The MAD Foundation (Make A Difference)
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We are delighted to announce that CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd has become a "friend" of the MAD Foundation which was established in 2003, and is chaired by Francois Pienaar. MAD gives academically talented youngsters from less fortunate backgrounds an exceptional educational opportunity to reach their full potential as leaders and role models in South African society.
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About MAD
The Make a Difference (MAD) Foundation is a South African based charity organisation which seeks to develop a select cadre of high performance individuals who can be active role models and inspire others, as well as support each other in the future. MAD’s eventual aim is to create an alumni group of MAD beneficiaries who create positive change in an emerging democracy.
Business support
Business organisations and sports teams have long recognised the importance of nurturing top talent and believe in the idea of a ‘tipping point’, such where just a little extra help or support can become the turning point in a person’s life, or any other given situation. As most winning enthusiasts will know, the difference in business or sport that separates winners versus runner-ups only requires a one point difference, or 1%, as may be the case.
Unified in the belief that he could make a difference and tip the scales in favour of talented youngsters who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, Francois Pienaar and a small group of friends decided to channel their energy and influence, to change the lives of carefully selected youngsters in the belief that these individuals would not only positively affect those in their direct vicinity, but indeed change the lives of many other South African’s for the good.
And this is why the MAD Team, who are not only accomplished international sporting heroes but indeed also successful businessmen and women, established a Beneficiary Education Programme for these individuals. MAD believes that the cause for change occurs most often within young people’s lives when they are encouraged and motivated through positive mentorship, thereby allowing these talented individuals to reach their full potential by seriously applying themselves in their education and leadership roles.
A small but vital minority of top performers -- be these scholars or business leaders -- can create positive change in our society.
CGF’s role
CGF’s involvement with MAD is a supportive and advisory function where we assist the MAD Foundation with matters pertaining those of governance, risk and compliance.
Moreover, CGF has assembled a mini-awareness governance programme for the MAD youth -- who as ambassadors of MAD -- are able to receive practical information at an early stage of their young and aspiring careers. They can apply this vital information in their personal lives as many of them enter university and or business environments.
CGF is proudly a ‘friend’ of the MAD Foundation and as one of its ambassadors; we promote their good cause through our extensive corporate networks for additional support for Corporate Social Investment (CSI) purposes.
MAD honorary patrons
Impressively, MAD enjoys the support of six international rugby captains who have all held the Rugby World Cup Web Ellis trophy in victory. These incredible people inspire MAD with passion and humility -- they are Francois Pienaar (Chairman of MAD), David Kirk, John Eales, Martin Johnson, Nick Farr-Jones and John Smit -- each of whom have pledged their support and energy to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
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