‘Awe ma se kind” says Rotendo Hwindingwe. This suprised me and I reacted with a huge smile, ‘eish, ma – se – kind’. He replied, ‘Ja, ek kan ‘n bietjie praat!”
This was a colourful moment in our recent chat about the release of his new book,
Rumble in the Jungle: Reloaded. The Zimbabwean born author and business consultant was detailing and breaking down his acronym (TITORD). He says they form building blocks one must use when doing business in Africa.
He cautions that it is not a panacea but feels that one can’t succeed without cementing these critical foundation stones.
Territory or location he says is critical in identifying what value your products and services can offer. The amusing example I recalled from our recent conversation reflects the cosmetic differences when making comparisons between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
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The Rumble in the Jungle : an epic
Similarly, Africa has distinct regions and knowing those differences will give one a business edge. The point he was making is that Africa is not homogenous and business should not approach it in this way.
I love the book’s title and it got me googling to see the significance of the analogy. It was befitting – and my word – what a fight that was back in the early 70’s!
It is the culmination of a daring dream! Vision is so important in any business! What impact do you want to create? How will it shape your consumer’s lives? The Rumble in the Jungle took place in the then Zaire between George Foreman and Mohammed Ali, the challenger!
Now, I got the impression Dr Hwindingwi thought this was Ali’s first shot at the title. In fact, Ali became the heavyweight champion of the world for the second time in reclaiming the title.
Boxing fans will be familiar with the name, Don King – and yes he was once again the deal maker in what would be an iconic fight for a number of reasons: the energy sapping heat, the audacity of it all, the pre-fight build-up, the contrast of the fighters, the innovation, and the money.
Both fights were paid 5 million dollars for just showing up. This was a staggering amount of money in 1974! Ali introduced the rope and dope technique which helped him tire out the challenger, while reducing the power of the punches by absorbing its impact with the ring’s ropes!
October 1974. Kinshasa, Zaire. Rumble in the Jungle.
— Mimi Kalinda 🇷🇼 🇨🇩 🇿🇦 🇺🇸 (@MKalinda) April 1, 2023
In his brand new book, Rumble In The Jungle Reloaded, @DrRHwind does an incredible job of applying some of the lessons learned from the Foreman/Ali fight to doing business in Africa.
#africa #doingbusiness #strategy #newbook pic.twitter.com/a4o8fj2UpJ
We are ready for rapid growth
Dr Hwindingwi says innovation is key to finding solutions for one’s operating environment. Whereby brands are able to remain relevant and connected to the lives of their consumers.
Ali was able to innovate and adapt recognising that the champion was one dimensional in his approach. A weakness which the former champion exploited to his advantage.
Dr Hwindingwi encourages readers to exploit his knowledge and vast experience in business to give insights on Africa – poised for rapid growth and industrialisation. Like Ali did against Foreman. Recognise opportunity in the face of a tremendous challenge is one of the keys to unlock Africa!
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