of raising kids, so the things that my parents were telling me are the very same things my teachers were telling me and the same applies with my aunts, neighbours, within the community” as he contrasted these experiences with observations he had made with his own children’s upbringing. “What I find really sad and really odd these days is that the things I teach my children are not the same things that they are being taught and learn at school or church or in fact the neighbours, as a result it has become a lot tougher for both kids and parents.”
The message coming from the neighbours, church and parents had always been seamless on how to conduct one’s self as well as how to behave and how to be a good citizen and so his community had been instrumental in what he has become.
From being a professional footballer to working with the biggest multinational brands breaking new ground, he left an indelible mark everywhere he has set foot.
“I got to Nike when Nike was effectively becoming a global brand from having been an American brand involved in running, tennis and America sports. Then to hosting the world cup in 1994 and then realising what world exists out there outside of the sports they were involved with.” he explained that they came to an understanding that to be a true global brand Nike had to be in Football/" title="Football">Football. “I was the first GM for football in South Africa and built the Nike football Business to what it is today.”
For every step forward the likes of Sgwili Gumede take, a generation longing for genuine heroes begin to believe. Even in his success he remains well rooted in the principles bestowed upon him by his community showing that the road to success is paved with integrity, hard work, humility and honour.
Please watch the full the full video above for the rest of the inspirational Interview. Please don’t forget to subscribe to Grit Sports TV">Grit Sports TV.
