Full Name: Amo Bennett Marengwa
Position and Company Name: CEO and cofounder of Blue Banjo 3, national executive member of the South African Diamond Producers Organisation (SADPO) and chairperson of the Association Leadership Forum (ALF) within Minerals Council South Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Blue Banjo 3 is involved in diamond exploration and mining; the SADPO seeks to streamline the diamond producers’ industry, acting in concert with other structures in the industry; and the ALF supports surface miners through policy lobbying, providing advice, mentorship and the dissemination of relevant policy information
Date and Place of Birth: December 5, 1985, Itsoseng, North West province
Education: BCom (Financial Management), University of Pretoria; MBA, Gordon Institute of Business Science
First Job: My first formal job was as a cashier at Mr Price Clothing
Size of First Pay Packet: R500 a week
Career Path to Date: I began my career at the State Information Technology Agency, before moving to Nedbank as a graduate trainee. I later quit my job and opened a small restaurant. This decision led to my involvement in mining as a shareholder in a junior company and as a national executive member of the SADPO, through which I gained further exposure to the mining sector
Value of Assets under Your Control: Fixed assets valued at R18-million and a potential mineral resource base with an estimated value of over R8-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: 50
Management Style: I am a transformational leader. My leadership style is also based on being able to control my anger and frustration and exuding calmness, even in heated situations. Further, I am a creative deep thinker who is dedicated and open-minded
Personal Best Achievement: Starting and running a business from the ground up is a lonely and frustrating experience. My entrepreneurial journey was long and winding. At times it was tough and I considered giving up. During such times, I demonstrated resilience, which is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My family, especially my parents
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: SADPO chairperson Gert van Niekerk (Oom Gert)
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, former Botswana President Ian Khama and Ryan Coogler
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Jimmy Iovine
Philosophy of Life: Impossible is nothing, believe; my reputation is my integrity
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being involved in the mining industry has opened up a number of opportunities for me. I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience. But most importantly, I have made lifetime friendships that will be useful to me in my entrepreneurial journey
Biggest Ever Disappointment: The level of corruption in South Africa, the lack of support for emerging entrepreneurs and having to retrench employees, owing to business failure or lack of finance
Hope for the Future: A society that focuses on what is truly important for the growth and sustainability of the South African economy
Favourite Reading: A Testament of Hope: The Autobiography of Dr Sam Motsuenyane, and Kasinomics, by GG Alcock
Favourite TV Programme: Billions, Ballers, the news and sports channels
Favourite Food/Drink: Home-cooked meals
Favourite Music: A little bit of everything
Favourite Sport: Football
Hobbies: Jogging, camping, travelling and photography
Car: Ford Ranger
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Racism, lack of ubuntu (botho) and severe exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain
Married: To Atli Marengwa
Children: Kaone, 5; Kabo, 3
