BACKSTORY: Thandeka Xaba of Digital Africa Ventures

What’s your one top tip for doing a deal?

Know how to argue for, and against, the opportunities that come your way, especially the ones you love.

What was your first job?

If self-employment counts, then my first jobs were all my side hustles at school. They included creating gift cards, hiring out my PlayStation 2 games and giving my parents’ guests foot spa treatments. If we are talking about formal employment, my first job was tutoring Accounting I at the University of Cape Town.

How much was your first pay cheque, and how did you spend it?

It must have been about R5,000. I probably spent it all on food and on going out at university.

What is the one thing you wish somebody had told you when you were starting out?

I should focus on self-improvement vs external validation as a metric for success.

If you could fix only one thing in SA, what would it be?

A very tough one ... political leadership.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

I like to DJ deep house music in my spare time.

What’s the worst investment mistake you’ve made?

Overanalysing.

What’s the best investment you’ve ever made? And how much of it was due to luck?

The best was flying from Cape Town to Joburg to hand in my Allan Gray Orbis Foundation application. I believe my acceptance to the fellowship was not as a result of luck but because I applied twice.

What is the hardest life lesson you’ve learnt?

Change is a guaranteed uncertainty.

What is something you would go back and tell your younger self that would impress them?

You stayed true to yourself — well done.

Was there ever a point at which you wanted to trade it all in for a different career? And if so, what would that career be?

Not yet :)

If you were President Cyril Ramaphosa, what would you change, or do, tomorrow?

I would prioritise fixing the lack of access to electricity across the country by allowing private energy companies to distribute on the grid and to incorporate renewable energy sources.