The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) has partnered with the MTN Group to roll out the institute’s leadership development programme, known as the Spirit of Youth initiative. This three-year partnership will commence in 2015.

The objective of the Spirit of Youth programme is to cultivate a generation of well-rounded leaders who will think more creatively about developing tangible and practical solutions to challenges facing South Africa.

The programme, which was started in 2005, is a forum where Grade 11 and 12 learners can critically engage on relevant and topical issues that affect the country and the communities where they reside. Learners are selected on the basis of academic excellence, demonstrable leadership qualities and commitment to their communities.

The year-long programme, which caters for rural, urban and independent schools, currently involves 350 learners in three provinces.

MTN has pledged to develop a mobile-optimised content portal that learners and teachers can access to download all programme material.

According to Sifiso Dabengwa, the MTN Group’s Chief Executive Officer, MTN regards its sponsorship of the Spirit of Youth initiative as playing midwife to a socio-economic legacy that will be left by participants in the programme. He further pointed out that ‘There are many synergies between the Spirit of Youth and MTN’s strategic focus on using connectivity to facilitate access to quality education through its various foundations across Africa and the Middle East. The Spirit of Youth resonates with MTN’s values of leadership, a can-do attitude and innovation. It is through active participation in programmes such as the Spirit of Youth that MTN can help develop a future leadership cadre that will take the country forward.’ 

Shireen Chengadu, Executive Director of the Centre for Leadership and Dialogue, added that ’South Africa is a dynamic country offering many opportunities and great potential, but a country characterised by growing poverty and inequality. The role of business, government and society, as well as effective partnerships among these key stakeholders, is vital to our future. This partnership with MTN is a true testament to this and will go a long way in developing tomorrow’s leaders.’

The programme is divided into three phases and classes are presented every Saturday over the course of a year. Running alongside this youth development programme is the Career Expo, which will take place on 10 May 2015. At the event, 2 300 top-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners will be exposed to various career opportunities. Learners will be given the opportunity to interact with various exhibitors, including top corporate firms that will be showcasing employment opportunities.