Vusi Thembekwayo is a South African author, businessman and serial entrepreneur whose hard work is playing out. Many people are interested in his wealth and popularity not knowing that the self made millionaire rose through many challenges to the position he is now enjoying.
As one of the leading businessmen on the continent, his life story, rise and fall is an inspiration to many.
His admirers are still amazed by the wealth he has, they wonder if he is truly worth $500. Others ask about his private life and what he is up to these days. Lets find out all there is know about the successful man.
Who Is Vusi Thembekwayo?
Vusi Thembekwayo was born on March 21 1985 in South Africa. From the age of 15, he was raised by his single mother after his father passed away.
His childhood had a period of misfortune when they lost their family home. Vusi’s father used their home to take a business loan and the bank foreclosed their home.
Vusi’s father had a business mindset, something that his son learnt. However, tragedy struck when armed robbers shot him 9 times and allowed him bleed to death. The little silver lining was Vusi was together with his ill mother when the sad event occured.
The experiences of that time shaped his outlook on life. He had to study by candlelight and dress early for school.
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Does He Really Have A Net Worth Of $600 Million?
It is no doubt that Vusi Thembekwayo has a net worth of over $600 million. As a serial entrepreneur, author and businessman, he makes this amount from his businesses.
Even from a young age, he was making life changing decisions and making wealth beyond his other contemporaries. At the age of 29, he was a known public speaker known for delivering about 214 addresses and he charged up to $8000 in some of the sessions.
At the age of 30, Vusi had $300 worth of shares in over seven companies he invested in.
Presently his net worth has grown to over $600 million due to careful financial planning and hard work.
10 Fascinating Facts About Vusi Thembekwayo
1. Vusi Thembekwayo Was Paid R35 For An Adress
Vusi does not mind the little beginning. In his first paid public speech, he was paid R35. But this marked a turning point for him.
Former president Thabo Mbeki gave him a hug and recommended him. Like a real entrepreneur, he invested the money into calling people he met at the event.
2. He Began His First Company In His Bedroom
The overachiever began his first company, Global Professionals South Africa in his bedroom.
since he could not find employment, he took the risk and started his own company.
3. Vusi Thembakwayo Is The Rock Star Of Public Speaking
He started his lifelong public speaking career as a punishment in high school for misbehaving. His first speech titled What Women Want had other students booing him off stage. But over the years, pubic speaking became part of him through hard work.
Vusi once compared himself to Muhammad Ali when he like boxers, public speakers are born. Those who have ever attended any of his addresses will be glad to affirm his speaking prowess.
In 2013, he was invited to speak at the world bank. He joined the National Speakers Association of New York based on his dollar earnings.
In fact the former Prime Minister of Australia referred to Vusi as the rock star of public speaking. Not to exaggerate his ability, Vusi has travelled the world delivering speeches on investment and finances.
4. Vusi Thembekwayo Wife And Children
He tied the knot with the love of his life, Palesa Thembekwayo in 2009. The two have been together ever since. Palesa has a business mind like her husband. She is the supporting force behind his empire. She is interested in Youth enterpreneurship.
Together they have three children. They welcomed their first child, Vusumuzi Nathaniel in November, 2010. On Aril 3 2012, their family increased with the birth of their daughter, Amahle. Funnily he acquired a rifle the day his daughter was born in readiness for suitors.
Their third child, Mnqobi was born in 2017.
5. Vusi Thembekwayo Is An Author
One of caps is writing. Vusi Thembekwayo shared his life story in his book, Business & Life Lesson from a Black Dragon.
Over 50,000 copies of his book have been sold so far. He featured on the reality TV series, Dragons Den.
6. He Was The Youngest Director Of Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Vusi Thembekwayo is an overachiever, he recorded milestones while other kids were learning how to put one foot in front of the other.
Vusi thembekwayo ran the first black owned forensic marketing agency in South Africa when he was just 21. Moving forward, he put his name on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as its youngest at the early age of 25. At the time , it had a bourse of $1.3 billion.
7. How Does Vusi Thembekwayo My Growth Fund Work?
The company is an investment power house targeting high growth among black entrepreneurs. It creates an incubation and enterprise development opportunity for entrepreneurs.
In short it is a run to place for all those that are willing to take the risk and build their businesses.
8. Vusi Lost Money Launching His My Growth Fund
His life has not been without challenges. He lost $274,000 while trying to start his own company due to bad investment.
While the money was supposed to be part of his staff salary, he confessed the truth of the situation to them. Through public speaking he raised the money and sorted them out.
9. Why Vusi Thembekwayo Dropped Out School
With radicalfinancial ideas like the one he carries in head, Vusi is a study in itself. He started a degree in BCom at the University of Witwaterstrand but later dropped out. It was the lack of money that forced him out.
He later attended Gordon Institute of Business Science for a period of three years instead of one.
10. Where Is He Now?
Vusi Thembekwayo is alive and still setting the pace for other younger entrepreneurs. Many will think he has achieved and should take a backsit. Taking a backsit at this stage is not an option unless its for ill health which we have not heard of any.
He is currently the CEO of an investment and advisory firm, MyGrowth Fund & IC Knowledge Bureau.
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