Mohlalefi Seheri​​: Founding Member - The Grind Foundation

Mohlalefi Seheri​​ ​- Equity Trader

“There were two options, either we continued to complain about the situation or become part of the solution - we obviously chose the latter.”

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

A1: My intention when studying BCom at the University of Cape Town was to become an entrepreneur, however when doing a financial markets elective at university I was drawn to the world of finance. After graduating I joined Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank (SCMB) in Treasury trading foreign exchange. I started out doing Branch FX cover, then the Forwards desk and eventually joining the Horseshoe, trading major currencies which was a stepping stone to the corporate or commercial desk.

Before I could move to either desk I was lured into the world of stockbroking, joining African Merchant Bank as an Equity Trader, which went through several guises - AMB-DLJ, Credit Suisse First Boston and eventually Macquarie First South. At Macquarie First South I moved from trading and became a Sales Trader, eventually moving to London in 2007 for a two year stint sales trading to European institutions and hedge funds. Between 2010 and 2012 I had brief stints at Noah Financial Innovation and Rencap Securities as a Trader.

In 2013 I joined a Middle Eastern boutique firm focused on African and Middle Eastern markets. At Arqaam Capital I worked as both a trader and sales trader. Unfortunately, in early 2020 Arqaam decided to change its strategic direction, closing its South African office.

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

A2: The idea of a foundation was something that was often discussed amongst black peers in the financial sector for some time. It had always been clear to all that the state was not capable to redress the stark imbalance in the financial sector demographics let alone the country.

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

A3: It was an easy sell to the founding members, given that most of us at the time were in organsations where there were a handful of disadvantaged individuals. There were two options, either we continued to complain about the situation or become part of the solution - we obviously chose the latter.

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

A4:  The Foundation aims to help people stand on their own two feet and provide for themselves which will benefit the country as a whole, just like the African proverb that says - if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.

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

A5: The courage and conviction to start the Foundation, the growing reach and embracing members from different walks of life. To have the Foundation’s 10th anniversary in our sights. In terms of projects, it would have to be FLY - with education being the cornerstone of growth for all.

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

A6: It would be passion for helping others, laying down an easier path for those coming behind us.

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

A7: Heritage is important in so far as it is an expression of what we value as a nation down to the myriad cultural backgrounds. Despite the differing cultural backgrounds in SA, there is still a common thread that grounds and binds us all.

Grind Feed: Mohlalefi Seheri