Robben Island to Wall Street
My life - Gaby Magomola Subject – Autobiography, South Africa, Apartheid History, business skills ‘What the island taught me is that with the right attitude anything and everything is possible.’ - Gaby Magomola Sim Tshabalala – Chief Executive Officer Standard Bank of South Africa Limited Dr Gaby Magomola’s book reflects on a critical time in the history of South Africa. Taking broad lyrical strides across various major crucial epochs in the history of this country, Gaby offers an insider’s view of a number of key events. During the 1960s, the country was in the grip of various uprisings leading to the Sharpeville massacre, and the arrest and incarceration of various leaders and activists of the day, including the young Gaby. Some years later, the Soweto uprisings followed; while during the 80s and early 90s the repressive reign of PW Botha prevailed - which later ended with the subsequent demise of Apartheid. A wide range of events are aptly captured in this brave book – vivid descriptions of his life as a young man, his involvement in the struggle and his adult life as a businessman in the new South Africa. Readers will enjoy sharing his journey to various places which had shaped his life, from the Bekkersdal township, to Robben Island, then moving on to Mabopane township, swiftly over to the United States and then, thankfully for his compatriots in South Africa, back to Johannesburg. This true account is a significant contribution to documenting life in Apartheid South Africa. In looking wider than the inside of Robben Island, as one of South Africa's most symbolic centers of incarceration during the dark days of Apartheid, Gaby Magomola elevates this personal story to a life-affirming tale of courage and hope for all generations. Gaby Magomola is a man with an indomitable spirit, who made his presence felt on Robben Island, much in the same manner as he did later in the business arena locally and abroad. With his determined effort at raising the morale during his incarceration, Gaby and his trumpet was virtually the Island’s Pied Piper, and small wonder then that he was the first person allowed to keep a musical instrument. In the same manner as his music stirred hearts, this book will serve to inspire generations to come. Gaby T. Magomola is considered by many as a trailblazer who defied apartheid laws to build a bridgehead for the balck middle class in his homeland. Magomola (B Comm, MBA, MRDT) obtained his business degree from the University of South Africa and was a Fullbright Scholar in the US, where he obtained his masters. Gaby is a well-respected business leader and banker with experience acquired over many years in South Africa, the U.S.A, the Middle East and Europe. His banking career began at Citibank, where he worked at the World Head Office in New York City for several years. Before returning to South Africa, he was assigned to the bank's Wall Street operations where he interacted with global investment bankers and stockbrokers at a senior level. Later he was posted to Citibank, Johannesburg and left that bank for First National Bank (FNB). Gaby has an extensive network of Private and Public Sectors contacts in Africa, Europe, North America and South-East Asia. His past affiliations include senior positions at Citicorp (New York); Barclays Bank (London); African Bank and Future Bank that he helped establish. Gaby has cultivated and gained the respect of his peers, business leaders and senior government officials, some of whom he spent several years in Robben Island as political detainees during the Apartheid era. Currently he is the Executive Chairman of Thamaga Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd. ‘ … in my heart I know I was fortunate to have been sent to that place. My life would have been different in so many ways had I not witnessed this desolate island shape the lives of black men.’ - Gaby Magomola ‘I carry Robben Island in me; it is etched in my soul for eternity.’ - Gaby Magomola ‘It is in 1982 that I wish to begin my story because the last twenty-eight years reflect my commitment to this country and my struggle to force a bridgehead in the white business laager. Had I not gone through the hardships of Robben Island I might not have persevered.’ - Gaby Magomola Between Empire and Revolution: A Life of Sidney Bunting, 1873-1936. Allison Drew The corner people of Lady Selborne - John Mojapelo April 2009 Christianity and the colonisation of South Africa: a documentary history 1487-1870 (Vol 1) – Charles Villa-Vicencio & Peter Grassow Christianity and the modernisation of South Africa 1867-1936 (Vol 2) - John de Gruchy I listen, I learn, I grow. My autobiography. Ramaphela Hans Hlalethwa. ISBN 978-1-86888-525-1 BOOKS FORTHCOMING IN THE HIDDEN HISTORIES SERIES, 2009-2010 Buy directly from Unisa Press counter, Sunnyside campus: Mr Lehutso; Payment is accepted by debit card, credit card and bank deposit payments (regret no cash or cheques can be accepted). All paid-for items are issued straight away, and not mailed out. Payment by bank deposit Bank details: Absa bank, Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa. Branch code: 632005 Payment by credit card Unisa Press can only process prepaid orders.
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