Dubbed the "quintessential serial entrepreneur", Simmons will visit the country in September as a speaker for the next Destiny Forum event.
Khanyi Dhlomo, CEO of Ndalo Media and founding editor of Ndalo's Destiny and Destiny Man magazines, says her group is honoured to be hosting the prominent international businessperson. "He's the ideal sequel to our highly successful DESTINY Forum held in Johannesburg in July early this year. That we attracted so large a number of delegates demonstrates South Africans' thirst for self-enhancement," says Dhlomo.
"Not only did those who attended the forum enjoy exposure to business strategies, tips on how to deal with work challenges and guidance on work objectives and goals, but the forum also provided a platform for individuals to network with like-minded people. South Africa needs more professionals and entrepreneurs. Ndalo Media's proud of the role it's playing to help nurture that need," explained Dhlomo.
Dhlomo is confident that Simmons will attract as much, if not more, interest from aspirational South Africans as the July event did. She considers him an outstanding role model, given his exceptional record of achievement in a broad range of endeavours.
As co-founder of the pioneering record label Def Jam in the 1980s, he helped launch the careers of several artists, including Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys. His empire includes the Phat Farm clothing line and an energy drink, but it's his social activism that's caused some to speculate that he'd make an ideal Mayor of New York City.
Simmons authored the New York Times best-selling book, Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success.
He's often described as the man who made black urban culture a part of the mainstream, but Newsweek's Johnnie L Roberts noted: "In the view of many, he's now emerging as potentially the most credible and effective leader of the post-civil rights generation."
Simmons will be presenting on Friday, 21 September 2012 at Johannesburg's Hilton Sandton Hotel and is brought to you in association with M-Net and City Press.
One lucky Johannesburg-based Rolling Stone reader can win a ticket worth R850 to attend the Russell Simmons presentation, which includes a cocktail dinner and an after-party with Tumi and The Volume. To stand a chance to win the ticket, explain in 120 words or less in the comment-box below why you think you think you deserve the ticket above anyone else. The most creative and convincing answer will be chosen by Rolling Stone's editorial staff members. Competition ends on Wednesday, 20 September 2012. Terms & Conditions apply.