|
Investment in South Africa From Inside and Out:
Reflections of an Overseas Friend.
Remarks of Gara LaMarche, President and CEO, The Atlantic Philanthropies.
It is an honour to be invited to share some reflections with you tonight. Since coming to Atlantic a little over two years ago, and learning of the work that Inyathelo does to strengthen the non-governmental sector in South Africa, I’ve been proud that this fine institution occupies a key place in our grantmaking portfolio, and stands as a model for support organisations all around the world.
To take part in tonight’s awards ceremony is a double honour, because it gives me, and all of us privileged to be in this room, a bracing look at the range and quality of social entrepreneurship in South Africa – at the importance of visionary leadership coupled with smart management that exemplifies and furthers the vital mission of Inyathelo.
|
|
Whenever I am asked to speak these days, I always secretly wonder whether I am truly loved and wanted for my brilliant oratory and insight. After all, my job is to sit atop a big pile of money and steadily reduce it and I seem to have become a lot more wise, eloquent and smart since going into philanthropy. But I will set aside my insecurity and say that I welcomed this invitation, and the scope given to me for my remarks, because it offers an important platform to address the opportunities and the challenges for philanthropic investment in South Africa, at a time when the case for involvement needs to be strong and needs to be heard. I hope I can make a contribution to that tonight. Read more
|
