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Success is not just about numbers or growth. It is about how much we are able to uplift the people around us.
Ashif Black /
Country Representative South Africa
I have been part of the Business Team since February 2023. My work focuses on building partnerships, growing our operations, and making sure what we do has a real impact on both drivers and passengers across the country.
helpingWhat I enjoy most about my job is that it is never the same. Every day brings new challenges and new ways to make a difference. It is fast-paced, but it is also meaningful. I like knowing that the work we do helps people and improves how mobility works in the country.
I got involved with The Rising Flower in 2015 when it was just an idea to turn unused land into food gardens that could help communities learn about sustainable farming and grow their own food.
Outside of work, I am very passionate about community development, helping people grow so they can also give back and lead others.
helpingAt that time, we had to work hard to get support and approvals from local government and schools to make it happen.
helpingWhat drew me in was how the project brought environmental care and social purpose together. It was not just about growing vegetables, it was about restoring dignity, giving people skills, and helping communities become more self reliant. It is about transforming neglected spaces and rebuilding community spirit. Volunteering there changed how I view social responsibility. It is not about giving handouts, it is about creating systems that help people stand on their own feet.
In the beginning, I was very hands on, preparing the soil there, planting, running clean-up drives, and organising food distributions.
helpingOver time, my role grew into helping coordinate things more strategically, getting local authorities involved, and finding partners to support our mission.
helpingWhen we finally got our first 4 hectare plot of land, it was a proud moment. It showed what is possible when people come together to create something that benefits everyone.
One of the hardest things in the beginning was keeping everyone focused on the same goal.
helpingMany people supported the idea, but turning that support into real action took time and consistency. Later on, things became more complicated when the project was taken over by the Department of Agriculture and turned into a political initiative.
helpingOur original community-led model was pushed aside, which was discouraging. But it also taught me something important: to adapt when things change. The key was to stay focused on the plan and our purpose, not the politics and distractions.
One of my best memories is when we had our first successful spinach harvest. Watching everyone come together to pick what we planted and seeing how excited and happy everyone became made everything worth it.
There were moments where other volunteers walked away, but remembering the people we helped and the difference it made in their lives kept me going.
helpingToday, I still support The Rising Flower through food drives, community work, and mentoring young people who want to learn about sustainability and food security. The Rising Flower means a lot to me because it is about growth, community, and renewal. It reminds me of my childhood. I used to spend school holidays at my grandparents’ farm, helping with animals and learning about farming. Those moments shaped how I see life and the value of hard work.
I plan to stay involved because it keeps me connected to what matters most, which is people and purpose.
I believe The Rising Flower will continue to grow into something positive, a space where people in different communities can learn about food systems, business, and environmental awareness.
helpingThere is a real connection between my work at inDrive and my involvement with The Rising Flower. Both are about fairness, empowerment, and giving people control over their lives. At inDrive, we fight for fairness and injustice for drivers and passengers.
helpingThe Rising Flower does the same by giving people fair access to food and opportunity. Both teach the same lesson: People deserve respect, choice, and dignity.
helpingMy community work keeps me grounded. It reminds me that success is not just about numbers or growth. It is about how much we are able to uplift the people around us.
You will be surprised by how much change you can make and how much you will grow from it, both personally and professionally!
My message to my colleagues is simple. If you can find the time to start or contribute to any community initiative that is making a positive impact, get involved, learn, and enjoy the experience.
