Johannesburg – 21 September 2024 – A select cohort of 18 leaders across the corporate, public, development, and nonprofit sectors has completed their inaugural retreat as Siyavela Impact Program Ambassadors for 2024.

The Siyavela Impact Program is a response to challenges that Corporate Social Investment (CSI), NPO, and project leaders expressed during research conducted by Siyavela Impact NPC. This year-long program launched with a retreat at the sustainability-focused Cradle Valley venue in Muldersdrift, near Johannesburg. Reflecting the seasonal focus of the program, the retreat's theme was Deepening the Roots.

Throughout the 48-hour retreat, the Siyavela Impact Program Ambassadors engaged in activities designed to strengthen both their leadership practice and personal wellbeing. From revisiting their purpose and values to learning practical implementation strategies for their projects, each Ambassador received a comprehensive toolkit to support them in the field. Wellbeing also played a central role in the retreat agenda.

The retreat featured sessions led by Siyavela Impact founding partners: Rehana Moosajee (The Barefoot Facilitator), Kalnisha Singh (founder of KD Strategies), Siwe Ntombela (sustainable development practitioner), and media strategist Marie Le Roux of YaziMedia. Ambassadors also benefitted from sessions by guest facilitators such as Ian Hatton (conscious leadership expert), Rodah Hendricks Darries (life coach), Neesha Mistry (Iyengar yoga instructor), Jane Holtzhausen (ecstatic movement facilitator), and the Riverview Spa team.

Several Ambassadors shared their thoughts on the experience:

• Sunny Morgan, CEO of Enerlogy and climate activist, described the retreat as an eye-opening experience: “Every activity layered a new perspective and complexity, coupled with deep spirituality.”

• Annie Verzier, Director of ACES Academy, valued the “meaningful, honest, powerful conversations,” where visions and insights were shared freely.

• Mlingani Matiwane, MD of Corporate Governance and Finance at Umbane Energy Investments, said: “I have returned with a renewed and eternally augmented perspective.”

• Deborah Debbie Cockrell of the Slovo Centre of Excellence posted on LinkedIn: "My love tank is full. Every aspect was designed to ensure meaningful conversations, interactions, and inspiration for impactful change."

Other notable Siyavela Impact Program Ambassadors include Mthunzi Mdwaba of TZoro Strategic Advisory, Yonela Poswa of Umbane Energy Investments, Kate Philip of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, Noluthando Mthimkulu of the National Business Initiative, Raashida Khan of Take Charge, and Yasmin Coovadia, an urban planning consultant.

With the retreat concluded, the Siyavela Impact Program Ambassadors will continue their journey through monthly gatherings (both online and in-person) to deepen their personal, professional, and social impact. The program’s milestones will also be documented in a commemorative book and independent documentary under Siyavela Impact NPC.

About the Siyavela Impact Program

The Siyavela Impact Program empowers changemakers working towards creating a better world by equipping leaders in the CSI, nonprofit, and grassroots development sectors with knowledge, skills, and resources to succeed sustainably.

For more information or to become a future Ambassador, advocate, or donor, visit www.siyavela.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also view the program brochure here.

Contact Information:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.siyavela.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/siyavela
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@siyavelaimpact

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