South Africa

Albert Hoekstra and I are sitting in the ‘Koopmanshuis’ in Stellenbosch (R.S.A.). It is currently about 35 degrees Celsius. So, it is rather warm, especially compared to the minus 18 that is lately turning Europe into a freezer. Which is, by the way, the reason that we found ourselves sitting here. We’ve added an extra day to our amazing and inspiring journey through South Africa. We had to, since nearly no airplanes were able to fly from and to Schiphol (Amsterdam).

Next to learning patience, it means an extra day to think and to evaluate the journey. This was the second xpand visit to South Africa, and a way to discover how we could participate in building this fantastic country. A country of 47 million people, 11 languages, and a long and at times difficult history, great challenges, and amazing people.

There are two big challenges for which we like to contribute our knowledge and capacity:

1.    How can young people discover their talents, and how can they develop a clear perspective in regard to their future profession and study? This new state, South Africa, has made it one of its top-priorities over the last years to enable as many young people as possible to get a good education. And although they have made astounding progress, there is still a lot that has to be done. That is precisely why it is so important that, when young people are off to college, they have made the right choices, for the right reasons. Last week Janny Budding and Thimo Kooiman have been training teachers, introducing them to our xpand-program ‘One-2-be’. So that they will be able to successfully implement this program on their schools and with youth-organizations. During the following 2 years we will come back to give many more of these train the trainer courses.

2.    How can South Africa develop a healthy leadership-style. Leadership in all the parts and levels of society. First of all I should say that, during the last two South Africa Trips, we have met many highly ambitious and highly educated professionals, with a big heart for their country. Leaders that do not only tell great stories, but are really completely committed to developing their country, to making South Africa stronger. At first we wondered if we, as a Dutch trainings-bureau, could contribute something of any significance. Meeting these people, traveling through the country we are now determined that we actually really can. Especially regarding leadership based on competences and a healthy character appear to be a very hot item.

After the last 7 days in this beautiful country, with its many and interesting challenges, we are leaving for our own Holland with some more and fresh enthusiasm. Since we feel that we are all in a position to contribute, by encouraging the people in our own teams. Facing challenges and celebrating results together.

I really enjoy meeting all these inspiring people, encounters that enrich our lives. What meetings/encounters, during the last week, have triggered you to rethink?