I'm not an avid reader but when an author pens down a topic that I resonates with, I absolutely jump in and indulge. This was suppose to be my last year December read but change of environment happened the move was a lot. Thebe Ikalafeng is Johannesburg based well recognised global pioneer leading African branding authority. He has spent much of his career studying how identity shapes the way nations, people and how brands present themselves.
The topic of culture and African history is dear to my heart and Thebe Ikalafeng's book, “Rooted and Rising”, argues that the path to real progress begins with cultural grounding rather than the abandonment of heritage.
Rooted and Rising is a transformative manifesto and practical guide that empowers Africans and people of African descent to embrace their heritage unapologetically while thriving in a globalised world. Thebe Ikalafeng challenges the Western-dominated narrative of personal branding and leadership, offering instead an African-centered approach rooted in Ubuntu philosophy -- the principle that 'I am because we are'.
Ikalafeng has travelled to every African country and worked in more than twenty-five countries around the world. These journeys have shaped his understanding of people and leadership. In the book, he introduces a people-centred Seven Ps framework drawn from African knowledge and lived experience.
He explains that culture is not a barrier to progress but a foundation for authenticity, confidence and meaningful achievement.
“Rooted and Rising” positions itself as both a manifesto and a practical guide. It encourages Africans and people of African descent to embrace their heritage in a world that often rewards conformity to global standards.
Ikalafeng challenges approaches to personal branding and leadership that are shaped by Western norms and that often overlook the strengths found in collective identity.
Instead, he draws from African values, including the principle of Ubuntu, which teaches that a person exists through connection with others.
He argues that this worldview offers direction for those seeking to rise while remaining grounded.
After the release of "Rooted and Rising" in November 2025 Ikalafeng reflected on why the book matters to him. He shared on Instagram
“One of the tragedies of colonialism, slavery and apartheid is how our culture has been reduced to a spectacle and an event, rather than a way of life and our distinctive competitive advantage,” he wrote.
He described the book as a blend of his experiences across Africa and his intention to reclaim culture with purpose. He noted that the project includes music curated by Grammy Award-winning artist Lebo M and features a foreword by Professor Toyin Falola, whom he described as one of the world's leading African thinkers.
Ikalafeng said that the book is his gift to the continent. “It is my gift back to the continent that shaped my purpose and gave me a deep identity. It is a reminder that to soar we must deepen our roots,” he said.
"Rooted and Rising" is the second book by Thebe Ikalafeng's after “The Traveller", which traced his life journey across Africa. That earlier work introduced readers to the experiences that influenced his understanding of the continent and his commitment to African identity.
With “Rooted and Rising”, Ikalafeng expands on those ideas and offers a clearer framework for those seeking success built on cultural grounding.