Investment solutions company Novare is committed to supporting the social development programmes of nonprofit organisations that work toward an empowered Africa. Among its partnerships is with education champion Imagine Scholar, an after-school programme dedicated to supporting young people beyond academics and grooming future leaders who will positively impact their communities and the country.
Novare’s passion for improving the quality of learning for South Africa’s youth inspired its investment in Imagine Scholar and the creation of supportive networks for the organisation based in Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga. Founded in 2010, the programme focuses on enhanced learning, talent identification and mentorship to unlock the potential of learners from underserved communities.
“Our ultimate goal is to take our talented youth and develop them into extraordinary people,” says Imagine Scholar Founder Corey Johnson. “We believe our programme holds the key to cultivating a generation of well-rounded, effective leaders in business and society. That’s why we’re proud to have a partner like Novare, who shares our vision.”
Novare CEO Ola Leepile views the company’s partnership with Imagine Scholar as a natural extension of its work. “Our passion for investment comes from our belief in its ability to create a positive ripple effect through society. We approach our CSI with the same mindset. Years ago, we asked how we could make social investments that truly matter. When we met Corey, we knew that partnering with his organisation would help us achieve that.”
South Africa continues to face alarmingly high unemployment, with young people particularly affected. In the first quarter of 2022, Stats SA reported a youth unemployment rate of 63.9% among 15–24 year olds and 42.1% among 25–34 year olds, compared to a national rate of 34.5%. Improving matric results alone will not solve this crisis. To build a stronger future, we must develop leaders today. Imagine Scholar recognises that talent exists everywhere and that it needs to be nurtured to produce motivated, curious and capable leaders.
One such success story is alumnus Rick Nkose, who initially struggled in school. Growing up in Nkomazi, he recalls that young people often face low expectations, which breeds self-doubt and pessimism. Through Imagine Scholar, he found purpose and motivation, eventually becoming South Africa’s top-performing Quintile 1 student and earning 100% for mathematics, accounting and physics in his 2021 matric year.
Imagine Scholar extends far beyond academics. It teaches ethics, confidence, resilience and goal setting, while encouraging excellence in every pursuit. Fellow alumni and Associate Programme Director Thenjiwe Ndimande, a University of Johannesburg graduate, explains: “We enable our people to dream and become extraordinary. As alumni we’ve gained hope and the belief that we can be global citizens capable of doing what once seemed impossible.”
Leepile says: “Through alumni like Thenjiwe and Rick, we’ve seen the fruits of our investment. Their achievements inspire others and strengthen communities.” Rick describes it as “a chain of inspiration,” where one success story sparks another. Thenjiwe adds that her journey has motivated her siblings: “My brother now says, ‘if you can do it, so can I”.
Their stories are part of a much larger picture. Over the past 13 years, Imagine Scholar has built an impressive record of success, achieving a 100% matric pass rate and full university placement for its students. The programme guides learners through bursary applications, helping them secure tens of millions of rands in scholarships to attend leading universities in South Africa and abroad. Rick now studies at the University of Cape Town, while Thenjiwe, who graduated in 2019 with a Humanities degree, says she might never have been able to pursue or complete her studies without Imagine Scholar.
The programme has also become a thriving community. AAlumni remain deeply involved – 10 work full time for the organisation and others have returned home to launch their own community initiatives. Seven alumni now serve on Imagine Scholar’s board of directors, helping guide its future.
Novare’s commitment to this partnership remains steadfast. “The results speak for themselves,” says Leepile. “Corey and his team are developing future leaders who are already changing their communities and the country. Our belief in Imagine Scholar is so strong that we’re actively engaging other corporates to join us in creating nationwide impact.”
The programme continues to grow, recently launching its first early childhood development initiative led by three alumni, with plans to expand into other regions across South Africa.
