Intercultural dialogue

As a German - South African organization, we are well positioned to offer intercultural programs such as workshops, partnering support and international trade development as well as opportunities for interested visitors to engage with our entrepreneurs (Exposure Program). We envisage documenting our knowledge and that of the entrepreneurs and offering it as an online and/or printed inter- cultural dialogue guide.

Throughout the year we built bridges between enrolled entrepreneurs and international visitors. Some visitors bought products, participated in tours and made donations to projects, they were introduced to by the entrepreneurs. Charlotte from Nomthunzi Township Tours for example, introduced German visitors to an Aids orphanage in Masiphumelele and secured a major donation by the visitors for the orphans (over 200,00 Rand). On another occasion, we introduced visitors to the Saturday School ASSET, which tutors township youth for passing their High School exams. Here too, intercultural bridge building lead to bursaries for five students to enroll in university programs.

We arranged for ZISAMELE crafters to sell their ware at various conferences and weekend markets, generating valuable income and international exposure. Early during the year, we conducted an inter-cultural competency workshop for German and South African Managers in co-operation with the German - Southern African Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Nala – Partners were invited by Phambili Strategies to conduct intercultural competency and diversity workshops for women managers at MNET, a South African multi-media company.

We continued throughout the year to work closely with EDUCO Africa, a leadership and transformation development organization. We lead several strategy development workshops with the EDUCO Board to position in a changing service environment.
At the beginning of 2007 we forged a link with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town, enrolling staff and entrepreneurs in their business education workshops.