On August 29th, the Harry Crossley team attended the Women in Philanthropy South Africa (WiPSA) Networking Breakfast, a gathering of influential women leaders in philanthropy. The event brought together those spearheading social impact projects, NGOs, and philanthropic foundations, all united by a common goal: addressing South Africa’s pressing challenges.
A highlight of the morning was a keynote address by Jessica Boonstra, founder of Yebo Fresh, an innovative e-commerce platform designed to empower township entrepreneurs and community organizations by providing them with easy access to high-quality goods and services through smart technology. Jessica shared valuable insights on the journey of establishing Yebo Fresh, emphasizing that while capital was crucial, the real key to success lay in building strong connections—from grassroots entrepreneurs to major corporations—and gathering insights from those on the ground.
Her presentation also explored the unique challenges posed by South Africa’s current socio-economic context and how Yebo Fresh has worked to adapt and thrive within this environment. The overarching theme of the event was the importance of connections and local insights in driving impactful development.
The HCF team made the most of the opportunity by engaging with other attendees, learning about their initiatives and efforts, and gaining valuable insights into their work and impact.
