Richard Branson Business School: A day visit
Posted on | March 15, 2010 | 22 Comments
“Branson”…
in bright red, neon lights…
Not what you’d expect…
when the lift doors open to:
The Richard Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The school’s banner is bold, out-there and different.
In true Virgin style.
CIDA, in South Africa, is Africa’s first virtually free university. It offers historically disadvantaged individuals an education at a fraction of the cost of other South African universities.
The Richard Branson School of Entrepreneurship was launched at CIDA City Campus, Johannesburg on 25 October 2005.
Isn’t it cool? A business school funded by Virgin Unite. Essentially: Richard Branson, the Virgin Group and donors.
And it’s free for the few South African students who are successful in getting a spot each year. In 2010, there are 8 of them.
After the Vegas-like welcome, one might expect over-the-top school premises. But it was far from that.
It’s minimalist in appearance but the walls contain energy, ideas, leadership and hope.
Imagine it: This is where budding South African entrepreneurs create, think, imagine, build, plan, discuss, take action and dream. Surrounded by the support of Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson on murals – with their commanding pictures and inspiring quotes.
I got to meet one of the school’s recent graduates, Moyakazi.
Just 3 weeks ago, Moyakazi finished the course and has launched her healthy foods catering business.
Busting with enthusiasm and youthful excitement…
She just found out about her chance to cater for visitors from Virgin.
I spent almost an hour just throwing all my questions at her.
Have you met Richard Branson? Yes, a couple of times.
What’s he like? He’s really normal.
How do you get funding for your business? There are a few ways. But the school has a seed fund. You present your business to the board and build your case.
Who’s your mentor? She’s an African-American businesswoman in the US.
The Richard Branson School of Entrepreneurship was set up with the belief that the opportunity for entrepreneurial activity in South Africa is vast. With resources from the public and private sectors, developing the opportunity is possible.
A belief that there is opportunity.
Talent.
Inquiring minds.
Of people who are willing to dream and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
And others who are willing to help them with taking the leap.
Had you heard of the Richard Branson School of Entrepreneurship? Do you have a favourite company or business that you think is giving back effectively? Comment below and tell us what you think.
A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO:
Moyakazi.
For sharing your entreprenuerial spirit with me and for helping me to believe what’s possible.
AND THANK YOU TO:
Richard Branson.
For inspiring me to become a philanthropic entrepreneur.
The staff at the Richard Branson School of Entrepreneurship.
For your kind hospitality and allowing my husband, Dean, and me to visit.
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- Richard Branson Business School: A day visit
22 comments - Green businesses in South Africa
11 comments
March 15th, 2010 @ 10:35 PM
Well done Mr. Branson, it is inspiring to see great entrepreneur’s help develop kids education.
Especially in underdeveloped communities where they would never have a chance otherwise.
Also congratulations to you Lina, for this post & report, it must have been a magic trip & experience.
Fisherman
Allen Sentance Fisherman´s last blog ..Mother Nature And Earth Week-part two-
March 15th, 2010 @ 10:51 PM
Hi Allen
My whole South Africa trip was amazing and this visit was definitely one of the highlights. Getting a big dose of inspiration and meeting exceptional people is always what I need!
March 15th, 2010 @ 11:48 PM
Hi Lina,
wow – what a great place to be! And I agree, Richard Branson is a great role model in how he does business.
So I will keep an eye on you to get my personal autograph on your auto-biography soon
Renee´s last blog ..Motivational Music
March 16th, 2010 @ 1:11 AM
Hi Renee
It was really such a great visit and I’m so grateful for the warm hospitality they gave Dean and me.
March 16th, 2010 @ 1:29 AM
Wow Lina this is awesome. Richard Branson is a Role model and Mentor that one would be proud to follow!!! This is a great cause for the students in South Africa. You Go Girl!
Sandra Sentance´s last blog ..Time Management
March 16th, 2010 @ 6:24 AM
Wow Lina, 1st sponsor child now Branson university.
All sounds so awsome.
You guys are having soo much fun !! ENJOY
Look forward to your next post.
Cheers
Pete
Peter Terry´s last blog ..Quality Time
March 16th, 2010 @ 6:26 AM
That’s awesome! I didn’t know Branson did business schools, that guy is one of a kind.
Thomas´s last blog ..Magento Email Templates
March 16th, 2010 @ 7:26 AM
Hi Pete – South Africa has so much to offer. We had a wonderful time there.
Hi Thomas – Pretty cool, hey? I’d love to meet him one day. Richard, if you’re reading, please contact me!
March 16th, 2010 @ 8:37 AM
Wow, the adventures keep coming for you Lina
Great to see Richard Branson back the dreams of others. I’ll have to get his autobiography to get more of an inside view on his thinking.
David Moloney´s last blog ..What is a Brand Name? It’s Everything.
March 16th, 2010 @ 9:15 AM
Hi Lina,
Having just done a blog post on Sir Richard I hadn’t heard of his involvement in South Africa until a week or so ago when I read about CIDA city campus. The man’s a true inspiration for budding entrepreneurs and a great ambassador for the planet with his visions for ‘greener’ future.
Colin
March 16th, 2010 @ 11:13 AM
Wow. Inspiring post, Lina. Thanks for sharing paradigms of active goodwill, and by empowering us all with all you share. I’ve admired Mr Branson for quite some time, and you are on the list too.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
March 16th, 2010 @ 2:34 PM
Hi Lina
Sounds like an awesome time was had. Richard Branson would have to be one of the best mentors alive today. Not many would give their time up like that.
Makes me feel humbled to be mentored by another gentleman we know
Gee´s last blog ..Search Engine Optimization Tips For Baby Boomers
March 16th, 2010 @ 6:11 PM
Wow Lina.
Your centainly making the most of your trip to South Africa. It is a great desire to have, to be able to help others.
It is something I would like to do more of myself. Even if your busy, or can help out as much as you would like, there are ways you can reach out and help others.
Thanks
Cade
Cade´s last blog ..4 Tips to Improve your Trade Picks
March 16th, 2010 @ 8:07 PM
Hello Lina!
It was a wonderful experience to meet with you and your husband!
Like I told you it was my first time talking to people from Australia, I enjoyed every moment that I spent with you guys.
Thanks for sharing my story its such a humbling experience, right now am feeling very lucky and happy at same time :0]
Thanks again!
March 16th, 2010 @ 9:09 PM
Oh, my new friend, Moyakazi!!! Branson School graduate and entrepreneur superstar!!!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog! It’s such an honour to know you and I’m so happy you have read this article. I know my words can’t fully express everything that you’ve achieved, your passion and your determination. But I want the world to know that you are a shining young entrepreneur with everything ahead of you!
Your friend from across the Indian Ocean,
Lina xx
March 17th, 2010 @ 3:46 AM
Moyakazi -
I am so very proud of your accomplishments and growth over the past year. You make mentoring easy as well as a joy!
I believe you now know the real “secrets” to success are purpose, ingenuity, and perseverance seasoned with a wonderful dose of passion. And then of course, it helps to have others who know and share your story…
Many thanks Lina for a great article and also the pics! Your sentiments are invaluable to the effort of empowering entrepreneurs like Moyakazi to excel and prosper.
Destined to WIN,
IE
Atlanta, GA USA
March 18th, 2010 @ 1:28 PM
Hi Lina,
Great post. Thanks for sharing with us that there are people out there making a difference to other people’s lives such as Moyakazi.
I was inspired by a kinder teacher a couple of years back. She was working in a very low socio-economic area but she was TOP OF HER GAME. She was there for these kids before the parents, she knew the best philosophy for raising kids to improve their self-esteem rather than using traditional methods that many teachers still use. I never forgot her! No, she is not a company but she is ONE person making a difference to MANY lives of our future generations.
Cheers, Eileen.
Eileen´s last blog ..Salicylates
March 18th, 2010 @ 7:37 PM
Your post makes for excellent as always Lina, and a great program for you to help raise awareness of.
Richard Branson is definitely an inspiration and it is great to hear about how he is helping to raise the next generation of entrepreneurs.
I have a copy of Branson’s autobiography sitting on my shelf which I might just have to make the next one on my reading list.
Tom´s last blog ..Using Affiliate Networks to Give the People What they Want
March 18th, 2010 @ 9:15 PM
Hello Lina,
You sure have a bit of the gypsy spirit about you with the travelling you do. It’s fabulous that Richard Branson has set this up and it’s producing go-ahead students.
Bless you for sharing it with us .
Cheers
Harry
Harry Lynn´s last blog ..How Proud Can One Be ?
March 18th, 2010 @ 10:48 PM
Well you would not imagine down town Johannesburg, surrounded by dilapidated buildings that a great entrepreneur has established a school dedicated to some up and coming business owners and entrepreneurs. Lina is right, the bright red neon light stating ‘Branson’ when the lift doors opened was a far cry as to what was below and on the streets of Joburg. But what else could you expect from Branson.
Thank you to Moyakazi for giving us the tour, I wish you all the best.
Great expereince
June 15th, 2010 @ 8:04 AM
Hi Lina, this is my first visit to your blog & I just wanted to say I like your style! What an inspirational look into the lives of budding entrepreneurs like Moyakazi – no doubt about it, Richard Branson is ‘The Man’
If only more company CEO’s & execs around the world could follow his lead… I had no idea he set up a fully funded business school in that area – very cool! Thanks for sharing, it was a pleasure to read 
June 15th, 2010 @ 10:53 AM
Hi Mel
It was an amazing day for me, visiting Richard Branson’s business school. Now that the World Cup is on, I’m thinking a lot about my time in South Africa at the moment. It was very special. Thanks for your support, and for encouraging young, budding entrepreneurs like my friend, Moyakazi.