EBL 2021 Graduation and Business Excellence Conference

A Message to our Partners

The 2021 EBL Institute's Graduation and Business Excellence Awards Conference would not have been possible without our partners and collaborators.

We extend our gratitude for your investment into the entrepreneurs that made up the class of 2021.

We make special note of our sponsors and thank them for their contribution.

EBL CEO :Dr Thabo Pitse

Leverage Game The Graduation and Business Excellence Awards Conference commenced on 30 November 2021 as entrepreneurial delegates from across the country arrived at the Onomo hotel in Durban.

This physical meeting allowed the entrepreneurs who had only communicated virtually, to finally meet.

Excitement was in the air and continued

straight into the leverage games.

For some, the games were a reminder of the business visits that took place earlier in the year. For others, they were an introduction to a business simulator game that allowed them to practically learn business principles that they could apply in their businesses in a fun and engaging environment.

The night concluded with the official opening ceremony which saw Dragons Den alum and Digital Transformation Strategist; Lebo Gunguluza, addressing the entrepreneurs. This surprise was most welcomed by the entrepreneurs who ushered him in with standing ovations and applause.

Morning Volleyball Bright and early the following morning, the EBL team and the delegates headed to the beachfront for some morning exercise. Led by Q-fitness trainer; Baraca Bope, the delegates separated into teams and began a fun-spirited game of volleyball at the beach.

This exercise allowed the delegates

to begin their day with energy and team work. From 06h00 the delegates played against one another, connected and learned the importance of starting the day with energy and productivity as entrepreneurs.

The activity took place on both days, the first being the morning of 1 December and the second on the morning of 2 December.

From the pictures we can see the goodhumoured and engaging nature of the volleyball at the beach. The delegates can be commended for showing up bright and early on both days.

Personal Development The most vague activity that had the delegates asking the most questions was the personal development session.

This activity had the entrepreneurs out in nature, having to rely on their primal instincts and team work to ensure victory over the opposing teams.

The personal development session also known as the Hunger Games, saw Hestelle van Heyningen , skills development specialist, break down different personalities among the delegates, explain their strengths and weaknesses and place them into teams that have to work together in the "wilderness" to start a fire and feed the king.

Ultimately, the winning team were the "Green Cats" who walked away with personal development knowledge they could apply in their teams/businesses and also cash prizes courtesy of the EBL team.

Masterclass The EBL Institute's Business Management and Strategies Masterclass series has become synonymous with excellence. We have strived to bring the best experts across a spectrum of industries to offer useful and practical business knowledge the delegates could apply in their businesses. This Masterclass was not different.

All the way from Cape Town, we brought ActionCOACH South Africa Master Licensee; Harry Welby-Cooke, to present a Masterclass on wealth and finance.

His presentation on building wealth was both insightful and challenging for the entrepreneurs who saw themselves having to ask themselves tough questions about their

financial states and how to change them. He challenged the notion of passive income, highlighted the importance of having a budget and addressed their questions during the live question and answer session. This event proved to be one of the most consequential masterclasses any entrepreneur could hope to have.

Graduation Ceremony The graduation ceremony that took place on 2 December 2021 was the highlight of the academic training portion of the programme offered by the EBL Institute. The entrepreneurs walked proudly across the stage and received certificates from the EBL Institute, the ActionCOACH

franchise and most importantly; the NQF level 5 university accredited certificate from the University of the Free State.

The graduation event was not only a moment of celebration for completing the university course curriculum, but a moment of pride for the delegates .

from selfies to their reluctance to remove their gowns, this event was a moment that ennobled the delegates and that is one of the greatest values of education.

Business Excellence Awards Triumph! That is the word the echoed the feeling throughout the Business Excellence Awards event on 2 December 2021 and the Durban ICC. From the festive entrance into the awards to the genuine and heartfelt speeches from the delegates.

The night was all about celebration. The entrepreneurs walked away with tailored EBL trophies and certificates along with cash prizes.

In addition, the alumni of the year; Ms. Dikonelo Mile walked away with A R10 000.00 cash prize.

The entrepreneur of the Ms. Pamela Siphika was awarded with R100 000.00 cash prize . She may have won the biggest prize but the night was a triumph for all the ICT entrepreneurs in the EBL Programme for 2021.