10/30/2026
Building Bridges Through Business, Education and the Spirit of Ubuntu
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) was delighted to bring together Chamber members, friends of South Africa and business leaders from Atlanta for a successful and inspiring business breakfast at the prestigious Buckhead Club today, Friday, 30 October 2026.
Hosted by SACCUSA President Neil Diamond, together with Professor Nate Bennett of Georgia State University, the breakfast welcomed Kevin Chaplin, Managing Director of the South African Ubuntu Foundation and Amy Foundation, to Atlanta's South African business community and diaspora.
An accomplished businessman, author and humanitarian, Kevin shared his remarkable journey from a successful 26-year banking career to dedicating his leadership and experience to transforming communities and creating opportunities for South Africa's next generation.
The Spirit of Ubuntu – Connecting People, Businesses and Communities
Kevin introduced the important work of the South African Ubuntu Foundation, which he established in 2006 to promote unity, inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship and meaningful relationships across cultural, racial and economic boundaries.
Through its Ubuntu Business Network, leadership programmes and business engagement initiatives, the Foundation brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs and communities to encourage collaboration, mentorship and sustainable economic opportunities.
At the heart of its philosophy is the African principle of Ubuntu – "I am because we are" – a powerful reminder that our collective success depends on supporting and uplifting one another.
The Amy Foundation – Changing Lives Through Education and Opportunity
Kevin also shared the extraordinary impact of the Amy Foundation, formerly the Amy Biehl Foundation, which is transforming the lives of disadvantaged children and young adults in Cape Town.
The Foundation's programmes provide educational support, after-school activities, vocational training, entrepreneurship development and pathways into employment.
Today, its after-school programmes reach approximately 1,400 children and young people daily, while its youth development initiatives have helped place thousands of young South Africans into employment and supported the establishment of more than 300 new businesses.
These achievements demonstrate how visionary leadership, practical skills development and private-sector partnerships can create lasting opportunities and help address South Africa's youth unemployment challenges.
Strengthening the Atlanta–South Africa Connection
The breakfast provided an excellent opportunity to introduce Kevin and his organisations to the South African business community and diaspora in Atlanta, building on their engagement with Georgia State University and exploring opportunities for continued collaboration, knowledge exchange and community development.
For SACCUSA, connecting South African organisations with American business leaders, academic institutions and diaspora networks is an important part of strengthening the relationship between our two countries.
A special thank you to Professor Nate Bennett and Georgia State University for their continued engagement and commitment to building meaningful connections with South Africa.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to Kevin Chaplin for sharing his inspiring work, and to all SACCUSA members and friends of South Africa who joined us for this memorable morning.
Ubuntu reminds us that meaningful progress begins when people come together with a shared purpose.
We look forward to strengthening these relationships and supporting initiatives that create opportunities, empower communities and build a brighter future for South Africa.
Learn more:
South African Ubuntu Foundation: [www.saubuntu.org.za](http://www.saubuntu.org.za)
Amy Foundation: [www.amyfoundation.co.za](http://www.amyfoundation.co.za)
