Buddibox CEO Isaack Lesole was awarded the Premier’s Special Award at the 2017 Gauteng Premier’s Service Excellence Awards on Tuesday night. An annual event, the prestigious ceremony is an opportunity for David Makhura to recognise contributions made by civil servants, business, Non-Governmental Organisations and civil society in improving the socio-economic growth and transformation of Gauteng.

Lesole’s award is conferred at the sole discretion of Makhura and the Executive Council and in this case the Buddibox enterprise development programme, which is creating jobs for young people, captured the hearts and minds of the committee and the decision to award was unanimous.

Thrilled at being recognised, Lesole says, “The award is intensifying the Buddibox relationship with government and will go a long way towards driving forward the plans currently being rolled out with the support of the National Youth Development Agency and the City of Ekurhuleni. Proof that Government has recognised the impact and enormous potential of the Buddibox programme; it also demonstrates how public private partnerships can work.”

In an effort to address issues of unemployment and youth job creation, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is funding the Buddibox social entrepreneurship programme. Already operational in the City of Ekurhuleni – there are long-term plans to make it a national programme. Makhura announced a partnership with Buddibox in his SOPA address last month.

For further information on Buddibox visit: www.buddibox.co.za or find us on Facebook and Twitter (@BuddiboxSA).