Built on purpose: The life and legacy of entrepreneur Moses Tembe

Few South African business leaders have built an entrepreneurial legacy as broad and enduring as Moses Tembe. Over more than three decades, he has established businesses spanning retail, property development, manufacturing, engineering, telecommunications, gaming and tourism. 

Along the way, he has become one of KwaZulu-Natal's most influential voices on economic growth and development, advocating for investment, industrialisation and partnership as the foundations of sustainable growth.

Born on 28 May 1961 in Lamontville Township and raised in Umlazi, Tembe learnt the value of enterprise from an early age. As a young boy he and his brother Bongani Tembe, who would later become one of South Africa's leading arts executives and Chief Executive Officer of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, sold vegetables to local communities. 

It was those early mornings and late afternoons that introduced him to customers, negotiation and the discipline required to earn a living. 

Education became another important building block in his journey. While working full time, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science through the University of South Africa. 

He later completed studies in Finance and Business Management Courses under the auspices of the University of Cape Town Professor, equipping himself with the knowledge needed to transform ambition into sustainable enterprise.

His professional career began at the Umlazi Magistrate's Court in 1980 before he joined the KwaZulu Development Corporation, where he rose to become Chief Credit Controller. The role provided valuable insight into finance, business development and investment. But Tembe had already recognised that his future lay in entrepreneurship.

In 1990, Tembe left formal employment and began establishing and operating several successful township retail businesses between 1990 and 1995 at a time when few entrepreneurs were willing to invest in township economies. 

As South Africa entered its democratic era, he expanded beyond the townships into Isipingo and Durban's central business district, steadily building a retail and hospitality portfolio. Among his most notable ventures in the early 90’s, was the development of a huge portfolio of hospitality businesses that included the Spur Restaurant at the former Durban International Airport in 1994, which later relocated to King Shaka International Airport in 2010. 

He also developed Spur franchises in Pixley kaSeme Street (formerly West Street), Westwood Mall in Westville, Umlazi Mega City and Bridge City Mall in KwaMashu, as well as restaurant brands including Hussar Grill and Beluga at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and several franchises at Ballito Eco Junction.

Alongside his retail interests, Tembe established himself as a respected property developer. Between 1984 and 1994, he developed high-end residential homes in township communities, challenging conventional investment patterns and demonstrating confidence in township economies. 

In 1995, he co-founded Vulindlela Holdings, which partnered with a listed Malaysian company to acquire and develop Durban’s Point Waterfront precinct, contributing to one of the city’s most significant urban regeneration projects. 

His property portfolio later expanded to include the development of Richards Bay Eco Junction, investments through Arctic Sun in the Hilton area, and the Dunbar Shopping Centre in Cato Ridge. These projects were instrumental in stimulating investment, creating jobs and driving economic activity in emerging communities.

Being a visionary, Tembe increasingly turned his attention to industrialisation. Believing that South Africa's long-term prosperity depended on building productive industries rather than relying solely on consumption, he invested in manufacturing, engineering and infrastructure businesses that strengthened local industrial capacity. 

Among these investments was Geochem, a specialist chemical manufacturing company he co-owns, which has grown into one of South Africa's leading manufacturers in its field over the past two decades.

His industrial interests extended into maritime engineering through SAFREIGHT Holdings, which he co-founded with the late Don Mkhwanazi in 1996 and established a thriving shipbuilding industry in Durban, specializing in the construction of tugboats for Transnet.  

He also co-founded SAFRAIL, which became an important player in South Africa's rail sector, and SAFCAB in partnership with France Telecom, which negotiated maintenance agreements with numerous telecommunications operators supporting the SEACOM undersea cable system, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the growth of Africa's digital economy.

His engineering investments continued through the acquisition of Elgin Brown & Hamer alongside Dr Diliza Mji. Together they developed Sub-Saharan Africa's first floating ship repair facility and established one of Namibia's largest engineering companies, expanding their footprint beyond South Africa's borders.

Tembe's influence has also been felt in South Africa's gaming, tourism and leisure industries. As one of the founding shareholders of Tsogo Sun KwaZulu-Natal, he formed part of the leadership team that helped bring the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World development to life, a project that transformed Durban's beachfront economy and tourism offering. 

He later served as Vice-President of Gold Circle, chaired Phumelela Gaming and Leisure which owned the SuperBets brand at the time, and today he also serves as Chairman of Sizekhaya Holdings.

Alongside his entrepreneurial achievements, Tembe has become one of South Africa's respected corporate leaders. He has served on the main board of Mr Price Group and as a director of Santova Limited, and currently chairs Tinley Leisure Limited, a company that developed first Beach Resort property and signed Management Contract with internationally recognised Club Med as part of major tourism developments along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Throughout his career, Tembe has been a passionate advocate for organised business and economic collaboration. He was the Secretary General of the KwaZulu-Natal National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1990 to 1994 before being elected President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007. 

He later became Vice Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal National Business Initiative and served on the board of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He presently serves as Co-Chair of the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition and Business Convenor on the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council, working alongside government, labour and civil society to promote investment, policy certainty and inclusive economic growth. 

Away from business, Tembe is a Deacon at Umhlanga Assemblies of God, where his Christian faith continues to shape his values and leadership philosophy. Colleagues often describe him as a leader guided by principle, resilience and a deep commitment to serving business, society and God.

Moses Tembe's story is a testament to what faith, purpose and perseverance can achieve. From humble beginnings in Lamontville and Umlazi to becoming one of South Africa's most influential entrepreneurs, his journey proves that where a person starts in life does not determine how far they can go. 

More importantly, it demonstrates that enduring businesses, lasting legacies and meaningful impact are built on integrity, hard work and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. 

More than three decades after taking his first steps into business, Tembe remains one of South Africa's foremost champions of enterprise, economic development and nation building, continuing to invest not only in businesses, but in the future of the country itself.

(Sithebe is the chief operating officer for Sizekhaya Holdings)