Standing tall, being counted

Ann Nurock, Grey's CEO said that the interns were tangible proof that empowerment and transformation from the bottom up truly does work, and that equity alone is not the only route to make true transformation a reality. Her comments were echoed by Grey Global chairman, Dr Bongani Khumalo, who reiterated that this is meaningful, sustainable and irreversible transformation that will benefit Grey and the industry at large.

Michelle Serfontein, representing the MFSA said that the word which best describes Grey's GAP initiative is passion, both from an investment and resources perspective. "CSI is so often seen as a burden. This model is far from it and is setting the standard for other agencies within the industry to follow this example." At the same time Grey Worldwide is piloting the first MAPP SETA learnership for the advertising industry in conjunction with the MFSA.

The interns have thoroughly immersed themselves in their work and key themes running through their observations were appreciation and willingness - from both the interns and agency staff whose dedication and tirelessness is apparent in how much the interns have learnt and achieved in a relatively short space of time.

There has been significant client involvement and opportunities to interact with other staff members. "It's meaningful, sustainable training," said Genevieve Kgafe, a copywriter. "We're not doing menial tasks, manning the fax and photocopy machines but have been allocated real responsibility within the departments to which we have been assigned." According to Jimmy Ngwenya, he has been given the opportunity to break a glass ceiling to do what he loves. "I've learnt attention to detail, to exceed expectations, to accept criticism and the spirit in which it is given. I can stand tall and be counted."

In closing, Alan Irvin, Grey's executive creative director, unveiled a piece of art created on a blank wall in the agency's reception area by three of the interns, Genevieve Kgafe, Fani Ntlele & Lephako Motsieloa. "We wanted to dedicate this wall to Grey, but at the same time to something that would have meaning and significance to those who work here and to our stakeholders," Irvin said. The piece of art is a map of Africa which resembles the profile of a man's face, with a microphone forming part of the piece. In unveiling the painting, Motsieloa said that it speaks for itself. "For a number of years black people's voices were suppressed. Now it's time for those voices to speak."