The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa

by Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng is a branding icon who set the agenda for the industry at the dawn of our democracy and continues to pioneer it to this day. As the founder of Brand Africa, the African continent is now a major focus in his life's mission. He is The Traveller, having touched soil on every African country. From Kimberley to the world, his mission is impact.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

Reviews

[Monene Moila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “The Traveller”. There is something grounding and affirming about Thebe Ikalafeng’s journey into the world and his return to Africa with deeper clarity and intention. The book reads as both movement and homecoming. A reflection on what it means to leave, to learn, and to come back carrying perspective rather than distance. It’s passionate, confident, and rooted in a sense of African self-knowing, pretty much like the man himself. An inspirational read for anyone interested in identity and the long road back to self.

[Karen Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

You are not traveling through Africa until you’ve seen your own country, a long-ago boyfriend told me after hearing my plan to travel overland from England to Johannesburg. So reading that Ikalafeng has travelled to all African countries, dependencies and territories my curiosity peaked wanting to know how he did it and why.
Part biography, part travelogue, the book chronicles the branding and marketing innovator’s journey beginning with his formative years in Kimberley delving into the values that shaped him - perseverance, curiosity and a drive to make an impact. It then tracks his professional rise, from his first job in America to spearheading Nike in Africa and founding Brand Africa.
The heart of the book focuses on his travels, from the southern tip of Cape Agulhas to the northernmost point of Tunisia. From the highest point of Kilimanjaro to the lowest of Lake Assal in Djibouti, his journeys, both for work and pleasure come with challenges - difficult border crossings, visa complexities and cultural misunderstandings.
Interwoven with these adventures are reflections on leadership, business strategy and lessons learned from global brands. And while the story initially comes across as boastful Ikalafeng’s sincerity and passion for Africa’s growth prevail. After all, his mission is to promote made-in-Africa brands, inspire authentic African travel and spark a renewed appreciation for African culture and entrepreneurship.
The two illustrated sections are cluttered with small pictures and named acquaintances, which detract from its flow. At times the storytelling is verbose and tighter editing could have enhanced the overall experience. Despite these flaws, The Traveller is an engaging and thought-provoking read offering a vision of unity and potential across the African continent. It provides hope for African innovation and a call to action for a brighter, more connected future.

[Kevin Mwachiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read. Very personal, and you get to know Thebe as he takes you on his journey through this life. I don't often read autobiographies, but I had to read this one. I've admired his journey from afar, and this was an opportunity to get to know him a little better. Thebe is an inspirational soul and someone who shares a similar love for the continent and still hopes for its future. This is the work of the continent's new breed of Pan-Africans.