In a highly innovative ‘Apprentice Challenge’ held during the SAB MDP 2005, Sales Academy July and Sept 2005, a grand total of R150,000 was raised and donated to the Mother of Peace Community. 

Delegates were challenged, in syndicates, to create objects out of beads that they could sell. They had to design and execute a marketing plan and strategy that would ensure that their syndicate made the most money possible from their creations. Working under pressure, syndicates needed to apply the theoretical learning taught during the programmes. Success depended on their ability to be innovative in design and approach to the task as well as to use their networking skills. The winners were those who created a leadership style able to focus the team in a highly competitive entrepreneurial challenge. 

The money raised was donated to the Mother of Peace Community in Northriding. This is a lovingly run and carefully supervised home for a group of children ranging from about 9 months to 17 years old. Homes such as these, are under increasing pressure to accept abandoned and abused children. The Mother of Peace Community is ready to build a larger home. They already have two major communities in Zimbabwe and Natal. 

A huge thank you to all the SAB delegates, and the programme hosts, Samantha Rockey, Ashley Lovell from SAB and Jonathan Foster-Pedley from UCT GSB who raised this money. A special thank you to Cheryl Chelin for parking the donations on SAP. Here are the bricks you gave out of a handful of beads. Thank you for using your extraordinary vision and entrepreneurial skill to make a difference! Watch this site for news of building progress!