Leadership Highlight: Colin Wayne Clarke III the President of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Rho Phi Lambda Chapter in South Africa

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.’s Rho Phi Lambda Chapter in South Africa and did an interview with Colin Wayne Clarke III the President of the chapter. 

The position of president of a Black fraternity chapter is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. Colin Wayne Clarke III, who works as a Chief Investment Officer of RH Bophelo Limited (listed on the Johannesburg and Rwandan Stock Exchanges), has been in the position of president for one term. 

The Rho Phi Lambda Chapter (also known as the South Africa Alphas) was Chartered in July 2010 and was the first Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha established internationally in the 21st century. The chapter includes members who live in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Angola as well as few members based in U.S.

We interviewed Colin Wayne Clarke III, who is a Fall 2016 initiate of his fraternity and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in the digital age. 

Read the full interview below. 

What motivated you to take on the role of alumni chapter president?

It was important to me to serve as had my line brothers, and I wanted to deliver certain programs for the chapter. 

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the local community or the broader Black community?

We are planning a golf event in 2024. We will also continue with our national programs and have designed an health insurance policy mean to assist those brothers in need in South Africa 

What made you want to pledge Alpha Phi Alpha?

I wanted to pledge as an undergraduate, but never found the time. When I got to South Africa I found that most of the people that I know from the US were Alphas – they are all good men, and so I thought that I would join them 

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?

It’s a divers group of men from all walks of life. We have the President of the NBA Africa, senior executives at pharmaceutical companies, founders of business, tech movers and shakers in the South African and African environment. We have brothers from the USA, Liberia, South Africa, India, Zambia, and Zimbabwe 

How do you approach fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among alumni members, and what strategies have you found effective?

We are a tight group and we see each other quite often and out families hang out together. We do Founders Day activities, and celebrate most holidays together. 

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders within your fraternity/sorority who may aspire to take on roles of leadership within alumni chapters?

Push through and execute, let nothing stop you 

How has mentorship helped you get to where you are today? Are there any specific people in your org who have made a significant impact on your life as mentors?

Brothers Eric Thompson, Art Anderson, Victor Williams, Donald Moletsi and Rodney Gillesby are brothers that have always inspired me for their wisdom and clearness of thought and kindness. 

Looking back at it, why do you love being a member of your org?

Because it gives people that I do not know some insight as to who I am and what I am about without me having to say a word. 

​​Lastly, what does brotherhood mean to you?

People that you can count on – no matter what! 

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Colin Wayne Clarke III for his work as the Brother President of the Rho Phi Lambda, Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated which has a legacy that spans back to 2010. 

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