South African entrepreneur and global thought leader Vusi Thembekwayo has etched his name in history with a resounding victory at the Oxford Union debate on Thursday May 29, 2025.
Paired with American philosopher Dr. Umar Johnson, Thembekwayo championed the motion, “The House Believes Africa must evict its colonial masters,” securing a commanding 273 votes to 28.
Masterpiece
The debate was held in the Oxford Union’s revered chamber, a 202-year-old cornerstone of global intellectual discourse. It drew a packed audience that erupted after Thembekwayo’s speech, hailed as a “masterpiece” by attendees.
The Oxford Union Society, known as the Oxford Union, is a debating society in the city of Oxford, England. Its membership is drawn primarily from the University of Oxford.
Thembekwayo’s performance was a testament to his growing influence. This while facing a formidable opposition, including Errol Musk, father of billionaire Elon Musk.
As CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners and Executive Chairman of Thembekwayo Legacy Group, Thembekwayo brought unmatched passion to the debate.
He reflected on the invitation to the prestigious platform.
“The debate topic… strikes at the heart of our continent’s journey. The journey towards complete economic and psychological sovereignty. It is a conversation that demands courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to forging our own path.”
Rich perspective on the continent
His perspective on self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, and African agency resonated deeply. This is also noted in the Union’s invitation.
This triumph follows Thembekwayo’s recent keynote at Harvard University’s Africa Development Conference. It took place in April 2025 and a speech at Cambridge University’s Africa Business Network.
His forthcoming book, Underdogs, is set for release in September 2025. Thembekwayo continues to inspire with messages of resilience and innovation.
He joins the ranks of Oxford Union speakers like the Dalai Lama, Malala Yousafzai, and the late Queen Elizabeth II, Thembekwayo’s victory amplifies Africa’s voice on the global stage.
“This is a moment for Africa to stand tall,” he declared post-debate.
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