South Africas Greatest Export
Earlier this year I noticed a few people in my network talking about and then joining a new community called The Lekker Network. I am sceptical of this kind of community generally but something that Nic Latouf said as he was explaining his vision is that South Africans are South Africa’s greatest export. This resonates with me deeply. Whenever I travel I come across incredible South Africans doing unbelievable things all over the world. Whenever I talk to someone about the South African diaspora they inevitably have a new wild story to tell about a South African running a huge business, inventing a crazy new thing or helping someone out in an unexpected way.
I’m usually sceptical of this kind of community because it quickly descends into expats hating on the country that I love dearly. When I left South Africa I was running to something, not running from something but I know a lot of expats who will berate SA at every opportunity. I hate that because that’s not how I feel.
After talking separately to three of the founders (Nic, Renier and Guy) I realised that The Lekker Network was channeling an entirely different energy.
There’s a simple reframe that I think is important, expat South Africans are the tenth South African province. They are a powerful collective who, on the whole, love being South African, love returning home to see family and contributing back at every chance they get.
The Lekker Network is young and filled with driven individuals who are making a real dent in the world. There are chapters popping up all over but there was no formal chapter in the Netherlands so I stepped up and took on the role of Chapter Head for NL!
I have been so impressed with the members, the willingness to help one another, the positive impact that so many are making on the world and our home country.
The one thing that makes a network really valuable is more members, and that’s why I’m talking to you about TLN in this newsletter. Networks thrive when they grow and something I’ve learned over many years is that many (most) people are shit at networking. TLN super-charges network growth for South Africans around the world.
This November we’re trying to double the network.
If you are a business person, entrepreneur, ambitious, moving to a new country or returning to South Africa then TLN is probably for you and we want to see you thrive.
Here’s my ask: If you think there’s value, click the button below and apply to join TLN!
If you aren’t sure, hit reply and let’s talk about it.
If it definitely isn’t for you, no problem, but I’ll bet you know someone who would be a perfect fit. Please share this with anyone you can think of and let’s help grow the tenth South African province!
Looking forward to connecting with you all,
Nic.