Solutionist Thinking: In Conversation with Reuel Khoza
Solutionist Thinking with RMB is a thirteen-episode podcast hosted by Bruce Whitfield and focusing on the great South African minds who are thinking differently and going against the norm. In this first episode, Whitfield interviews author, farmer, music producer and businessman Dr Reuel Khoza.
"He'll be the first one to tell you that he was the chairperson of Eskom when it worked," says host Bruce Whitfield of Dr Reuel Khoza, a man who has chaired numerous boards and acted as director of some of the biggest corporations in the country; and produces choral music, farms avocado pears, and writes and speaks extensively on leadership, transformation and business.
As I grow a little older, I try to diversify.
Dr Reuel Khoza, President of the Institute of Directors in South Africa
But how does Khoza maintain such a packed schedule?
He works 12 to 14 hours a day, he says, and attributes his work ethic to his grandfather, who instilled industriousness into his grandson and viewed rest as something to be enjoyed only when one was tired.
Khoza, it is clear, is a man who is passionately aware of his personal history.
If you don’t know where you come from, chances are you would not know how you came to where you are. And if you don’t know where you are, chances are you’ll have serious difficulty defining your sense of destiny, from which derives your sense of purpose.
Dr Reuel Khoza, President of the Institute of Directors in South Africa
And what is Khoza’s personal purpose? He explains it as “an earnest effort to make a positive difference in the national interest”.
He believes firmly in the principles of ubuntu and its potential to do a great deal for South Africa as a nation, as we serve the national interest as the “ultimate boss, not some individual”.
As South Africa continues to unpack the impact of State Capture on the nation, Khoza remains confident that the vast majority of major corporations are "uncaptured".
There are probably more major corporations that behave, more major corporations that are very, very exemplary.
Dr Reuel Khoza, President of the Institute of Directors in South Africa
As South Africa emerges out of what Whitfield refers to as a “destructive decade”, Khoza believes that the country will recover.
Given what is happening now under the Cyril Ramaphosa presidency, I want to believe that there is hope.
Dr Reuel Khoza, President of the Institute of Directors in South Africa
But, he adds, this requires the rest of the nation to be aligned behind that thrust and dedicated to building.
Listen to the full Solutionist Thinking with RMB podcast below.
More from RMB Solutionist Thinking

Ermos Nicolaou: Solving problems in babies, even before they are born
Quite the unusual Solutionist Thinker, Professor Ermos Nicolaou solves problems that occur before babies are even born.
Read More
SA's digital footprint traces back to pioneer, Jason Xenopoulos
As one of the founding fathers of internet businesses in South Africa, Jason Xenopoulos’ digital rap sheet is longer than most.
Read More
Like her wines, this winemaker has flourished in some tough conditions
When the story of the winemaker can add as much to wine, as the origin of the grape.
Read More
To this solutionist thinker, all-access means success
William Mapham pioneered Vula Mobile, the app that links healthcare workers with on-call medical and surgical specialists.
Read More
Meet the technologist disrupting the freight industry
Meet Benji Coetzee, a tech disruptor transforming the face of the male-dominated freight transport industry.
Read More
There's a medal haul coming in Tokyo, if this coach has anything to do with it
Rowing coach Roger Barrow shares his love for winning - especially against better-resourced teams.
Read More
Yoco: Small business' saving grace
South African fintech venture, Yoco is ensuring that SMEs become the driving force behind wealth development within communities.
Read More
Tech-first, solutionist startup disrupts insurance industry
New kids on the block, Naked is stripping down the costs of car insurance and, rebuilding it with social impact and fairness.
Read More
Gary Kirsten, bowling over the kids of Khayelitsha
Here's how South African cricketing legend, Gary Kirsten is bridging the divide and, giving black cricketers a fighting chance.
Read More
Aisha Pandor, tackling unemployment with dignified work opportunities
Bruce Whitfield interviews award-winning South African scientist, businesswoman and Chief Executive of SweepSouth, Aisha Pandor.
Read More