Sandton’s load shedding couldn’t keep them away. Traffic didn’t stop them. The lure of a long weekend didn’t deter them. They were ready for a challenge – and they didn’t back down.
They streamed into Investec’s auditorium to start a gruelling but rewarding experience that would lead to empowering a community in Gauteng. It was the start of an extraordinary event – and one with an amazing purpose.
Investec Private Banking, together with partners Qhubeka and enke: Make Your Mark, hosted the first-ever Young Professionals Revolution at Investec offices in Sandton, 20 and 21 March 2019.
Our very own brand ambassador, Maps Maponyane, welcomed the delegates and was the main MC for the event. Vincent Hofmann, a co-founder of BetterWork SA, facilitated the event and provided the design-thinking frameworks for teams to develop their ideas.
Marnus Broodryk, entrepreneur and SA’s youngest judge on SA Shark Tank, gave an inspiring talk to the audience. Anthony Fitzhenry, the founder of Qhubeka, spoke of the challenges of the Kagiso community and the opportunities just one bike could bring.
Kick off: Our brand ambassador, Maps Maponyane, opens the event in his inimitable style and trademark humour and warmth.
The event, which coincided with Human Rights Day celebrations in the city, saw 192 delegates come together to make a difference in the lives of this community. Through the night, they worked tirelessly in 40 teams to develop business plans that could be implemented with just a single asset, a Qhubeka Buffalo Bicycle, and a small amount of start-up capital. Representatives of Qhubeka and the Kagiso community were also there on the night.
In the coming months, 40 business plans will be handed over to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the township, which near Krugersdorp on the West Rand.
The winning team, AgriExpress, created a business plan that aims to deliver compost and logistical services to local farmers. The team scooped a 5-day learning trip to London’s design and innovation centres.
In second place, Beauty on a Bike aims to deliver quality products local beauty salons and empower young women in Kagiso. In third place, Fruits & Roots hopes to deliver fresh produce to communities through a direct supply chain. The runners-up received exciting travel vouchers from Travel by Investec – R5 000 and R2 500 travel vouchers per delegate in second and third place teams respectively.
Go for it! Keeping the adrenaline up for an all-night experience.
The event was also sponsored by Virgin Active, who hosted Pound and Zumba breakout sessions, Maverick & Jane Gourmet Popcorn, Frost Popsicles, Missing Link, Hire Society Events and many more.
