HOW SPONSORING THE 2025 I AM ME SUMMIT ACCELERATES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GOALS (A CALL OUT TO SPONSORS)

“Collaboration is the new innovation”- Zakhele Mgobhozi (Founder and Group MD of Modern Centric Holdings)

The Deputy Minister of Youth and Persons with dis-Abilities in South Africa, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, at the 2024 I AM ME summit

Social and economic disparities threaten the stability and growth of societies, which means that strategic investments in inclusion are no longer optional, they are essential. The I AM ME Summit 2025 offers an unprecedented platform for organizations committed to making a tangible difference. By partnering with this movement, your organization can not only fulfill its corporate social responsibility but also drive measurable social impact and economic growth.  

South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. According to the World Bank, over 55% of the population lives below the poverty line, with vast disparities across race, gender, and ability. The unemployment rate hovers around 34.5%, but among youth, the crisis deepens, with more than 63% of young people unemployed. Marginalized groups, Persons with dis-Abilities, LGBTQIAP+ individuals, Women, and rural communities, are disproportionately affected by these statistics. Persons with dis-Abilities, in particular, experience unemployment rates exceeding 90%, despite possessing valuable skills and aspirations. Yes, these statistics are scary and they reveal systemic barriers rooted in discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, and exclusionary policies that hinder progress.  

I AM ME 2024

Investing in inclusion through initiatives like the 2025 I AM ME Summit is a strategic move that addresses these challenges head-on. Evidence from global research indicates that companies embracing diversity and inclusion outperform their competitors financially. McKinsey & Company reports that such organizations are 35% more likely to outperform less diverse peers, benefiting from a broader range of perspectives, innovation, and decision-making. Furthermore, the global consumer landscape is shifting; a Nielsen survey highlights that 66% of consumers prefer brands committed to social causes, and they are willing to pay more for their products and services. This shift underscores the importance of aligning corporate values with social impact to build brand loyalty and trust.  

Assistant Representative/Head of Programs @ UNFPA , Thulani Mbatha and Founder and Group MD of Modern Centric Holdings, Zakhele Mgobhozi,

Beyond branding, sponsoring the I AM ME Summit aligns your organization with the broader goals of sustainable development. Supporting initiatives that reduce inequality and unemployment directly contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). These goals are not only moral imperatives but also drivers of long-term economic stability. The International Labour Organization estimates that inclusive with employment policies twenty four million new jobs will be created globally by 2030, emphasizing that social inclusion is an investment with substantial returns.  

The I AM ME Summit acts as a catalyst for change by fostering dialogue among government leaders, business executives, and community activists. It influences policy reform, ignites corporate action, and empowers marginalized communities through education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. By sponsoring this event, your organization becomes a vital part of this movement, helping to dismantle barriers and create pathways for marginalized populations to thrive. It is an investment that yields social cohesion, economic opportunity, and a more equitable society.  

Director at The Document Warehouse, Craig Johnston at the I AM ME 2024

Sponsorship at the I AM ME Summit is an investment in societal transformation with lasting benefits. It aligns your organization’s values with a movement committed to reducing inequality, fighting unemployment, and fostering social cohesion. It demonstrates your leadership in building a society where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Today’s consumers and employees are increasingly drawn to brands that stand for more than profit, they want to be part of a purpose-driven movement.  

By joining the I AM ME movement as a sponsor, your organization becomes a vital part of a collective effort that is reshaping South Africa’s future. This summit is the platform; your organization can be the catalyst for lasting change.  

I AM ME 2024

Partner with us today. Support the I AM ME Summit and help shape a more inclusive, equitable South Africa. Your support empowers communities, transforms lives, and positions your brand as a leader in social justice and corporate responsibility. Join us in making history, because real change begins with committed partnerships.