Investing in the future - paying it forward through running
Derrick Msibi, Managing Director of Investment Solutions, is a man with a vision. Apart from being an astute and determined business man who has spent the last ten years in the investment industry, he sees his success as a way to encourage young students.
"I believe in the principle of 'Paying it Forward' he says, a core philosophy of the Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSiBA), where he is a non-executive director. "If successful business people do not help our young learners to achieve, the future of our country is at risk."
As a keen and dedicated runner he has decided to use this year's Comrades Marathon (his 12th run) to provide full tuition scholarships for at least two TSiBA students. Msibi maintains that preparing and running an ultra-marathon is a serious endeavour that requires planning, focus and dedication. These qualities are necessary in major aspects of our lives and in other disciplines, including being a business leader and a student.
"What we quickly learn is the idea of pacing yourself and being prepared to always keep something in reserve to last the whole journey. When you look at education in particular, many start but the level of attrition is frightening and therefore the ability to stay the course could be the single most important determinant of who succeeds eventually and who does not," he says.
"When running past Comrades my focus has been inwards - on myself. My 12th Comrades Run will be focused on more than that as my supporters and I seek to make a difference in at least two students' lives by raising over R100 000."
He continues: "An education is a gift that cannot be taken away. Running the Comrades allows me to use my talents, my time, finances and, through my network to multiply that for the greater good. It is my way of demonstrating how paying it forward does not stop when one graduates."
Msibi has already donated R1000 to get the effort started and one financial institution has given a pledge of R5000. Investment Solutions have pledged to match every Rand up to R50 000 that he raises through his run.
TSiBA is a unique, private not for profit business school based in Pinelands, Cape Town. In four years that it has been graduating emerging leaders, it has produced already four Mandela Rhodes scholars. It focuses on developing entrepreneurship and leadership. Each fully-funded student is encouraged to 'Pay it Forward' through sharing their skills in their communities. TSiBA is registered and accredited with the Department of Education.
TSiBA is extremely grateful for the generous donations it receives from Old Mutual Foundation, National Lottery Board, Investec, Remgro, Aard Mining, brandhouse, RCS Cards, DG Murray Trust, First National Scholarship Fund, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Lewis Group, Oceana Group and Deutsche Bank. TSiBA would also like to thank Juta, Dell Development Fund SA, Internet Solutions and the Vodacom Foundation.
"Having been involved with TSiBA in the last five years, I have been exposed to the idea of having a broader impact in our community through serving and giving of our time and talents to uplift many others who are also looking to get a breakthough in life," says Derrick.
All donations to Derrick Msibi's run are tax deductible. For more information and to pledge please visit www.tsiba.org.za.
For more information, please contact Linda Brash at 082 620 6682 or email az.gro.abist@adnil.
