WorldChangers

One thousand hills standing in a row Today, the16th June 2012, we went on a VUK Africa tour in the valley of a thousand hills, home to the townships of the Zulus. Our Tour Guide, Vusi, gave a historical perspective of the hills as well as a beginner’s Zulu lesson. All is not always as it seems. Yes there is poverty in the valley, but it is rich in its people and culture, and has potential to rise above its current horizons. What is needed is investment not handouts; though the latter seems more noble and selfless, the former gives scope for economic growth and self sustenance. That, in my opinion, should be the focus. Within the townships were businesses such as restaurants and salons. Of particular interest were the bead makers; you can’t go to ... read more

At first glance the title seems to be an oxy-moron. In actuality, these two terms don’t have to be in conflict. On Thursday the 14th of June 2012 the South Africa Challenge team met Darlene Menzies CEO of ‘The Development House’ (TDH) in Durban South Africa. I expected a long, laboured lecture on how to be successful in a business setting and instead I got a life lesson I shouldn’t ever forget. The image ‘capitalist’ may bring to my mind; hard, unfeeling and purely money driven. But there on the second floor of a seemingly normal office sits an embodiment of a compassionate capitalist. The meeting started off with Darlene asking a few questions of us and then in turn she told us her life story. It was one of how she sorted through a scarred ... read more

So I wake up smiling this morning to the sound of monkeys and their young pattering along the tin rooftop of our hut and the beat of loud house music from the phones of some of the high school students that had arrived at World Changers last night. What others might take as a rude awakening was just another new and exciting moment on the South Africa Challenge. I awoke to the reality however that this was to be my last day in South Africa. I couldn't help but remenice and reach for my tablet to put some of the thoughts into prose. Over the weekend, the team and I have been lucky enough to fit in a few small excursions, as well as go to church and help out around the academy. Saturday brought the ... read more

It is only Day 2 but it feels like we've been here a week. We've been warmly welcomed and learnt so much about South Africa; the significant social challenges, the great opportunities that exist, and the wonderful work World Changers Academy and their partners are doing to solve the many and varied social challenges such as AIDS/HIV, Poverty and social inequality, Teenage pregnancy etc that plague the country. The great discovery has been the thriving entrepreneurial community in Durban. Today we visited Darlene Menzies of The Development House - a software and economic development house, who was kind enough to take us through the business philospohy that has made her one of South Africa's most successful businesswomen - what she terms 'compassionate capitalism'. Darlene defines Innovation as 'the ability to see what people see and think ... read more

My first evening in South Africa and what a brilliant evening I’ve had!!! They welcomed us with a lovely dinner. Chicken, rice, vegetables, pumpkin and a delicious sauce. We were then shown our schedules for the week and our rooms. Gori instinctively took the top bunk as we entered the room so I was left with the bottom bunk. We were also privileged to share the room with two other staff members at World Changers Academy. After leaving our things in the room we attended a talent show held by those on a life and leadership skills course at World Changers. It was a great show ranging from singers, dancers and rappers. One of the rappers, who calls himself ZKL inspired me to perform when I heard his conscious and positive lyrics and energy so I ... read more