Back from left to right: David Ming, Simon Katende, Vinu Nair, Sean Langton, Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi and Cleo Forster. Front from left to right: Michelle Low, Wiebke Toussaint and Mbali Mabaso
EWB-SA’s 3rd Annual Leadership Summit 2014 was not only a great success, but this year included the first group of Professional EWB-SA members. These young engineers and entrepreneurs are based all over the country and still contribute towards empowering communities while building up their young careers. The summit was an amazing space where professionals got to build up networks with one another and also got an opportunity to establish relationships with the student chapters. This two day event included a range of interactive sessions such as a leadership workshop; a panel discussion with industry guest speakers; and planning for 2015 to name a few. The sessions that included all members were so well balanced that it was a perfect fit for both students and professionals. There were moments when I forgot which side I belonged to. Thank you to Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi (Jhb), Vinu Nair (Jhb), Sean Langton (CPT), Simon Katende (PTA) and Cleo Forster (Jhb) for being the planning dream-team for the professional EWB portfolio 2015.
The definition of youth development as defined in the SA National Youth Development Policy Framework (2009 – 2014), sums up the vision of the EWB-SA Professional Portfolio:
“Youth Development is an intentional comprehensive approach that provides the space, opportunities, and support for young people to maximise their individual and collective creative energies for personal development as well as development of the broader society of which they are an integral part.”
I sincerely look forward to this new journey with like-minded young engineers doing their part towards empowering communities. I cannot wait to be blown away by the next summit!
Written by Mbalenhle Mabaso
Video: https://youtu.be/ogXVtEbFbi8
