2024 South Africa Immersion Program Booklet

Sawubona! (Hello)

Yebo, Sawubona. (Yes, I see you.)

Kunjani? (How are you?)

Ngiyaphila. (I’m doing great) or

Ngikhona. (I am here)

Inherent in the Zulu greeting and in the grateful response is the sense that until you saw me, I didn’t exist. By recognizing me, you brought me into existence.

“Ubuntu” means “I am, because you are.” In fact, the word ubuntu is just part of the Zulu phrase “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, ” which literally means that a person is a person through other people.

The depth of meaning that African languages carry is a wonderful place to begin our journey to South Africa . .

About Greg Ricks

opportunities to find their own passions and to then pursue them, especially in service of a greater good. For instance, at Dartmouth, he advocated for students who built a shantytown on its green to protest the College’s investments in South Africa and to promote divestment and reconciliation. Greg promoted multicultural education and taught colleagues and young people around the U.S. how to work for diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

GregbecameadriverofthegrowingservicemovementincitiesandcampusesacrossAmerica In 1993,hewasinstrumentalinthefoundingofAmeriCorps,whichprovidedfederalandstatefunding andsupportforthousandsoforganizationsintheUS AttherequestofPresidentBillClinton,he facilitateditsfirstTownHallMeetinginPhiladelphiaandlatertrainedhundredsofAmeriCorps members GregbecamethefirstdeanatCityYear,aserviceandcivicprograminBoston,helpingto recruitandgrowitsstaffandsites.HeservedonboardsforCampusOutreachOpportunityLeague (COOL),PublicAllies,andYouthBuildUSA.

Through City Year, Greg eventually pursued a lifelong dream to live in South Africa He helped build the Clinton Democracy Fellowship, which supported young adult leaders who were working, often through founding or growing their own nonprofit programs, to rebuild their country and promote community development and equity He was also instrumental in the launch of City Year South Africa in 2005. Late in his career, he worked at Stellenbosch University to transform its student body, staff, and faculty, and to build supports for the success of first generation students. In 2020, Greg passed away, leaving behind his wife Feriel, sister Wendy, daughters, Keija and Chayla, and son Ethan.

About the Fellowship & Immersion

In South Africa we will welcome two Classes of Ripples of Hope Fellows – 11 from South Africa and 10 from the United States Each individual brings their own experiences and commitment to community service, social justice, and lifelong learning

Together with coaches and mentors who shared deep relationships with Dean Ricks, the cohort will travel in June 2024 This booklet is designed to introduce Fellows, and supporters, to what will surely be a life-changing experience Through a 9-day Immersion, Fellows interact with and learn from educators, activists, and social change agents from many walks of life and backgrounds. While visiting and immersing themselves in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Fellows will meet with and learn from change makers of many backgrounds, ages, and pathways.

Together the cohort will learn about the history, current issues and challenges, and hopes for the future in South Africa and, through reflection, the United States and the world. They’ll engage in arts and culture; visit important places, campuses, and organizations; and interact with youth, adults, professionals, alumni, and community leaders. They will expand their networks; share their own stories; and learn valuable lessons for their own work as emerging leaders working for a more equitable, safe, and just world.

The South Africa immersion is the second trip for the Class of 2024 but just the beginning for the Class of 2025 At the conclusion of the immersion, 2025 Fellows will continue to meet monthly (primarily online) with individuals whose lives and work was shaped by Dean Ricks, and by extension, the mentors, coaches and “elders” involved. These workshops focus on values, knowledge, and skills that equip Fellows as lifelong change agents. Each Fellow will be paired with a coach who can expand their networks and share their own stories.

Together, the Ripples of Hope Fellowship energizes us all to tackle the issues we are passionate about and to work for positive community impact If you are a Fellow or Coach, prepare for a transformational journey If you are a supporter, we are grateful for your contributions of time, resources, and talent. While the Fellowship is just a year long, its impact will certainly last a lifetime. Thank you for joining us!

IMMERSION ataglance

Below, you can find an overview of the main activities that are planned for each day of the immersion.

Date Activities

Sun, 6/23

Mon, 6/24

Arrival in Cape Town

Welcome dinner by Stellenbosch LLL students

Welcome & opening workshops at Stellenbosch

Khayamandi Township visit

Ubuntu night in Stellenbosch

Tues, 6/25

Wed, 6/26

Thurs, 6/27

Fri, 6/28

Unpack indigenous culture and art with the Koena Art Institute

Visit and tour with James Fernie and Uthando

African Feast at Gold Restaurant

Robben Island Museum

Table Mountain

Hop On/Hop Off Exploration & Coastline Drive

Mojo Market

District Six tour Fly to Johannesburg

Dinner with KYP facilitators

Soweto Township Tour

Visit with Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)

Fellow-led workshops with KYP youth

Musical Performance

Sat, 6/29

Sun, 6/30

Mon, 7/1

Apartheid Museum

Service Day in Alexander Ubuntu night in Johannesburg

Plianesburg National Park

Closing workshop and reflections

Plianesburg National Park

Lunch and souvenir shopping in Rosebank

Travel home

Everyday (S)Heroes

The overarching theme for this year’s immersion experience is “Everyday (S)Heroes,” chosen by a group of South African Fellows and Partners in order to amplify the everyday work of social change enacted by local community champions. This immersion is designed to shape your frame of vision, so that you can see extraordinary acts of heroism everywhere you go.

Mon, 6/24

Tues, 6/25

Get Out of My Comfort Zone: "If the rhythm of the drum beat changes, the dance step must adapt " -African Proverb

Honoring Our Roots: Celebrating Indigenous Heritage and Culture

Danielle Santos, Nicholas Miso, Cindy Laba, Aletta Smith

Deborah Silva, Kgosi Tshabalala, Wicus Cronje, Danielle West

Wed, 6/26

Thurs, 6/27

Fri, 6/28

The Long Walk to Freedom: The Road is Never Long if Freedom is a Destination

Thando/”Love”: Work for love and justice "Your ordinary acts of love and hope point to the extraordinary promise that every human life is of inestimable value."

-Desmond Tutu

Commit to systemic change: “By the Community, For the Community” -Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)

Arthur Tartee, Jenine Scott, Eliza Shaughnessy, Sam Ha

Doan Tran, Sino Manyake, Kevin James, Ari Hoy

Athi Ndwebi, Dolly Modise, Lucky Kubeka, Aletta Smith

Sat, 6/29

Sun, 6/30

Mon, 7/1

Ripples: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope ” -Robert F Kennedy

Sawu Bona/”I see you”: Recognise and empower.

Give, Give, Give: “What is the point of having experience, knowledge or talent if I don’t give it away? Of having stories if I don’t tell them to others? Of having wealth if I don’t share it.” -Isabel Allende

Pontsho Mateta, Lorena Munoz, Dannah Elise Wilson, Kristen Atwood

Lona Magengelele, Paul Semedo, Mpho Maboee

Zackeen Thomas, Gabrielle Adams, Neo Sello

Leaders of the Day

A Preparation Guide & What to Expect

On your assigned day, your team is empowered to lead and take ownership of the day’s activities, flow, and reflective exercises. Your responsibiliies involve the following:

Review and familiarize yourself with the schedule/cue-to-cue for your assigned day in advance

Take a look at the schedule for your day and review the planned activities, organizations and programs, and the bios for our featured guests. Jot down any notes, concerns, or questions you have to discuss with the team.

Meet with your fellow Leaders of the Day 15 minutes early and lead the morning Strong Circle with the whole group.

As Leaders of the day, what are some special notes or reminders that the entire group should know or be prepared for? Consider transportation, timing, weather (sunscreen, hat, rain jacket), or sensitive topics that might be covered today. Delegate leadership responsibilities amongst yourselves and consider whether you need to ask for volunteers to take up other pertinent tasks.

Serve as point person for questions and direction throughout the day. Design and lead a 15-30 minute reflection for the group.

Consider your plan for reflection today, in light of the day’s activities and the theme/quote

Choose 1-2 prompts or exercises to lead with the group You can use the reflection cards as a resource. Be creative! You are free to split into our group into smaller breakouts or use multiple modalities (e.g. reflective prompts on the WhatsApp, photographs, art).

Do you need additional support from others, or any supplies?

Though you will all work together, we suggest assigning each person a lead role related to these tasks:

Contextualizer:

Reviews the bios for guests/everyday (s)heroes and places/activities. Researches any historical context

Responsible for introducing guests and contextualizing activities

Logistics:

Reviews the timing of activities and considers any necessary preparations for the day

Responsible for timekeeping, keeping us on schedule, and facilitating smooth transitions

Community-Builder:

Considers how to deepen community bonds through reflection

Responsible for facilitating a relevant reflective activity to the day’s activities/theme

Leaders of the Day

Contextualizer(s)::

Logistics:

Community-Builder(s): Roles:

Use this space to brainstorm ideas and plan for your assigned day with your team:

Theme of the Day:

Sunday, June 23

“Wamkelekile”

Welcome and Embrace the Journey

Leaders of the Day: Aletta Smith, Ari Hoy, Danielle West, Sam Ha DiMuzio

Everyone arrives in Cape Town, South Africa today! By 6:30pm, everyone should have touched down in the area--whether international or domestic in origin.

After a warm welcome (“Wamkelekile”) at the CPT airport, all Fellows will be transported to Stellenbosch University for a 7:00pm Welcoming Dinner hosted by Listen, Live, Learn (LLL) students (often shortened to “Triple L”)--today’s (s)heroes! LLL is both a literal and metaphorical home to a vibrant, diverse group of emerging leaders who seek to make positive impact in society.

You will have a chance to meet Enos Diokeng Lekala, who is an accomplished educator and development practitioner currently serving as LLL Programme Coordinator.

After the welcoming dinner, there will be some announcements before all Fellows are situated in their dormitories to relax and prepare for the upcoming week together!

Monday, June 24

Get Out of my Comfort Zone

If the rhythm of the drum beat changes, the dance step must adapt." -African Proverb

Leaders of the Day: Danielle Santos, Nicholas Miso, Cindy Laba

Today’s Schedule

7:45am Breakfast

9 am Morning Workshops

12:30pm Lunch at Amazink with Lekgotla Partners

1:30 pm Afternoon Service and Activities with Songo in Khayamandi Township

5:00 pm Prepare for Ubuntu Ni h C l b i

Get ready for a packed first day that gets you out of your comfort zone and immersed into the rhythms of South Africa, Stellenbosch, and Kayamandi. Start the day in comfortable clothing that you could do outdoor activities in. You will have time to change clothes later.

The day begins at 7:45am with breakfast, followed by morning workshops at Stellenbosch beginning at 9:00am. Our special guest facilitator this morning is Professor Xolile Simon, a longstanding lecturer in the School of Theology at Stellenbosch.

The afternoon takes us into the nearby Kayamandi Township, where we will meet up for the first time with our Lekgotla Partners during lunch at Amazink r an authentic South African dining experience.

ommunity partners at Songo. Songo’s Programme Manager Hero, Sipho Madolo, our nity to participate in three ted to Songo’s signature s Programme.

ing with an Ubuntu ws’ families and friends of delvlei Wine Estate at 7:00pm. er our time at Songo to essed for this more formal ent!

Tuesday, June 25

Honoring Our Roots

Celebrating Indigenous Heritage and Culture

Leaders of the Day: Deborah Silva, Kgosi Tshabalala, Wicus Cronje, and Danielle West

Today’s theme asks us to honor the roots of South Africa and the inheritances that each of us are born into. Plan for a dense schedule that involves significant movement on and off the buses today.

Circle up at 7:00am for breakfast-on-the-go. Make to completely packed up, as we will change our lod today from Stellenbosch to the President Hotel.

Our 9:00am morning session will take place at Koen Art Institute. One of today’s everyday sheroes is Lukretia Booysen, a South African curator and crea entrepreneur dedicated/committed to preserving KhoiSan/Khoe cultural heritage and identity throu Arts.

After an interactive morning program, we will have lunch and continue getting to know each other by drawing our River Stories

The afternoon program is in partnership with James Fernie, another local champion who is the Founding Director of Uthando, a responsible tourism initiative in South Africa specializing in mutually beneficial community excursions. Fellows will get a chance to visit:

Philisa Abafazi Bethu Womxn and Family Center

The Amy Foundation SEED

The evening ends with an African Feast and Performance at Gold Restaurant.

Wednesday, June 26

The Long Walk to Freedom

“The

Road is Never Long if Freedom is a Destination”

Leaders of the Day: Arthur Tartee, Jenine Scott, Eliza Shaughnessy, and Sam Ha

Today’s activities will feature a walk through South Africa’s history and contemporary marvels. Plan to wear comfortable outdoor clothes and shoes today as you will be on your feet for most of the day.

We will circle up at 7:45am for breakfast, before we heading to Robben Island, formerly used as a prison during apartheid. Nelson Mandela was one of the political activists imprisoned on the island.

Then, we will pick up lunch to go to enjoy at the summit of Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

In the afternoon, you will have the chance to explore the City via the Red Hop On/Hop Off Bus and take in the Coastline of the Western Cape. We will end our evening at Mojo Market featuring food and lifestyle vendors.

Today’s Schedule

7:45 am Breakfast

9 am Robben Island Museum

12 pm Table Mountain

4 pm

City Exploration via Red Bus & Coastline Tour

7:45 pm Mojo Market

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

Nelson Mandela

First Democratically Elected President of South Africa, 1994-1999 Anti-Apartheid Activist and Leader A Long Walk to Freedom: An Autobiography of Nelson Mandela 1994 10

Thursday, June 27

“Thando” Work for Love and Justice

Leaders of the Day: Doan Tran, Sino Manyaki, Kevin James, Ari Hoy

Today, we explore diverse strategies to work for love (“thando”) and justice. Despite it being a travel day, we advise you to dress more formally today, as we will start with a visit to Parliament

Circle up for breakfast today at 7 am with all of your belongings packed and ready to load into transport.

2 pm Flight to Johannesburg

5:30 pm Meet and Greet with KYP Community

6:45 pm Reflection & Dinner in Rosebank

We begin our morning at Parliament with Coach Deidre Baartman, Constituency Head for the Democratic Alliance in Laingsburg, and Changemaker Roundtables with Premier and other political leaders.

Then, we will make our way to District Six and meet today’s everyday shero, Faranaaz, a District Six resident. She will guide us through her neighborhood and contextualize why it was targeted for destruction under Apartheid government.

We will grab lunch en route to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg at 2 pm.

Upon arrival in Joburg, we will take the Gautrain to Rosebank, where we will have a chance to meet with workshop facilitators and community members from Kliptown Youth Program (KYP).

Dr. Taddy Blecher, another one of our everyday heroes, will also join us for dinner tonight. Taddy is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), which tackles youth unemployment head on.

Friday, June 28

Commit to SystemicChange

“By

the Community, For the Community” -Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)

Leaders of the Day: Athi Ndwebi, Dolly Modise, Lucky Kubeka, Aletta Smith

Today’s theme spotlights the community-driven efforts toward systemic change taking place at Kliptown Youth Program (KYP).

Circle up for breakfast today at 7:45am, dressed smart casual for a day of workshops and engagement at KYP.

Our morning begins in historic Soweto Township, one of the segregated areas designated for Black South Africans in the 1930s and known for the Soweto Youth Uprising in 1976. The protests and riots of the Uprising led to the death of many Black citizens, including minor Hector Pieterson. We then visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial to commemorate Hector’s legacy with his sister, Antoinette Sithole, who serves as a prominent ambassador of the Soweto Uprising and one of today’s everyday sheroes.

We make our way to KYP to meet our other everyday hero, Thulani Madondo, the CoFounder and Director of KYP.

The veteran fellows and KYP co-facilitators (in Directory) will lead workshops on diverse topics: Strategies to Promote Gender Equity and Equality (Danielle and Lona)

Promoting Equity through Youth Programs: (Athi and Pontsho)

Water and Energy Issues: Seeking Opportunities Instead of Crisis (Zackeen and Doan)

Aspirations for Your Education, Entrepreneurism, and Career (Sino, Deborah, and Arthur)

We then close our day with a tour of the KYP campus and joyful celebration featuring gumboots dancing and performances by the Mzanzi Youth Choir.

Today’s Schedule

7:45 am Breakfast 9:30 am Soweto Tour followed by Hector Pieterson Memorial 12:00 pm Lunch at KYP 1:30 pm Fellow-Led Workshops with KYP

3:30 pm KYP Tour & Gumboots Dancing 7:30 pm Dinner and Concert

Saturday, June 29

“Ripples” Sending

Forth Ripples of Hope in Every Direction

Leaders of the Day: Pontsho Mateta, Lorena Munoz, Dannah Wilson, Kristen Atwood

Circle up for breakfast at 7:45am today, dressed comfortably for outdoor service activities.

We will begin our morning at the Apartheid Museum, which traces the history of segregation and racism in South Africa but also the many ripples of hope.

After picking up lunch-on-the-go, we will join the Alexandra community in the afternoon for shared service projects serving the Alexandra Township. The afternoon concludes with a solidarity march.

We will then return to hotel in order to freshen up and get dressed for an Ubuntu Night celebration at Grill House Rosebank with Friends and Family of the Fellowship--some of our (s)heroes of the day

7:45 am Breakfast 9 am Apartheid Museum

11 am Lunch-to-go

Afternoon Service

“Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation Address

University of Cape Town June 6, 1966

Sunday, June 30

“Sawubona”

“It takes a village.” -African Proverb

Leaders

of

the Day: Lona Magengelele, Paul Semedo, Mpho Maboee

Today is about seeing and recognizing your beloved community as we near the end of our immersion journey together.

Everyone circles up today at 7:00am with all of your belongings packed and ready to load into transport. You can dress casually for long travel by car, outdoor activities, and workshops.

We will leave promptly after breakfast for Pilanesburg National Park at 9 am.

After a 2.5 hour drive to the park, we will have lunch followed by our Closing Workshop, which will give our group some time to process the experience and all that we’ve learned together so far.

In the late afternoon, we will go on a Game Drive and Sunset Cruise in the Park to take in the sights of the natural world.

The evening is reserved for reflection storytelling and beloved community around

Breakfast 9 am Drive to Pilanesburg National Park 1:30 am Lunch and Check In 2 pm Closing Workshop 4 pm Game Drive and Sunset Cruise in the Park 8 pm Campfire

Monday, July 1

Today’s Schedule

5 am Load Transport

5:45 am Breakfast

7 am Safari

10:30 am Travel back to Johannesburg

1:30 pm

2:30 pm

4 pm

Lunch & Last Reflections

Rosebank Arts & Crafts Market

Dinner and Check in at JNB Airport

“Give, Give, Give” Share your Experience,

Knowledge, and Stories

Leaders of the Day: Zackeen Thomas, Gabrielle Adams, Neo Sello

Today is the last day of the immersion, inspired by the theme of deep gratitude and generosity.

We will circle up bright and early at 5:00am to load all of our belongings into our transport. Prioritize dressing for comfort today, as you will be traveling for long periods.

At 7 am, we will go on a Safari Drive through Pilanesburg National Park to see Africa’s “Big Five” greatest wild animals (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo).

Following the safari, we will pick up our lunch-to-go and travel back to Johannesburg to prepare for our flight home The drive will be about 2 5 hours

We will have a final reflection during lunch, and you will have time to shop for souvenirs at Rosebank Arts and Crafts Market.

We all make our way home after an incredible journey together.

“Give, give, give - what is the point of having experience, knowledge or talent if I don't give it away? Of having stories if I don't tell them to others? Of having wealth if I don't share it? I don't intend to be cremated with any of it! It is in giving that I connect with others, with the world and with the divine “

Contact Information

Kristen Atwood she/her kristenatwood5@gmail.com

Samantha Ha DiMuzio she/her sha826@gmail com

Ariane Hoy she/her ahoy@bonner org

Cindy Laba she/her cindylaba@ripplesofhope.org

Mpho Maobee she/her mmaboee8@gmail com

Neo Sello she/her neokthabe@gmail com

Aletta Smith she/her alettasmith@ripplesofhope.org

Athi Ndwebi he/him artindwebi27@gmail.com

Danielle Santos she/her daniellesantossm@gmail com

Deborah Silva she/her silvadeborah808@gmail com

Arthur Tartee he/him arthur.tartee@gmail.com

Zackeen Thomas he/him ebraimthomas@gmail com

Doan Tran she/her dtran7190@gmail com

Class of 2025 Fellows

Gabby Adams she/her amgabby99@gmail com

Wicus Cronje he/him wicuscronje6@gmail com

Kevin James he/him kjam86@gmail.com

Lucky Kubeka he/him kubhekalucky1@gmail.com

Nicholas Miso he/him nmiso52@gmail com

857 869

72 086 4390 SA

857 292 7097 USA

412

84 374 2686 SA

63 552 0483 SA

Dolly Modise she/her dollymodise638@gmail.com (+27) 83 210 7486 SA

Lorena Munoz she/her munozl@bc.edu

Jenine Scott she/her Jeninemenorah27@gmail com

Paul Semedo he/him semedo paul@wheatoncollege.edu

773 280 4730 USA

68 066 5780 SA

774 992 2232 USA

Eliza Shaughnessy she/her shaughnessylooloo18@gmail.com (+1) 508 364 1154 USA

Kgosi Tshabalala they/them iamleratotshabalala@gmail com

Dannah Wilson she/her dannahwilson264@gmail.com

81 349 9307 SA

313 460 4168 USA

Key Addresses & Contacts

Emergency Numbers in SA

Ambulance 10177

Police Emergency 10111

Hospitals Emergency Connect (011) 375 5911

Vodacom Emergency 147

Addresses of Key Places

Ubuntu Night at Middelvlei Wine Estate (Mon June 24)

Flamingo St, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

Koena Art Institute (Tues June 25)

Lodging Addresses

Stellenbosch: Crozierhof

Sun June 23 - Tues, June 25 (2 nights)

Corner of Castle and, Darling St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Robben Island Museum (Wed June 26)

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002

22 Crozier Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600

The President Hotel-Cape Town

Tues June 25 - Thurs, June 27 (2 nights)

4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8001

Courtyard Hotel Rosebank

Thurs June 27 - Sun, June 30 (3 nights)

42 Tyrwhitt Ave, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196

Finfoot Lake Reserve by Dream Resorts

Sun June 30 - Mon, July 1 (1 night)

Finfoot Lake Reserve Elands River Game Reserve, R556, Bojating, 0316

Key Travel Locations

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490

O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg (JNB)

1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632

Rosebank-Gautrain Station

130 Oxford Rd, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196

Table Mountain Cableway (Wed June 26)

5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001

Mojo Market (Wed June 26)

30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060

Hector Pieterson Memorial (Fri June 28)

8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804

Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) (Fri June 28)

Klipspruit 298-Iq, Soweto, 1809

The Apartheid Museum (Sat June 29)

Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa

Ubuntu Night at The Grillhouse Rosebank (Sat June 30)

1, The Firs, Hyatt Centre, Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

Bakubung Gate at Pilanesberg National Park (Mon Jul 1)

Bakubung Gate South Village, Sun City, 0316, South Africa

Family Lines

One important structure that we will use throughout the Immersion and Fellowship experience is your family lineage. Each of you are a part of a family that comprises not only current Fellows, Partners, and Lead Team Members but also includes Fellows from previous cohorts. Therefore, your family builds from year to year, passing along distinctive traditions, memories, and uniqueness.

During the immersion, families will be a default grouping strategy At times, you’ll be asked to travel together, sit together for meals, check in on each other, and hold one another accountable throughout the experience. Please find your family below.

Rhino Elephant Lion

Classof2025

Kgosi

Lorena

Nicholas

Wicus

Classof2024

Deborah Sino

Zackeen

Friends

Evans

Lynette Pat

Vanessa LeadTeam

Ari Neo

Sam

Classof2025

Dannah

Eliza

Gabrielle

Lucky

Classof2024

Arthur

DanielleS. Pontsho

Friends

Cheryl

Geralde

Jonathan Ira

Marni LeadTeam

Cindy

Kristen

Classof2025

Dolly

Kevin

Jenine

Paul

Classof2024

Athi

Doan

Lona

Friends

Angela

Holly

Jennie

Kathy LeadTeam

Aletta

DanielleW. Mpho

COMMUNITY

Wisdom

Five strokes of love for every stroke of challenge.

Greg often used this ground rule to talk about the need for us all to take great care in voicing our opinions, especially negative feedback, about or for others It’s important to provide support through our words and actions, especially during interactions with people with whom we are building relationships and trust.

NOSTUESO

At City Year, one facilitation guideline we often used was No One Speaks Twice Until Everyone Speaks Once (NOSTUESO) While we may not employ that ground rule in every meeting, it’s good to think about how much you are talking, and when to listen more.

Throughout our trip and fellowship, we’ll all encounter new things, learn, and grow. At times, we may find it helpful to name the teachable moments, especially those that challenge us to shift our own values and perspectives

Greg often encouraged people to task risks to learn and do more. As part of that, they may need to ask questions and seek out information. Also, be willing to be introspective and reflective, checking your own biases.

At the same time, effective leaders know when to follow and how to step back so that everyone has a chance to lead and shine

Greg often modeled how to seek out the best in oneself and others. Rather than make assumptions, he took time to go deeper and get to know where the person was coming from Through treating all others with kindness and respect, and giving people the benefit of the doubt, we can find common ground and truly love each other’s uniqueness and identities None of us represents a whole group, so speaking for yourself is important

COMMUNITY Wisdom

Use this space to capture other words of wisdom or advice shared throughout this journey.

Meet the Fellows

The Class of 2024

We are delighted to present the 2024 Class of Ripples of Hope Fellows, who have spent nearly one year together growing and learning as change agents. Their journey began with the 2023 U.S. Immersion and since then they have been meeting at least monthly to enrich their purpose, define their social impact goals, and practice community-based leadership. We are so proud of the people they are and are becoming, and we’re grateful for the leadership roles they will take on during the South Africa Immersion. They will continue to do extraordinary work in their communities, and we look forward to how they will shape this fellowship experience in future years.

Arthur Tartee USA

Program Associate at the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Athi Ndwebi South Africa Founder and Project Manager of Uyanda Foundation

Danielle Santos USA

Wellness Coach and Mental Health Advocate

The Class of 2024

Deborah Silva USA

Youth Outreach & Special Projects Manager at Campaign for America’s Kids and Families

Pontsho Lebepe South Africa

Software Developer and Peer Coach at Ikusasa Lethu Outreach Program and Sizanani

Doan Tran USA

Undergraduate Student at the University of Chicago studying Economics and Global Studies

Lona Magengelele South Africa

Teacher & Entrepreneur Studied Business and International Relations

Sinovuyo Makayi South Africa

Entrepreneur committed to youth empowerment & undergraduate student at University of Cape Town

Zackeen Thomas South Africa

Master’s Student and Project Administrative Assistant at the University of the Western Cape

Meet the Fellows

The Class of 2025

We are excited to introduce the third cohort of Ripples of Hope Fellows who each bring diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and passions while all share a zest for service and inciting social change. These Fellows kick off their Fellowship in South Africa!

Dannah Wilson USA

Production Assistant and Script Supervisor at Dennis Reed II Productions

Dolly Modise

South Africa

Former City Year Service Leader currently involved in Early Childhood Development

Eliza Shaughnessy

USA

Administrative Assistant at the Berkeley Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE)

Gabrielle Adams

USA

Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh

Jenine

Scott

South Africa

Finance Intern at Bain & Company and Student Volunteer at Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)

Kevin James

USA

Law Student at Columbia Law; Institutional Giving Manager at Breaktime

Meet the Fellows

The Class of 2025

Kgosi Tshabalala

South Africa

Former City Year Service Leader

Lorena Munoz USA

Undergraduate student at Boston College studying Education & Spanish America

Nicholas Miso

South Africa

Postgraduate student and LLL resident at Stellenbosch University studying Musical Performance

Paul Semedo USA

Support Clerk at Anderson and Krieger Law & Behavioral Health Associate

Lucky Kubeka

South Africa

Volunteer at Haus

Martha and Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)

Wicus Cronje

South Africa

Undergraduate student at Stellenbosch University studying Conservation Ecology

Meet the Ripples Leadership Team

As individuals whose lifelong work was shaped by the legacy of international educator and leader Gregory Ricks, we are champions of service and social change. We are so honored to work together to build and sustain this Fellowship, in partnership with so many others around the world. We will be with you on this journey in South Africa, as well as working on the Fellowship in the year that follows the Immersion We look forward to sharing the stories, wisdom, and perspectives that Greg shared with us, as well as our own passions and projects throughout our trip together

letta Smith Cindy Laba Director, Ripples of Hope

Recruitment & Partnerships Lead, Ripples of Hope

Meet the Ripples Leadership Team

Ripples of Hope

Program Lead, Ripples of Hope

Meet the Lekgotla Partners

“Lekgotla” is a South African term defined as a meeting or gathering of wise, thoughtful leaders with sharp minds and big hearts. Ripples of Hope is convening our own lekgotla with champions who are invested in the social change work targeted by the Fellowship. Each of them bring valued experience and wisdom to our group from their long careers and diverse sectors, and we know that they will learn much from the Fellows and our Ripples community.

Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard University

y Civic Partner

Cheryl Landrieu Co-Founder, New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane

University Family Services Institute

Visiting Lecturer, Harvard University

Jonathan Mayo National Account Director, Year Up

Meet the Lekgotla Partners

Creative Visions

ni Grossman cutive Producer CEO, Creative Visions

Everyday (S)Heroes

Name Biography

Aneesha Vahle (Ripples Coach)

Antoinette

Sithole (Hector Pieterson Memorial)

Aneesha Vahle is a pragmatic and solution-oriented professional with more than 20 years of working experience partnering with leaders, teams and individuals to optimize personal and organizational effectiveness in the corporate, non-profit and governmental sectors. She is passionate about the development of people Aneesha has served as an Executive Career Coach with Maliq for three years and a Business Consultant & Project Manager for Ansha Project Management and Consulting for the past 15 years Aneesha currently serves as a Ripples of Hope Coach, paired with Pontsho Lebepe

Antoinette Toto Sithole is Hector Pieterson's sister Her younger brother, Zolile Hector Pieterson, was shot and killed by the police during the 1976 Student Uprising, who was a learner at Itshepeng Primary School in White City Jabavu in Soweto Hector became the iconic image of the event after a photograph of his dead body carried by Mbuyisa Makhubu was published in several newspapers He was among the youth who died as they revolted against using the Afrikaans language in township schools Antoinette, with Makhubu and Hector, symbolised the liberation struggle Ever since, Antoinette has repeatedly told the story of what happened on that cold Wednesday of 16 June 1976, thus becoming a prominent ambassador of the Uprising.

Ashraf Sirkhoth (SEED)

Ashraf Sirkhoth is currently a facilitator with SEED. He found his passion for horticulture through plant identification, herbalism, growth media technology, and propagation methodology but couldn't quite find work or sustenance in the field. He then studied permaculture through SEED's agriseta program. After completing this study, he found a deeper passion for RegenAg through rejuvenative and sustainable methodology. His key skill areas include compost making, symbiotic relationships with soil and plant life, polyculture and companion planting, plant propagation and organic fertilizer, and pesticide production and application to name a few He's naturally an earth loving socialite and enjoys conversation with people in general

Dr. Bianca

Joseph (Ripples Coach)

Daylene van Buuren (City Year South Africa)

Bianca Joseph is a performance coach and owner of BeeConectar Consultancy, drawing on her extensive expertise and Ph D in Psychology, specializing in Community and Sport BeeConectar offers services in Counseling, Personal Development, Consulting and Sports Performance Coaching. Dr. Joseph served as the Performance Coach of the Springbok Women's Team for three years and accompanied them to the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand. Her academic work explores concepts related to student volunteerism, citizenship, and social impact. Bianca currently serves as a Ripples of Hope Coach, paired with Lona Magengelele.

Daylene van Buuren is a community and international organisation leader who is currently the Executive Director of City Year South Africa, one of the longest youth-serving service programs in the country She is the first graduate of City Year South Africa to lead in an Executive Role and the youngest female leader to hold this position She was selected as an Obama Africa Leader in 2019 for the contribution to the youth development sector through youth service With years of experience in youth development, capacity building and strategy leadership, she is a respected and sought-after voice and leader in the non-profit organisation network

Directory

Everyday (S)Heroes

Name Biography

Deidre Baartman (Ripples Coach)

Dion Kandima (Ripples Coach)

Dr. Diana Ferrus (Koena Art Institute)

Gail Johnson (Nkosi’s Haven)

Gcina Twala (Alexandra)

Deidre Baartman is a dedicated and experienced political professional from the Western Cape. She has actively contributed to various political organizations and government bodies during her career Currently serving as the Constituency Head for the Democratic Alliance in Laingsburg since June 2019, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service She has also served as Chairperson and Debuty Chief Whip of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Deidre currently serves as a Ripples of Hope Coach, paired with Sino Mankayi

Dion Kandima is an inspired leader and social entrepreneur passionate about empowering individuals and fostering positive change Dion's commitment to training and development initiatives is evident in his roles as Founder of Hukama Foundation and Training & Curriculum Coordinator at the Institute for Transformational Leadership (ITL) With a track record of training over 10,000 participants since 2006 through Hukama, Dion has shown his ability to make a tangible impact on individuals and communities. Dion currently serves as a Ripples of Hope Coach, paired with Athi Ndwebi.

Diana Ferrus is a renowned South African writer, poet and activist. Her work is widely recognised for its political impact. Growing up in Worcester in the Western Cape, she started writing about her personal experiences at the age of 14 Since then, her work tackling questions of race, identity, gender, class and reconciliation has garnered many awards Among others, Ferrus earned acclaim for the poem “I've come to take you home" written for Sarah Baartman, a Khoikhoi woman who was exhibited as a freak show attraction in 19th-century Europe It was read out loud at the French Senate during its discussion regarding the repatriation of Baartman's remains and is widely believed to have inspired the subsequent unanimous vote for Baartman's remains to be returned to South Africa A strong advocate of creative writing as a vehicle for personal and social interrogation, she also presents creative writing workshops for learners and adults, encouraging them to write about their stories

Gail Johnson has headed up Nkosi’s Haven for the past 18 years. The home for HIV + orphans and mothers was named after Nkosi Johnson, who passed away in 2001 from AIDS. Nkosi was a hero for being a fierce child activist working with Gail, his adoptive Mother, to ensure HIV+ children could go to school in his native South Africa. His vision was for a home that would look after mothers and their children who were HIV+ without discrimination or prejudice. Nkosi’s Haven is home to up to 150 HIV+ orphans and mothers and children. Nkosi’s is a closeknit family with Gail at the helm ensuring all the children get her attention, love and support along with the many fully trained staff who are able to support the children’s emotional and psychological well-being. Gail has built a happy and energetic community where children can develop and become self-confident, mature and responsible members of their community

Gcina Twala (daughter of Linda Twala) currently serves as a Leopard (Youth Committee Member) of her father’s organization, Phuthaditjaba (Gathering Nations) Alongside her husband, she also runs her own organization, Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu (Pillar of Our Nation), which works to fulfill their community’s needs In addition to her community work, she also works as a Business Development Project Coordinator at Adreach, a company specializing in streetpole ads Soon, she will be a qualified broadcast journalist, serving the impoverished communities and individuals in South Africa.

Immersion

Everyday (S)Heroes

Name

Gershan Lombard (Koena Art Institute)

James Fernie (Uthando)

Johan Horn (ALICT)

Lukretia Booysen (Koena Art Institute)

Lulama Sihlabeni (Ekhaya Ekasi / Beadwork)

Biography

Gershan Lombard is of Khoi and San descent. He is a Musician/Breathwork Practitioner/Activator all of which is used to deal with the complex history of being brown in South Africa. He works on excavating the remnants of what was and tries to construct something new; and most importantly tries to establish a place of belonging for a forgotten and continually marginalized people

James Fernie is a passionate social entrepreneur and founding Director of the responsible tourism initiative and unique model of traveling philanthropy, Uthando (Love) South Africa He started his career as a paralegal in London but returned to Cape Town where he decided to venture into hospitality It is here that he realized “the potential of tourism to contribute in a meaningful and substantial way to community and charitable causes ” Thus, Uthando was born

Johan Horn is a long-time friend of Ripples. He was a Clinton Democracy Fellow and currently leads work with social entrepreneurs across Africa and the world through the distinctive international program, the African Leadership Institute for Community Transformation (ALICT). ALICT creates opportunities for emerging leaders to learn how to grow their dreams for their communities into plans and strategies to facilitate sustainable transformation ALICT works to create a unique community of Christian practitioners who will lead and influence in every sector of society As of 2013 ALICT has empowered nearly 300 leaders in 87 nations on every continent in the world

Linda Clement Twala is a legend for his philanthropic activity spanning decades in the Alexandra township He is the grandson of the first residents of Alexandra, Eva and Hey Nxele Mbanjwa, who were originally from KwaZulu-Natal Committed to addressing the development challenges so evident in the community around him, Linda is best known for starting Phuthaditjaba, a Community Centre on the site of the original Twala family home which was bombed by security police during apartheid.

Lukretia Booysen is a self-taught curator, creative entrepreneur and producer of visual arts exhibitions, projects and performances bridging art and culture focused on radical inclusivity of indigenous KhoiSan art and culture in South Africa. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Koena Art Institute, which is an organization founded with an aim to celebrate and preserve KhoiSan/Khoe cultural heritage and identity through Arts They engage diverse communities, incorporating art, performance art, and events centered around reintroducing Khoe and San Culture The Koena Art Institute curates exhibitions and events which are led authentically by indigenous peoples telling their stories uninfluenced

Lulama Sihlabeni is the Director and owner of Ekhaya Ekasi Arts and Education Centre Her background in arts stems from a training she received at Community Arts Project in 1997, and at Ruth Prowse College of Arts and Designing in 1999 Lulama also has an extensive working experience in the arts and crafts sector that spreads over twenty years She has also alot of passion for charity work where she served as a volunteer and a leader, and she now continues this work by training local women in hand crafts and provides work opportunities for them through the medium of arts and crafts.

Linda C. Twala (Alexandra)

Directory

Everyday (S)Heroes

Name Biography

Nelisiwe Walaza (KYP)

Mark Beare (Ripples Coach)

Mzanzi Youth Choir (Concert at KYP)

Quinton Appolis (Ripples Partner)

Sipho Madolo (Songo)

Dr. Taddy Blecher (Maharishi Invincibility Institute)

Nelisiwe Walaza currently serves as a Marketing and Communications Manager and is one of the Executive members of Kliptown Youth Program. She studied Marketing in Business Administration at PC Training and Business College and studied Project Management at Wits University She is also a proud alumni of KYP and loves that today she gets to serve and transform other children’s lives as hers was transformed She is also part of KYP's outreach partnership programs, and she is one of the mentors for a girls scholarship program in KZN Her passion lies in youth leadership and empowerment programs

Mark Beare is a leader in South Africa mobilizing publishing and media as resources for justice He is the Co-Founder of The Publishing Partnership, a publishing agency specializing in customer magazines, print and digital, and ran the agency for 25 years Prior to that, he worked as the manager of a leading anti-apartheid newspaper, Vrye Weekblad, and the managing editor of a high-quality current affairs and lifestyle magazine, Leadership Magazine. Mark currently serves as a Ripples of Hope Coach, paired with Zackeen Thomas.

Mzansi Youth Choir is a performance choir that was established with the aim of affording talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults the opportunity to proficiently perform locally and abroad The word Mzansi means “south” in isiZulu and is also the township slang word for South Africa The choir’s repertoire is an exciting assortment of South African music which incorporates elements of traditional music, pop and jazz

Quinton Apollis is the Inclusivity and Capacity Building Specialist at the Office for Inclusivity and Change at the University of Cape Town He holds master’s degree in Theology and Development from Stellenbosch University, a PGDip in HIV/ Aids Management and his undergraduate degree focused on youth development Passionate about community development, he also serves as Founder and Director of the You Are Loved Foundation In his role as Inclusivity and Capacity Building Specialist, he develops and implements training and capacity building interventions which contribute to transformation, inclusion, and critical diversity.

Sipho Madolo is the beating heart of Songo.info. Having started in the programme at 16, he has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered to him. Sipho is a two-time winner of the Cape Epic Exxaro category and has represented South Africa at both the duathlon and mountain bike World Championships Yet Sipho’s true calling is as the dynamic Songo info Programme Manager, which relies on his skills as a sports administrator, educator, negotiator, facilitator and salesman He is a true role-model for the Songo info values of Respect, Honesty, Accountability and Commitment

Dr Taddy Blecher is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute, a multiaward winning educational institution now operating in 13 locations across 5 countries Dr Blecher co-founded the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and serves as the Chairperson of the E3 initiative (Entrepreneurship, Employability, Education) for the national Department of Basic Education in South Africa. This national system change initiative will embed 21st century skills for employment and entrepreneurship in the South African school system by 2030. As a direct result of his work, 24,000 unemployed South Africans have been educated in post-secondary school, and over 21,000 of them found employment and success.

Everyday (S)Heroes

Name Biography

Terence Visagie (Koena Art Institute)

Armed with a sketchbook and a wide variety of drawing tools, Terence is constantly making studies of the visible world in graphite and paint. He grew up in the Northern Cape and moved to Cape Town in 1986 to study and work. He currently hosts life drawing every Monday evening at the Koena Art Institute This weekly practice in a traditional atelier environment, and a preoccupation with drawing from life, has a profound effect on his artistic signature Painting and drawing present an opportunity to depict the rhythms of life through abstract brush strokes and mark making His current focus is on painting and drawing Riel dancers using pastels, oils, acrylics, and charcoal Riel dance is a traditional khoi/ san dance, which include courtship rituals done with lots of showmanship and foot stomping

Thando Bezana (KYP)

Thulani Madondo (KYP)

Born and raised in Kliptown by a single mother, Thando received his learnership to study as a heritage practitioner. In 2007, along with others in the community, Thando co-founded Kliptown Youth Program, where he currently serves as the Deputy/Vice Director. Thando's story is one of resilience and determination. Growing up in Kliptown, a community with limited opportunities and basic needs, he was inspired to bring about change. Despite the challenges, he never stopped dreaming. His involvement in positive activities from an early age is a testament to his determination to make a difference.

Thulani Madondo is the Co-Founder and current Executive Director of Kliptown Youth Program Under his leadership KYP has enabled more than 100 young people to graduate from college and universities, matched over 80 young people with job opportunities, provided over 7000 meals every week, and created 20 full-time jobs for his staff In 2012, Thulani was honored as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes from a pool of 45,000 nominations Thulani still continues to serve his community as a leader and enforcer of change In 2015 he was chosen as one of the 21 ICONS, which looks at great leaders in South Africa who are bringing change and are representing the country globally Great leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are profiled under the 21 ICONS In 2016 Thulani completed a Certificate in Project Management at The University of Witwatersrand and recently accomplished a qualification in leading people with Harvard University

Dr. Xolile Simon is an Associate Professor in Missiology and Science of Religions at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University. In research, teaching, and social engagement, Xolile (Lisa as his clan name) focuses on intercultural and interfaith philosophies, theories and practices in higher education institutions, civic organisations, faith-based communities, and other public spheres. As the residence head of Huis Russel Botman House (250 residents), the Division of Student Affairs provides a context within to explore and promote civic engagements of interfaith student leaders towards transformation amidst culturally, ideologically, spiritually, and religiously diverse contexts of Southern Africa Xolile is passionate about the transformative power of storytelling as an approach to practices embracing and promoting diverse and different lived experiences of individuals and groups participating in internationalisation programmes Hence, as a long-distance social runner, he also finds a sense of belonging and enjoys the diverse and inclusive running communities of Cape Town

Dr. Xolile Simon (Stellenbosch)

Directory Important Organizations and Places

Name Description

Alexandra Township

The Amy Foundation

Chapman's Peak

Alexandra, informally abbreviated to Alex, is a township in the Gauteng province of South Africa It forms part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and is located next to the wealthy suburb of Sandton Alexandra is one of the poorest urban areas in the country In addition to its original, reasonably well-built houses, it also has a large number (estimated at more than 20,000) of informal dwellings or "shacks" called imikhukhu Alexandra was established in 1912, on land originally owned by a farmer, a Mr H B Papenfus, who tried to establish a white residential township there, naming it after his wife, Alexandra However, because it was (at the time) a considerable distance from the centre of Johannesburg, this was not a great success Consequently, in 1912, Alexandra was proclaimed as a so-called "native township " Because the township was proclaimed before the South African 1913 Land Act, it was one of the few urban areas in the country where black people could own land under a freehold title

The Amy Foundation in The Western Cape, South Africa, is a non-profit organization that offers programs to help develop and empower young children from challenged and vulnerable communities. They run after-school programs in the townships to help foster academic success. The youth skills Development program helps young adults prepare for the world of work, employment, and entrepreneurship. The story of Amy Biehl demonstrates radical forgiveness and restorative justice. Amy always talked about issues that were important to her. She could direct her whole family towards an issue and made the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa her work and life's passion, short as her life was "In a country torn apart at the time by racial tension and violence, after her tragic death, Amy Biehl's parents taught us how to step out of the eye of the tempest and seek a common humanity ”

Chapman's Peak is a mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in Cape Town, South Africa The western flank of the mountain falls sharply for hundreds of metres into the Atlantic Ocean, and a road, known as Chapman's Peak Drive hugs the near-vertical face of the mountain, linking Hout Bay to Noordhoek. Tourists and locals often stop at viewpoints along this road which offer views of Hout Bay, The Sentinel Peak and surrounds, as well as over Noordhoek Beach.

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum

The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality manages the local governance of Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa It is divided into several branches and departments in order to expedite services for the city Zulu is the most spoken home language at 23 4% followed by English at 20 1% Johannesburg is a divided city: the poor mostly live in the southern suburbs or on the peripheries of the far north, and the middle- and upper-classes live largely in the suburbs of the central and north As of 2012, unemployment is near 25% and most young people are out of work. Around 20% of the city lives in abject poverty in informal settlements that lack proper roads, electricity, or any other kind of direct municipal service.

City of Cape Town

City of Johannesburg

Immersion

Description

vice-learning opportunities that upskill and develop their communities, by empowering them to build a ated service leaders serve in teams at schools, preate, and inspire simultaneously City Year South service organisations in South Africa, committed to nemployment in the country

Apartheid, was a community representative of me a living example of how diversity could a be a nity. It was a vibrant community of freed slaves, rants, with close links to the city and the port. It he Apartheid government, inaugurated by the , needed people to believe and internalise. District rgets for destruction in the city of Cape Town. On 11 ea under the Group Areas Act of 1950, and by 1982, the life of the community was over. More than 60,000 people were forcibly removed to barren outlying areas aptly known as the Cape Flats, and their houses in District Six were flattened by bulldozers.

Gautrain

Gautrain is an 80-kilometre (50-mile) higher-speed express commuter rail system in Gauteng, South Africa The Gautrain is mainly aimed at providing and optimising an integrated, innovative public transport system that enables and promotes the long-term sustainable economic growth of Gauteng It is also part of a broader vision to industrialise and modernise the region, including a commitment towards creating and sustaining an integrated culture of public transport use

The Hector Pieterson Museum is a museum located in Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa. Located two blocks away from where student protester Hector Pieterson was shot and killed on 16 June 1976, the museum is named in his honour and covers the events of the antiApartheid Soweto Uprising, where more than 170 protesting school children were killed.

House of Basadi is a social enterprise which aims to make a valuable contribution in disadvantaged communities Through providing handicraft and sewing training to unemployed, economically inactive women and young girls they hope to make them resourceful, skilled, and production orientated They do this to develop their potential, talents and encourage entrepreneurship which in turn creates self-employment, self-reliance as well as opportunities to join House of Basadi’s workforce

The name means "nice home" in the Xhosa language, from khaya meaning "home" and mnandi meaning "nice". It was founded in the early 1950s as part of the increased segregation during the apartheid regime. It was originally built to house exclusively black migrant male labourers employed on the farms in the Stellenbosch area. In 1966, the nine largest employers in the Stellenbosch district including Stellenbosch University, the town administration, several vineyards and a fruit packing company united to erect 38 ready-made homes, so called hostels.

Hector Pieterson Museum

House of Basadi

Kayamandi

Directory Important Organizations and Places

Name Description

Kliptown Suburb

Kliptown Youth Program (KYP)

Koena Art Institute

Maharishi Invincibility Institute

Mojo Market

Parliament of the Republic of South

Africa

Kliptown is a suburb of the formerly black township of Soweto in Gauteng, South Africa, located about 17 km southwest of Johannesburg Kliptown is the oldest residential district of Soweto From 1903 the area was home to informal settlements (squatter camps), and the area now contains a mixture of purpose-built housing and many shacks and other informal homes which form the Chris Hani and Dlamini settlements

KYP is a community based educational organisation that provides holistic support and opportunities to the people of Kliptown and surrounding communities The tutoring, athletic, and arts programs provide a life to the children of Kliptown not defined by survival, but by their ability to be active community members, to have dreams, and most of all, to have hope for their futures. KYP focuses on their members’ education and their personal development, supports their needs, and connects them with opportunities that will help them support themselves and their families.

The Koena Art Institute is an organisation that celebrates and preserves Khoe and San heritage and identity, representing artists of Khoena heritage from across South Africa. Artworks and events reflect the narrative through the eyes of the Khoena people, indigenous to the Southern Region of Africa The Koena Art Institute celebrates creativity, openness, tolerance, and generosity They aim to be inclusive where diverse cultural, artistic, social, and political positions are welcome They host a beautiful balance of seasoned and upcoming artists who will present an exciting array of content central to the modern and contemporary Khoi/San

The Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) is an accredited and registered non-profit South African skills-to-work educational institution As a registered Private College created in 2007, they aim to make high-quality, holistic education accessible to all. MII has won 34 local and international awards. Through the institute, over 19,000 South Africans have launched careers in finance, banking, advertising, technology, management consulting and more.

As a family vineyard, the Mombergs ensure that the lessons passed down from father to son are preserved and respected while still accommodating modern trends and new techniques in the winemaking industry The beautiful 52-hectare farm is famous for its red wines, and Tinnie has showcased his talents with his specialty, the Free-run Pinotage, a unique wine made through natural, unpressed processes which set it apart from its peers

With something for everyone, Mojo Market is an exciting 7-day-a-week food and lifestyle market situated in the heart of Sea Point

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is South Africa's legislature; under the present Constitution of South Africa, the bicameral Parliament comprises a National Assembly and a National Council of Provinces. The current twenty-seventh Parliament was first convened on 22 May 2019. From 1910 to 1994, members of Parliament were elected chiefly by the South African white minority. The first elections with universal suffrage were held in 1994. Both chambers held their meetings in the Houses of Parliament, Cape Town that were built 1875–1884.

Middelvlei Wine Estate

Immersion

Description

ng women with a stress on gender-based violence e years, Philisa Abafazi Bethu has expanded to omen, the elderly, children, LGBTQIA+ persons and basis of the need felt by people and developments fazi Bethu actively educates our people and our revention They aim to be an organisation that ssurance in the community of Lavender Hill,

e Bojanala Region, within the North West Province rgest park in South Africa Some of the most an be viewed in the Mankwe Dam region, which is a wild animals.

was fortified and used as a prison from the lateseventeenth century until 1996, after the end of apartheid. Political activist and lawyer Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island for 18 of the 27 years of his imprisonment before the fall of apartheid and introduction of full, multi-racial democracy The majority of prisoners detained here were imprisoned for political reasons Two other former inmates of Robben Island, in addition to Mandela, have been elected to the presidency since the late1990s: Kgalema Motlanthe (2008–2009) and Jacob Zuma (2009–2018)

SEED

SEED is dedicated to promoting the transformation and resilience of communities in South Africa Their mission is to inspire and equip individuals to actively participate as citizens Over the past two decades, SEED has successfully implemented a diverse range of resilience programs, resources, and approaches that have proven effective in schools, among youth, and within communities. Leveraging their extensive experience and expertise, they are uniquely positioned to facilitate the transformation of low-income communities in South Africa, fostering social, ecological, and economic resilience.

Songo has humble beginnings: from a dream of providing a safe space for children to play on bikes, it has evolved into an educational and sports programme focused on creating a longterm impact for the children in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch Songo's key objective is that every child who comes through the Songo programme goes on to be a confident, well-rounded individual who is gainfully employed and a contributing member of the community They currently serve 85 children from ages 6 to 24 years within the Songo family

Soweto was created in the 1930s when the White government started separating Blacks from Whites, creating black "townships " Blacks were moved away from Johannesburg, to an area separated from White suburbs by a so-called cordon sanitaire (or sanitary corridor) which was usually a river, railway track, industrial area or highway Soweto came to the world's attention on 16 June 1976 with the Soweto uprising, when mass protests erupted over the government's policy to enforce education in Afrikaans rather than their native language. Police opened fire in Orlando West on 10,000 students marching from Naledi High School to Orlando Stadium. The rioting continued and 23 people died on the first day in Soweto, including the minor Hector Pieterson.

Robben Island Museum

Songo

Soweto Township

Directory

Important Organizations and Places

Name Description

Stellenbosch

University

The Amy Foundation

Uthando SA

Vilakazi Street

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a public research university situated in Stellenbosch, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa Stellenbosch is the oldest university in South Africa and the oldest extant university in Sub-Saharan Africa, which received full university status in 1918 Until 1994, this University produced most of South Africa's prime ministers This university is held responsible for both academics who pioneered theological and sociopolitical justifications for apartheid, while also producing visionary and activist critics of apartheid including Van Zyl Slabbert and Beyers Naude Greg Ricks and Pieter Klopper served as contemporaries leading multicultural efforts at Stellenbosch, seeking to transform the university characterized by inclusion and sociopolitical renewal

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa. Table Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in South Africa, attracting 4.2 million people every year for various activities. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and shows up prominently in South African emblems and images.

The Amy Foundation is a non-profit organization inspired by the legacy of radical forgiveness and restorative justice demonstrated by Amy Biehl Amy made the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa her work and life's passion, short as her life was "In a country torn apart at the time by racial tension and violence, after her tragic death, Amy Biehl's parents taught us how to step out of the eye of the tempest and seek a common humanity " Today, the Amy Foundation offers programs to help develop and empower young children from challenged and vulnerable communities They run after-school programs in the townships to help foster academic success, such as their youth skills development program

The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the rise and fall of apartheid. The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the horrific period in South African history, known as apartheid.

The legal name is Uthando Social Development Projects, South Africa, but trades as Uthando (Love) South Africa Uthando is a unique model of traveling philanthropy underpinned by the values of responsible tourism Their Philanthropic Educational Excursions and Experiences successfully link the local and international South Africa-focused traveling agencies to a broad range of innovative, inspiring, and well-managed community development projects Their excursions bring significant benefit to local communities by providing income and other forms of assistance, while cultural exchanges are conducted in a sensitive, respectful and mutually beneficial manner

The thriving heart of Soweto is one of the most well-known streets in South Africa, Vilakazi Street. While Vilakazi Street may be the only street in the world that can claim to have had two Nobel Laureates as residents - the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The true electricity of this street comes from those who now call it home, each with their own beautiful stories.

Table Mountain

The Apartheid Museum

Everyday (S)Heroes

Add more (s)heroes you meet below:

Thank you for joining and supporting the Ripples of Hope Fellowship.

We are profoundly grateful to our Founding Sponsors, whose belief and generosity launched the Ripples of Hope Fellowship in honor of a great man, Gregory Theodore Ricks.

Ripples of Hope Fellowship Founding Partners

Alex and Jim Allen

Jenny Brown and Michelle Alvarez

Kristen and Jim Atwood

Kylie, Hanna, Sophie, Chapin, and Teagan Atwood

Spencer Blasdale

Charlotte Mao and Michael Brown

Cecile Cummings

Sandy and Paul Edgerley

Saskia and Paul Epstein

Ariane Hoy

Kip Hollister and Warren Hyde

Julia and Pete Johannsen

Vanessa Kirsch and Allen Khazei

Cindy Laba

Brooke and Will Muggia

Marion and David Mussafer

Allyce Najimy

Jennie Eplett Reilly and Sean Reilly

Carol Downs and Charlie Rose

Nancy Routh

Maureen Coffey and Eric Schwarz

Aletta Smith

Noel Torres

Mary Zients

Thank You and Sawubona!

Thank you to our South Africa and United States partners who helped us build our Fellowship and Lekgotla journey. We would also like to acknowledge Vanessa Kirsch and Jennie Eplett Reilly for their vision and wisdom in helping to create the Lekgotla Journey.

Note: This publication is not for sale or redistribution It is only intended for use by the individuals involved in the Ripples of Hope Fellowship All images therein are freely available via the Internet or via Canva