Shared Interest hosted its 30th Anniversary Voices of Change Gala on Monday, April 29, 2024 at The Lighthouse at Pier Sixty-One in New York City.
The Voices of Change Gala and fundraising event was a true African cultural extravaganza and a legacy moment for an organization that for three decades has committed itself to supporting women, smallholder farmers, emerging entrepreneurs, and micro-enterprises all over Southern Africa.
Coinciding with South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, the Shared Interest gala and fundraiser recognized the Voices of Change who are critical to the organization’s efforts to advancing the fight for racial, gender, and economic justice in the US and Southern Africa. The evening aimed at shining a spotlight on cultural messages of inspiration and entrepreneurial ingenuity, empowering the next generation of social impact leaders heard messages of congratulations and speeches from Mr Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City; Ambassador Andrew J Young (via recorded message); Board Chair, Sharron McPherson and Executive Director, Ann McMikel.
Donna Katzin, founder of Shared Interest addressed the gala via recorded message from South Africa where she is being honored with the prestigious Order of the Companions of OR Tambo. She thanked the donors and partners of Shared Interest and reminded everyone of the words of Nelson Mandela when he said “while poverty persists, there can be no justice’.
To date, Shared Interest has reached more than 2.3 million beneficiaries by providing $34million in loan guarantees that have unlocked $131 million in local capital for the black women entrepreneurs, small holder farmers, micro enterprises, and cooperatives throughout South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Zambia.
The cultural extravaganza featured performances by Singer-Songwriter and Songstress Ajada Reigns, as well as the electrifying Lion King Broadway musical cast. Hosted by Makho Ndlovu, among special guests were South African Talk Show Host, Entrepreneur, and Activist, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, Distinguished activist Rev. Naomi Tutu, and her daughter, Mungi Ngomane. Rev. Naomi Tutu, a champion in human rights and youth empowerment, also serves on the Shared Interest Board of Advisors. She spoke powerfully about the concept of allyship and our shared humanity and speaking together with her daughter they brought multi-generational insights on advancing the fight for human rights, social justice, and gender equity.
This year’s honorees included:
Citibank for the Corporate Leadership Award. Citibank, a globally committed international bank that works to close the financial inclusion gap in communities of color. Receiving the award on behalf of Citi Commercial Bank and the Nonprofit Team, Mr Raymond Gatcliffe spoke proudly of the unique client banker relationship that CITI has enjoyed with Shared Interest doing the important work of empowering women entrepreneurs for almost 30 years.
Wendy Luhabe for the Women’s Economic Leadership Award. Wendy is South African women’s economic development champion, globally recognized for her commitment to social entrepreneurship and financial inclusion for women. Ms Luhabe is recognized as one of the most important voices of change in South Africa. Accepting the honor, she dedicated the award to her 8-year old granddaughter and her generation. She remarked, “This occasion holds a special significance as we commemorate 30 years of South Africa’s democracy, a journey marked by resilience, sacrifice, disappointment and hope. I am profoundly honored to be part of the Shared Interest 30th anniversary, an organization deeply committed to transforming the lives of marginalized communities in Southern Africa. Your steadfast dedication to advancing economic, racial and gender justice resonates with my lifelong mission of empowering women towards economic and financial independence.”
Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake – for the Cultural Innovator Award. Lebo is a South African Grammy award-winning producer and composer most famous for arranging and performing music for the Lion King movies and stage productions. He could not be in New York but accepted via video message thanking Shared Interest and highlighted how this also marks the debut of Mufasa: The Lion King movie noting that this is a character we have known for 30 years.
With the fundraising target reached, the evening was truly a fitting celebration of a successful journey that Shared Interest and its partners have traveled – here’s to 30 more years changing lives and investing in Southern African women and communities.