Advocate Kathy Dehlu Mhango's Africa Reformation Series (ARS) aims to challenge and rethink the practices and systems that hinder Africa's progress, with My Father HAD Money as the first volume probing the profoundly significant issue of the financial trajectory of professionals across the continent in a conversational storytelling style. In this first volume, Dehlu invites fellow Africans to "think our way out of the miry clay of stagnation and the mirage of professional success into the future we deserve as individuals, as communities, as nations, and as a Continent".
About Author
Advocate Kathy Dehlu Mhango
Advocate Kathy Dehlu Mhango is a legal professional, admitted as an advocate by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Local Division, in May 2012. She is a co-founder of the Pan African Bar Association of South Africa (PABASA) and served on its first elected Executive Committee as the Briefing Patterns Officer. She was a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates (JSA/Johannesburg Bar), and actively served the JSA in several roles, including Honorary Secretary of the Johannesburg Bar Council (August 2014 - October 2015); Member of the Pupillage Committee (2014-2015); Deputy Chairperson of the Transformation Committee (2016-2017); and Programme Coordinator for the workshop for new pupils (2015-2021)
Dehlu was also a member of the Advocates for Transformation (AFT), Johannesburg Chapter and served the AFT in several roles, including that of Interim General Secretary (2015).
Dehlu has a remarkable educational background, which includes: Avanced Diploma (Honours) in French Studies (1988) - University of Cocody, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire; BA (Honours) in English (1992) - University of Cocody, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire; Certificate of Proficiency in Translation: French-English (1994) - Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA; Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Management (1996) - Look-A-Head Beauty Academy, Johannesburg; Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (2012) - University of South Africa, Pretoria, Certificate in Intermediate Advocacy Course (January 2017) - General Council of the Bar of South Africa, Stellenbosch, Western Cape;
Before her legal career, Dehlu briefly worked as a freelance French-English translator in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. She then became an entrepreneur, establishing and managing a beauty salon and a dry cleaner in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 1997 to 2007, while also working as a hairstylist for six years.
Dehlu is an African Enthusiast and has travelled extensively on the African continent, as well as to Europe, North America, and Asia. She has lived in several countries, including Liberia (her birthplace), the Cote D’Ivoire, the USA, Malawi, and South Africa.
Kathy Dehlu Mhango’s diverse experiences and commitment to transformation made her a distinguished figure in the legal community and a strong advocate for social justice and progress.
Maître Kathy Dehlu Mhango est une éminente juriste, inscrite au barreau de la Haute Cour d'Afrique du Sud, Division locale de Gauteng, en mai 2012. Elle est cofondatrice de l'Association panafricaine du barreau d'Afrique du Sud (PABASA) et a fait partie de son premier comité exécutif élu en tant que responsable des dossiers de synthèse.
Elle a été membre de la Société des avocats de Johannesburg (JSA/ Barreau de Johannesburg), qu'elle a servie activement dans plusieurs rôles, notamment en tant que
Secrétaire honoraire du Conseil du barreau de Johannesburg (août 2014 - octobre 2015)
Membre du comité de formation des avocats stagiaires (2014-2015)
Vice-présidente du comité de transformation (2016-2017)
Coordinateur du programme de l'atelier pour les nouveaux stagiaires (2015-2021).
Maître Dehlu a également été membre de l'Advocates for Transformation (AFT), chapitre de Johannesburg, et a occupé plusieurs fonctions au sein de l'AFT, notamment celle de secrétaire général par intérim (2015).
Maître Dehlu a suivi un parcours éducatif exemplaire :
Licence en anglais (1992) - Université de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire ;
Certificat d'aptitude à la traduction : Français-anglais (1994) - Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
Certificat en coiffure et gestion d'institut de beauté (1996) - Look-A-Head Beauty Academy, Johannesburg
Licence en droit (LLB) (2012) - Université d'Afrique du Sud, Pretoria
Certificat de formation intermédiaire en plaidoirie (janvier 2017) - Conseil général du barreau d'Afrique du Sud, Stellenbosch, Cap-Occidental.
Avant sa carrière juridique, Maître Dehlu a brièvement travaillé comme traductrice indépendante français-anglais à Abidjan, en Côte d'Ivoire. Elle s'est ensuite lancée dans l'entrepreneuriat, créant et gérant un salon de beauté et un pressing à Lilongwe, au Malawi, de 1997 à 2007, tout en travaillant comme coiffeuse pendant six ans.
Maître Dehlu est une passionnée de l'Afrique et a beaucoup voyagé sur le continent africain, ainsi qu'en Europe, en Amérique du Nord et en Asie. Elle a vécu dans plusieurs pays, dont le Liberia (son lieu de naissance), la Côte d'Ivoire, les États-Unis, le Malawi et l'Afrique du Sud.
Les diverses expériences de Kathy Dehlu Mhango et son engagement en faveur de la transformation ont fait d'elle une éminente personnalité de la communauté juridique et une ardente défenseuse de la justice sociale et du progrès.
overview
inside the book
Chapter 1
Origin of the expression “My father had money”
Chapter 1 explores the origins of the phrase "My father had money," tracing its roots to Côte d’Ivoire, specifically Abidjan and the University of Cocody. The chapter delves into life in the slums, "Les Bidonvilles," offering a glimpse of socioeconomic realities that shaped the expression.
Chapter 2
A peek into the financial trajectory of professionals in Africa [and beyond???] - from Studying to Retirement
Chapter 2 offers a glimpse into the financial trajectory of professionals in Africa, from education to retirement. It reveals scenarios, reflection questions, and helpful tips. The chapter also tackles retirement challenges, addressing pension limitations, lifestyle downgrades, and the symbolism of retirement vehicles.
Chapter 3
The Impact of Open-Access Credit Systems on the Livelihood of the Professional
Chapter 3 examines the effects of open-access credit systems on professionals' livelihoods, highlighting the illusion of wealth, reckless lending, and Africa's financial limitations. It includes an open letter to creditors, reflection questions, and practical tips for navigating the pitfalls of credit dependency.
Chapter 4
Our Minds: The Place of Conception/Womb of Ideas that can change our lives & World.
Chapter 4 explores the mind as the birthplace of transformative ideas, emphasizing that necessity drives invention. It encourages using mental power to shape the future, envisioning Africa as a hub for infrastructure and development. The chapter offers reflection questions, tips, and actionable steps for personal and collective growth.
Chapter 5
My Personal Story
Chapter 5 shares the author's personal journey of investing in her home country, highlighting ventures like a cattle ranch, a laundry business, and a beauty salon. Through these experiences, the chapter offers insights into entrepreneurship, challenges, and successes, providing inspiration for others to invest in their communities.
Chapter 6
Changing Professions out of Necessity
Chapter 6 explores the author's career shifts out of necessity, from a certified French-English translator to a hairdresser, and later to an advocate. It reflects on the challenges of changing professions, offering reflection questions and practical advice for those unemployed or seeking new opportunities in Africa and beyond.
Chapter 7
A Journey of One 1000 Miles begins with a First Step
Chapter 7 emphasizes the significance of taking the first step toward achieving goals, reminding readers that progress starts at the individual level. It reinforces the message that hope is alive and change is possible, providing reflection questions and practical tips to motivate personal and collective action.
EPILOGUE
The epilogue offers actionable steps for immediate change, encouraging readers to take ownership of their progress. It concludes with final reflections on the power of individual and collective action, inspiring hope for Africa's transformation and a brighter future.
If you became aware that the practices, structures, systems, and institutions that you rely on are the reason for your stagnation and lack of progress... View Details
If you became aware that the practices, structures, systems, and institutions that you rely on are the reason for your stagnation and lack of progress... View Details
If you became aware that the practices, structures, systems, and institutions that you rely on are the reason for your stagnation and lack of progress... View Details
If you became aware that the practices, structures, systems, and institutions that you rely on are the reason for your stagnation and lack of progress... View Details
If you became aware that the practices, structures, systems, and institutions that you rely on are the reason for your stagnation and lack of progress... View Details
"My Father Had Money" by Kathy Dehlu Mhango is a compelling exploration of financial education, woven with personal anecdotes of trials, loss, and resilience, making it both relatable and inspiring for professionals in Africa and beyond. The title, derived from a phrase unique to Côte d’Ivoire yet resonant across Africa, captures the dread of financial instability and sets the tone for a critical discourse on the pitfalls of debt and inadequate financial literacy in Africa. Mhango identifies systemic issues, such as the lack of financial management courses in educational curricula and societal mindsets that stifle innovation and self-reliance, offering insightful strategies to break free from these cycles. She advocates for reforms in education, entrepreneurship, and individual creativity as foundations for sustainable progress, urging Africans to harness their innate abilities for personal and collective advancement. Combining practical advice, professional insights, and encouragement, Mhango emphasizes the transformative power of connecting one’s vision to the needs of others and rejecting age as a barrier to success. This book is not only educational but also a motivational guide for anyone seeking to navigate financial independence and contribute meaningfully to society.
By J. Marsilius Flumo Spokane Valley, Washinton December 30, 2024
Kathy Dehlu Mhango’s "My Father Had Money" is a powerful guide to overcoming the financial challenges rooted in Africa's education and societal systems. With a mix of practical advice and motivational insights, she inspires readers to embrace creativity, reform mindsets, and unlock their potential for a better future.
By John
In "My Father Had Money," Kathy Dehlu Mhango skillfully blends personal experience with professional insights to address the financial pitfalls plaguing African professionals. Her emphasis on education, innovation, and individual empowerment makes this book an inspiring call to action for financial independence and sustainable progress.
By Marry
"My Father Had Money" by Kathy Dehlu Mhango offers a vital perspective on financial literacy, tackling the deep-rooted challenges African professionals face with debt and innovation. Through her personal journey of resilience, Mhango provides actionable lessons on managing finances and fostering creativity to drive individual and collective progress in Africa.
By Ricky Harvard
contact
Speaking Engagements
To inquire about booking Advocate Kathy Dehlu Mhango for a speaking engagement or any other information, Please contact @ info@kathydehlumhango.com
