The 4th Annual Young Leaders Connect (YLC) – IDEAL Leadership Summit and Awards 2024 is poised to make a significant impact as it concludes Women’s Month with a focus on gender equity and the future of leadership in South Africa.
Under the theme “Empowering the Future,” this year’s event will be held at the prestigious Standard Bank-Global Leadership Centre in Morningside on August 30.
A Morning of Visionary Dialogue
The summit’s morning sessions will be a hub of forward-thinking discussions and insights into key issues affecting leadership and economic growth. The day will feature prominent panels, starting with the #1000 Women Leadership Programme, an initiative by Duke Corporate Education (DukeCE), which aims to graduate 1,000 women by September 2025.
This programme is designed to equip women with the skills and expertise needed for leadership roles in both private and public sectors, driving significant positive change.
Other notable panels will include discussions on the Just Energy Transition (JET), highlighting the crucial role of women in facilitating sustainable and equitable energy systems.
The agenda also includes a “Fireside Chat: Women in Leadership” and a panel on “Inclusion - Digital Technologies: Empowering the Future”, which will explore the future of youth employment and the role of AI and digitisation in creating accessible workplace opportunities.
Additionally, the panel titled “Governance Re-imagined” will address compliance, policy, and legislation issues, while “The Township Economy in Creating Sustainable Entrepreneurs: A New Frontier Microfinance” will focus on entrepreneurship in local communities.
The evening will shift to a glamorous awards ceremony dedicated to honouring young trailblazers in entrepreneurship and leadership. The IDEAL Leadership Awards will recognise outstanding individuals across six categories: IDEAL Authentic Leader, IDEAL Innovative Entrepreneur, IDEAL Propeller Entrepreneur, IDEAL Lift Up in Business Leader, IDEAL Emerging Leader, and the newly introduced IDEAL Positive Impact Leader.
This ceremony will spotlight the exceptional achievements of South Africa’s female leaders and entrepreneurs.
In the lead-up to the summit, the YLC-IDEAL Pitching Competition will take place on July 26 in Johannesburg. This competition will feature 12 entrepreneurs pitching their innovative business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, including Feziwe Mpaku, Karabo Motaung, Thabelo Raphala, and Sibusiso Nkosi. The competition will award R180,000 in cash prizes, with R100,000 going to the top winner, supporting and celebrating emerging entrepreneurial talent.
Ms Zandile Mathabo Makhaya, YLC co-chairperson and former IDEAL Authentic Leader Award winner, says she is excited about this year’s event. “We are thrilled to introduce a new award category and honour new female leaders.
“The YLC-IDEAL Leadership Summit and Awards continues to evolve, and we are committed to enhancing our contributions to women’s leadership,” she said.
Ms Lerato Phelane, also YLC co-chairperson, emphasised the summit’s role in inspiring future leaders. “Our theme, 'Empowering the Future,' reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation of women leaders.
“Through engaging panels and discussions, we will explore effective strategies to foster an inclusive society,” Phelane said.
Standard Bank and the International Women's Forum of South Africa (IWFSA) are proud to return as key sponsors of the event.
Funeka Montjane, CEO of Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank Group, highlighted the bank’s commitment to gender parity: “Standard Bank values our sponsorship of the YLC IDEAL Leadership Summit and Awards.
“We are dedicated to supporting women leaders and creating platforms for meaningful engagement, acknowledging that South Africa still faces challenges in achieving gender equity.”
The 4th Annual YLC – IDEAL Leadership Summit and Awards 2024 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the transformative impact of women’s leadership and innovation in South Africa.
With its rich agenda of panels, discussions, and awards, the summit will provide valuable insights and foster connections that will drive future progress and empowerment.
IOL