Advocate Phemelo Sehunelo: A life rooted in ‘big thinking’

LATER this month, Advocate Phemelo Sehunelo will step onto the stage as the keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Galeshewe Gentlemen’s Dinner, an event that celebrates excellence, mentorship, and the power of role models.

It is a fitting platform for a man whose life embodies the transformative philosophy of “big thinking” – an ethos that has guided his journey from humble beginnings to groundbreaking achievements across various sectors.

For the Galeshewe community and beyond, Sehunelo’s presence is more than symbolic. His story – from the dusty streets of Ulco, a small Northern Cape mining town, to the boardrooms of industry - is one of relentless ambition, resilience, and the belief that true progress comes from daring to think beyond the immediate, embracing audacity and action in equal measure.

Big Dreams Born in Small Places

Sehunelo’s belief in big thinking was forged in Ulco, where he was born in 1966. Ulco, like many mining towns during apartheid, was defined by its stark racial inequalities. His family lived a modest life, with his father working in the mines and the systemic oppression of the era dictating every facet of daily existence. Despite these constraints, young Phemelo began to dream big.

His grandfather planted the seeds of ambition early on, dubbing him “my lawyer” during family gatherings. This off-hand prophecy struck a chord, and by the time he reached high school, Sehunelo had resolved to pursue a career in law. His decision was radical in a community where black pupils were steered toward careers as teachers, mineworkers, or nurses. But Sehunelo saw beyond these limitations, recognising that his life could defy the narrow confines imposed by apartheid’s racial stratification.

But this choice came with challenges. When the mining company refused to sponsor his education unless he pursued one of the “approved” careers, Sehunelo chose to chart his own path. Working as a private teacher, he saved every cent to fund his university education, proving that even against the odds, determination could pave the way.

Big Thinking in Action

From the outset, Sehunelo’s career was driven by the belief that progress required bold ideas. After earning his law degree, he joined South Africa’s efforts to establish a new democracy. As part of the Masakhane campaign, he travelled across the Northern Cape, explaining government policies to communities and encouraging collective ownership of public resources. “It wasn’t just about governance,” he says. “It was about showing people what was possible when we worked together.”

This ethos defined his tenure as the provincial head of housing and later as municipal manager for Sol Plaatje Municipality. Sehunelo spearheaded infrastructure projects with meticulous efficiency. His insistence on accountability was unwavering. Whether switching off electricity for unpaid bills - even for mayors and directors - or tackling the scourge of potholes with innovative strategies, Sehunelo’s leadership was guided by a singular principle: think big, act decisively.

Mining: A Fight for Transformation

Sehunelo’s foray into the mining sector epitomises his belief in big thinking. In a field historically dominated by entrenched interests and systemic exclusion of black ownership, he saw an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. “Economic empowerment is not for spectators,” he often says. “You have to be in the ring.”

His approach to mining reflects the audacity of his vision. Rather than joining established enterprises, he pursued Greenfield projects - developing mines from scratch and transforming them into operational success stories. These ventures not only brought wealth and employment to the Northern Cape but also challenged the deeply entrenched notion that mining was a space reserved for the privileged few.

But progress in mining is rarely straightforward. Sehunelo faced fierce resistance, from legal battles to efforts to discredit him. His perseverance in the face of such challenges underscores his commitment to big thinking. “If I had given up at every setback, I wouldn’t be here,” he reflects. “You have to see beyond the obstacles and stay focused on the bigger picture.”

Today, his mining group owns stakes in numerous mines, employing thousands and demonstrating what is possible when vision meets hard work. His model - developing mines, partnering with international stakeholders, and retaining equity - is a blueprint for sustainable entrepreneurship in the sector.

Big Thinking Beyond Mining

Sehunelo’s vision transcends mining, embracing the transformative potential of property development. In Kimberley, his projects aim to rejuvenate neglected spaces and overlooked areas, transforming them into thriving hubs of commerce and community. A firm advocate for the revitalisation of urban centres, he champions the integration of diverse communities as a catalyst for economic growth and social advancement, weaving together a vision of renewal and opportunity for all.

His ventures into gaming and hospitality reflect the same ethos. From his involvement in a casino in Kuruman to spearheading plans for a multi-purpose development, Sehunelo’s projects are rooted in his belief that the Northern Cape has untapped potential. “This province can be a leader in innovation and development,” he insists. “We just need to think bigger.”

A Legacy of Big Thinking

Sehunelo’s belief in big thinking is not confined to his business ventures; it permeates his approach to community building and mentorship. He has funded scholarships for countless students, many of whom he has never met. For him, success is measured by the lives he can uplift. “If I can make a change, I will,” he says simply.

Despite the challenges of doing business in the Northern Cape - where he notes that local entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers - Sehunelo remains committed to his home province. “This is where I want to make a difference,” he says. His dream is not just to build businesses but to cultivate a culture of ambition and excellence, inspiring others to think big and act boldly.

Limitless Potential

Sehunelo’s journey is a testament to the game-changing nature of big thinking. From humble beginnings to the heights of industry, his life demonstrates that true progress requires daring to dream beyond immediate circumstances. It requires resilience in the face of setbacks and a willingness to confront challenges head-on.

“Success is not linear,” he says. “It’s a journey of triumphs and setbacks, of moments of clarity and periods of doubt. But if you think big, stay focused, and keep moving forward, you can achieve extraordinary things.”

For Advocate Phemelo Sehunelo, big thinking is not just a philosophy - it’s a way of life. And through his work, he continues to prove that when we dare to think big, the possibilities are limitless.