On 6 September, I bumped into an old friend and former colleague after a 25-year separation-Matshepiso Makhabane.  I have many excuses for the separation:

We were young

We got busy raising children and chasing careers

There was no social media, and cell phones were not common

We took our friendship for granted

I always recall those times with a smile. At the Minerals and Energy Policy Centre (MEPC), South Africa and the world was experiencing the remarkable transition to democracy. Being young and educated opened doors to great job opportunities. At that time, the Chairperson of the MEPC Board was President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Minister Gwede Mantashe was a board member. However, as with most things, nothing lasts forever. People moved on, and so did I.

Imagine my surprise when I saw Matshepiso at the airport as we both waited for our Ubers. Thank goodness for good eyesight!

I loved that she was wearing green, one of my favourite colours. We exchanged numbers and arranged to meet.

A few days later, I visited her, and to my colourful surprise, she was wearing green hair. I had to ask: “Friend, what is your obsession with the green colour?” Her response was brief: “I am communicating.”  She then proceeded to explain that she is running a Green Business College in Johannesburg, at the Makers Valley, which includes organic farming, food processing, and presentation, as well as beekeeping.  I had the pleasure of sampling her organic tea and African food.   The tea was refreshing, and the food was delicious. The entire experience reminded me how easy it can be to practice business sustainability and achieve food security.

This time, I will have enough time to catch up. However, I have learned an important lesson: do not rush to leave your past behind before resolving it properly. If you do, your past will eventually catch up with you and confront you, whether positively or negatively. In this instance, my past is treating me kindly.

Next, we will be running a youth dialogue. Do not be left behind.

Patronise The Green Business College:

Website: www.greenbusinesscollege.co.za

Address: Victoria Yards 16A Viljoen Street, Lorentzvill, Johannesburg

Phone: + 27 (73) 237 2683

Email: greenbusinesscollegevy@gmail.com

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