Estelle visits South Africa

Virgin Unite Ambassador Estelle arrived in South Africa on Monday 29th September and headed to Soweto to the Ikageng Itireleng AIDS Ministry which addresses the needs of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. They provide support through mentorship as part of WMOM as well as life skills and counseling to help assist AIDS-related, child-headed households. Estelle was greeted by the founder and CEO, Ms Carol Dantyi (fondly known as Mama Carol) and heard first hand how the mentorship programme is empowering the next generation of leaders.

“I was totally inspired, I felt uplifted by the incredible progress achieved by the young people and the courage they show every day. I would urge businesses to get behind these amazing young people, help them unlock their potential and become the future leaders of South Africa,” said Estelle.

On her second day of her visit Tuesday 30 October, Estelle visited CIDA City Campus and the Branson School of Entrepreneurship which identifies and nurtures individuals from CIDA with entrepreneurial potential. The school supports start-ups and micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, services, networks and seed funding. She met with students currently undertaking the 18 month long course such as Zanele Nkuhlu, 18, who plans to start an internet café business in the townships and also those who have graduated from the school, including Johnson Masango, aged 22, who now runs his own internet company.

“The South African economy is dependant on entrepreneurial activity for creating future economic growth and jobs. CIDA and the Branson School are championing this and allowing these young people to realize their true potential. I would love to see more established entrepreneurs and businesses investing time and money into these projects to support the next generation of African business leaders,” Estelle commented.

Click here to watch a video of Estelle's trip to South Africa