Our family and family foundation have strong South African roots, and we’re committed to investing time, energy, and resources in the future of our nation and community. For us, this isn’t just a gesture, it’s a real responsibility that we hold close to our hearts. We’re passionate about the incredible potential of African youth, recognising it as the heartbeat of our country and the African continent. As Africa evolves, its young people, growing in number and spirit, stand ready to shape what’s next. They aren’t just the inheritors of tomorrow; they’re the architects of a new future. As a proud Jewish organisation, we feel a deep responsibility to support our South African Jewish community. I want to take a moment to recognise that I had the great privilege of being raised in a close-knit Jewish community in the small, rural town of Springs. My parents, Bernice and Louis, instilled in us a pride in our Jewish heritage, teaching us to draw strength from Jewish values. They inspired us to make a difference in our community, gave us the confidence to think creatively, and encouraged us to turn challenges into opportunities. The mentorship I received from my parents and grandparents, and the understanding of how a strong Jewish value system builds confidence and resilience, has been a guiding force in my life. It’s very much our desire, as a family, through awards like this, to encourage young Jewish South Africans to embrace their heritage, draw upon generations of experience in making meaningful contributions, and remember that we’re not merely passing visitors in South Africa, we’re woven into the fabric of this society and no-one can take away our rightful place here. For young Jewish South Africans, it’s also essential to see their Jewish identity as a strength, something to celebrate openly. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you will always encounter detractors. Here in South Africa, we’re fortunate that such voices are few, though often loud. It’s the responsibility of our younger generation to be even louder, not in arrogance, but in pride and presence. We should be humble, yet never invisible. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting initiatives that celebrate the achievements of young Jewish South Africans who are shaping our community’s future and leaving their mark on our nation. In this spirit, we’re thrilled to sponsor the Ichikowitz Family Foundation Rising Star Award. This award is special because it honours those not only succeeding in their careers, but also opening doors for future generations. These young achievers exemplify the energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience of our youth. At a time when South Africa faces challenges on many fronts, it’s essential to invest in young people and celebrate their contributions. Initiatives like the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of young Jewish South Africans, inspiring others to believe in the possibilities within our country and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Through this sponsorship, we also want to honour the quiet heroes in our community whose commitment often goes unnoticed. We believe South Africa remains a land of opportunity, a place where young people can build fulfilling careers, contribute meaningfully to society, and shape the economy. We hope to encourage young people to take bold steps, start businesses, create jobs, and invest in our nation’s growth and prosperity. In the end, our involvement in this award goes beyond recognition, it’s about envisioning a brighter future. It’s about ensuring that South Africa remains a place of opportunity for young Jewish individuals and all young people. It’s about building a community and a nation where young people can pursue their dreams, thrive, and create a legacy that lasts. Ivor Ichikowitz Chairperson of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation Jewish youth – key to community and country Honouring women who lead with heart and purpose Mann Made is once again honoured to sponsor the Community Service Award at this year’s Absa Jewish Achiever Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates an individual or organisation within the Jewish community whose commitment to service extends beyond the expected, uplifting and supporting the broader community with dedication and compassion. These nominees embody values that inspire positive change and serve as a guiding light for future generations. At Mann Made, our mission is to create events and stories that amplify human connection and ignite human potential. Through creative storytelling and cutting-edge technology, we bring ideas to life in ways that spark impact and leave lasting impressions. Our recent successes, such as the SingularityU South Africa Summit returning in person this October, reflect our commitment to crafting transformative experiences that unite people and open new horizons of possibility. Our passion for community empowerment is also evident in our longstanding partnership with the Maharishi Institute. By sponsoring the education of deserving students each year, we’re helping to build South Africa’s next generation of leaders. Our projects, including Africarare, South Africa’s first metaverse, demonstrate our dedication to advancing technology and creating opportunities that inspire and uplift. As we celebrate the achievements of the 2024 Community Service Award winner and all the nominees, we are reminded of the incredible potential within our communities. On behalf of everyone at Mann Made, we extend our deepest gratitude to these community champions whose selflessness and impact shine a light for us all. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and may your stories continue to inspire a brighter future. Shayne, Mic, and Kevin Mann Mann Made Inspiring stories that build communities 4 Sponsors’ messages For more than 10 years, Europcar has proudly sponsored the Europcar Women in Leadership Award. We are continually inspired by the stories of extraordinary women touching lives and igniting positive change in their businesses, organisations, and communities. Each year, we’re honoured to engage with Jewish women who aren’t just breaking barriers but redefining what it means to lead with passion, purpose, and unwavering integrity. True leadership extends beyond personal success. This award celebrates women who aren’t just successful innovators, business people, role models, academics, professionals, artists, and changemakers, but who at the same time foster ethical and inclusive practices, drive sustainable change, and create a future where everyone thrives. As with every year, this year’s nominees have impressed the judging panel with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. Their talent, resilience, vision, tenacity, humility, and dedication inspire us, and we’re sure their achievements will inspire others, particularly women. We’re proud that Europcar helps to provide a platform to share the achievements of the nominees. We sincerely thank the nominees for so openly sharing their inspirational stories with us, and warmly congratulate them on their nominations. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the SA Jewish Report for enabling our participation in these prestigious awards. Martin Lydall Chief Executive Officer Europcar South Africa (Motus Car Rental)
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