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Contact USEpitome of Black Excellence (EBE), formerly known as Friends of Joy, is a non-profit organisation in South Africa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epitome of Black Excellence (EBE) and is it only for Black people?
Epitome of Black Excellence (EBE) is a South African non-profit organisation that serves as an incubation platform where followers are transformed into leaders and leaders into agents of change. Established in 1999 by former university students and graduates, EBE was founded to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical realities of the world of work.
While the organisation celebrates and promotes Black excellence, empowerment, leadership, and socio-economic development, membership and participation are not restricted by race. EBE welcomes individuals who support its vision, values, and commitment to community development, leadership advancement, nation-building, and social transformation.
How can I make donations to EBE?
What events does EBE organize? Are they only for a specific gender?
EBE organizes a wide range of programmes and events aimed at empowering different sectors of society.
These include:
Leadership Summits
Economic Empowerment Forums
Skills Development Workshops
Youth Development Programmes
Women Empowerment Dialogues
Men’s Leadership Conferences
Career Guidance Sessions
Entrepreneurship and SMME Development Forums
Community Outreach Programmes
Networking and Mentorship Events
While some programmes may target specific groups such as youth, women, or men, the organization itself is inclusive and serves all members of society.
Who are the leadership and what is the operating structure?
EBE is governed through a structured leadership model that typically includes:
President
Secretary General
Deputy Secretary General
Treasurer General
Executive Committee (EXCO)
Provincial and Regional Leadership Structures
Programme and Sector Coordinators
Advisory Council and Strategic Partners
The organization operates through various commissions, forums, and committees responsible for implementing programmes and projects.
For example, the current President is Joel Sekoala.
How does one become part of the organization and contribute to its mission and vision?
Individuals can become involved by:
Registering as a member.
Volunteering in community programmes and projects.
Participating in leadership development initiatives.
Joining sector-specific forums and committees.
Attending conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events.
Partnering with EBE through professional, academic, community, or business collaborations.
Supporting community outreach, mentorship, and empowerment programmes.
Members are encouraged to actively contribute their skills, expertise, and resources towards advancing the organization’s objectives.
Name a few programmes organized by EBE.
Some of the programmes and initiatives include:
EBE Men’s General Assembly
Leadership and Governance Seminars
Youth Leadership Development Programmes
Career and Professional Development Workshops
Entrepreneurship and Business Forums
Women in Leadership Dialogues
Mentorship and Coaching Programmes
Community Development Projects
Skills Transfer and Capacity Building Workshops
Networking and Stakeholder Engagement Platforms
Public Policy and Socio-Economic Development Dialogues
What are the EBE seminars, conferences and events about?
Who are the sponsors, partners, and associations?
EBE works with a variety of stakeholders including:
Government Departments
Municipalities
State-Owned Enterprises
Academic Institutions
Private Sector Companies
Development Agencies
Community-Based Organizations
Faith-Based Organizations
Professional Associations
International Development Partners
Partnerships are developed based on specific programmes and projects, and may vary depending on the nature and location of initiatives being undertaken.
What are the current projects and assignments?
Current and ongoing initiatives include:
2026 EBE Men’s General Assembly scheduled for 3 October 2026 in Pretoria.
Strategic partnerships with community organizations and institutions.
Leadership and mentorship programmes aimed at developing future leaders.
Community empowerment and socio-economic development projects.
Youth and graduate transition programmes focusing on employability and entrepreneurship.
Stakeholder engagement initiatives with government, business, academia, and civil society.
Capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen community leadership and organizational effectiveness.
Collaboration with organizations such as Tshepisong Men In Action (TMIA) on community development and social empowerment initiatives.
EBE Vision
“To build a society led by ethical, competent, and transformative leaders who drive sustainable development and social change.”
EBE Mission
“To develop, empower, connect, and inspire leaders and communities through education, mentorship, partnerships, innovation, and service to humanity.”
Where is EBE located and what areas does it focus on?
EBE operates nationally within South Africa South Africa and engages with communities across provinces through partnerships and local structures.
Its primary areas of focus include:
Leadership Development
Education and Skills Development
Economic Empowerment
Entrepreneurship and SMME Development
Youth Development
Women’s Empowerment
Men’s Development
Community Development
Social Cohesion
Nation Building
Corporate and Government Relations
Digital Inclusion and Innovation