What do Walter Sisulu, Paul Xiniwe, Bertha Mkhize and John Tengo Jabavu have in common? They were all Black South African business people, and only a few of the names of the elite who were able to build successful enterprises against all odds in industries such as agriculture, media, financial services, retail, real estate, transport, hoteliering and more during the colonial and apartheid eras.

In many cases, they were also political activists as necessitated by the oppressive conditions of the time in order to fight for equal rights to enterprise and markets. Here their stories as entrepreneurs as well as political actors are profiled, showing the inexplicable relationship between the two.

The history of Black South African enterprise pre- and post-colonially in areas like mining is also explored, showing that this was nothing alien or unexpected and instead, that oppression curtailed the majority of enterprise that was possible and blocked out competition through dispossession.

African Bank is focused on reclaiming the heritage of South Africa through key marketing and strategic consumer moments, and to accomplish this they are partnering with Rockhopper Books to release the first in a series of coffee table books celebrating great figures in South African history.

This first edition entitled Black Pioneers uncovers stories of Black Entrepreneurs in the 1960s; a time when there were little to no opportunities for people of colour to succeed in business. The book pays homage to Black Business Pioneers of the time, who were audacious enough to challenge the system and pave a new path for Black Businesses.

The book serves to tell stories of Black Businesses; highlighting their history, challenges, successes, and contributions to business at large. Featuring high-quality images the book tells the stories of impactful South African figures including:

• Constance Ntshona
• Sally Motlana
• SJJ Lesolang
• An Gadi
• HM Pitje
• PK Seabela
• Lawrence Malindi
• Sam Motsuenyane