By Staff Writer
One of the questions we are most often asked when invitations go out is simple: what is the Table of Influence really about?
It is a fair question. From the outside, it can look like an elegant Saturday afternoon of good food and fine wine. And while there is certainly both, the heart of the Table of Influence lies in something far more intentional. It is about networks. It is about meaningful cross-industry engagement. It is about bringing together people from different fields and allowing connections to form in an atmosphere that is relaxed, yet purposeful.
In previous years, the format was leisurely. Each guest stood up, introduced themselves and shared context about their work. Conversations flowed organically from there. This year, with a larger guest list, we allowed those introductions to happen more fluidly as guests arrived and in between segments of the formal programme. The structure evolved, but the intention remained the same: create space for valuable relationships to take root.
Where Conversation Becomes Connection
The afternoon opened with an unpacking of what Xploreza stands for. Our pillars are not abstract ideas. They shape our content weekly and they guided the programme.
Three Pillars, One Purpose
Representing our lifestyle pillar, Dr Lerato Masemola led the wellness conversation. At a time of year when inboxes are full and momentum can quickly tip into overwhelm, her reflections on balance were timely. She shared practical tools for slowing down, personal anecdotes that grounded her message, and a reminder that success means little without health to sustain it. The room was attentive, reflective and deeply engaged.
Motoring, and particularly safety, is central to our platform. Each week begins with a safety feature because we believe responsible road use is a shared responsibility. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, anchored this pillar with clarity and conviction. He spoke about the economic and social cost of road accidents and the urgent need to cultivate awareness long before a young person applies for a licence. Referencing the tragic scholar transport accident in Van der Byl that claimed the lives of school children, he reminded us that road safety education must begin at foundation phase level. Mindset, he emphasised, should be shaped early so that responsible citizenship becomes instinctive.
Collaboration formed the third thread of the afternoon. Corporate attorney and founder of #CountryDuty, Tumi Sole, challenged guests to move beyond passive commentary. His call was for active citizenship, for individuals to be informed, engaged and willing towork together across sectors. Wellness, safety and civic responsibility are not isolated themes. They intersect in how we choose to show up in society.
From Dialogue to Direction
Complementing the conversations was wine sponsorship from Uvamira, thoughtfully paired with the menu and enjoyed throughout the afternoon. The culinary experience itself will be unpacked in next week’s feature.
The Table of Influence is not a social gathering disguised as purpose. It is a curated intersection of ideas, industries and individuals. It is where dialogue becomes direction and where relationships begin with a simple decision to take a seat.
