Our Story
Francois Pienaar and a group of like-minded individuals shared a vision to develop academically talented scholars with leadership potential into future leaders for South Africa. Make A Difference Leadership Foundation NPC* was formed in 2003 to realise this ambition to transform South Africa – one scholar at a time.
Francois Pienaar was appointed as the Founding Chairman and 15 businessmen made a personal commitment to the organisation and were appointed Members.
12 years later, Make A Difference Leadership Foundation (MAD Leadership Foundation) is still working hard to fulfil the shared vision of the founding members to Make A Difference in the lives of talented, young South Africans with leadership potential.
*Previously also known as MAD, THE MAD BUNCH, MAKE-A-DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION, and more recently MAD CHARITY.
OUR VISION
MAD Leadership Foundation aims to develop carefully selected scholars as leaders in their chosen fields: they define the parameters of leadership applicable to their lives, but all scholars are expected to step forward whenever there is a need to drive positive change. These leaders do what is right, not just what is popular; they inspire others and they Make A Difference, whatever their job title. These leaders embody the following driving forces:
AMBITION
Ambition and the curiosity needed to look for a better way
COURAGE
Courage to tackle tough challenges
HARD WORK
Hard work to back ideas with action
RESPONSIBILITY
Humility to look for help and share success
INTEGRITY
Responsibility for their actions
DOING THE RIGHT THING
Integrity upheld in all their actions
The foundation for this vision is their personal integrity, plus the core leadership values we seek to instil:
Ambition
Ambition with hard work
Passion
Passion with discipline
Courage
Courage with honesty
Confidence
Confidence with humility
OUR MISSION
We believe that our mission as a non-profit organisation is to provide academically talented scholars with exceptional leadership development opportunities through education, mentorship and other personal development opportunities, in order to inspire a better South Africa tomorrow.
We therefore focus on:
- Carefully selecting scholars with strong academic performance and leadership potential.
- Continuously monitoring and measuring a holistic, personal and comprehensive Scholar Wellness, Development and Support Programme.
- Removing every barrier between potential and success for our scholars.
- Maintaining a passion for what we do and what we want to achieve for the leaders of tomorrow.
- Maintaining strict corporate governance and financial integrity.
- Forming long-term professional partnerships with corporates, trusts, other organisations and individuals who are committed to our vision.
- Ensuring dynamic fundraising initiatives locally and abroad.
- Creating a legacy to be proud of by nurturing the leaders and role models of tomorrow.
