The Power of Sport: Driving Social and Societal Change
Sport has the unique power to unite communities, inspire hope, and create pathways for progress. In this dynamic panel, Olympic champion Mark Tewksbury, Rugby World Cup-winning captain François Pienaar, and former Springbok legend Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira will share how their experiences on the world stage have translated into leadership off the field. Together, they will explore the role of sport in advancing social cohesion, breaking down barriers, and promoting inclusion and opportunity. The discussion will highlight powerful examples of how athletes can leverage their influence to drive societal change and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Speakers
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Mark TewksburyCanadian Olympic Champion Swimmer and HumanitarianMark Tewksbury
Counsellor
Canadian Olympic Champion Swimmer and Humanitarian
Mark Tewksbury first came to prominence as a record-breaking backstroke swimmer. His sixteen-year athletic career included 21 national titles, 7 world records, Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals, and a cover appearance on TIME magazine.
When he publicly came out in 1998, Mark was one of the first openly gay Olympic Champions in the world and has been a leader with the global 2SLGBTQ+ movement ever since.
In 2019, he was awarded a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for his work in gender inclusion and sexual diversity. In 2020, Mark was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In 2022, Mark represented Canada as part of the Honours Procession at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.
Embracing the notion of life-long learning, in 2025, after three years of studies and working in a commercial kitchen, Mark completed the Red Seal culinary program.
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Francois PienaarFormer South African Rugby Captain and Founder of MAD Leadership FoundationFrancois Pienaar
Counsellor
Former South African Rugby Captain and Founder of MAD Leadership Foundation
Francois Pienaar, born and educated in the Transvaal, is world-renowned for his leadership and achievements. Best known for leading South Africa to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he is also a successful businessman, commentator, and philanthropist. Francois holds law degrees from the University of Johannesburg and an honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire. Rugby Accolades He captained Transvaal’s undefeated 1993 side, winning four competitions including the inaugural Super 10. He then captained South Africa in all 29 of his appearances, culminating in the 1995 World Cup win. In 1996, he joined Saracens in England, later becoming player/coach and then CEO, leading the club to its first trophy in 127 years. He remains a board member. Francois was an ambassador for Guinness and Visa during the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cups and part of ITV’s commentary team in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Twice nominated by the Royal Television Society as best sports pundit, he is the only amateur to receive such recognition. Business Career On returning to South Africa, he joined First Rand Group, later becoming Head of Sponsorships and Strategic Business Development. In 2005, he was seconded as CEO of South Africa’s 2011 Rugby World Cup bid and became Provincial Chairman in the Western Cape. In 2009, he founded Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM), developing youth sports and entertainment rights. He is Chairman of Varsity Sports and the Cape Town Marathon while serving as CEO of ASEM. Philanthropy & Honours In 2003, he founded the MAD Leadership Foundation to support talented young South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds. MAD has built a strong reputation for governance and produced exceptional alumni. In 2023, he received the Oxonian Award for lifetime achievement. His role in the 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph was immortalised in Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated film Invictus, with Matt Damon portraying him and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela.
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Tendai MtawariraSouth African Rugby Star and Regional Goodwill Ambassador, UNICEFTendai Mtawarira
Counsellor
South African Rugby Star and Regional Goodwill Ambassador, UNICEF
Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira is an international Rugby legend. A veteran of the sport, he was a professional athlete for seventeen years. Tendai found a home for his strength and determination in the sport of rugby. The Zimbabwean born athlete caught the eye of coaches and scouts. His size and strength earned him the moniker ‘Beast’. He would go on the be the most capped player for the Sharks, the most capped springbok prop, a multiple winner in local and international leagues and earn the biggest prize in the sport, the 2019 Rugby World Cup trophy. Tendai has chosen excellence and commitment throughout his whole life, he is married to Kuziva and they have two children, their daughter Talumba and son Wangu. The family includes two fairly famous pups Milo and Coco. Tendai deeply values family, has a strong network around him and encourages the contributions of diverse voices in his life. He shares his story and journey as a public speaker internationally. Tendai is also a businessman, describing himself as a serial entrepreneur. He has most recently launched ‘The Beast Wines’ and is working hard to expand the brand worldwide. He has also worked hard to to improve his knowledge, he has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management in 2019 and is determined to complete his MBA. Tendai is a philanthropist, he established The Beast foundation in 2020 looking to make an impact on youth, their education and changing their impact on the future. The Beast Foundation is offering scholarships, mentoring youth and using sport to Unite, Build and Inspire Youth. Tendai was appointment as UNICEF Regional Ambassador to Eastern and Southern Africa in May 2022 and has traveled amplifying the plight of children and the need for education to support their futures.Tendai looks forward to a future that is filled with young leaders on the African Continent creating innovative solutions and living to leave a legacy.