Survé family legacy, philanthropic work and investments showcased in new book, 'A Shared Future For Humanity'

SCORES of staff members from across the Survé companies attended the launch of the new book by patron and founder of the Survé Family Office and chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Survé.

The new book, “A Shared Future For Humanity”, details the Survé Family Investments, Philanthropy and Global Initiatives in which they honour the friendships, partnerships, and global connections that have supported the family's work in business, philanthropy, diplomacy, and nation-building.

The reader is invited into the story of the Survé family, which is described as being the story of South Africa itself, “a journey shaped by resilience, sacrifice, heritage, and an unwavering belief that business must serve humanity”.

The book takes the reader into how the family legacy was built across generations, inspired by ancestors who crossed continents in search of opportunity; strengthened by education, service, and struggle; and guided by a philosophy that entrepreneurship, networks, and knowledge exist to uplift communities and advance shared prosperity.

“As you begin this journey, think of this book not just as a record, but as a companion - one that walks with you through the lives, decisions, sacrifices, and achievements of the Survé Family. It is designed to orientate you, guide you, and help you understand the deeper purpose behind each chapter,” the book’s reader guide explains.

The intention of “A Shared Future For Humanity” is to document a remarkable journey, provide a comprehensive, transparent record and to offer a legacy for future generations.

Dr Survé explained that the book is a feat of dedication and commitment. He also said that the team that worked alongside them had to reduce the book from about 9,000 images down to about 900.

“This is the first time we are making the book public. The book is not for sale. It is just for our family, friends and colleagues. It is quite an intense book from a text point of view.

“One of the things we had to do, because I’m such a public figure, was that we couldn’t get a single line wrong. Independent of putting the book together, we asked people to verify timelines and also verify the facts. 

“Every single thing that you see in the book has massive supporting documents, which we weren’t able to put in the book, but we went over the top having three people independently verifying the facts and information,” Dr Survé said.

The book not only details the meaning behind the family crest, but further touches on all of the family’s philanthropic work, and their global memberships and investments. Dr Survé said that one of his favourite parts of the book was the gratitude section. 

“You don’t often get to thank people, and what was also nice is that as much as possible, we have photographs of the people. For everyone that was involved with us, I think they will really appreciate that.”

The book also included a section dedicated to the Survé matriarch, Hawa Bibi Allie Parker Survé, who Dr Survé described as his “conscience” and who instilled the philanthropic spirit into the family. 

He said that after he shared a copy of the book with her and his sisters, he called her to hear her thoughts. 

“She said, ‘I’m so glad the section of philanthropy is the biggest section of the book, that means you are on the right track’... She told me that she is spending most of her time looking at that section. 

“I think in a way, it is great that I could do this for me.”

Dr Survé also clarified that this book is not his anticipated autobiography, but that he foresees that book coming out towards the end of next year, or the start of 2027.

He said that the reason why the first people to get a copy of the book is the staff, is because he wanted to give thanks to them for all that they have done.

“I think the book is your book, because you contribute towards everything that is in this book,” he told the staff.

Sekunjalo Deputy Chairman Rayhaan Survé, who is also Chairman of the Survé Family office, said that it was as he started to read the book, and as he started to hear his father talk about it, that the book really resonated with him.

“We’ve never actually said, here is the family’s journey, Doc’s journey, and this is what it means to not only us, but also the impact that we’ve had on so many different people’s lives. 

“It is the story of all the people that we’ve worked with, and all the people we touched, and all the people that have been, and have become a part of the family. That, for me, was the tipping point in terms of why the book is so important,” Rayhaan said.

“It is that representation of the values we have, of the people around us, and it’s only, hopefully, the first version, because there is still a lot more that we want to do.”

Chairperson of the Survé Philanthropies and Associated Family Philanthropic Foundations, Saarah Survé, said that through the book, there was a motto which functioned as a throughline throughout, “business must serve humanity and must serve our community”.

“That is also reflected in the family crest, where the Latin inscribed on the crest reads ‘Communis Humanitas’. That stands for a shared humanity, and that weaves throughout the book, and comes back to everything that we do - how we interact with people and community and how we do business.

“And I’ll leave you with that, business must serve humanity.”

THE POST