Global South Africans

Eco-Estate Investment in South Africa Channels Funds to Rhodes University

Lee — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:17:53 +0000

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.

South Africa-Washington Internship Program

Lee — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:56:14 +0000

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

Lee — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:19:33 +0000

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.

Reconciliation and Development Bond

Lee — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:23:16 +0000

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.

Celebrate South Africa: Traditional “Braai” and our wonderful Wines

Lee — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:29:40 +0000

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

Let’s work together

Simon — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:02:10 +0000

South Africa’s US Ambassador Welile Nhlapo hosted Global South Africans at a lunch at the embassy on Thursday, May 1. He called the GSA project “a very positive trend in the life of our country”. He spoke following presentations by GSA’s Simon Barber, Homecoming Revolution’s Martine Schaffer and Guy Lundy of Accelerate Cape Town.

Urging the Diaspora to Stay Involved

Simon — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:05:10 +0000

Guy Lundy, CEO of Accelerate Cape Town, speaks at the GSA event at Kendall College in Chicago on April 24. To his right is Martine Shaffer of Homecoming Revolution.

Join Us In Chicago, New York and Washington

Simon — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:01:43 +0000

The Global South Africans project and partners are putting on a series of events in Chicago, New York and Washington over the next couple of weeks. There’s a reception at Kendall College in Chicago on April 24, co-hosted Kendall CFO David Donnenberg and catered by the college’s famous restaurant school. We’re hosting a tea for GSA members at the New York Stock Exchange on April 29 as a precursor to cocktails on the floor of the stock exchange and the premiere showing of Carol Pineau’s new film, African Investment Horizons. On April 30, the World Bank is hosting a workshop in Washington on mobilizing the South African diaspora. On May 1, there will be a GSA lunch hosted the by South African embassy in Washington at which Ambassador Welile Nhlapo will speak. We will be joined at each event by Martine Schaffer and Guy Lundy of the the Homecoming Revolution.

A Competitive Edge

Simon — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:02:11 +0000

GSA Richard Rabins discusses the business advantages of being able to talk knowledgeably about cricket on his company blog — and is quoted in the Wall Street Journal.

Kendall College hosts GSA and Homecoming Revolution at April 24 event

Lee — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:40:34 +0000

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.