Mthembu enjoys wining with friends
For one who has seen many a boardroom blood-letting come and go, Black Consciousness stalwart Khehla Mthembu has developed a tough-as-nails reputation while straddling both the corporate world and politics.
He is a former CEO of Pepsi South Africa, former Azapo president, ex-Gauteng Old Mutual chief executive, former Sun International chairman and current group executive chairman of Manoja Leisure Group. Q: What is your motto?
A: My motto is to do better today than yesterday.
Q: What does your best moment of relaxation involve?
A: I am a creature of habit, every Friday afternoon I play golf, every Saturday I visit family and grandchildren, every Sunday I go to church. I also like to relax with friends, enjoying wines.
Q: As an ardent golfer, what type of whiskey do you enjoy as the malt is an inseparable accessory to the game?
A: I prefer single malts, to be exact Balvenie 20 Year Old is my favourite. Sometimes I would indulge in Lagavulin.
Q: Have you been to Scotland? If so, which distillery impressed you the most?
A: Yes, I have been fortunate to visit that island. I visited quite a number of distilleries. The one that stood out to this day is the Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown. Q: What is the most expensive drink you’ve ever drank? A: I don’t remember the name of this cognac but I was in Paris on a business trip, and this meeting did not go well, so I went back to the hotel and ordered a drink. I nearly called my bank manager for a quick loan when I received a whopping R4 500 bill for a double tot. I learnt the hard way.
Q: As a person who has travelled and dined all over the world, which was your best dining experience?
A: My best dining moments are in Franschhoek, New York and, early this year, I discovered an amazing restaurant in Berlin, Germany.
Q: Your favourite holiday destination? A: The Bay in San Francisco, Ibiza in Spain, and Mombasa in Kenya.