“The individuals we have selected display an unparalleled ability to inspire and influence others. They are individuals with proven demonstrable leadership qualities who continue to shape the course and direction of history. They live a life committed to a greater good for all and are all we aspire to emulate,” explains Andile Ncontsa, chairperson of Litha Communications.

“We open with Wendy Luhabe, not only one of the 50 Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World and listed by the World Economics Forum as a Global Leader of Tomorrow but also a social entrepreneur activist, pioneering many initiatives for the economic empowerment of women and their participation in South Africa’s economic landscape. The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, recently appointed her to the newly formed International Council on Women’s Business Leadership.”

Powerful networking

The audience of the series is the top one-third of South African society, who is accustomed to or wishes to seek meaning and inspiration from others who have taken the road less travelled. Age and experience barriers break down in the face of such powerful motivators.

As one of this group, one wants to redesign the 'what' and 'how' South Africans think about themselves and others in order to build and share in its extraordinary future. Obsessed with creating win-win scenarios, one is a decision maker who wants to broaden one's horizons through impactful interchange of ideas and thoughts with other free thinkers.

This inspiring hour with an Extraordinary South African offers one the opportunity to be stirred into action by the speaker and the interchanges that follow. The connections one makes and extend will motivate one to share this knowledge and encourage more people to think beyond the obvious to the extraordinary.

Benefitting ‘Nelson Mandela - Champion Within’ programme

The proceeds from the Extraordinary South Africans Series benefit the ‘Nelson Mandela - Champion Within’ programme, developed by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and Life College - all not-for-profit organisations. The programme is based on the book Conversations with Myself, by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who said, “Thinking is one of the most powerful weapons in dealing with problems.”

The programme provides organisations, universities and youth with an experiential, highly engaging learning experience in critical thinking, reflection, legacy making and the power of self-directed question - all of this in the company of the life work of Mandela. It teaches one that the root of greatness is purpose-centred, critical consciousness, to better understand and build one’s own champion mentality, which can be applied to all aspects of one’s life.

The first evening will be on Tuesday, 29 October at 18:30pm at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. After arrival, there will be a 30 minute conversational lecture by Luhabe, followed by a facilitated dialogue and audience participation.

“Over the next 12 months, the line-up of the calibre of South Africans you will meet, hear and engage with are individuals who have made a significant and unparalleled impact in their chosen field, be it in government, business, science, academia or society. These include former President Thabo Mbeki; Lewis Pugh; Bishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu; Professor Tim Noakes; Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Patrice Motsepe and Prof Jonathan Jansen,” concludes Ncontsa.

For more information, email [email protected] or phone 011 484 7663.