It has been said many times before that the journey of a thousand miles (or kilometers in the South African context) begins with a single step. In the case of South Africa’s Ultimate Brand Ambassadors (SAUBA), it was a single step of faith, a step of courage and the passion to see a change in the lives of individuals and communities.
When I had this vision I was looking at the number of young people who have a hunger to be empowered, yet also willing to do good in their communities and mentor others, especially those who are less-privileged. I was hopeful that SAUBA would be the kind of vision that would take its participants beyond their current realities. Moreover, that it would be a picture of a preferable future that motivates and drives us to action our dreams and ambitions.
Every vision comes with a price tag, but it is up to the receiver of that vision to be willing to pay for what that vision is worth. Pioneering any new venture demands that you sacrifice and pay the necessary price to see your vision materialize, so we anticipated a lot of challenges and learning along the way. We were not disappointed. Challenges and lessons were in abundance, but we learnt and grew from it. During the SAUBA 2013 journey I personally learned to persevere, to be patient, understanding, and most importantly, to serve.
Everyone who was in this competition until the end would tell you that it is not an easy competition. The beauty does not help, nor does it get all the tasks done. However, the SAUBA experience is the kind of experience you would never trade for anything,
because it challenges you on many levels as a person. It allows the participants to grow mentally, emotionally, socially and professionally. The Finalists that were picked from different provinces had good visions and plans for their provinces. We believed that through the SAUBA competition we could mould them into future leaders, give them entrepreneurial skills and groom them into philanthropists in association with companies that are operating in South Africa.
This book (Prepare to Learn, Release and Receive) shares a number of valuable lessons and details the journey of the Top Five SAUBA Finalists. It tells of their challenges, failures, victories and growth in trying to execute their action plans for their communities as part of the SAUBA 2013 reality competition.
We aim to give you a very realistic and honest picture about the SAUBA 2013 journey, so that you may learn from what the Finalists went through. This could assist you to be more prepared and motivated for whatever challenge you are facing or want to take on. Allow what is written on these pages to challenge you to think differently. I am hopeful that the lessons and experiences in this book will encourage you to dream beyond what you can see. I would therefore recommend this book to all budding entrepreneurs, emerging business people, philanthropists, students and anyone looking to stretch themselves beyond their current reality.
Hopefully you will be inspired to have a clear vision of what you want, to ensure that what you want will still matter even in years to come. Be innovative. Be creative. Be daring! Be encouraged to elevate your character to your vision. Always be prepared to Learn, Release & Receive.
These are the words I would like you to have close to your heart every time you pick up this book.
Thank you!
Tam de Vries Oka Mthethwa
PS: Do look out for the South Africa’s Ultimate Brand Ambassadors Reality TV Show to get a closer look at the journey of all the Finalists.
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