Vusi Thembekwayo : Wiki, age, wife, net worth, book (2025)
Vusi Thembekwayo is a renowned South African entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author, and global keynote speaker. He’s widely recognized for his sharp business insights, charismatic speaking style, and commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs.
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vusi Thembekwayo |
| Date of Birth | March 21, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 40 years |
| Place of Birth | Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Author, Investor, Global Speaker |
| Height | 1.80 m (5’11”) |
| Weight | Approx. 85 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Children | 3 (2 sons, 1 daughter) |
| Spouse | Palesa Thembekwayo (divorced) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $500 million USD |
| Social Media | Instagram: @vusithembekwayo |
Early Life and Family Background
Vusi Thembekwayo was born in Benoni, a mining town in Gauteng, South Africa. Raised in a modest household, he faced financial hardship early in life. Despite these challenges, Vusi displayed an extraordinary gift for public speaking from a young age. By 17, he was already ranked among Africa’s top youth speakers.
Anecdote: Vusi once recounted how he used to practice speeches in front of a cracked mirror in his bedroom, imagining himself on global stages. That mirror, he says, “reflected not just my face, but my future.”
Education and Academic Journey
Vusi’s educational path was unconventional. After completing secondary school, he enrolled at university but had to drop out due to financial constraints. Instead of giving up, he leveraged his speaking skills to earn income and fund his learning.
He later completed:
- Advanced Management Program – Wits University
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration – GIBS, University of Pretoria
- Executive MBA in Business & Economics – Hult International Business School
His academic journey is a testament to resilience and lifelong learning.
🚀 Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Vusi’s first business venture was Global Professionals South Africa, a recruitment agency he ran from his bedroom. It connected South African apprentices with jobs in England and Australia.
By age 21, he was running a forensic marketing agency. At 25, he became the youngest director of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, a milestone that catapulted him into the spotlight.
His breakthrough came with the founding of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners in 2016—a pan-African venture capital firm supporting high-growth startups.
Rise to Global Influence
Vusi’s rise was meteoric. He became a sought-after keynote speaker, delivering talks in over 30 countries on topics like leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He’s spoken at:
- World Economic Forum
- TEDx Johannesburg
- Harvard Business School Africa Business Conference
His speeches are known for their intensity, humor, and actionable insights.
Fun Fact: Vusi never uses a teleprompter. He believes “authenticity lives in spontaneity.”
Business Empire and Ventures
As of 2025, Vusi owns or has founded multiple companies across industries:
| Company Name | Industry | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MyGrowthFund Venture Partners | Venture Capital | Tech Startups & Scale-ups |
| IC Knowledge Bureau | Speaker Management | Elite Thought Leaders |
| Project249 | Community Incubation | Rural Economies |
| Watermark Capital Partners | Private Equity | High-Growth Firms |
| Motiv8 Advisory (sold) | HR & Finance | Strategy Consulting |
His ventures generate over $350 million in combined influence across seven enterprises.
Books and Thought Leadership
Vusi is the author of several best-selling books:
- Vusi: Business & Life Lessons from a Black Dragon (2017)
- The Magna Carta of Exponentiality (2018)
- Underdogs (2021, audiobook)
His writing blends personal anecdotes with business strategy, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience.
Quote: “Entrepreneurship is not a title—it’s a mindset.”
Personal Life and Relationships
Vusi married Palesa Mahlolo Thembekwayo in 2009. They have three children:
- Vusumuzi Nathaniel III (born 2010)
- Daughter (born 2012)
- Second son (born 2017)
Their marriage faced public scrutiny in 2021 due to allegations of domestic abuse, which Vusi denied. The couple finalized their divorce settlement in 2023.
Despite personal challenges, Vusi remains a devoted father and often shares parenting insights in his talks.
Awards and Recognition
- Forbes Africa – Featured as one of Africa’s richest young people
- GQ South Africa – Business Leader of the Year
- SA Business Awards – Entrepreneur of the Decade
- Silicon Cape – Co-Chair Appointment (2021)
He’s also been honored by African Union initiatives for his work in youth development and entrepreneurship.
Speaking Style and Legacy
Vusi’s speaking style is:
- Bold and unapologetic
- Data-driven yet emotional
- Culturally rooted and globally relevant
He often uses storytelling, humor, and real-life case studies to connect with audiences. His legacy is built on empowering African entrepreneurs and challenging outdated business norms.
Unique Insight: Vusi believes in “failing publicly”—he often shares his business mistakes to help others avoid them.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Vusi is deeply committed to:
- Youth entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy
- Rural economic development
Through Project249, he incubates businesses in underserved communities. He also funds scholarships and mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs.
Social Media and Public Persona
Vusi maintains a strong digital presence:
- Instagram: @vusithembekwayo
- Twitter: @VusiThembekwayo
- YouTube: Vusi Thembekwayo Official
- Website: vusithembekwayo.com
He’s admired for his authenticity, sharp wit, and motivational content. His followers often refer to him as “The Black Dragon”—a nod to his time on Dragons’ Den South Africa.
Conclusion
Vusi Thembekwayo’s journey from a modest home in Benoni to global boardrooms is a story of grit, genius, and growth. He’s not just a businessman—he’s a movement. His impact spans continents, industries, and generations.
In 2025, Vusi stands as one of Africa’s most influential voices in entrepreneurship. His legacy is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: he’s building it with vision, courage, and conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vusi Thembekwayo
Who is Vusi Thembekwayo?
Vusi Thembekwayo is a South African entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author, and global keynote speaker. He is known for his dynamic business insights, motivational speaking, and leadership in African entrepreneurship.
What is Vusi Thembekwayo’s full name?
His full name is Vusi Thembekwayo.
When was Vusi Thembekwayo born?
He was born on March 21, 1985, in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa.
How old is Vusi Thembekwayo in 2025?
He is 40 years old.
What made Vusi Thembekwayo famous?
He became the youngest director of a Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company at age 25. He later founded MyGrowthFund Venture Partners, a leading African venture capital firm, and gained global recognition as a speaker and author.
Is Vusi Thembekwayo married?
Vusi was previously married to Palesa Thembekwayo, but they divorced in 2023.
Does Vusi Thembekwayo have children?
Yes, he has three children—two sons and one daughter.
What is Vusi Thembekwayo’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is around $500 million USD, earned through business ventures, investments, speaking engagements, and book sales.
What are Vusi Thembekwayo’s most popular books?
- Vusi: Business & Life Lessons from a Black Dragon
- The Magna Carta of Exponentiality
- Underdogs (audiobook)
Has Vusi Thembekwayo won any awards?
Yes, he has received multiple honors including:
- Forbes Africa recognition
- GQ Business Leader of the Year
- SA Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Decade
Is Vusi Thembekwayo active on social media?
Absolutely! He’s highly active and engaging:
- Instagram: @vusithembekwayo
- Twitter: @VusiThembekwayo
- YouTube: Vusi Thembekwayo Official
- Website: vusithembekwayo.com
What causes does Vusi Thembekwayo support?
He’s passionate about:
- Youth entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy
- Rural economic development
He also funds scholarships and incubators through Project249 and MyGrowthFund Foundation.
Where can I watch Vusi Thembekwayo’s talks?
His keynote speeches and interviews are available on:
- YouTube
- LinkedIn Learning
- Business conferences worldwide
- TEDx and World Economic Forum platforms
