On Friday, 4 October, Vodaworld in Midrand hosted the highly anticipated 2024 MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast. The sold-out event brought together professionals, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs from across Gauteng under the fitting theme, “From Dreams to Legacy: Make Moves for Your Future.” Hosted by renowned media personality Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, the event offered a unique platform for both inspiration and actionable insights. Featuring an impressive lineup of speakers—such as Connie Ferguson, Jean De Villiers, Miles Kubheka, Rachel Kolisi, and Leanne Manas—the morning was packed with stories of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of a lasting legacy.
With a focus on how dreams can be turned into meaningful legacies, each speaker delved into their personal and professional experiences, offering the audience a fresh perspective on overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and leveraging personal strengths.
Deirdre King, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM, echoed the sentiment of legacy-building through community. “Dreams can create a lasting legacy when we move beyond personal ambition and take action that includes others. It’s through fostering an environment where people can grow, dream, and build their own legacies that we truly make a lasting impact,” she says. “At Jacaranda FM, we believe in creating spaces where these connections and opportunities flourish—where success isn’t just personal, but shared across communities.”
Prof. Magnate Ntombela. MANCOSA Principal adds “True legacies are built when dreams inspire collective progress. At MANCOSA, we believe in empowering individuals to not only pursue their dreams but to create a lasting impact that resonates across communities. Real success lies in fostering opportunities where each achievement contributes to a greater shared future, making a difference for generations to come. Our keynote speakers’ testimonies provide evidence that this is possible; dreams do come true, and we can transcend challenges and our current state of being. MANCOSA believes that we can support and enhance that process.”
Here are some main takeouts from the inspiring celebrity speakers:
Connie Ferguson (Actress, Entrepreneur)
Connie Ferguson spoke candidly about her journey from a young girl with big dreams to a successful businesswoman and actress. She reflected on the role her iconic Karabo Moroka character played in shaping her outlook on business, saying, “She made me look at black businesswomen, and black families differently.” Ferguson discussed how turning 40 marked a turning point in her career, as she sought more than just success in acting—leading to the creation of her production company, Ferguson Films. She noted, “Legacy should be how people feel after they have been in your presence.” Her focus has always been on building a name that lasts beyond her lifetime, symbolised by her ventures in the beauty industry.
Jean De Villiers (Former Springbok Captain)
Jean De Villiers shared the importance of resilience and the support system in business success, drawn from his rugby career. He pointed out, “Adversity is an absolute given… it’s the people you surround yourself with that will either help you up or kick you back down.” He urged attendees to be clear about their goals and have a well-thought-out plan for achieving them, underlining that it’s essential to “know your job and do your job.” De Villiers also stressed the importance of seizing opportunities with confidence, even when imposter syndrome hits.
Miles Kubheka (Entrepreneur)
Miles Kubheka focused on overcoming fear in entrepreneurship, stating that many people fail to start because of the fear of the unknown or the fear instilled by loved ones. He said, “The trick about starting is to start,” highlighting that failure is part of the process. He compared it to athletes training after a loss, reminding attendees that perseverance is key. Kubheka’s philosophy of “asking for forgiveness, not permission” was a call for entrepreneurs to take bold risks to drive innovation.
Rachel Kolisi (Philanthropist)
Rachel Kolisi spoke about her passion for leaving a legacy in the business world and encouraged the audience to be intentional about their dreams. She adds that life is full of different seasons and that it’s important to be intentional throughout each and every season of your life. Rachel continued saying that Siya is a dreamer and that one needs to be intentional about their dreams if they want to make them a reality. “What is a dream without a goal, and knowing what I want to achieve and by when?” Kolisi emphasised the importance of planning for victory and supporting women in business. “If we found a way to back each other, we would get a lot further,” she said, calling for a more collaborative approach to success.
Leanne Manas (Television Presenter)
Leanne Manas delivered an inspiring talk about resilience and the power of showing up, even in difficult times. “Show up no matter what, even when it’s hardest,” she said, adding that change is essential for growth: “The shell must break before the bird can fly.” She shared her personal journey from being a shy young girl to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognised voices, encouraging attendees to find their voice and embrace opportunities for transformation. Leanne also spoke about the importance of leaving rooms you are not wanted in. “No matter how wonderful you are, if you are in the wrong environment, you will be treated as invisible. You cannot let that environment affect the way you see yourself,” she says.
The 2024 MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast was a resounding success, providing a space for industry leaders to share their journeys and inspire others. With a strong focus on legacy building and the power of dreams, the event fostered an environment of learning, growth, and mutual support. Their insights left attendees equipped and motivated to make bold moves for their futures, creating legacies that will stand the test of time.
