Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards. Underlying this is the need to substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training. One of the 2030 targets for SDG 8 is to sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7% real GDP growth per annum in the least developed countries.
Margot Janse, a multiple award-winning chef of Dutch origin, is renowned for introducing tasting menus to South Africa. Today she actively consults on culinary projects globally, runs the Isabelo Feeding Hungry Minds charity and is opening a restaurant in Amsterdam. Isabelo, founded in 2009, was adopted by Margot and has grown to feed 1,800 children per day in the Franschhoek valley.
Margot started her learning journey around the importance of creating decent work and economic growth, tutored by Dr Tashmia Ismail-Saville, former CEO of YES (Youth Employment Service).
In early 2022, the class met in person for the first time. Through curiosity, group discussion and reflection, Margot and the class learned that small but consistent actions from each of them make a considerable impact as a collective.
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Meet Margot Janse
We invited Margot to join the Class of 2030 to focus on SDG 8. Lessons took place online, with a single goal in mind: to give Margot insight into the SDG to help her understand its relevance in achieving the 2030 goals.
Watch Margot's story
As a founding member of the Class of 2030, Margot acknowledges the significance of her learning journey. Life is about making a difference and about leaving something good behind. Margot sees food as a nourisher, a way of taking care of people and most importantly as an enabler so we can operate, think and learn. On reflection, this journey was less about knowing all the intricate details of all the SDGs, but rather about figuring out her unique place to have an impact on the SDGs. It’s time for us ordinary citizens to step up and get involved, or there will be nothing to pass on.
Meet the tutor
Dr Tashmia Ismail-Saville

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Learn more about SDG 8
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