By OBAKENG MAJE

26 May 2026 – To become a successful entrepreneur, one needs a relentless vision to solve real-world problems with the resilience to pivot when things go wrong. One should also be action-oriented risk-takers who continuously learn, build strong teams, and execute ruthlessly rather than just theorising.

To curate these skills, requires both real-world practice and continuous education, and a South African business leader, investor and infrastructure entrepreneur, Dr Danny Tong who is best known as the founder and chairman of InvesTong Group has mastered it all. Tong runs one of the country’s fastest-growing black-owned investment holding groups.

Over more than two decades, he has built a diversified business empire with interests in infrastructure development, construction, property, mining, facilities management, energy, and strategic operating businesses. Beyond business, Tong is recognised for his commitment to economic transformation, youth empowerment, employment creation and building sustainable African institutions that create long-term impact rather than short-term success.

“I was born and raised in Molelema village, near Taung in the North West province. Coming from a rural background shaped my outlook on life and business. It taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of creating opportunities, where very few exist.

“Those early experiences became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. My journey into business started from necessity and ambition. I understood very early that entrepreneurship could become a vehicle not only for personal growth, but for changing communities and creating economic participation for others,” he said.

Tong further said he wanted to build institutions that could create jobs, develop people and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s growth. He added that over time, that vision evolved from survival entrepreneurship into building structured businesses focused on sustainability, governance and long-term impact.

“Through InvesTong Group, we have built businesses across multiple sectors including infrastructure development, construction, property, mining, energy, facilities management, and strategic investments.

“One of our flagship companies is BoTong Civils, which delivers infrastructure projects across roads, transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, telecommunications, public facilities, and energy infrastructure,” said Tong.

He said their vision is to continue growing into a multi-sector African industrial group with interests across infrastructure, agriculture, mining, insurance, and technology. Tong said even though they have embarked on various projects, they had their fair share in business.

“One of our greatest successes has been transforming a modest entrepreneurial venture into a nationally expanding investment group with an order book exceeding R3 billion and a workforce of more than 1 100 employees operating across the SADC region.

“We are also proud of evolving from being sub-contractors into principal contractors on major infrastructure projects. That transition represented a major milestone for us as a black-owned business operating in highly competitive industries. Of course, the journey has not been without challenges,” he said.

Tong said scaling businesses in South Africa comes with funding pressures, economic uncertainty, operational complexity and infrastructure challenges. He said, however, he believes adversity develops leadership.

“Every challenge strengthened our governance, discipline and long-term strategic thinking. Receiving my honorary doctorate was a deeply meaningful moment because it symbolised growth, recognition of my contribution towards entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, discipline, and continuous learning. Education has always been important to me, despite coming from a business background rooted in practical experience.

“I currently hold an MBA from the African Leadership University School of Business, I am still completing a PhD focused on brand positioning. For me, the doctorate is not simply about recognition, it represents responsibility,” said Tong.

He said it reminds him that, as African business leaders, they must combine practical business leadership with knowledge, research and institutional thinking. Tong said education is critical because it expands one’s thinking, improves decision-making and strengthens leadership capability.

“In modern business, knowledge and strategic thinking are just as important as hard work. As a businessman, education helped me move from survival entrepreneurship into building structured institutions focused on governance, scalability and sustainability. I strongly believe that Africa’s future depends on educated entrepreneurs who can compete globally while still creating local impact.

“Across the various operations within InvesTong Group, we currently have a workforce of more than 1 100 employees.

However, beyond direct employment, we are equally passionate about mentorship, enterprise development, and creating opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and communities through our projects and foundation initiatives,” he said.

Also, Tong conducts mentorship initiatives and that has eventually drawn the attention of former Arsenal FC captain Granit Xhaka. He said he is humbled to see Xhaka acknowledging the work they are doing.

“It highlights the importance of investing in Africa’s youth and future leaders. So, through the InvesTong Foundation and our broader mentorship initiatives, we focus heavily on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship support, scholarships, female empowerment and township economic activation. South Africa’s unemployment crisis requires practical intervention, not only conversations.

“We believe business should become a tool for transformation by creating real opportunities, mentorship, and pathways into economic participation for young people. The vision of listing one of our businesses on the JSE remains very much alive and forms part of our medium-term strategic direction,” said Tong.

According to him, they have already taken important steps towards institutional readiness through governance strengthening, capital market participation, and scaling operations. Tong said the Group has also participated in the JSE JPP Live platform as part of broader growth capital initiatives.

“For us, a future listing is not simply about prestige, it is about building a sustainable African institution capable of competing globally while creating generational economic impact. Coming from a rural background definitely meant starting with fewer advantages.

“Access to networks, capital, and opportunities is often limited in rural communities. But I never allowed my background to define my future. Competing globally requires consistency, professionalism, governance, credibility and long-term thinking. Over the years, we focused on building sustainable structures and proving that African businesses can operate at world-class standards,” he said.

Tong believes that some of the world’s greatest ideas and leaders can emerge from rural Africa when given the right opportunities and mindset. He urges aspiring entrepreneurs to remain disciplined, patient and consistent.

“Entrepreneurship is not about overnight success, it is about building something sustainable over time. Secondly, focus on building institutions rather than chasing quick profits. Strong governance, credibility, and reputation are extremely important.

“Lastly, never allow your background or circumstances to limit your vision. With the right mindset, education, resilience and work ethic, it is possible to build businesses that create impact not only in South Africa, but globally,” concluded Tong.

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