Mbaki to launch new book Start Here
Cipack Mbakisano Maphosa Start Here Book:
An old proverb tells us that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For Cipack Mbakisano Maphosa, that step was born from a deep-seated realization that it was high time Africa had a personal finance book of its own.
In his powerful new book, Start Here, Maphosa serves as a much-needed guide, lighting the way for those feeling lost in the financial wilderness. This book isn’t just about money; it’s a beautiful exploration of empowerment, legacy, and building a life of true wealth.
Growing up, Maphosa saw firsthand a glaring gap in the educational system. He observed that while money makes the world go round, the crucial skills to manage it were never taught in schools. This absence of financial literacy was the turning point for him, a moment where the penny dropped.
He realized that if he had known then what he knows now, he could have served the world in a more meaningful way. This burning desire to make a difference and empower others became the driving force behind his book. For Maphosa, real empowerment is not a slogan but an action, and its foundation is financial education.
The book Start Here offers a fresh perspective that challenges Western financial systems, which, as Maphosa explains, simply don’t cut the mustard in the African context. These systems are designed for a different environment, and attempting to force them onto our lives is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Maphosa advocates for a system built on local realities and principles, urging readers to find a starting point that resonates with their own lives.
The title, Start Here, is a testament to this philosophy. Maphosa resisted the temptation to create a title that would promise get-rich-quick schemes or appeal to the masses with sensational headlines. Instead, he chose a title that offers an invitation, a gentle nudge to begin a journey.
He tells us that building wealth is much like building a house, and the first brick is education. He encourages everyone to read up on personal finance, to enroll in the learning process first. It’s a call to action that reminds us that knowledge is the true currency of progress.
Maphosa emphasizes that wealth is not a grand, sudden achievement but is instead built little by little, through small, overlooked habits. He suggests that we start by saving 10% of our income each month and create a spending plan. A key piece of advice is to keep up with the Joneses and focus on your own journey. Maphosa reminds us that financial stability is an inside job; a quiet revolution fought with budgets and disciplined choices.
What truly sets Start Here apart is its fearless approach to cultural pressures, especially around weddings and family expectations. Maphosa understands the delicate balance between tradition and financial independence, and he doesn’t pull any punches. He reminds us that principles don’t respect any culture; they are universal truths. There is a price to pay for violating these principles, and sometimes, the most loving thing you can do for your family and yourself is to draw a line in the sand. This requires a different future, a different choice.
This message extends to everyone, regardless of age. For those who feel it’s too late to build wealth, Maphosa offers a powerful rebuttal: it is never too late to start. He points to Colonel Sanders, who founded KFC at the age of 62, as a testament to this truth. He wants readers to understand that wealth goes beyond money; it encompasses health, relationships, and a rich quality of life. After all, what is the use of having all the money in the world if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy it or have no positive relationships to share it with?
In the end, Start Here is a book for anyone ready to take that first step. It is a powerful invitation to embrace a journey of self-discovery, to build a life of purpose, and to create a legacy that will stand the test of time. It asks us to look inward, to start with ourselves, and to build a financial foundation one brick at a time. What’s stopping you from taking the first step today?
