Johannesburg (IT News Africa) — SOFTLINE is partnering with Life College, a Johannesburg-based non-profit organisation which develops and implements programmes to empower disadvantaged pupils to recognise their leadership potential.
Ivan Epstein, founder and CEO of Softline, said the corporate sector has an obligation to handle the skills shortage responsibly and, in line with this, invest in development and mentorship programmes which can turn average skills into valuable assets.
“Softline is no stranger to skills development. We run a highly-successful internal programme as well as a leadership programme through our parent body, Sage. We recognise, of course, that development must go beyond our office walls. As part of a commitment to addressing the skills shortage, I
believe that leaders at all levels have the responsibility to become involved in organisations that foster tomorrow’s leaders today; humbly sharing their most valuable asset – experience – with our youth,” said
Epstein.
Epstein, along with 49 other prominent South African entrepreneurs and sporting greats, is part of the Life Champion Leadership Programme at Life College. It forms part of the leadership module in the curriculum and the Life Champions have all volunteered 10 hours a year to motivate and mentor students. The Life Champions are people with high character, who are successful, and who, importantly, share a passion for youth.
“It is truly rewarding for me to be involved with such an astute project and to hear students describe their interactions with successful industry leaders as unforgettable and life-changing,” Epstein concluded.
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions.
By Mthulisi Ncube
