Hybrid Ubuntu Business Breakfast with Gayton McKenzie
9 December 2022
Topic: Ex-convict to businessman, author of 3 books, leader of a political party, Mayor and change maker.
After an extraordinary life of crime, prison and redemption, Gayton McKenzie became the leader of the fastest-growing political party in South Africa, the Patriotic Alliance. He also established himself as a trailblazing political administrator after becoming the district mayor of Central Karoo and bringing rapid change to the area while turning down all mayoral perks, including a salary, VIP protection, transport and an official credit card.
During his first 100 days alone, the area’s bucket toilet system was eradicated, two municipal pools were brought back into service, potholes were repaired, streets were cleaned and dozens of new businesses were started and supported. The party was born out of Gayton’s vision to use the powers of the state to substantively change the lives of people in impoverished communities after decades of broken promises by the government.
On his extraordinary journey to being a successful businessman and author, Gayton became one of the most sought-after and internationally known motivational speakers in the country. In his early years, post-prison, he addressed millions of schoolchildren, parents and businesspeople with his hard-hitting and engaging life story, which inspired his bestselling autobiography, The Choice. He then went on to work with various corporate sponsors before finding success in the mining industry. Today he is one of the biggest producers of slate products in the country, along with owning a mine.
After making his mark as a businessman, a multimillion-rand mining consultancy business and a successful venture-capital enterprise, Gayton published his second book, another bestseller called A Hustler’s Bible. Gayton came to controversial public attention in 2002 when he and a small group of fellow inmates smuggled secret video cameras into Grootvlei Prison to capture video, of corruption behind high walls and let the world know about it. After his release, he went on a national campaign to combat ever-higher levels of crime in South Africa. He is still serving as an advocate against crime. His third book, An Uncomfortable Truth, is a very personal take on relationships, with advice for women about truths they would rather not want to hear, but which can console them.
Ubuntu Members can access the recording from the event! Find out more…
A huge thanks to our Event Sponsor Brights and our Venue Sponsor Lagoon Beach Hotel, and our Partners SureTravel, Glue Up, Thrivepay, Shed Studios and GS Creations ZA for making this event possible!
Hybrid Ubuntu Business Breakfast with Gayton McKenzie
9 December 2022
Topic: Ex-convict to businessman, author of 3 books, leader of a political party, Mayor and change maker.
After an extraordinary life of crime, prison and redemption, Gayton McKenzie became the leader of the fastest-growing political party in South Africa, the Patriotic Alliance. He also established himself as a trailblazing political administrator after becoming the district mayor of Central Karoo and bringing rapid change to the area while turning down all mayoral perks, including a salary, VIP protection, transport and an official credit card.
During his first 100 days alone, the area’s bucket toilet system was eradicated, two municipal pools were brought back into service, potholes were repaired, streets were cleaned and dozens of new businesses were started and supported. The party was born out of Gayton’s vision to use the powers of the state to substantively change the lives of people in impoverished communities after decades of broken promises by the government.
On his extraordinary journey to being a successful businessman and author, Gayton became one of the most sought-after and internationally known motivational speakers in the country. In his early years, post-prison, he addressed millions of schoolchildren, parents and businesspeople with his hard-hitting and engaging life story, which inspired his bestselling autobiography, The Choice. He then went on to work with various corporate sponsors before finding success in the mining industry. Today he is one of the biggest producers of slate products in the country, along with owning a mine.
After making his mark as a businessman, a multimillion-rand mining consultancy business and a successful venture-capital enterprise, Gayton published his second book, another bestseller called A Hustler’s Bible. Gayton came to controversial public attention in 2002 when he and a small group of fellow inmates smuggled secret video cameras into Grootvlei Prison to capture video, of corruption behind high walls and let the world know about it. After his release, he went on a national campaign to combat ever-higher levels of crime in South Africa. He is still serving as an advocate against crime. His third book, An Uncomfortable Truth, is a very personal take on relationships, with advice for women about truths they would rather not want to hear, but which can console them.
Ubuntu Members can access the recording from the event! Find out more…