With past locations including Rome, Washington DC, Portugal, Moscow and Istanbul, this year TRIUM is pleased to venture to the Southern Hemisphere to explore the vibrant surroundings of Durban, South Africa; a location Module 7 organizers Siya Gama and Gagan Seksaria describe as

pertinent choice as it not only aptly represents the rainbow nation of South Africa but also Sub- Saharan Africa, one of the fastest growing markets in the world. With its coastal locale, a vibrant cultural scene and modern infrastructure, it symbolises the direction Africa is fast headed in

This years Module 7 will have a focus on global entrepreneurship in Africa and TRIUMers will not only benefit from hearing from the strong African alumni community, but also a number of expert guest speakers including South Africa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Cyril Ramaphosa and His Majesty King of the Zulus, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
Siya and Gagan are looking forward to showcasing this exciting region, full of economic and entrepreneurial opportunities, to TRIUMers from across the globe.

Hear more from Siya and Gagan about what’s in store…

Who is on the Module 7 organizing committee? Could you give us a brief background on the committee members?

Module 7 is being organized by the entire TRIUM group based in South Africa. As is tradition, the alumni from the last graduating class are the hosts for Module 7 the following year. Accordingly, Siya Gama and Gagan Seksaria, shall stand hand-in-hand together with all South Africa based TRIUMers to host us in Module 7.

Siya Gama:
Based in Johannesburg, Siya is the CEO of state-owned Transnet, the largest transportation company in Africa with over USD 4.5 billion in revenue responsible for, besides other sectors, all ports and freight railway activities in South Africa.

Gagan Seksaria:
Originally from Mumbai and now based in Cape Town, Gagan is an infrastructure investment specialist with most of his experience gained in building and operating a multi-billion dollar port assets portfolio in Africa on behalf of the companies he has represented that include A.P. Moller – Maersk and ICTSI. Gagan is also involved in an exciting start-up called Second Act.

Besides, there is greater and wider effort at play here with all of the South Africa based TRIUMers joining hands to make this event a success. They are Mayo Ajibade, Andrey Bogdanov, Tracey Chiappini-Young, Dino Constantinou, Lew Evans, Tina Taylor, Charles Kie, Swaady Martin-Leke, Imran Moten, Luigi Stravino, Sonja Van Vliet and Paolo Zambonini.

What are the key objectives for Module 7 South Africa? What do you hope alumni will take away from the module?

Module 7 South Africa is themed around global entrepreneurship in Africa. Accordingly, the module shall aim at introducing this exciting region and country, pregnant with economic and entrepreneurial opportunities, to TRIUMers from the across the globe. Besides, the module aims to provide an incredible natural and cultural backdrop for TRIUMers from across cohorts to rekindle old connections and create new ones.

This is the first Module 7 hosted in Africa. With over 50% of the world’s population growth expected to occur in Africa, this module will showcase the economic and cultural vibrancy of Africa. And, with South Africa one of the largest economies in Africa, we will explore the economic opportunities and the diverse African culture of the Rainbow Nation.

There are a range of top speakers lined up for the module. Could you tell us more about the speakers and some of the key topics that will be discussed?

TRIUM Module 7 South Africa has been able to attract a number of accomplished and interesting individuals who have agreed to spend time with us. This includes the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa who has been an entrepreneur since several years. The line-up also includes His Majesty, the King of Zulus, Mr. Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu besides several business, cultural and academic leaders from this continent. We have also invited professors from TRIUM to join us in South Africa.

What makes this year’s Module 7 in South Africa so unique?

Module 7 in South Africa will provide a wide range of experiences unlike any other Module 7. It’s the first time Module 7 has been hosted in Africa. It will blend cultural immersion, time in nature, interaction with some of Africa’s greatest thinkers, and a trip on the unique Blue Train, what many would call the preeminent luxury train ride in the world.

Is there anything else you would like to share regarding the module?

In keeping with tradition, the next edition of Module 7 shall be held in mid-2017 but in breaking with tradition, Module 7 shall be held, for the first time ever, in the Southern Hemisphere with Durban, South Africa, being its proud host.

Durban is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world. Its harbour is the busiest in South Africa, and it is rated as one of the 10 largest in the world. The port of Durban handles more than 30 million tons of cargo with a value of more than R100 billion every year. It is the largest city of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, and one of the country’s main seaside resort cities with excellent beaches and a distinctive tropical climate. The city is well equipped for the needs of tourists and has for years been the prime holiday venue for locals.

This is the province where South Africa’s first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela was arrested at a small town – Howick, on his way back to Gauteng.

The organising team has ensured that the entire group of visitors are able to stay at one place to enhance the interaction and experience. This is at one of the most amazing hotel properties in all of Africa. Zimbali Coastal Resort is a place where miles of deserted beaches divide the warm Indian Ocean and the lush coastal vegetation. A place where you observe schools of dolphins frolicking in the waves and whale sharks cruising lazily by. A place to enjoy bird watching and encounter over 200 species of birds, and indigenous wild life with shy blue duiker and families of bushbuck wandering through.

Are there any other travel or cultural opportunities around Module 7 in Durban?

South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth that changes dramatically in its landscape and culture every few hundred miles. No visit to South Africa is complete without visiting the Mother city or spending some time in the African bush. The organizing team has very thoughtfully created pre and post module package tours to Cape Town and Pilanesberg National Park which the visiting alumni should consider taking advantage of.