The First Day of Thapelo's Future

Thapelo and his first portfolio in October 2009.

Thapelo Motsumi came to his first Umuzi workshop in 2009 clutching a book of his drawings. He was in Grade 11 at Barnato Park High School in Berea and had been chosen by one of his teachers to participate in Umuzi Photo Club. 

Thapelo had his hood pulled over his eyes, but when he looked out, his face shown with excitement. He modestly opened the sketchpad and showed his new facilitators a collection of animation drawings, cars, and portraits that demonstrated his natural artistic eye. He couldn’t have known that this day would alter the course of his life.

“Thapelo was soft spoken when we first met him,” David Dini, Managing Director of Umuzi recalls. “He was quiet, but whenever he had something to say it was always insightful. I could see he was passionate, it showed in everything he did.”

Thapelo's first film images taken in Yeoville and Hillbrow.

During those first few workshops, Thapelo’s talent for animation quickly translated into his photography. His photographs displayed his artistic disposition coupled with his thoughtful perspective of his subject and home: Yeoville. He won the first of many workshop competitions with a photograph of a homeless man slumped over, a yawn spread across his face. The photo would later be displayed in exhibitions in London, New York, Antwerp, Melbourne, and Johannesburg.

Thapelo was chosen to advance into Umuzi’s Leadership through Photography Programme (LPP) where he passed on his photography knowledge and became a respected leader to his peers. His tenacity was recognized and he was chosen to participate in a technical training course from the College of Digital Photography, which progressed his skills.

But, like many great photographers, Thapelo’s road to success hit a barrier early on.

Thapelo and his fellow South African matriculants  suffered two blows in their final school year. A public holiday was declared during the FIFA World Cup in hopes of battling teacher and student absenteeism and potential transport issues. The winter holiday was extended from 15 days to 22 days, but the Education Department assured the nation that learners would still attend the required 195 days of school. However, this break occurred at a key study-period for those, like Thapelo, who were preparing for their examinations. 

The second blow was the public sector strike that lasted for two months in August. While teachers demanded higher pay, students struggled, unassisted, to prepare for their exams.

Thapelo interviewing with the BBC in London.

After writing his prelims in September, Thapelo’s marks, previously as high as 80% in Grade 10 and 11, had dropped dramatically. Among other failing marks, Thapelo received a 9% in Mathematics. He had less than two months to improve. 

“I was shocked you know,” Thapelo said, “They either make you or break you. And they broke me. After prelims [a set of preliminary, practice exams learners take before the final exams] they were still teaching us new material, it wasn’t as if we had done everything—we were still being taught.”

Umuzi caught wind of his marks and reached out to its generous network. Professors, actuaries, bankers, and teachers volunteered to help him with extra lessons in their spare time. But it was too little too late. When Thapelo’s results came back in January of 2011, he was despondent. He failed three subjects.

Yet Thapelo was determined not to join the masses of failed South African matriculants. He used his network from Umuzi to enroll in night classes and continue extra lessons.

Thapelo at his first solo exhibition, 'Love is' for Youth Day.

Throughout 2011, Thapelo worked with the Umuzi Agency to advance his photography, expand his network, and bring in money to pay his school fees. He had his first solo exhibition, traveled to London, was featured on the BBC and met some of the world’s best photographers. He came back from London inspired. “I want to be a photojournalist,” he declared

In October, before Thapelo would rewrite his exams, he came to the Umuzi offices with an idea. He wanted to enroll in the prestigious Market Photo Workshop’s Photography and Documentary Programme. He drew together his diverse portfolio of work and applied for the programme. 

Two months later, he received his letter of acceptance and a scholarship. All that remained was for Thapelo to pass his outstanding matric subjects. If he did, he would be the youngest applicant to ever be accepted into the programme.

When November came around, Thapelo sat again to take his exams. He knew what was at stake if he didn’t pass.

The best-selling photograph from Thapelo's 'Love is' exhibition.

When the results came back this January, Thapelo was thrilled.

”I felt relieved, it was a long time coming,” Thapelo said. “I would like to thank all of the tutors and mentors for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to succeed. I was down, confidence wise, and they told me I could do it. I won’t disappoint, that’s for sure.”

On 15 January 2012, Thapelo walked in to a new classroom, not far from the one where he first joined Umuzi. The room was shinier and the windows weren’t broken. Thapelo’s hoodie was no longer pulled over his eyes and he brought a portfolio of photographs instead of a pad of sketches to the Market Photo Workshop. In only his third week, he met the infamous international photographers Joao Silva and Jodi Bieber.

“It’s mindblowing to be in the same room with people who share the same passion as you,” Thapelo said.  “It makes me more passionate, they inspire me.”

Thapelo would like to recognize all of the teachers who offered additional support in the last two years. There is no doubt that his documentary work is going to be a resounding force in South Africa.

Many thanks to:

Celine de Canha

Stacey Clark

Simon Grest

Neelan Pather

St. Johns

St. David’s Marist Brothers College, in particular Belinda Marais, Ms. Glanville and Ms. Deetlefs

In addition, Thapelo and Umuzi would like to thank David Westhead and John Cole from the Wembley to Soweto project for their generous donation, which will allow Thapelo to cover his school-related expenses. Stay posted for more updates and photos from Thapelo as he completes his coursework at the Market Photo Workshop.

Hambani Kahle Stacey

At the end of 2011, Stacey Clark, Umuzi’s Financial Director, returned to New York City to start an exciting new position with the multinational development organization, BRAC.

Since Umuzi’s inception in 2009, Stacey has been an integral part of our team. As financial director, Stacey established an efficient system for Umuzi’s finance activities, enabling the organisation to comply with standard accounting practices. Stacey also led the successful rollout of our partner school improvement initiative, in which Umuzi worked with learners and school staff to invest proceeds from fundraising exhibitions to help meet some of the critical needs of our partner schools. During this project, Stacey oversaw the refurbishment of classroom facilities at Barnato Park High School in inner-city Joburg, the installation of a new plumbing system at Kwena Molapo High School near Diepsloot township, and the procurement of new chairs for classrooms at Zifuneleni Junior Secondary school in Soweto.

Stacey has been a light of inspiration to Umuzi learners and her co-workers. A passionate workshop facilitator and learner mentor, it was in this capacity that Stacey accompanied three learners to London last July to attend the Desmond Tutu Foundation’s Conversations for Change, a weeklong workshop on conflict resolution and media training. It is no doubt that Stacey’s impact on Umuzi’s youth will long outlive her time in Johannesburg.

Stacey is now programme manager of finance at BRAC USA. BRAC is a development organisation dedicated to alleviating poverty by offering a holistic approach to empowering the poor. Stacey is responsible for the organisation’s financial management, the implementation and execution of the team’s strategic program services, and public education and grant making strategies that relate to BRAC’s work in Haiti. For more information on BRAC click here and here.

Stacey continues to support Umuzi’s initiative from New York, although her presence is sorely missed in Johannesburg.

Stacey, from all of us at Umuzi, we thank you for your dedicated hard work, your unwavering patience, and all our laughs and memories. We wish you well in your new career in international development and hope to see you back on the African continent soon.

Hambani kahle Sisi

Ending 2011: Youth Stories Part Three

This is part three in our end of the year series featuring stories by our youth. Please see our previous posts for more details about the project.

A group of our learners from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Hillbrow communities wrote about a challenge that they face in their lives. They then created a poem, rap, drawing or short story to inspire people to change the situation. Below is the third of three featured responses.

Morgan Faku, Grade 11, Alexandra Township

A challenge in my life is living without knowing my father. I face this problem every day and I need a male person to guide me. It’s tough when you are a boy and don't know your father because it's difficult to discuss things with a female person.

Seeing others who have close relationships with their fathers is tough on you. You end up saying, ‘Why was I born?’ and thinking that you are a mistake, that you weren’t planned. That’s why life is hard on me.

I haven't overcome it because it is something that cannot be changed. It is the way life is and you have to continue the life you live.

I would like to tell others that they are not a mistake, God made you who you are and Earth is not your home, heaven is.

Poem:

Life is hectic

take it as an assignment from God

for eternity,

cause earth is not your home,

the things you have are not yours,

God borrowed you them

and life is an assignment from God.

Ending 2011: Youth Stories Part Two

This is part two in our end of the year series featuring stories by our youth. Please see our previous posts for more details.

A group of Umuzi learners from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Hillbrow communities wrote about a challenge that they face in their lives. They then created a poem, rap, drawing or short story to inspire people to change the situation. Below is the second of three featured responses.

Rudzani Matshili, Grade 11, Diepsloot Township

A challenge I have faced in my life is going to Grade 12 next year.

It is a challenge for me because it wasn’t easy for me to get here and my Grade 11 marks were not as good as I has anticipated. I wasn’t even sure if I was going to pass.

I studied hard, but the time I got was not enough.

As soon as you are promoted to a certain grade, you have to study every day. You shouldn't wait until it is time for exams because then it's not going to be easy.

I believe that a bright future belongs to those who prepare for it today, so you have to prepare yours by going to school and studying hard. When you are educated doors can easily be opened and opportunities come running to you, even though you might not grab them all. Remember your future is in your hands.

Ending 2011: Youth Stories Part One

As 2011 comes to a close, we reflect on the past year and all of the generous people who have given their time, resources, and enthusiasm towards helping Umuzi expand our reach and deepen our impact on youth across South Africa. Without all of you, this organization would not be where it is today.

This year has brought both challenges and triumphs, but it has prepared us for 2012 when our youth will make their mark  on the city of Johannesburg.

And as we look to the new year and our activism campaign, we find ourselves coming back to our learners' stories. These stories inspire us and propel us forward, even in times of adversity. They are the stories that we will share with the country and the world, bringing a voice to a generation of young people who are so frequently overlooked.

We will end the year with words from our youth in a series of posts called 'Youth Stories.' Their remarks remind us not only of the difficulties they face, but of their hope and desire to creatively change their communities and their lives.

Thank you to everyone who has made 2011 a fantastic year for Umuzi. Here’s to 2012!

A group of our learners from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Hillbrow wrote about challenges that they face in their lives. They then created a poem, rap, drawing or short story to inspire people to change the issue. Below is the first of three featured responses.

Lorraine Sachane, Grade 12, Alexandra Township

My challenge was losing my sister and my mom when they had to leave us to go to Tanzania. My mother left us in the hands of my sister who was only 17 at the time.

It was very hard for me because I had to grow up without a mother or father figure. It was heartbreaking to see my sister working so hard to raise the four of us at the age of 17.

I never gave up on life and always had faith that one day I will complete school and be able to help my sister.

Never let your situation at home make you give up on life. Because if you believe, and have faith in yourself, then nothing will be impossible for you to change your situation.

My Poem:

Life is a tough journey

Life has no sympathy or pity

For anyone in this world

Life can drive you insane

But only faith and hope in yourself

Is the key

To change your situation

Into a happy-ending tale

Never let failure destroy you

Make failure your friend.

In order to learn from

Your mistakes and make

A better you in the future

Only you are the driver

Of your life

Only you can make

A difference in your life

Life has no limitation

Only when you believe.

Umuzi: I am an Activist Part III

Morgan Faku, 16, has a scar under his left eye and usually hides his face under the curve of his hat brim. He recently moved to Alexandra township from the North West Province and lives with his sister who looks after him.

Morgan was one of 14 Umuzi learners from East Bank High School who photographed school drop-outs for a community exhibition in Alexandra township last July.

During a workshop in June, Morgan told the group he had personally been affected by the issue because his mother dropped out of school in Grade 7 when she was pregnant with Morgan’s sister.

“My mother has never bought me a shirt, or a shoe,” Morgan said. “She is unemployed and drinks too much, now she is too lazy to find a job.”

Morgan said that he sometimes has a hard time paying for school fees and stationary because his sister doesn’t make enough money to support him and his family back home. Because of the challenges he faced, Morgan decided to photograph people in his community who dropped out of school and are now unemployed. He photographed a woman who stays in the “catboxes,” which are small shacks made of cardboard just off of London Road.

“It wasn't hard for me to interview that woman, because when I see that woman I see my own mother: she's drinking too much and has too many children,” Morgan said. “She doesn't like the situation she is living in.”

Morgan said that he wants to study to become a social worker so that he can help young people who face challenges in their lives. Until then, he will continue to document unemployment issues in Alexandra. His story will be featured as part of the Umuzi: I am an Activist initiative and Jo'burg wide exhibition next year.

Photos by Captain Mabjwe, Thapelo Motsumi, and Morgan Faku

Umuzi: I am an activist part II

Tebogo Mabye has a broad smile and freckles that spread across his face. When he first walked in to an Umuzi Photo Club workshop at Barnato Park High School last March excitement glimmered in his eyes.

He was ready to learn photography and become a social activist. Eight months later, Tebogo continues to use photography as a tool to raise awareness about an issue close to his heart: teenage pregnancy.

“My mother was a teenage mother,” Tebogo said. “She wasn’t able to finish school because of her pregnancy.”

Like many young mothers in her situation, Constance Mabye left baby Tebogo with her own mother after giving birth so she could look for a job.

“It was very difficult because even his father wasn’t helpingat all,” Constance said. “I found out that he was married and it was very difficult for me to even go after him when I saw that he had a wife. And I left it at that.”

Tebogo struggled for guidance growing up without a father and with his mother away. His grandmother, now deceased, nurtured him and inspired him to take control of his life. Now, Tebogo is determined to warn his peers about the dangers of teenage pregnancy.

“Right now there are a lot of grade 10’s, 11’s and 12’s that are pregnant.” Tebogo said. “They’re going to have a problem for their children when they’re older because they’re not finished with matric. It continues in a system where the child will also get pregnant when they are teenagers and it causes problems from generation to generation. It must be stopped.”

Tebogo’s story, photographed and recorded by Umuzi learners, will be showcased in a multimedia piece at our upcoming exhibition geared towards highlighting creative youth activism in South Africa.

Photos by Captain Magjwe

Qiniso Dialogues: Questions for Change

“Sometimes questions are more important than answers.” – Nancy Willard

The five W’s and an H is the first tool Umuzi’s youth learn in their journey to understand everyday issues and become youth activists. Umuzi directors David and Gilbert were recently invited to attend a forum, the Qiniso Dialogues, in which they were asked to help define five questions every South African should answer.

Who?

A pastor, ex-convict, transport official, media entrepreneur, NGO facilitator, and management consultant walk into a bar… it sounds like the introduction to a complicated joke but was in fact the beginning of an innovative conference, bringing together youth leaders from a broad spectrum of South African society.

What?

The Qiniso Dialogues (Zulu for truth) are a series of forums arranged by South African newspaper, the Mail & Guardian, and Pretoria University’s Business School, Gibs. David and Gilbert, along with 30 other “movers and shakers,” attended the third of these forums.

Why?

According to their blurb, the Qiniso dialogues aim “…to uncover the five questions that every South African must answer in order to build the country.” Just as important, it seems, is the process. Bringing together such a diverse group of young leaders to question South Africa sparked new connections. The energy and shared interest in making a contribution to the country’s future, despite the obvious differences between the participants, was inspiring.

Where?

The day started early with Gilbert collecting his new Umuzi business cards from the printers while David ordered a latte. They moved on to meet the Qiniso crew at the Market Theatre in Newtown. After the introduction, the participants marched across Newtown square to the little known Workers Museum (worth a visit). After exploring the tough working conditions under which early Johannesburg residents had to toil, the party split into awaiting minibus taxis which whisked them to the Fashion District (doubly worth while). A delicious lunch ensued followed by meaty conversations to select the final questions, which was the order of the day.

When?

Friday 4 November, to be precise, but more importantly, the answer to this question should be, “Now!”

“When you wake up tomorrow morning, the most important question will be: ‘What will you do to answer your question today?’” facilitator Seth Naicker, Managing Partner of indiAfrique and Qiniso co-organiser emphasized.
Seth is anything but apathetic. Not even the birth of his son the night before could keep him from challenging participants with thought provoking questions and quotes from the “big M’s” – Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Mandela.

And, how?

Questions that dominated the day:

“How do we change the culture of apathy amongst young South Africans?”

“What can I do to contribute to South Africa leading Africa in dealing with her challenges?”

“What are you willing to die for in order for South Africa to be better for all?”

“What change are you bringing in your work world to create opportunities for the youth, especially young women?”

It was made clear that each participant is expected to live their solutions. As co-organiser, Shaka Sisulu, grandson of the great, late Walter Sisulu reflects, questions are of limited value until one asks, “So, what are you doing about it?”

Umuzi hopes to continue to cultivate solutions to its youths’ questions and collaborate with fellow Qiniso participants to inspire change in South Africa. We look forward to exploring opportunities with:

Intellect magazine – managing director Sifiso showed interest in featuring Umuzi photographers’ work in their online magazine.

Jam TV – founder Jonny spoke passionately about his start-up Web TV channel and asked if Umuzi photographers could shoot stills for their productions.

Thank you Mail & Guardian and Gibs for the Qiniso experience! Umuzi will keep readers posted on its Qiniso collaborations. To read more about the Qiniso Dialogues, see this article by Mail and Guardian journalist Nickolaus Bauer.

Post by Gilbert Pooley

Umuzi: I am an activist

As Umuzi gears up for its Johannesburg-wide exhibition (date to be confirmed) 14 advanced learners from Diepsloot, Hillbrow and Alexandra are documenting each other’s stories of youth activism to highlight their passion to change the most pertinent issues in their lives.

This past Saturday, Umuzi learners and mentors went to learner Rudzani Matshili’s home in Deipsloot. They photographed her surroundings to illustrate her drive to bring electricity to her community.

At age 9, Rudzani’s shack caught fire. Her family was living without electricity, using candles, paraffin stoves, and oil lamps for light and heat.

When the family went out one evening, they accidentally left a lit candle that fell over and set the curtains a light. Rudzani said she was terrified when she returned to find her home on fire. Luckily, the family caught the blaze before it spread to the rest of the shack.

In 2010, Rudzani was part of a group of learners who photographed and raised awareness about poor service delivery in Diepsloot including access to clean water, refuse collection, and electricity. Rudzani photographed four shacks that caught fire because one of the neighbours had an illegal electricity connection that exploded.

“If Jacob Zuma could come to Diepsloot and see what’s going on, like how people live,” Rudzani said. “I think he would have the heart for those who are suffering.”

Rudzani will continue to speak out about electricity issues in her community in the hope of creatively cultivating change.

Photos by Rudzani Matshili, Mbali Moagi, and Captain Magjwe

Capturing the Cape: a youth-led initiative

Meghan Daniels, 18, has a shy smile and bright eyes. Her voice is soft, but her passion quickly bursts through her seemingly quiet demeanor. 

While most of her peers are channeling their energy into studying for their Matric exams, Daniels is balancing school and a social development photography project she created in Khayelitshe township called the Ilizwi Photo Club. 

“We’re always saying let’s make a difference, let’s make a difference,” Daniels said. “But I’m going to make that a reality.” 

In 2010, Meghan was one of 114 candidates to take part in the enke: Make Your Mark Youth Leadership Forum, a South African youth leadership initiative that connects youth from diverse backgrounds and inspires them to create change in their communities. (Also mentioned here on the Umuzi blog).

“Many of us become complacent and moan about our country's problems,” Daniels said. “We tend to overlook the extraordinary beauty. Enke is teaching youth to stop being apathetic and to be proactive instead.”

CEO of enke, Pip Wheaton, said she was immediately curious about Meghan’s idea when she sat down with her at the 2010 enke: Forum.

“I was excited to hear about her project,” Wheaton said. “But I was also very amused because unbeknownst to her, she was describing an organization that I was very familiar with, Umuzi.”

“I have always loved art and photography,” Meghan said. “So I wanted to combine something creative with something service oriented.”

Umuzi Director Andrew Levy was a guest speaker at the enke forum in 2010. He geared his presentation towards inspiring youth to take action. 

“Sometimes youth think it is too hard to make a change -- the hurdles too high, costs too great,” Levy said. “I wanted to show the enke delegates that together it is easy to make a difference. They simply need to start. Start thinking, start talking, and start building. Together nothing is impossible”

Daniels explained that she spoke to Levy about her ideas at the forum and he invited her to Umuzi’s Nyanga workshops last December, where she participated in a photo walk and experienced the Umuzi initiative first hand.

“When I actually got to see what Umuzi was doing and how they were going out in to the community and photographing things, it was so inspiring,” Daniels said. “The kids’ faces when they got the cameras, the relationships between volunteers and students, and editing and choosing photographs-- they were like a family.”

Since the Nyanga workshops, Meghan has successfully created her own photo club. 

“I googled how to write a business plan and I just started sending it to everyone and anyone I could think of,” Daniels said. “That’s when Nikon and Fuji Film and others started calling.”

She held her first exhibition two weeks ago at the V&A Waterfront Craft Market in Cape Town.

“I didn’t know what to expect with the project but I went in with a heart that was willing to learn new things,” Daniels said. “And to see the growth in the learners and the differences in them, it’s so inspiring.”

Meghan has big plans for the future and is taking a gap year to expand Ilizwi across Khayelitshe, with her current graduated learners acting as mentors.

“My hopes for Meghan are that she keeps her passion while she’s doing this,” Wheaton said. “I’m excited that she’s planning on reaching more young people next year. She’s very ambitious, and I hope that she can continue to get the support she needs.”

“Seeing Meghan's project evolve has been inspiring.” Levy said. “She has worked really hard, and in a short space of time she has achieved so much with her learners in the community.”

Read more about enke: Make Your Mark and the Ilizwi Photo Club follow their links. Photography courtesy of Ilizwe Photo Club.

Facilitator Videos: Messages to the Youth

Umuzi would like to congratulate facilitators Lavendhri Arumugam and Emily Coppel for their recent certification as Adobe Youth Voices and Taking it Global educators.

Umuzi Photo Club was chosen as a partner for Adobe Youth Voices and Taking it Global earlier this year, joining a network of organisations across the world that facilitate youth activism through creative media. 

For their final projects, each facilitator created videos based on poems they wrote with messages for youth. These projects, entitled "Inside/Out," are only a minute long and featured below. Well done to Laven and Emily! Umuzi is looking forward to further work with AYV and TIG!

From One Small Seed to the BBC, Umuzi makes headlines

In case you didn’t catch the Wembley to Soweto exhibition at the Oxo Gallery in London, we are excited to announce that the BBC has published the gallery online. Click the photo above or follow this link to see Umuzi learners' best work.
In addition, SA pop culture magazine, One Small Seed, also published a feature on Umuzi and the Wembley to Soweto project. Click here or on the image above. Nice work to the whole crew!

We shall prevail

Earlier this week, Umuzi Photo Club suffered a tremendous loss when our offices in Braamfontein, Johannesburg were robbed.

While we were attending a meeting from 15:00 to 17:00, an individual (or perhaps individuals) forced their way through our gated, dead-bolted entrance and stole our computers and backup drives.

The loss of physical assets was great, but the loss of image and video content, as well as our workshop training documents, was far greater. We are busy recovering content from our email and other sources, but recognise that we have lost a significant portion of our work.

The threat of crime in Johannesburg is something its citizens acknowledge daily. For many people here, stolen computers and cell phones are frequent occurrences. We were, and always have been, aware of the crime threat in our communities and in our workspace. But as an organisation, we are adamant that this fear will not deter us from our mission to empower youth.

We would like to thank everyone who has reached out to us in this time of crisis with your words of encouragement and support. We would like to give a special thank you to those of you who have pledged donations towards the recovery of our assets. We could have never imagined such a heartfelt response, providing us with the tools and further motivation to get back on our feet and continue inspiring youth.

We believe in a positive future for South Africa and will not let this incident derail our mission or compromise our vision.

Please visit our blog to see what we have been up to recently. If you feel compelled to help us bounce back from this unfortunate situation, please show your support by donating and click the “Donate” button on the upper right hand corner of the page.

Thank you for standing behind us as we rebuild Umuzi to a bigger and better outfit!

photo: Joao Nzina

Umuzi learners find Ubuntu in London

This past July, three Umuzi learners created short films as part of the Desmond Tutu Foundation’s Conversations for Change programme in Stratford, London.

Their final documentary shorts, created in just four days, are now available to the public!

Watch this video by Umuzi learners Shoneez and Thapelo that documents their search for Ubuntu in the London Burough of Newham.

Well done to Patience, Thapelo and Shoneez, and a special thank you to Daniel Solle from the Tutu Foundation UK.

To see more about Umuzi learner’s trip to London see some of our other posts.

Umuzi presents at Princeton University

We would like to thank Fred Swaniker and Chris Bradford, founders of the African Leadership Academy, for inviting Umuzi to present at their very first Leadership Indaba at Princeton University this August. With delegates such as Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Reports and former US Ambassador to the African Union, John Simon, the Indaba proved a powerful platform for today's thought leaders to share ideas and develop relationships that will have a lasting positive impact on the continent. We were greatly honoured to be in attendance and look forward to the next one!