Absa is investing in the entrepreneurial leaders of the future - and TPA is delighted to be on this journey with them.
This programme represents what TPA stands for. A commitment to work that matters, and leaders who can leave our world better than we found it. - TPA Managing Director Natalie Maroun
The Absa Fellowship Programme is an entrepreneurial leadership programme supporting undergraduate students from from diverse backgrounds in specific fields of study, at any of the public universities in South Africa.
The purpose of this programme is to grow and nurture future entrepreneurial leaders who will positively impact South Africa, and the African continent.
The entrepreneurial leadership programme gives students access to a diverse range of empowerment initiatives, knowledge-building opportunities, and specialised courses designed to develop critical skills such as entrepreneurial, creative and design thinking, as well as personal mastery skills, thereby positioning them for long-term success.
The programme includes eLearning, in-person learning experiences, as well as a series of masterclasses on topics such as personal branding, effective communication and listening, and win-win negotiation, amongst others.
In addition to the leadership programme, Absa provides financial support to the Absa fellows in the form of tuition funding and stipends, to ensure that each student is supported and empowered to excel throughout their university years.
TPA is delighted to have been an integral part of this empowering journey since 2020.
Under the expert guidance and leadership of Executive Consultant Hanlie Theunissen, TPA has developed and delivered a series of impactful masterclasses and comprehensive three-day weekend experiences for the programme’s second-year students.
These initiatives have profoundly impacted not only the students, and everyone involved in the programme, Hanlie says.
“For me, this is not just a project. I’m passionate about seeing the growth in these young people.” - Hanlie Theunissen
Hanlie’s commitment to the success of every individual student is palpable. Most recently, she spent Women’s Day weekend embedded with 28 fellows and the team of coaches/trainers she works with at an Absa three-day experience.
“The fellowship is a family to me,” she says. “You see a young man arrive on Day 1 with his head low, feeling anxious about being there, and by the time he leaves, he walks with his chin up, confident and happy. It’s wonderful to see and a true privilege to be part of this transformation.”
Hanlie attributes the phenomenal success of the Absa Fellowship Programme to the Dr Reaan Immelman and Marlise van der Merwe, without whom the programme would not have been possible.
"I want to celebrate them not only for the way in which they manage the programme, but for the time that they so selflessly invest to ensure that every Fellow is taken care of in every aspect of their life. They jokingly call themselves Mom and Dad, but this is an apt reflection of their devotion to the Fellows' overall wellbeing."
Hanlie also calls out the phenomenal contribution of Fannie Ndlovu, for the support he provides to the Fellows, and all the facilitators.
"And a massive shoutout also to our 3-Day Experience Facilitators, Gorette Doria and Benita Rixon. They started the journey with us, facilitated the Experiences overr the past three years and share our passion, love and commitment."
The true power of the Absa Fellowship Programme is best illustrated through the words of the students themselves:
“I’m really grateful for this community, for the friendships that have been made, for you accepting us as we are, and all the learning that has happened.”
“One of my biggest fears, when I came here, was, what if I don’t bond with anyone, or I’m all alone? But everyone has been so amazing and so fun.”
This is transformation in action, and leadership on the rise. And a testament to Absa's and TPA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of visionaries who will shape South Africa's future and beyond.
“This programme represents what TPA stands for,” says TPA Managing Director Natalie Maroun. “A commitment to work that matters, and leaders who can leave our world better than we found it. Good luck to all the fellows, and a huge thank you to Hanlie for the exceptional commitment, passion and energy she has brought to this partnership.”