I would like to begin with a quote by Simon Sinek: “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” I completely agree with this statement. When I was first assigned the role of Tour Coordinator, I felt very nervous and even questioned whether I was the right person for the job.

We are excited to welcome Bophelo as he joins the AIWA team as our new Digital Communications Coordinator. With a strong background in marketing, Bophelo steps into this role ready to help amplify IAWA’s voice as we celebrate 10 years of excellence.

We kicked off the 10 Year anniversary celebration with a Poolside Chat and Braai in Washington DC with Broadway Star Pearl Khwezi (Lion King).

There’s a unique kind of transformation that only happens when we step outside our daily routines and into unfamiliar places. Travel is about excitement, adventure, and newness. But it can also be unsettling, unpredictable, and even uncomfortable. And that’s exactly where the growth happens.

I still remember arriving in Johannesburg in 2009—eager, wide-eyed, and determined. I was working with the Enablis Entrepreneurial Network, supporting small and medium enterprises, but what struck me immediately wasn’t just the energy of the city or the potential of its youth. It was the quiet despair. Young people with dreams as big as mine were trapped in a cycle of structural inequality, limited opportunities, and a system that too often failed them. That year changed everything for me.

Mentorship is more than just guidance, it's a bridge. A bridge between experience and aspiration, between where someone is and where they hope to go. It connects people, yes, but it also connects possibilities. What makes mentorship so powerful is that it’s meant to be temporary. It’s one of the few relationships built with the goal of growth and eventual independence. In this dynamic, the mentor serves as a steady guide; someone who’s been there, who knows the terrain, and who wants to help others navigate it too.

On February 22, 2025, IAWA hosted a Career Clinic, an event designed to support its alumni in their career journeys. The day was filled with valuable insights, expert guidance, and networking opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees. The event brought together career professionals and speakers who shared their expertise and experiences with the alumni. The day's activities included speed networking, one-on-one sessions with mentors, and goal-setting exercises.