UCT students lead brightest young minds

Brightest sparks: UCT students dominated the Brightest Young Minds Conference.

UCT students lead brightest young minds

Scores of UCT students are among South Africans selected for the "life-changing" 100 Brightest Young Minds (BYM) Conference.

Held in Johannesburg from 1 to 8 July, the conference offered the young delegates networking opportunities with influential business leaders and visionaries such as Dr Vincent Maphai, chairman of BHP Billiton Africa, Bridgette Radebe, president of the South African Mining Development Association, and economic advisor to President Mbeki, Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu.

Among the participating 14 universities, UCT had the most representatives: 12 women and nine men. They are Sheraan Amod, Zain Amod, Jessica Auerbach, Vincent Chambati, Rudo Chiminya, Roger Deane, Tina Espinheira, Andy Feldman, Leonard Fienberg, Julia Garlick, Hediyih Ghiassi-Razavi, Jones Gondo, Lusanda Gwayi, Ridwaan Kalla, Siobhan Knock, Nobathembu Mangesana, Rufaro Mapanda, Tina Runeyi, Nicholas Schultz, Helina Sumbhoolaul and Nicolina Thandiwe van der Merwe.

The young delegates brainstormed ideas for business solutions and social concerns, while BYM imparted professional knowledge and confidence, inspiring them to use their skills.

Jaco van Tonder, president of the BYM, said: "The conference offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to ignite the potential within each outstanding young person. We will use the week to transform these 100 exceptional people into South Africa's Brightest Young Minds."