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OUR
STORY BEGINS: BREAKING BOUNDARIES, BUILDING LEGACIES...
OUR ORIGINS
GFVC Africa is a pioneering organization founded by Ntombikayise P. Nkosi, a South African-born Swazi woman. Drawing inspiration from InnerWorkings, a Chicago-based company, as well as the founders of the African Union and influential figures from China and the United States, Ms. Nkosi has embarked on a mission to transform the fashion ecosystem in Africa.
In September 2016, Ms. Nkosi conceived an innovative and ambitious concept to establish a politically independent, fully integrated ecosystem that would accelerate innovation at scale across the value chain, small enterprises, and the 8 Regional Economic Communities (RECs). This ecosystem aims to unlock the untapped potential of the Agricultural, Mining, Technology, Film, and Manufacturing industries presented by the industrialization of the fashion ecosystem.
GFVC AFRICA's Executive Pillar will implement and monitor the organization's framework, transforming the entire industry and inspiring future generations through a revolution of innovation and growth. The organization is determined to overcome Africa's underdevelopment status, youth unemployment, and rural poverty.
History and Development
GFVC Africa's journey began in 2016 as a component of the social enterprise Siander Holdings Pty. Ltd. However, due to the South African government's lack of recognition for social enterprises at the time, the organization was repositioned and registered as a standalone Non-Profit Organization (NPO) and public benefit entity. This strategic move ensured the success of the business model and allowed GFVC Africa to forge ahead with confidence in its mission.
In preparation for the initiative's launch in 2017, Siander Holdings Pty. Ltd. relinquished its directorship rights to the concept founder after consulting with an international policy development agency. However, due to the principles governing compact initiatives, the Summit was postponed until further notice.
Between August 2017 and 2018, Ms. Nkosi focused on finalizing the GFVC Africa concept and framework before inviting independent volunteers to serve as directors of the Nonprofit Company and office bearers of the new Nonprofit Organization. All materials, including initiatives and website content, were finalized by Ms. Nkosi and introduced to the GFVC Africa office bearers in 2018, followed by the Nonprofit Company's application for the name change of Directors.
Ms. Ntombikayise P Nkosi
GFVC AFRICA ECOSYSTEM
Founder. Secretary General.
Skills & Experience: Strategic Planning; Ecosystems Management; Team Management; Project Management; Professional Meetings Planning (trained) - 8 yrs. experience. Interior Design - 12 yrs. experience at Zen Interiors. Former Senior Sales Executive at Innerworkings (inwk) SA. Siander Holdings - Co-Founder. GFVCAFRICA.ORG Founder.
A Heartfelt Thank You For The Journey
"As I reflect on the incredible, challenging journey that has brought us to this point, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humility. I am deeply thankful to God for entrusting me with a bold and ambitious vision to build, drive, and share in its continuous development and benefit with Africa and her Rainbow Nation. This journey has not been without its challenges, and I am thankful for the unwavering faith that has kept me going, even in the darkest of times. I am also deeply grateful to the numerous individuals mentioned below, who have provided pillars of strength and support along the way, including the motivators, advocates of democracy, and technocrats who have believed in me and this vision since day one.
I offer my sincerest appreciation to each of you. Your support, guidance, and encouragement have meant the world to me, and I am honored to have shared this journey with every one of you. Thank you again for your unwavering support. I am forever grateful."
- Ntombikayise (Okayise) Nkosi
As we embark on the long journey ahead, the Assembly of GFVC AFRICA takes a moment to acknowledge and express its deepest gratitude to the following leaders of change and community, who have made invaluable contributions towards our 2024 launch:
2016 - present
2016 - 2017
2017 - 2017
2017 - 2019
2019 - present
2019 - present
2019 - present
2019 - Feb 2020
2019 - 2019
2019 - 2019
2019 - present
2019- 2019
2019 - 2019
our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Kai Schilski in Germany and Dr. Victor Munyama, a distinguished senior economist and senior public official from South Africa, for their unwavering support and motivation.
Mr. Lungilo Lose and Mr. Ayanda Hola, seasoned public sector professionals from South Africa, who played a significant role in developing the Marketing and Communication Strategy document for the Summit. Their expertise and contributions were invaluable in shaping the document's content and messaging.
Mr. Emanuel Fernando Zeferino from Angola, an accomplished young engineer and alumnus of the Tswane University of Technology, who made significant contributions in developing the Summit' Project Timeline Plan, and also provided invaluable support in formalizing and developing the Non-Profit organization, ensuring a strong foundation for its future growth and impact.
Ms. Bonny Mackay, a seasoned telecommunications executive and dedicated leader, for her unwavering support and commitment to GFVC AFRICA. As a former senior Manager at Cell-C and current Telkom manager in the Limpopo region, Ms. Mackay brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our organization. We are grateful for her positive response to the call to serve as a Permanent board member of the GFVC AFRICA Assembly since day 1, and we look forward to her continued guidance and contributions.
Prince NZ Dlamini, a permanent member of the GFVC AFRICA Assembly and a respected member of the Royal Family of eSwatini, for his and family's steadfast and unwavering support towards our vision. Their commitment and dedication to our cause have been invaluable. We are honored to have him as a part of our team.
Chief Phaahla from Limpopo deserves our sincerest appreciation for his steadfast and unwavering support of the GFVC AFRICA vision. His tireless commitment to our cause has been instrumental in securing vital land provision, paving the way for the successful implementation of the innovative SMART GFVC AFRICA industrialization program. We are deeply grateful for his visionary leadership and dedication to our shared goals, to drive progress and transformation.
We are deeply indebted to the Honorable Sisa Njikelana from South Africa for his inspiring mentorship and guidance, which empowered the GFVC AFRICA founder to pursue her vision with unwavering determination, overcoming countless challenges.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Donald Pillai for his invaluable contributions to the Summit's capacity building initiatives and his general support.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Oyedokun, a renowned information management expert and thought leader, for his multifaceted contributions to GFVC Africa. As a respected practitioner, founder of the RIMA Foundation, publisher of IM World Magazine and RIM Africa Journal, and Executive Producer of IM World TV, he has brought immense value to our organization. We appreciate his partnership, guidance on board development, and unwavering support. Moreover, his inspiring mentorship and encouragement have been instrumental in empowering the founder of the GFVC Africa ecosystem, and we recognize his significant impact on our growth and success to date.
To Mike Pneuma, Executive Director and CEO of Pneuma Academy of Excellence, a renowned jewellery industry manufacturing specialist with 35 years of experience, and the late Mixalis, former Marketing Director of Pneuma Academy, for their invaluable contributions
Ms. Malika Kodja and Dr Hein from TIZIRI: for their for exceptional contributions to the Summit's capacity building initiatives.
and lastly, Tswane University of Technology' Engineering Department and Vaal University of Technology' Science Faculty on the 2017/2019 MoU signing and general support.
The late Songezo Mjongile, a Seasoned politician from South Africa. Who generously shared his expertise, helping the GFVC AFRICA founder navigate the complex political landscape to drive change and progress.
the same is extended to Mr. Leslie Becker, an accomplished industrial designer and senior official from the University of Vaal Technology, for his exceptional contributions to the Summit's capacity building initiatives.