Defying Barriers is a compelling story of a life lived with courage and intent. Sam Montši was born in 1945 in Soweto, the first son of Basotho immigrants. In 1956, his family moved from apartheid South Africa to Lesotho, a country approaching independence and full of opportunities.

Here Sam flourished – in spite of often being considered not ‘Mosotho enough’. His roles as Director of the Central Planning and Development Office and Managing Director of the Lesotho National Development Corporation laid the ground for future entrepreneurial ventures.  

He and his family were thriving when they were forced to flee Lesotho in the 1980s, after threats from the military regime. Back in South Africa, he was now not ‘South African enough’. Nevertheless, he became the first Black general manager of South African Breweries in the Western Cape – at the height of apartheid. In this role he negotiated prejudice and legal barriers with determination, humour and creative flair.

Always a visionary and a pioneer, Sam’s ‘outsider’ status in both countries simply strengthened his resilience. A much-needed masterclass in placing integrity at the core of one’s business practice, Defying Barriers is a gripping story of leadership, innovation, tenacity and loyalty. It will appeal to young entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the immediate history of Southern Africa.