News and events

Stories of South African champions

6 October 2008

An investment banker who cycled to Kilimanjaro for orphans, a talented township ballet teacher, an inspired educator with unique tools, and a proud Soweto guide with a special message - these are just some of the inspirational South African champions who will be featured in every episode of Kaelo-Stories of Hope from Monday, 6 October for the remaining 13 episodes.

The first episode will feature Lebo Malepa, a passionate South African who offers visitors a real Soweto experience.

The multifaceted "It Starts with You" campaign for the International Marketing Council (IMC) is aimed at building South African Champions and encouraging all South Africans to follow their example, take action and join the broader Movement for Good.

The campaign uses mass media and mobile technology as powerful tools to inspire, stimulate debate and connect, providing practical information and guidance for those who join the Movement by sms'ing the word Good to 32197.

"The stories highlight those who embody the behaviours and attitudes South Africans need to embrace," said IMC marketing manager Sophie Masipa in a statement this week.

"Our message is that everyone can work towards making this land alive with possibility, and everyone has a role to play in developing this country," she said. "We're mobilising people and inspiring action through showcasing what our South African champions have achieved."

Series about social development

Kaelo-Stories of Hope producer Sandile Koza said that his team were pleased to add the South African champion stories to the programme, which airs on Monday's at 6pm on SABC 2, till the end of December.

This popular multilingual TV series, hosted by social activist Criselda Kananda, tells of the passion of South Africans as they conquer the challenges of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment together with both public and private sector partners.

"The series is about social development and this is a great fit," Koza said. "We have focused on Corporate Social Investment and development, looking at how companies, NGOs and communities are working together to drive social upliftment."

"These stories add an exciting dimension by showing what individuals are able to achieve, and the Movement for Good provides a practical solution for those who want to get involved."

The multimedia campaign will include stories on community radio, print media features in December, a book and online coverage on the southafrica.info website, linked to www.itstartswithyou.co.za and the new www.forgood.co.za social networking portal.

"We are adding our voice to the broader Movement for Good, and hope to create a groundswell –connecting people to work for good," explained Masipa. "It is time to unite and challenge ourselves to be part of the solution, and find the way that each one of us can make a personal contribution."

SAinfo reporter