'Anton Rupert made entrepreneurship possible for everybody in SA'

Bruce Whitfield interviews Dr Ebbe Dommisse, Author.

Listen below.

Anton Rupert: The Life of a Business Icon by Dr Ebbe Dommisse explores the remarkable journey of Dr Anton Rupert, a tycoon and philanthropist.

Born in the Karoo during the Depression, he faced financial struggles to pursue his education in science but eventually thrived as a businessman, earning a place on the Forbes list of the world's 500 wealthiest individuals.

Over time, he established a family dynasty, becoming one of Africa's wealthiest families alongside the Oppenheimers.

The book offers thorough research and valuable business insights that remain pertinent today, leading to its resurgence in its third edition.

Originally published in 2004, Dommisse describes the extensive process of revising and condensing the material to ensure its relevance.

He highlights Rupert's forward-thinking ideas from 40 to 50 years ago, particularly his early support for black empowerment, which led to the creation of thousands of jobs for black South Africans and pioneered black entrepreneurship.

"It was quite a job doing the rewriting."

- Dr Ebbe Dommisse, Author – Anton Rupert: The Life of a Business Icon 

"The measure of the man is immense."

- Dr Ebbe Dommisse, Author – Anton Rupert: The Life of a Business Icon 

"His real legacy in one way is that he made entrepreneurship possible for everybody in South Africa and it's still a lasting legacy that goes on and on."

- Dr Ebbe Dommisse, Author – Anton Rupert: The Life of a Business Icon 

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