A vibrant Entrepreneurial Networking session was hosted by Safari Investments at Denlyn for the latest Denlyn Star finalists and a number of entrepreneurs from Mamelodi.

Centre Manager of Denlyn, Clifford Modishane, introduced with delight the 19 year old Howard Zondo, young author, public speaker and talent-preneur who is an advocate of black consciousness.

He grew up in Mamelodi and is evidence that struggles, instead of pulling you down, can be turned into symbols of hope. His message echoes that hardship, instead of bringing separation, can connect people in their communal goal to seek better lives.

“As for young people, I believe we might be young today but we are the parents of tomorrow,” he says.

He shared insights from his latest book “Lessons from a domestic worker” and signed copies was handed out as a gift from Safari Investments to all the Denlyn Star finalists.

He grew up in Mamelodi and is evidence that struggles, instead of pulling you down, can be turned into symbols of hope. His message echoes that hardship, instead of bringing separation, can connect people in their communal goal to seek better lives.

Professionals from Safari Investments shared their business advice with the young entrepreneurs with topics on motivation, branding and social media, and legal aspects in the business world. From this networking session also came the establishment of a new entrepreneurial forum and Whatsapp support group for entrepreneurs in Mamelodi.

DENLYN STARS, an initiative by the Denlyn Shopping Centre in Mamelodi, is becoming a huge success and positive catalyst in Mamelodi. At Denlyn Shopping Centre in Mamelodi the air was filled with good vibes on Friday 13 November 2020 when the school principal Fanie Songo, and Sister Aileen Thomas from Hospice Eersterust, were announced the official DENLYN STARS of 2020. Denlyn Shopping Centre honoured them for their dedication and hard work in the Mamelodi and Eersterust communities and being a real inspiration to others.

DENLYN STARS was launched by owner of the Denlyn Shopping Centre, Safari Investments, in 2018. The initiative acknowledges and awards persons in the Mamelodi community that make a positive difference in everyday life. Members of the community nominate inspirational individuals of any age and in any field in which they excel. Once finalists are announced the community vote for their favourite star. The winner is awarded by Denlyn and other partnering associations with measures of assistance, guidance and upskilling. They are exposed to business advice, to experiences in the business world, to give motivational talks in the community, and to attend events where they can inspire the youth.

DENLYN STARS celebrated over the years include the young Siyabonga Hadebe, activist in many teenage related social matters; the community angel Nomonde Mnguni from Second Chance Recovery Centre; and Sibongile Rakgatjane from Mo’s Bakery who is becoming a leader in the pastry and coffee shop market in townships.

Denlyn also contributes to learners and the school library in Mamelodi through their Education is our Future project. The Author & Library project at Denlyn kick-started Little Denlyn Rock Stars and with the help of this initiative author and self-publisher Thulani Mandula saw the light of his first book “The number one source of stress".

At the DENLYN STARS award ceremony Thulani shared his journey with the audience and Sibongile, last year’s winner, encouraged the audience to follow their dreams. Howard Zondo, young author and motivational speaker, emphasized the importance of serving the community you are in.

The DENLYN STARS initiative was also awarded bronze winner by the prestigious SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards on 16 November, specifically for its contribution in community relations. The South African Council of Shopping Centres was looking for an ongoing event, programme or project with the objectives of benefiting a specific community cause or charitable need, rather than a commercial or shopping centre goal. Safari Investments is proud of the recognition and remains passionate about positive change in its local communities. “Improvement is a core value of Safari and we are proud to give a voice to this value through our actions as we strive to make a difference for the better. Our social investment initiatives at Safari are particularly centred around education and the social upliftment of our local communities as we draw young entrepreneurs and small businesses to benefit from skills development and networking opportunities," says Safari CEO Dirk Engelbrecht.

At Umthombo Primary School, Dirk was proud to see the work done and still to come in 2021 at Umthombo Primary School in Mamelodi. “Principal Fanie Songo is really an inspiration to the community and has a huge impact on the lives of so many young kids, that is why we honoured him as one of our DENLYN STARS," he said.

Clifford Modishane, the proud Centre Manager of Denlyn who never idles said it best with his broad smile: "We at Denlyn are committed to support and build on the good work being done in our community."

On 17 November 2021 we celebrated the Denlyn Stars of 2021. Koketso Manabile received the Denlyn Stars 2021 award and a R15,000 cash contribution. Koketso, a prior student of Deepeg Training Solutions owns his own company and manufacture kitchen cabinets.

Mr Danny Parlour also received a R5,000 cash contribution on behalf of Deepeg Training Solutions for their contribution to the community of Mamelodi. Maria Day from the Idea Collective shared valuable information regarding personal brand, your vision and service design with the Denlyn Stars’ entrepreneurial finalists. Questions were raised such as "How are you going to create opportunities to shape and transform the society we live in?“ There was opportunity for most of the finalists to exhibit their products for a 2 week period at Denlyn.