This year specialist intellectual property law firm, Spoor & Fisher partnered with Afrika Tikkun to hold Afrika Tikkun’s Talent Day in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s values and his call to remember the children and young people of South Africa. The event saw the converging of over 2 500 children and young people of all ages from Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Alexandra, and inner-city Joburg to the Wanderers Stadium. This annual event is the highlight of the year for the young people of Afrika Tikkun –they prepare for it in the months and days leading up to the event with ever mounting enthusiasm.

Spoor & Fisher has partnered with Afrika Tikkun, an organisation dedicated to developing young people from early childhood through to career placement, every year since 2013. To foster a firm wide culture of giving back to the communities, Spoor & Fisher encourages its staff to volunteer time and talents to support Afrika Tikkun’s annual day. This year, several staff members were involved in managing the various sporting events, competing with other corporates and, most importantly, lending support to the children as their official cheerleaders.

Charles Webster, Partner & Chairperson of the Partnership, Spoor & Fisher says, “We are very excited to be here together with Afrika Tikkun, a long term beneficiary of our CSI efforts. We take our responsibility to positively impact the community in which we live seriously and working with Afrika Tikkun has been extremely positive.”

The staff assisted with on-the-day arrangements like refereeing games, judging the cultural activities, keeping score, manning stands and serving food. “Our employees are front and centre in the implementation of our CSI strategy and lead our efforts to serve society.”

One of the highlights was the inter-centre dance-off by the small children. Adults and children between the ages of 7 and 18 competed in soccer, netball and athletics. Children with physical disabilities joined in the action by competing in seated volleyball, an event introduced a few years ago. They also showed academic skills through quizzes, and displayed art and a few wonderful innovations with some real entrepreneurial potential!

With the support of Spoor & Fisher, Afrika Tikkun’s beneficiaries are enabled to realise gifts and talents that prepares the way for future careers. “It’s by being present and participating that you realise the opportunity of creating value. The focus is not the day but rather on how we have been able to contribute as a team to addressing a social challenge and helping the children and young adults find their niche,” says Kaajal Nagindas, Senior Associate at the firm.

“It’s not a once off activity, we want to make a lasting and sustainable difference in the lives of others,” says Webster in conclusion.

Through partnering with firms like Spoor & Fisher, Afrika Tikkun has been able to create a platform for children to apply life skills in the context of teamwork, tolerance and self-discipline. Talent Day was a moving display of what South African young people can achieve no matter their circumstances, when their potential is nurtured and developed.

“Afrika Tikkun Talent Day is all about belonging. Kids feel they belong to a family that extends across South Africa. Tikkun staff and donors like Spoor & Fisher feel we belong to a club of caring contributors bonded together to make our country great for all.” Marc Lubner, CEO of Afrika Tikkun.”