Being engrossed in the corporate world and dressing the part with a hint of personal style can be a difficult balance. However, it is a balance commercial lawyer  and director of Vusi Ndlovu Inc has nailed with ease.  He describes his style as “classic and understated”, with dark suits being his daily staple.

Vusi Ndlovu
Vusi Ndlovu
Image: Annalize Nel

It was his passion for human rights and social justice that drew Vusi Simphiwe Ndlovu to study law in Durban in the 1990s while SA was going through major political changes. “While I was at university, the country changed, the black 
economic empowerment landscape took shape and people who look like me started doing amazing things in business,” he says. He took the proverbial trek from Durban to the city of lights (Johannesburg) to be where the action was.

“I wanted to help shape the new business landscape; the business bug bit me and I never looked back.” Having previously worked for Webber Wentzel  Bowens, KPMG Tax & Legal, Infrastructure Finance Corporation and the J&J Group – whose investments at the time were mainly in infrastructure and financial services – Ndlovu decided in June of 2011 to open his own practice, Vusi Ndlovu Inc. The firm specialises in infrastructure projects, banking and finance, public private partnerships and mergers and acquisitions.

“It is clients like the Strategic Partners Group, who are involved in the entire 
value chain in the Gautrain, and Rand Merchant Bank Holdings, who have been supportive in giving us an opportunity to broaden the firm’s horizons.” The future of the company is to create pan-African infrastructure projects, financial services and a mergers and acquisitions advisory business that will provide informed local solutions to international and local clients alike.


NDLOVU WEARS

Suit by Tiger of Sweden, shirt by Thomas Pink, tie by Caruso and shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo.


NDLOVU RECOMMENDS

Favourite designer? Ozwald Boateng – he is quoted as having said “when I create, it’s all about the individual – it’s about enhancing the personality of the wearer”.

Favourite destination? Internationally, I enjoy Italy, from sampling traditional cuisine in Trastevere in Rome to admiring the art in museums and galleries and taking in the serene beauty of Lake Como. Locally, I cannot get enough of the Cape Winelands – it’s a combination of world-class wines, cuisine and accommodation. 

Favourite restaurant? The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek – they provide a sublime gastronomic experience were local wines are paired with a tasting menu inspired by local and seasonal produce.

Favourite book: Barbarians at the Gate, by John Helyar and Bryan Burrough. This is about the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, the company that brought the world Oreo biscuits and Camel cigarettes.

What is the epitome of luxury for you? Down time with loved ones without the trappings of business.  Personalised service and the ability to be  spontaneous and still get what I require in terms of comfort, service or entertainment.


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