WE INVEST IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE AMBITION TO REALISE THEIR GOALS AND THE DRIVE TO REACH THEM www.glocapital.com As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards and the SA Jewish Report, I reflect with immense pride and gratitude on Afrika Tikkun’s journey over the past 30 years. What began as a well-meaning charity serving merely 1 000 beneficiaries has evolved into a sustainable social-impact organisation that continues to transform the lives and communities of more than 30 000 beneficiaries annually. Afrika Tikkun’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Our late founders Bertie Lubner, Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, Herby Rosenberg, and Arnold Forman, who serves on the board of directors, were driven by the value of tzedakah and a profound sense of responsibility. This was the foundation that laid the groundwork for an organisation that initially provided relief to townships and addressed critical issues such as food security, housing, and early childhood development. Today, we stand as a testament to their collective vision, having grown into a multifaceted organisation that addresses the national imperative of youth unemployment through education, skills development, and holistic support. Under Marc Lubner’s leadership, the organisation has grown from a charity to a sustainable social-impact organisation that went from raising about R20 million per annum to today generating a total revenue exceeding R500 million. In the past 30 years, through its award-winning Cradle-to-Career 360° model, Afrika Tikkun has changed the lives of more than 32 000 children, close to 80 000 young people, and with more than 30 000 job-seeking youth trained and placed. In addition, the organisation has distributed more than 25 million meals to beneficiaries and their families, ensuring their well-being and sustenance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Afrika Tikkun has expanded its reach from serving children and young people in two provinces to all nine provinces, working with more than 1 000 complementary partners, including government, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, and small, medium and micro-enterprises. Notably, one of the most remarkable aspects of Afrika Tikkun is our diverse and inclusive community. While we are proud of our Jewish roots and the values that have shaped our mission, we are equally proud to be a multi-faith, mixed group of individuals from all races and backgrounds. Our unity in diversity is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a common purpose: to serve others and build a better future for all. Our 2023 matric pass rate of 94%, surpassing the national average by 11%, and a commendable 60% Bachelor’s admissions rate, are evidence of the power of collaborative effort and our young people’s grit and determination. The Jewish community’s contribution to township communities through Afrika Tikkun is a shining example of how we can address pressing social issues while fostering understanding and co-operation among different groups. By working together, we have made a significant impact on the lives of countless young people, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. As we jointly celebrate this milestone alongside 25 years of the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards and the SA Jewish Report as well as 30 years of democracy, we also look to the future with hope and fortitude. The challenges we face are great, but so is our resolve. We remain committed to our mission of empowering young people and building resilient communities. Together, we will continue to make a difference, guided by Talmudic and everyday values that have brought us this far and inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you for joining us on this journey and for your continued support. Here’s to many more years of making a positive impact and creating a brighter future for all. Marc Lubner Chairperson of the Lubner Family Foundation Afrika Tikkun: 30 years of commitment to social change It’s with great pride that the Eric Ellerine Trust sponsors the Entrepreneur Award at the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards. This award is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Eric Ellerine, a pioneering entrepreneur who dedicated his life to building not only a successful business but empowering others to do the same. Eric’s journey began as a young, ambitious 16-year-old, using his Barmitzvah money to open a single store. From those humble beginnings, Eric and his brother grew Ellerine Holdings into one of South Africa’s most successful retail enterprises, eventually listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Eric’s achievements weren’t simply testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, but his unwavering belief in South Africa’s potential. He devoted himself to creating jobs, investing in people, and supporting other budding entrepreneurs, a commitment that continued even after his tenure at Ellerine Holdings with the establishment of Eric Ellerine Trust Proprietary Limited, an investment holding company through which Eric, and then his family, continue to back entrepreneurs. Through this award, we honour the essence of what Eric stood for: resilience; integrity; and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. We hope that it serves to inspire others to pursue their dreams with the same tenacity and vision that he embodied. Eric believed in building something greater than oneself, and it’s our privilege to encourage and recognise those who follow a similar path. We hope this award will inspire generations of entrepreneurs who, like Eric, dare to start small, dream big, and invest in the future with courage and compassion. Thank you to the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards for this platform to celebrate and perpetuate the spirit of entrepreneurship. Dionne Hirschowitz Chief Executive of Eric Ellerine Trust Sponsors’ messages Celebrating those who dare to dream big
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