Delegates can learn, share and exchange ideas with local and international speakers and panellists, including African Leadership Academy founder Fred Swaniker; Tasha’s Group CEO & Founder Natasha Sideris; South African songstress and motivational speaker Lira; financial journalist, speaker and author Bruce Whitfield and Richard Mulholland, international speaker, author and adrenaline shot – with many more big-name presenters yet to be announced.
The presenters and panellists will share their unique insights into how best to tackle the challenges all entrepreneurs face on their journey and 2024 South African Future Trust Awards winners and finalists Benji Ozynski (CEO, Engage MX); Soren Lassen (CEO, Woodlam) and Timothy Treagus (Co-Founder & CEO, Yazi) will also be speaking about their entrepreneurial journeys.
Delegates who attend and can demonstrate how they brought their experience gained during the Summit to bear on their own businesses over the next few months, stand to win one R500 000 investment in their venture at the 2025 South African Future Trust Awards. The 2024 winner was specialist furniture manufacturer for the restaurant and hospitality industries, Woodlam. Their eco-friendly approach and attention to detail ensure that every product not only meets but exceeds industry standards.
“We want to continue to grow the Summit into a powerful incubator not just of businesses in South Africa – but for the entire South African economy,” says SAFT Chair, Jonathan Oppenheimer. “SMEs are the biggest contributor to employment in the country and the more we support entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into realities, the more jobs we can create – and the bigger the sector’s contribution to the economy. By pulling together – something we do so well as South Africans – we can harness that creativity, stamina and ingenuity to help move the country in the right direction”.
Now in its second year, the 2024 South African Future Trust Summit has evolved into an ‘unconference’ at the request of attendees. The staggered schedule gives attendees the opportunity to tailor their own program to take in the presentations and panel discussions which will have the greatest impact on their business – infinite ways to make an impact on business and the greater South African economy.
The Summit includes a free, dedicated business advisory zone covering legal, tax and compliance advice for new and established entrepreneurial ventures. Over 200 entrepreneurs will showcase their products, services and solutions. The event culminates in a live pitch session where entrepreneurs have an unprecedented opportunity to get their business in front of some of the planet’s leading investors.
Visit summit.southafricanfuturetrust.org for tickets and details to join us for this ultimate entrepreneurial ‘unconference’ experience. DM
ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN FUTURE TRUST
The South African Future Trust (SAFT) is a pioneering initiative founded by the Oppenheimer family to empower and support entrepreneurs.