Leaders from all over Gauteng are coming together to think about what the future holds for the region and how they can shape it in 2010. Examining the major questions facing South Africa, they will consider what they can do to develop their organisations and the region. This will also be a chance for them to share their own different experiences of leading in Gauteng, and through this, generate ideas and plans on how they can develop and improve the organisations that they work for, and the province itself.

Run by international leadership development organisation Common Purpose, Meridian is an innovative programme that brings together a diverse range of decision-makers from Gauteng’s public, private and voluntary sectors, where they will spend time at a number of locations across the region and meet its key leaders in order to understand what makes it tick. Through this unique experience, leaders learn how to effectively network across sectors, and how to attain greater influence and produce change within and beyond their organisation by examining the wider context in which they operate.

Running in Johannesburg since 2001, the Common Purpose programme has made a significant impact on the city’s leaders. Common Purpose CEO Elsbeth Dixon explains: “the Meridian experience is unique – having the opportunity to build connections between city managers, bankers, traditional healers, school principals, mining engineers, artists, government officials, community leaders and a huge array of other individuals creates innovative outcomes and impacts, of value to the individuals and their organisations”.

The Meridian 2010 programme begins on 16 February 2010 in Johannesburg. Anyone who would like to apply to participate on this programme should contact Common Purpose on 011 836 6348 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website www.commonpurpose.org.za

Common Purpose is an independent leadership organisation that aims to improve the way organisations and society work. Common Purpose operates worldwide in France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Ireland, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK.