Plant a seed, grow an idea

Describing South Africa in a nutshell could, in some circles, bring out words like crime, corruption, controversial politics and racial tension. But for the really smart among us, it is so much more – a country of diversity, beauty, creativity and endless opportunities for growth and a bright future.

With South Africa as a door to Africa, corporate South Africa has a responsibility to the rest of the continent to make ideas count towards the upliftment of the entire continent. Global pulp and paper producer, Sappi, invites all other corporates, and every single person blessed to be living in this country, to contribute towards growing our land, our people, our culture and prosperity.

What will get us there?

‘At Sappi, we believe that no idea is too small, and any idea can have a huge impact,’ says Bernhard Riegler, Sappi General Manager Marketing, Paper and Paper Packaging.

‘Our ‘Plant a seed, grow and idea’ concept is about generating a positive and proactive view toward changing and growing this country, and we want all South Africans to embrace this view.

How will we do this? By realising that it is precisely the challenges in our country today that is making South Africa one of the most exciting places on the planet. History has proven many times over that great triumphs start from great difficulties, the best opportunities evolve from tough times and big dreams started somewhere with a small idea.

Potential for positive change

‘We want to encourage South Africans to recognise that the potential for positive change and a better future starts with and within each one of us, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or educational background. It starts by choosing to think, speak and act positively, by realising that nothing new (great ideas) can grow, bloom or bear fruit unless the right seed (positive thoughts, words and actions) has been put into the soil.

‘We are inspired by life and in South Africa,’ Bernhard says, ‘we are proud about being South African and we believe that each and every one of us has the capacity to spearhead change by coming up with new ideas, and sharing them, on how to make this wonderful country of ours even better.

Every idea on how to grow this beautiful country, no matter how small, moves South Africa and the continent further along the path of greatness. To illustrate Sappi‘s commitment to uplifting the spirits of all South Africans, they produced a Viral Video on the great impact a small idea can have.