EAST LONDON– The University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Law in East London was a hub of vibrant energy and thought leadership on 05 September 2025, as local and international guests gathered for a guest lecture delivered by renowned entrepreneur and global governance leader, Mthunzi Mdwaba.
Hosted by the university’s Mercantile Law Department which also manages the institution’s LLM in Corporate Governance the lecture attracted a diverse audience of students, academics and external participants both in person and virtually.
The event was praised as ‘scintillating, excellent and enriching’ by attendees. Mdwaba, who is Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Tzoro Global Advisory, founder of Thuja Investments and chairman of both Tzoro and Thuja delivered a compelling address on the intersection of entrepreneurship, global governance and social responsibility.
He traced his professional journey from building businesses to holding leadership positions in international organisations, emphasizing his commitment to impact driven work.
In a candid moment, Mdwaba spoke about his decision to relocate to East London a move many had discouraged due to the region’s struggles with poverty, unemployment and corruption.
“A lot of people said to me, ‘Eastern Cape is made up of poverty, unemployment and corruption.’ And my response was, who must change this narrative if not us?” he stated, earning applause from the audience.
His relocation reflects more than personal conviction it marks a strategic effort to challenge entrenched narratives and invest in a province often sidelined in national development conversations.
Mdwaba’s growing relationship with the University of Fort Hare stems from discussions initiated by Professor Mzukisi Njotini, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the institution after an introduction by a mutual colleague.
In addition these discussions have laid the groundwork for a more formal partnership aimed at leveraging Mdwaba’s expertise for the university’s growth.
“I believe I can contribute, no matter how small to the impact required here at Fort Hare,” Mdwaba said, highlighting areas such as entertainment law where he once led the music industry and labour law, where his global experience has had significant impact.
The visit signaled more than academic engagement it demonstrated the powerful role that public-private collaboration and purpose-driven leadership can play in transforming the Eastern Cape.
Mdwaba’s presence at Fort Hare underscored the potential for change when experienced leaders choose to invest in under-resourced regions.
As the province continues to grapple with socio-economic challenges, voices like Mdwaba’s offer a refreshing and hopeful narrative one rooted in action, inclusion and long-term vision.
Photographs: supplied
