GSA member, Donovan Neale-May has ensured that economically disadvantaged students at Rhodes University will be the beneficiaries of property sales in a new eco-estate development in South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal province. Property developer Neale-May, a Rhodes University alumnus, will contribute 10 percent of the net proceeds of any property transaction in The Reeds at Balgowan eco-estate (http://www.reedsenviroliving.com/) to provide Rhodes University scholarships for financially burdened students and those graduating from the Ubuntu Education Fund programs in Port Elizabeth’s poverty stricken townships. Neale-May has previously contributed to the formation of the Rhodes Sports Trust and set up the Neilen Locke Annual Coaching Award at the university. His environmentally sensitive and secluded preserve adjoins pristine indigenous forests and features an abundance of wildlife, a wide selection of flora and fauna, and strict eco-friendly home design, construction and ownership guidelines. Large stands at The Reeds range from dramatic Drakensberg Mountain views to trout-filled lake settings and are set in the high hills of the picturesque Midlands Meander overlooking Michaelhouse, one of South Africa’s most prestigious private schools.

The South African Washington Internship Program (SAWIP) has as its objective to prepare, inspire and support a new generation of leaders in South Africa and to provide them with the necessary skills and tools to address post-conflict challenges in the process of building a sustainable democratic society.

SAWIP works with, and is funded by, the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership. The intersection between the groups allows for an opportunity for university students from South Africa and Ireland to find common ground within the US. The initiative offers opportunities that challenge the students to think and act differently in the goals of service and leadership.

Seven SA students participate in a six-week internship in Washington DC with placements at the World Bank, the IFC, ACLU, CSIS, the Center for International Private Enterprise and the Councul for a community of Democracies. Events include a reception with the Congressional Black Caucus at the Capitol and the South African Embassy.

The students live with American host families in order to gain a perspective on American life.

For more information visit www.sawip.org.

AWESOME SA has been formed to bring all South Africans together to effect the change we want to see in our country. The website states: “Only when we as individual South Africans start realising that it is up to each and every one of us to make a difference will we ever truly reach our potential as a nation. AWESOME SA is on www.awesomesa.co.za. There is an excellent article in its latest newsletter by Richard Pike, CEO of Adcorp Holdings, which I’m sure will resonate.
 
Global South African member, Jacobus Vlok, VP Fieldstone arranged a meeting for the Millennium Labor Council (referred to in the article) to meet with investment bankers on South Africa’s investment climate.

Global South African network member, Professor Daniel Bradlow, professor of law and director of the international legal studies program at American University Washington College of Law, writes about a positive use of the Reconciliation and Development Bond he has created in today’s Business Day. http://www.businessday.co.za/Articles/TarkArticle.aspx?ID=3231169

The Bond offers and opportunity to invest in revenue generating projects that create jobs, services and opportunities to historically disadvantaged individuals and communities. It is a creative way to make an return investment while supporting those most in need.

To find out more about investing in the Bond, please contact Lee Gillespie-White at lee.gillespiewhite@gmail.com.

The article also deals with the recent US Supreme Court case in the Kulumani case against a range of transnational corporations.

Grayhaven Winery’s annual South African Food and Wine Festival is coming up on July 11,12 and 13.

The festival’s mission is to promote South Africa,  to raise awareness of South African products (wine, food and art,) promote tourism to South Africa and provide a venue for South Africans living in the U.S. to promote their US or SA based businesses.  

Previous years have proven an excellent opportunity to celebrate all things South African.

Find out more by visiting the festival website at: www.southafricanfoodfest.com

GSA David Donenberg is Kendall College’s Chief Operating Officer. The College is a premier culinary arts, hospitality management, business and education facility situated in the heart of vibrant, entrepreneurial Chicago.

GSA members, and potential members are invited to our Chicago event, co-hosted with Homecoming Revolution to be held on April 24 at 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Brookhaven Wine Room at Kendall College.

GSA has heard from many groups in South Africa how they would be thrilled to have our members deliver lectures or address roundtables when you visit South Africa. Universities, Chambers of Commerce, Business support groups etc. have all said they would welcome your insights into best practices, models, business or professional challenges. So, if you are planning a visit, please let us know so we can coordinate with them to have you share your experiences.

GSA will join with Homecoming Revolution — www.homecomingrevolution.co.za on their upcoming Canada/North America trip to host several events in Chicago, New York and Washington, DC.

Homecoming Revolution tries to encourage South Africans living abroad to return home and provides support for their return. GSA recognises that some South Africans have made the US their home and will not be returning. We aim to encourage goodwill toward the country by facilitating the provision of your assistance to South Africans at home.

The objectives of the two organisations have synergy. We have thus decided to host events at which we meet you, talk to you, hear from you, exhange ideas etc. Details of event dates, times and venue will follow by invitation and on this website soon.

The Colleges of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) was founded in 1954. It has provided support for doctors since then specifically by offering specialist qualifications (fellowships) recognised by the Health Professionals Council of South Africa and by offering financing, governance and infrastructure support for academic medicine. Continued

Geoffrey Bradfield was raised on a farm in South Africa. He proved himself as a star designer in Johannesburg before arriving in New York. Now he designs interiors for the elite in the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe. His work has included the Kennedy Library in Boston, the residences of Queen Noor of Jordan and the late King Hussein. His portfolio includes a major design overhaul of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitnet’s estate on Long Island and he recently was commissioned to restore the gallery in Edith Wharton’s former country estate, The Mount.

Geoffrey’s work can be viewed at www.geoffreybradfield.com. A superb brand ambassador for the country, he is also exploring ways with GSA to include aspiring South African designers in a scholarship program he has developed. He was honoree at last December’s gala dinner in New York to raise fund for the Phelophepa health care train.