The SA Champions Network™

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1. Purpose Statement

The SA Champions Network™ is a national alliance of South Africa’s most inspiring, values-driven individuals and organisations - those who have punched above their weight, uplifted their communities, and led with integrity.

We exist to:

• Celebrate excellence across all sectors of society
• Connect champions into a purpose-driven, high-impact network
• Co-create national initiatives that drive hope, opportunity, and prosperity
• Inspire the next generation of champions

“We don’t just celebrate champions - we activate them.”

2. Founding Principles

Every Champion in the network embodies:

• Excellence: Proven results in their field (local or global impact)
• Integrity: Respected reputation and values-based leadership
• Contribution: A track record of uplifting others or giving back
• Resilience: Overcome adversity or significant challenge
• Pride in Nation: Committed to building a better South Africa

3. Sectors of Society Represented

We invite Champions from across the full spectrum of South African society:

• Business: Entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, innovators
• Sport: Athletes, coaches, administrators (local heroes & global stars)
• Education: School leaders, teachers, youth mentors, reformers
• Science & Tech: Researchers, inventors, digital pioneers
• Creative Arts: Musicians, filmmakers, designers, storytellers
• Community & Civil Society: NGO leaders, faith leaders, activists
• Public Service: Mayors, ministers, policy pioneers
• Youth & Emerging Voices: Under 35 changemakers
• Hidden  Champions: Unsung heroes shaping South Africa’s future quietly but powerfully

4. Qualification Criteria

To ensure credibility and impact, Champions must meet at least 3 out of the 5 following criteria:

• National or Global Recognition: Proven impact and/or awards for excellence
• Transformational Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in transforming systems, people,   or organisations
• Giving Back: Evidence of active community upliftment or mentorship
•  Resilience: Overcame adversity or built success from limited resources
•  Positive Influence: Actively inspiring others through work, voice, or   platforms

5. Membership Tiers

• Founding Champions: Personally invited, inaugural members who shape the vision
• Sector Champions: Nominated by peers or partners in each sector
• Rising Champions: Under-35 changemakers, innovators, or disruptors
• Community Champions: Everyday heroes with exceptional local impact

6. Member Benefits

• Access to private events, think tanks, and roundtables
• Featured in the SA Champions Yearbook™ and online Hall of Honour
• Early access to nation-building campaigns and leadership dialogues
• Invitation to co-create policy briefs and public-private initiatives
• Connection with a values-aligned, high-trust network
• National exposure through Future Leader Forum platforms

7. Signature Initiatives

• SA Champions Awards Night – Annual celebration of cross-sector      excellence
• The Champions Anthology – Stories of resilience and inspiration      from members
• Voices of Champions – Keynote platforms at summits, schools, and      media events
• Champion-Led Campaigns – Education, youth employment, health,      innovation
• Legacy Circles – Intergenerational mentorship programs

8. Powered By

This movement is convened by the Future Leader Forum in collaboration with key partners across business, media, education, and government.

It is inspired by South Africa’s global impact in sport, innovation, and resilience - and designed to unify the people who are building our future.