In an era where good stories are often drowned by political noise, a powerful story of resilience and success demands our unified attention. In a world quick to pass judgment, it is essential to delve deeper into untold stories, particularly those not in the limelight of the mainstream media. One such story is the inspiring journey of Given Majola, bearing testimony to the impact of South African entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr Iqbal Survé.
Majola’s story, vividly captured in his June 16 compelling op-ed “Young, hopeful and grateful,” illustrates a young black man’s struggle against lack of resources and systemic disenfranchisement. His story is a common refrain among the black youth of South Africa, a nation wrestling with economic inequalities and an insufficient support system for its disenfranchised youth. What drew me to Majola’s story was the instrumental role played by Dr Survé through his media company, Independent Media (Indy).
Independent Media’s internship programme served as Majola’s guiding light, providing him with the opportunity to hone his skills and pursue his passion for journalism. Indy’s support system did not merely offer financial relief but also nurtured Majola’s spirit during personal hardships, paving the way towards his laudable achievements, such as winning the Vodacom Journalist of the Year award.
Majola’s journey, along with the journeys of countless others, is a tribute to Survé’s philanthropic endeavours and positive influence on the lives of many. Such is the essence of Dr Survé.
Survé’s contributions reach beyond his business empire. They touch the spheres of social development and community upliftment. His charitable activities, primarily through Survé Philanthropies, highlight his dedication to reshaping Africa’s socioeconomic fabric and landscape. Survé Philanthropies initiative has consistently offered opportunities for empowerment, education, environmental conservation, and human rights advocacy, leaving a significant imprint on poor marginalised communities.
Dr Survé’s positive efforts and influence extends beyond charity and media. The launch of a R200m fund by Ayo Technology Solutions in recent years warrants attention. The fund aims to invest in African tech startups, a step that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent, thereby contributing to economic growth and job creation. Ayo is a company where Survé holds significant shares through Sekunjalo.
Regrettably, mainstream media often overlook these positive endeavours, hiding them behind a torrent of negative stories, attacks, and misleading narratives. The media’s reluctance to acknowledge positive contributions distorts the perception of leaders like Dr Survé, who work tirelessly for the collective good. This is why Majola’s story prompted me to respond, as it offers a balanced perspective of the real Dr Survé.
Among Survé’s most inspiring qualities is his unwavering commitment to media freedom, particularly given the challenges that persist in the media landscape. His dedication to truthful and balanced reporting is clearly demonstrated in Independent Media. We’ve seen the commitment extend beyond the newsroom, as he actively fights against human atrocities and collaborates with organisations such as the International Journalists’ Federation to put an end to the killing of journalists.
Survé’s work has not gone entirely unnoticed. At the BRICS Ministers meeting, the BRICS Business Council recently honoured him with a prestigious award for his significant contributions to the BRICS nations. This international recognition bears witness to his exceptional commitment to promoting global economic growth and social development.
In a world where narratives are often distorted and key figures misrepresented, it’s vital to sift through the noise. Majola’s story, marked by struggle, resilience, and ultimate victory, encapsulates the profound influence of Dr Survé’s work. It’s high time we shifted our focus towards such stories, acknowledging the role of leaders who strive to uplift society.
Survé’s work is not only inspirational but also pivotal in sculpting a better future for our society. His tireless efforts to uplift and empower individuals and communities, often in the face of mainstream criticism and scrutiny, deserve recognition and celebration. For every Given Majola that comes into our view, there are countless others waiting for their chance, and it’s high time we acknowledged this. Dr Survé has consistently worked to leave a positive mark on our society, no matter how big or small.
Thank you, Given, for sharing your journey. It’s a story that deserves to be told, and it is a story that needs to resonate in our collective conscience.
Written By Feroza Petersen
