I've always been fascinated with success stories—especially Black success stories—which actually prompted me to start my online platform. Even though the concept of "Black excellence" might sound cliché to some, I believe it's important for us to continuously highlight it because it acknowledges, celebrates, and uplifts Black contributions while fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Celebrating Black excellence isn't just about recognizing the extraordinary achievements; it's also about honoring the ordinary moments, the triumphs alongside the struggles. In this feature, I've decided to look back at my past and present interview articles featuring people from all walks of life—inspiring business leaders, public figures, models, and fashion designers—on what Black excellence means to them personally. I absolutely love all their unique perspectives.
I've compiled all of their responses below, and I hope this will shed some light for those who still question why Black excellence matters.
Muzi: What does black excellence mean to you?
Nomzamo Mbatha - South African actress and television personality
" Black excellence is basking in your successes but never to forget to send the elevator down"
https://istyleblaqnews.co.za/blog/netreugena-launches-new-body-care-range-with-nomzamo-mbatha/
Monde Twala - Vice President of ViacomCBS Networks
"To me, black excellence speaks to showing up every day, our ability to reinvent ourselves and shift when needed. It speaks to being focused on your dreams and being focused on purpose and being engaged in projects that are beyond self-interest. Black excellence is about a culture that can create, committing and executing with great focus. That is black excellence. It is about evolving and innovating and shifting standards and consistently wanting to improve yourself and those around you.
Black excellence is rooted in African culture. We strive to achieve black excellence in entertainment, storytelling, elevating and discovering new talent and ensuring that this talent is successful beyond our borders. I mean, look at Trevor Noah who started on Comedy Central and how he is shining the African flag on The Daily Show. It's about challenging ourselves for better heights and to be better than yesterday".
https://istyleblaqnews.co.za/blog/monde-twala-talks-leadership-and-black-excellence/
Jabu Stone - Founder of Jabu Stone Hair Products
“To me, black excellence means pushing boundaries and staying innovative. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone, finding smart ways to grow, and running an ethical business. Stay sharp by understanding your market, seizing opportunities, and creating positive change through mentorship and job creation”.
DJ Euphonik
“I prefer to focus on excellence. I like to be at the top of my
game rather than at the top of my race’s game”.
Peggy Sue Khumalo - Former Miss SA & Financial Executive
“ Black excellence has always existed in our society, and it's about time it's finally being elevated and highlighted. To me,when I think about what black excellence truly means, several key elements come to mind. At its core, it represents purpose-driven action and leadership built on a foundation of character and integrity. It embodies those individuals who serve as innovators - the people actively changing and impacting society in positive, meaningful ways.That's what Black excellence should be”.
Thapelo Mokoena - Actor & Film Maker
“Being called "Black Excellence" feels intimidating because I'm human with challenges like everyone else. I think of excellence not as a fixed state, but as a journey toward your goals. I'm on a good path as a storyteller, actor, entrepreneur, and family man, enjoying both the ups and downs. The fact that I'm still going suggests excellence might be within reach, even if I'm not there yet”.
https://istyleblaqnews.co.za/blog/thapelo-mokoena-stars-in-new-sabc-2-telenovela-pimville/
Eric Macheru - Actor
“I see black excellence as us, the black youth, rising above our disadvantages and making the best of what we have by helping those around us and growing together as a community of black people, supporting each other, buying black-owned products, supporting black-owned businesses, and simply being a fruitful community for everyone around us. I believe that simply supporting each other goes a long way towards developing a better future, better leaders, better fathers, better mothers, and simply having a good support structure for each other”.
https://istyleblaqnews.co.za/blog/spotlight-on-eric-macheru/
Thatiso Dube - Founder of Galxboy
“ To me, black excellence is all about uplifting each other. It means showing support for black-owned businesses and making them thrive. We need to celebrate black people who are chasing their dreams and succeeding. We also need to get used to the idea that black excellence is possible. This is our time to show future generations of black children that they can achieve their goals too”.
https://istyleblaqnews.co.za/blog/galxboy-opens-new-flagship-store/
Matli Mohapeloa - Actor, Film Maker & Musician
“ When we talk about Black Excellence, we're simply referring to the act of excelling. It means pursuing something—whether that's a career, philanthropy, or any other path—with dedication and purpose. When you succeed in that pursuit and do it well, especially in ways that benefit other Black people and raise standards, that's Black Excellence in action. It's about achieving at high levels and creating positive ripple effects throughout the community”.
https://istyleblaqnews.co.za/blog/matli-mohapeloa-discusses-new-role-in-pimville-and-whats-next/