Global Vision Award

Spear of the Nation, a one man tour guiding company, has become the first South African company to be awarded a prestigious "Global Vision Award" by the largest Travel and Leisure publication in the United States of America.

Travel and Leisure magazine quotes in their November issue. "The 17 Winners of Travel and Leisure's 2009 Global Vision Awards from the globe spanning Walt Disney Corporation to a one man tour company in South Africa are transforming in ways large and small. Not only how we travel but also how we think about the world."

Spear of the Nation received the award in the category of Grassroots Philanthropy. A Jury of eight distinguished members which included Environmentalist Celine Costeau and Nobel Prize winning economist Dr Joseph Stiglitz selected Spear of the Nation for it's community work in Alexandra township in Johannesburg.

Robin Binckes of Spear of the Nation assisted in the establishment of a centre which provides daily care to 440 Orphans and Vulnerable children and established an NGO in Alexandra called Friends of Alexandra which has assisted in uplifting the community in a number of ways. Robin Binckes said on being notified of the award "This is a tremendous compliment to be singled out from all of the travel and hospitality companies throughout the world. Our work in Alexandra has really just begun. Perhaps because of this more South African companies will play a role in putting back into their communities. There are many companies who already contribute a great deal so to be recognized like this is quite a surprise and not a little overwhelming."

Links

• Travel + Leisure press release about the Global Vision Awards.
• Travel + Leisure Website article on the Global Vision Awards.
• South Africa - the Good News website article on the award.
• Gauteng.net website article on the award.
• Travel + Leisure Website article about Rob as a tour guide.