Olwam Mnqwazi fondly remembers teaching his grandmother, Angelina, 68, how to write her name when he was a 10-year-old in Zwelitsha, King William’s Town.
“I remember my hand being so tiny on top of her aged skin, and how proud she was when she could eventually write her name on her own.”
Today, Mnqwazi, 35, says his teachings have taken on a different format – he attempts to share an inward-looking approach to leadership.
Mnqwazi, who is managing director of the Black Hat Group, launched his first book: Writing the Way: Lessons & Conversations I wish to have with you, earlier in May.
The book, he said, is a compilation of short articles written to inspire people to think “differently about their circumstances as they pursue success”.
Mnqwazi said the book focuses on the human internal complexities in relation to social dynamics.
“It is a critique on society, it introduces some philosophical discussions and it suggests new ways of approaching life.
“This is a short book, meant to be read on the move.”
Mnqwazi has led several youth initiatives, including Fruits of Democracy, InkuluFreeHeid and the SA Youth Council.
In 2018, he was given the Top Achiever Award in the category special sector for youth development by the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.
Describing himself as a “content entrepreneur”, he said his 14 years of leadership experience in various institutions contributed to him building a business model based on skills training and development, and research support.
“I have concerns about how society shapes the people we become.
“I have deep-rooted concerns about the quality of our leadership.
“I have concerns related to youth talents and youthpioneered companies and innovations.
“And I address these concerns in this book.”
An extract from the first chapter of Writing the Way reads: “Your attachment to an employer instead of your dreams can sometimes leave you most vulnerable and most have even got retrenched.
“I must also add that being employed is not wrong at all, but this employment must directly or indirectly serve your purpose in life.
“Otherwise, your light of hope will die from within you.”
Other gems include: “Getting onto a bus without a predetermined destination could be a joy ride until the driver parks at the depot” and “Moving through life without set goals and objectives might give you a heck of a journey but everyone will recruit and discharge you upon serving their interests.”
Other advice reads: “So, it is always good to decide what you want to do with your life, and this might as well send you to serve a few employers for a while, but you should know when that has served your own purpose and proceed to your purpose in life on time.”