RuthTroskie, programme manager at the NBI says that business cannot succeed in a failing society and business thrives when society thrives. In the Eastern Cape, the NBI has a project orientated partnership with the Provincial Government in which the NBI has created platforms for non threatening engagements.

One of the successful areas where the NBI has mobilised business leadership and resources to make a difference is in a mentorship programme which runs in a few provincial government departments.

Giving feedback on this mentorship programme at a recent NBI feedback forum was one of the mentors Lee Foulis who had this to say about the programme. “We all have our own style and we acknowledge that no one size fits all. I have found this programme to be a very satisfying experience and I must say that knowledge passes both ways”. Lee used the analogy of flying a kite to describe the experience. She likened the relationship of the mentor and protege to that of the kite flyer and kite itself and the string representing the relationship. “It is a fantastic experience to let the string go and watch the individual take off. It’s satisfying and humbling at the same time”.