Nkululeko Sowazi, a leading South African tycoon, has left a mark on the African business landscape. Since 1986, he’s been on a remarkable journey through various sectors, including mining, real estate, technology, infrastructure, and finance.
His influence is evident in his leadership roles in companies like Bud Chemicals & Minerals, Home Loan Guarantee Co. NPC, Synchem, Inc., and Tiso Investment Holdings Pty Ltd.
Sowazi’s impact goes beyond business. He’s also the driving force behind Tiso Group, Tiso Foundation, and Tiso Blackstar Group, which have significantly contributed to South Africa’s economic growth.
Sowazi’s commanding expertise and exceptional leadership have firmly established him as a prominent figure in the business realm.
Billionaires.Africa has identified several companies linked to Sowazi, with five of them highlighted here:
- Grindrod Limited
Grindrod Limited is a prominent holding company renowned for its diverse interests in banking and logistics services. Sowazi plays a pivotal role as the lead independent non-executive director within the organization. Grindrod has achieved global recognition and is publicly listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company boasts a vast network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associated firms spanning across 23 countries. Sowazi has demonstrated his leadership as a lead independent non-executive director since 2017.
- Tiso Blackstar Group
Sowazi assumes the role of non-executive director at Tiso Blackstar Group, which has since rebranded as Arena Holdings. This dynamic media, broadcast, and retail marketing conglomerate shifted its focus following the sale of its print, broadcasting, and content assets to Lebashe Investment Group in 2019. Tiso Blackstar Group operates a wide range of daily newspapers, magazines, and events, catering to both trade and consumer markets. The company serves customers not only in South Africa but also in the UK. Furthermore, Tiso Blackstar Group SE, an investment company, concentrates on broadcast and retail marketing operations in the UK.
- Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH)
Sowazi holds the prestigious position of Chairman at Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH), a leading South African investment holding company with significant stakes in the media, financial services, and resources sectors. The formation of KTH in July 2011 marked a significant milestone, resulting from the merger of two prominent black-owned investment firms, Kagiso Trust Investments and Tiso Group. This merger led to the creation of a conglomerate with combined gross assets of R15 billion (approximately $789.27 million).
- TISO Foundation
As a co-founder trustee of the Tiso Foundation, Sowazi has played a pivotal role in nurturing this self-sustaining trust, established in 2001 with the noble objective of providing enduring educational opportunities to South Africans in need. In 2015, the Tiso Foundation introduced the Tiso Foundation Masters Scholarship, aimed at assisting exceptional Black youth in pursuing master’s studies.
- Sanlam Private Wealth
Sowazi further extends his expertise as an Investment Committee member of Sanlam Private Equity, a division of Sanlam Alternative Investments. This division specializes in offering personalized investment management plans through a diversified range of funds tailored to high-net-worth investors.
