The award aims to reflect Out of Africa's and Tourvest's continued investment in people, purpose and place, underpinned by the group's belief that commerce can be a catalyst for social good. To this end, the work done by Out of Africa aims to show how that belief can create real change for communities and individuals, says the group.

As part of the award, Out of Africa receives a voucher from the V&A Waterfront, which it is giving to Relate Bracelets, a social enterprise that creates earning opportunities for 'gogos' in Khayelitsha with hand-beaded bracelets whilst raising funds for numerous social causes. To deepen the gesture, Out of Africa matches the value of the award to ensure the impact is felt within the community which inspired the win, says the group.

In the spirit of the festive season, Out of Africa aims to extend this goodwill through a joint initiative with Relate Bracelets at the V&A Waterfront. Using the donated vouchers, the team assembles and delivers grocery parcels for the 'gogos' who create Relate's bracelets, turning this recognition into an early festive celebration of gratitude, adds the group.

"Our partnership with Relate Bracelets is one of shared purpose and dignity," says David Brenner, Chief Executive Officer of Tourvest Retail. "It's proof that when commerce and compassion work together, every transaction can become a part of transformation. Out of Africa's award sits at the heart of what the Tourvest Group stands for — a commitment that 'wherever we are, we are always local,' which means a connection to people, to their stories and to their communities."

Relate is just one of many initiatives driven by the brand. Since the start of Tourvest's relationship with Relate in 2011, the company has helped sell more than 1.66-million bracelets and raised R10.5-million for charitable causes. The partnership has also created R2.28-million in earning opportunities for more than 400 elderly artisans, with a total social impact valued at R14.4-million, says the group.

These initiatives echo the voices of the Relate artisans themselves. "It makes you forget your problems," one 'gogo' shares, "It keeps your mind going and gives you purpose." Another adds, "We're getting paid for doing something we love — it keeps us young."

Building relationships and partnerships is central to Tourvest's vision, and its supply chain policies aim to present an ideal methodology to actualise this vision, says the group.

To this end, the Destination Retail Division has developed a loyal supplier network of over 1000 SMME's across South Africa, working together with an aim to ensure that the talent inherent in the underlying entities is proudly reflected in Tourvest's retail footprint. This enhances the sustainability of both Tourvest's retail outlets and the businesses supplying it — securing thousands of valuable jobs in the process, adds the group.

"Out of Africa is a living example of how retail can uplift," says Brenner. "It connects people through craft, culture and compassion and turns every purchase into a story of possibility."

For Tourvest, an African integrated tourism group, rooted in Africa, with an expanding global presence, this recognition reaffirms its vision of purpose-led growth and community connection, where every brand contributes to building a stronger, more inclusive society, concludes the group.

For more information, visit www.tourvest.co.za. You can also follow Tourvets Group on Facebook, LinkedIn.

*Image courtesy of contributor