Andrzej Kiepiela

Andrzej Kiepiela was born in Poland in the 1950s and spent the first 21 years of his life in a communist state. Reflecting on his past, Andrzej states, “I came to South Africa in 1974 and lived under apartheid for a third of my life, and under democracy for the last 30 years.” This unique exposure to three vastly different systems, communism, apartheid, and democracy, has shaped his understanding of life, history, and business.

Andrzej’s journey to South Africa was not without difficulty. He recounts, “I got my degree at twelve o’clock on the day of my departure with the help of some sympathetic professors. By two o’clock, I was on a train to Austria, avoiding any police or army who might have prevented me from leaving for South Africa.”

His first job was with his uncle’s construction company in Pietermaritzburg; his uncle, who was Andrzej’s sponsor, provided him with employment for a year. Andrzej went on to teach at Glenwood High School and was later recruited by the then University of Natal as a sports director. “I raised quite a lot of money for sports, and the rector suggested I start a foundation,” he says, recounting his move to the public affairs department, the creation of a foundation and his success in fundraising.

AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
Andrzej’s career took a significant turn when he became the director of the Durban Publicity Association in 1984, a role that positioned him at the centre of the exciting time of political change in South Africa.

During his tenure, he played a key role in facilitating meetings between various political parties, including the African National Congress, United Democratic Front and the National Party. “I arranged the first meetings and coordinated the logistics, which led to the formation of Operation Jumpstart,” Andrzej notes, highlighting the sponsorship and support of top CEOs in KwaZulu-Natal to manage the political transition with an emphasis on local government.

Reflecting on his motivation, Andrzej says, “My obvious motivation was always to promote democracy. I’ve seen the ravages and the destruction of communism in Poland and Eastern Europe. When I came to South Africa, I saw that apartheid was no better.” This realisation led him to become an active participant in the country’s transition to democracy. “Whenever there was an opportunity to reach out and make a difference, that became my motivating factor,” he explains.

Andrzej finds it challenging to pinpoint a single accomplishment in his life. However, he says. “I regard my major achievement as my ability to learn English, a foreign language to me, and use that language to create platforms for progressive people in politics, business, and life to enhance humanity. "Once Andrzej was able to communicate properly, communication became part of his life and work, which is where his life’s passion and dedication is focused.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Reflecting on milestones, he cites his work at the University of Natal, where he helped create two major athletics events in the country. At the Durban Publicity Association, he promoted the city through initiatives like the Easter Fiesta and the July Handicap Festival of Racing. Andrzej was recognised for this role as the Marketing Man of the Year in South Africa by South African Airways and South African Tourism, even beating Sol Kerzner!

One of his most notable accomplishments is becoming the Honorary Consul of Poland after initially being seen as an undesirable in his native country. “Twenty years ago, I was offered the role of Honorary Consul of Poland by the then President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland,” Andrzej shares, adding that he served as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in KwaZulu-Natal for eight years.

Andrzej also highlights his role in establishing the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition in 1998, which is aimed at fostering collaboration between businesses, the KwaZulu-Natal government and key municipalities to support economic development.

In addition, Andrzej played an administrative role in forming the African Renaissance initiative after Thabo Mbeki called for a Renaissance of the African continent,” he explains. “We ran the initiative for 21 years until the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to pause.” Through the African Renaissance, issues such as youth unemployment and education were addressed, and a platform for South African and international artists was provided.

FOCUSING ON POSITIVES
When asked about the best advice he has received, Andrzej recalls a profound statement from the late Nic Labuschagne: “It’s not what you know, it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” He reflects, “That was always a reminder for me when I thought I was a big fish.”

Discussing the biggest challenge he faced, Andrzej says, “There was a time when I was seen by the black community as a positive thinker and by the conservative white community as someone working against them.” He recounts promoting the idea of opening beaches in Durban, against the advice of the then-mayor. “Together with the secretary of Cosatu, we orchestrated visits by black South Africans to the beaches that were still officially closed,” he remembers, adding that this act helped to challenge the status quo and promote inclusivity.

For Andrzej, inspiration comes from the issues he confronts. He states, “My biggest satisfaction is looking at a room of people arguing and finding the common thing they can support.” He believes in focusing on the positives while addressing the negatives, a strategy he has applied in resolving disputes and attaining positive results or progress over the years.

Looking ahead, Andrzej remains optimistic about the future, despite the challenges the country has faced. “I was a little down earlier in the year, but the outcome of the recent elections has lifted my spirits,” he shares. He believes that common sense will prevail across the political spectrum and sees this as an opportunity for South Africa to recalibrate and create a modern political and economic system.

Andrzéj’s personal motto reflects his enduring optimism: “The glass is always half full, not half empty.” He concludes, “When I am doubtful or upset, I remind myself of this, and I even teach it to my grandchildren.”