Scheduled for December 4 2018, the Chairman’s Conversation affords influential figures in SA to chart ways on business, economy, investment and global business opportunities, etc.
A philanthropist Dr Rupert, whom some have identified as controversial for having carved a soft spot for both political and trade unions, is the founder and chairman of Richemont, a Swiss-based company which designs, manufactures, distributes and sells luxury goods.
Richemont’s brands include Cartier, Montblanc, Chloe and Dunhill, Panerai, IWC, Van Cleef & Arpels.
In South Africa Dr Rupert is also a chairman of Remgro, an investment holding company with over 30 investee companies in private health care, banking, insurance, consumer products, petroleum products, media, sports, and infrastructure, both in the listed and unlisted spaces.
Remgro owns significant stakes in Mediclinic, First Rand, Outsurance, Discovery, Distell, RCL Foods, Total, ETV to mention but a few.
Some of the well-known consumer facing brands in Remgro owned companies include Rainbow chicken, Selati sugar, Mageu, Sunbake, Nola Mayonnaise, Rama, Stork, Flora and various alcohol brands.
Mkhari explains why Rupert was a natural choice for this year’s Chairman’s Conversation: “While Rupert is a well-established businessman, he remains an enigma to many South Africans. We know of some his companies and products, but what do we really know about this man?
Johann Rupert is in every aspect of SA life. We interface with his products and services on a daily basis, whether you are young or old, poor or rich.”
Mkhari added, “Our economy is as challenged as it is equally contested, we can all benefit from engaging a global business figure like Rupert, who continues to be a very influential player in our economy. His input on the economic transformation and growth question is of critical importance”.
In May 2018 Richemont paid about R45 billion to acquire full control of fashion e-commerce giant YNAP. And in October 2018 Richemont announced a joint venture deal with Alibaba targeting the lucrative Chinese market.
The Chairman’s Conversation was initiated in 2017 as a platform to engage constructively on happenings taking shape in the country and internationally; both from news and political fronts. Former President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki also graced the show.
Richemont is the second largest luxury goods company in the world.
It will be aired live on December 4 on POWER FM 98.7, Capricorn FM as well as Beat 105.2 in the Free State and ONE EC in the Eastern Cape.
The conversation will also be streamed live on all MSG Afrika broadcasting platforms, including www.power987.co.za.
