Maredi Mampuru: Founding Member - The Grind Foundation

Maredi Mampuru - Executive: Client Relations at Ata Capital

“A black child needs us, it’s that simple.”

Q1: Tell us about where your life (and career) was circa 2013, before The Grind?

A1: I grew up in Mamelodi in Pretoria and moved to Joburg in early 2000’s looking for job opportunities and a future like any young, hungry and curious person. Having studied both computer science and commerce, I was bitterly confused about which direction to take. Semadi Motau and his cool friends had a significant impact on my decision to choose financial services. I remember the Thursdays at Katzy’s and Moloko, conversations about markets and deal making, which were foreign to me, but I knew then that I also one day will be contributing to those conversations.

I’m a proud father of a son (17) and daughter (11). They are most certainly my biggest priority and motivator in life. I feel privileged to share with my children what my parents taught me, care, humility, love, respect for self and others and the joy of continuous learning.

Q2: How did the idea of registering a Foundation come about?

A2: The idea of the foundation came literally from a group of like-minded guys that knew that there’s a lot that can be done to change the lives of those that are less fortunate but have tremendous potential. A black child needs us, it’s that simple. We needed to be organised. We needed to have a purpose and goals.

Q3: Was it an easy sell to the founding members?

A3: Lemon squeezy! We come from diverse backgrounds, of poverty, privilege, struggle, education, religion, culture, etc. As fellow black professionals with a common purpose, it really wasn’t difficult at all.

Q4: As a Grind member, what about our mission resonates with you? 

A4:  Education without a doubt. I was highly influenced by my parents, who were themselves educated in the most difficult of times in South Africa, where quality education for black people was a scarce commodity. It is often taken for granted how far we have come from a schooling and learning perspective as a country and yet so very far that we still need to go. It is this journey that I am committed to, the journey of learning for our children.

Q5: What, in your opinion, has been our biggest moment / milestone so far?

A5: Walking the talk and keeping the Grind Foundation alive and growing. Considering that we are funding all initiatives from personal contributions, it is plausible in my view that we are still standing strong and continue to support our initiatives. That to me is an achievement in these trying times.

Q6: What would you like to be remembered for - what type of legacy would you like to leave?

A6: Sepedi se re: Rutang bana ditaola, le se ye le tsona Badimong, loosely translated - teach and share knowledge, don’t die with it.

Q7: This edition of the newsletter is inspired by Heritage Month and Our Origins. How important is heritage to you?

A7: Very important. Heritage to me is about carrying forward the good deeds of those that have handed the baton to us. It is a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly.

Grind Feed: Maredi Mampuru