Nelson Mandela understood the importance of learning when he said: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This was exactly the sentiment that encouraged ex-Springbok and 1995 World Cup captain Francois Pienaar to found the MAD Foundation in 2003.  It was a bluesky day and Pienaar decided to make the best of the South African climate (which he had sorely missed while he was living and playing rugby in England).  So he and some mates hopped on a boat and headed towards the distant horizon.  "You know, this country has given us such amazing opportunities and we have been leading extremely privileged lives," Pienaar said to the rest of the pack.  "Don't you agree it's time for us to give something back?" And so his dream was born, Pienaar called it MAD - The Make A Difference Foundation ... But Terry Booysen, who has forged a strong relationship with MAD is especially encouraging of MAD's overseas programmes and for a less obvious reason ...

When working for a charitable organisation you meet a lot of people that offer their help but then never follow through. Not only did you, Terry and Mmathoto, follow through but you created a platform for many young students to become young ambassadors for themselves, their families and our country.

On behalf of MAD - Make a Difference, Francois Pienaar, myself and the Douglas Foundation, I would like thank you for the passion, the knowledge and expertise you brought to the youngsters. We see this as not only a beginning of real change in the lives of many students in South Africa but also in the lives they touch.

On Saturday, July 5 CGF Research Institute provided a 3-hour briefing for South African high school students preparing to travel to the U.S. in August 2008.  Adults and students met at the Sandton Library’s auditorium on Saturday morning, where presentations were made by three speakers. Linda Ingalls from the Douglas Foundation also attended and offered valuable insight into the US.

The interactive session included discussion about South Africa and its current challenges, such as crime, poverty, lack of skills and employment.  Discussion also described governance principles, which Mr. Booysen stressed are as relevant to students as they are to CEO's in terms of conduct and ethics.  The conversation also touched on political issues and the role of serving as a young ambassador abroad.

Again this year, we wanted to give you a gift that would outlive the Holiday Season and that you could enjoy each and every day of the year.

Our country must face the painful realization that South Africa will face an 'epidemic of orphans' following the AIDS pandemic in the country.  While other children look forward to receiving gifts at Christmas, thousands of HIV infected children in South Africa may not live to see another Christmas. Thousands more of Aids-orphans wonder what will become of them and of their siblings. 

So, instead of buying you, our corporate clients a gift this Christmas, we have, on your behalf donated funds to Cotlands, a long-serving South African non-profit organisation that strives to meet the ever-changing needs of children impacted by HIV/AIDS in our country.   This year we have extended our donation to embrace Noah (Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity), whose goal is to support communities to sustainably improve the quality of life of orphans and vulnerable children and their families. The donation will feed 50 needy children every day of the year, for a whole year. We hope that you will enjoy receiving this gift as much as we have enjoyed giving it!  Season’s Greetings, with warmest regards and best wishes from all at CGF Research Institute.

This year, we wanted to give you a gift that you could enjoy each and every day of the year.  A gift that would outlive the “5-minute-novelty-value” test.

A gift that - somehow - stood for practicing the values of good corporate governance.  We believe you would agree that without a commitment to the community, sustainable corporate development would be unthinkable.  While other children look forward to receiving gifts at Christmas, thousands of HIV infected children in South Africa may not live to see another Christmas.  Thousands more AIDS - orphans wonder what will become of them and their siblings. 

So, instead of buying you - our corporate clients a gift and having a function this Christmas - we have, on your behalf donated funds to Cotlands, a long-serving South African non-profit organisation that strives to meet the ever-changing needs of children impacted by HIV/AIDS in our country.

The donation will fund the full expenditure of 10 children on Cotlands outreach facilities every day, for a whole year.  They will be provided with everything from food, child care staff members, clothing, educare fees and any medical costs they require.  We hope that you will enjoy receiving this gift as much as we have enjoyed giving it!Cotlands will issue a certificate acknowledging the donation on your behalf.  We hope that you will display it with pride.