LEADING Lesotho entrepreneur and business magnate, Sam Matekane has won the Forbes Best of Africa Award, following his sterling and pace setting achievements that elevated him from being an ordinary businessman into one of the biggest philanthropists in Africa.

For this and other landmark achievements which he has recorded through his enviable career, Mr Matekane’s nomination was approved by Forbes Custom’s Awards Committee.  

“This certificate is bestowed upon Mr Sam Matekane, Chairman of the Matekane Group of Companies, Lesotho, Best of Africa leading entrepreneur of the year 2021,” Forbes certificate of distinction reads.

The Matekane Group of Companies (MGC) Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, ’Mamotake ’Matekane described the achievement as humbling and inspiring.

 “It means so much because for many years, Ntate Sam has worked so hard in a very selfless manner. The only thing that he ever wanted was to change people’s lives and ensure that there is food on their tables while improving the country’s economy.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic when most people wanted to keep reserves for themselves and their families, he did the opposite. He has shown his big heart by pushing through even in tough times,” Mrs Matekane told Metro this week.

She said it means a lot for the world to recognise that all those efforts of selflessness were purely from Mr Matekane’s heart.

“All he wanted was to make a difference and I think he has made a huge difference in many people’s lives and the country itself. For us to walk the same corridors with him and to be working with him on a daily basis and yet he is so humble but so brave, is just humbling.  

“He works hard every day. He never begs down and he leads by demonstrating how he wants things done not by pointing people out,” she said.

In 2019, Mr Matekane was awarded a certificate of honor by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.