ACTIVATE! is a network of young leaders equipped to drive change for the public good across South Africa. Connecting youth who have the skills, sense of self and spark to address tough challenges and initiate innovative and creative solutions that can reshape the country’s society. On Saturday 21 November, the ACTIVATE Switch initiative organised a reunion of some of its Johannesburg-based activators for an update event and brunch, held in the historical surroundings of the Women’s Jail on Constitutional Hill in the City. The aim was to provide a platform for each of the young activators to update one another on their current initiatives, their ideas for entrepreneurial ventures, and their progress to date.
The event also provided an opportunity for a number of highly experienced guest speakers to share their entrepreneurial experiences, their personal journeys to becoming entrepreneurs and the challenges faced along the way, and their insights on what it takes to achieve success in business. Lionesses of Africa founder, Melanie Hawken, was one of the invited speakers, sharing the inspiration behind the organisation which aims to get the world talking about women entrepreneurs, and providing a powerful community for women to share their stories, network, collaborate and showcase their businesses to the world. Melanie shared some inspirational stories about successsful women entrepreneurs from across the African continent who started their business journeys at a young age, and today are highly successful and groundbreaking entrepreneurs and brand builders on the continent and globally.
Also speaking at the event were Rick Ed of Do Better Business; Nisha Maharaj, founder of Niche Integrated Solutions; and Rosemary Padi, founder of YaMamma Gemmer Homemade Ginger Beer. Everyone on the speaker platform inspired, entertained and informed the young activators in the audience, encouraging them to work hard and pursue their business dreams.
The Activate Switch Initiative event ended with a lunch, networking and the opportunity for these young aspirant entrepreneurs to chat with the guest speakers and gain advice and information on how to advance their own business ventures.
For more information on the Activate Switch Initiative, contact Carrie Leaver via email- carrie@activateleadership.co.za or visit their website www.activateleadership.co.za