25-27 June 2025
Belle and co. was asked to co-design an immersive, high-energy, competition style leadership workshop for 110 university and diploma-level “Students for a Better Future” Laureates.
SBF are passionate about unleashing the potential of youth in South Africa and developing young leaders who will take on society’s challenges with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, whilst caring for themselves and others.
Over 2.5 days, the intense workshop was conducted at the Graduate School of Business Conference Centre, and hosted by 6 facilitators split onto 2 floors, running sessions in parallel with one another.
The students were split up into teams of 8, and had to focus on 1 of 3 key challenge areas:
Health & Wellness
The healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformation through advancements in telemedicine, biotechnology, and personalised care. Students will explore opportunities in a future where accessibility is enhanced, and preventative care becomes the norm.
Sustainable Development & the Green Economy
Global challenges related to climate change and resource management are driving industries to adopt sustainable practices. Students will explore green technologies, eco-entrepreneurship, and circular economy principles, enabling them to lead in this transition.
Tech-driven Social Change & AI
Technology plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges, promoting equity, and fostering community development. Students will cultivate empathy, design thinking, and digital advocacy to lead in careers focused on social innovation.
To replicate the world of work, students were awarded points for best ideas, team work, problem statement clarity and presentation delivery. A leaderboard was tallied at the end of each day and final winners were announced for best group leader and best overall team.
Throughout the 2,5 days, there were also some amazing speakers who shared their entrepreneurial journey and career advice with the laureates. Most notably were:
Dr. Mzamo Masito is the Canva Africa Leader and former Chief Marketing Officer for Google Africa who guided participants on visual storytelling and using your authentic voice.
Orion Herman. Global Award Winning Social and Climate Innovator, and founder of Liquid Gold – Using nature-based technology – including urine-diverting, waterless toilets, thermophilic composting, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion – transforming waste into worth.
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Read more about SBF and SASLI here:
SBF (Students for a Better Future) is the overarching scholarship programme, while SASLI (Susan & Andreas Struengmann Leadership Initiative) is a prestigious, 3-year leadership development programme for extraordinary SBF scholarship recipients that builds on the foundation provided by the SBF scholarship. SBF begins in Grade 6, nurturing high-potential children through high school and university, and SASLI is the post-matric stage for the most exceptional scholars, preparing them for leadership roles in the workforce.
