Shows
The Better Samaritan PodcastFrom Farming to Philanthropy: Neil Hart's Mission-Driven JourneyTune in to the latest episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast as Neil Hart shares his inspiring story. Hear how he pivoted from a life in farming to becoming the Executive Head of the Mergon Foundation. We dive into his faith-driven path, showcasing the power of long-term relationships and innovative philanthropy. We also explore the global impact of the FiftyFour Collective, a collaborative platform developing organizational health worldwide. With a focus on creativity, adaptability, and divine guidance, Neil’s inspiring story offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in mission-driven work and impactful partnerships.Listen in...
2024-12-1239 min
Lausanne Movement PodcastBuilding Healthy Ministries for Kingdom Impact: Neil Hart on Leadership and Organizational HealthWhat makes a ministry truly impactful? Discover how healthier leaders and organizations can lead to long-term, sustainable Kingdom impact.
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Neil Hart, Executive Head of the Mergon Foundation, explores what it takes to build healthy ministries for lasting Kingdom impact. Neil shares his journey and insights on organizational health and introduces a helpful resource—FiftyFour Collective—designed to empower ministries worldwide.
Main Points:
Leadership as the Foundation: The role of vision and character in shaping impactful organizations and the irreplaceable value of tested leaders.
The Nine Dimensions of Organizational Heal...
2024-11-2538 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey S2 Ep 1: Francois as a business builderIn this first episode, Mergon CEO Pieter Faure invites founder Francois van Niekerk to reflect on his personal business journey and the pivotal events that shaped his leadership and Mergon’s establishment. They explore core leadership principles such as having a learning mindset, giving power away, and prioritising the organisation over personal gain, all fundamental to Mergon's culture throughout its 45-year history.
Purchase Francois’ book 'Doing Business with Purpose' here.
2024-05-1645 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey S2 Ep 2: Francois as business leader and dealmakerFounder Francois van Niekerk and Mergon CEO Pieter Faure journey through the halls of Francois' entrepreneurial career in the 1990s. They explore some of the bold investment decisions he made during a time of political and social unrest, business partnership principles, and his growing understanding of stewardship.
Purchase Francois’ book 'Doing Business with Purpose' here.
2024-05-1633 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey S2 Ep 3: Mergon through the seasonsWhat does it mean to be a steward of your business instead of its owner? Mergon founder Francois van Niekerk explores this question with host Pieter Faure in this episode. They reflect on how the understanding of ‘God owning it all’ shaped Mergon’s views on partnership, generosity, and power dynamics in capital ownership, ultimately leading to the Mergon Foundation becoming its majority shareholder.
Purchase Francois’ book 'Doing Business with Purpose' here.
2024-05-1646 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey S2 Ep 4: Francois’ next seasonIn this final episode, Francois and Pieter reflect on the post-2008 years when Francois transitioned his leadership and took on more of a mentorship role, emphasising a move from 'success to significance'. They explore his ongoing philanthropic endeavours alongside his book, ‘Doing Business with Purpose’, exchanging personal anecdotes and recounting years of shared experiences.
Purchase Francois’ book 'Doing Business with Purpose' here.
2024-05-1645 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 9: Building One MergonOver the last 40 years, Mergon has grown into a multi-faceted organisation that has learned how to leverage cross-industry insight and experience. In this final episode of the series, Pieter Faure, Neil Hart and Keri-leigh Paschal reflect on Mergon’s mission, structure and culture. They share how the values of ‘It’s not about us,’ ‘we’re in it together,’ and ‘we’re stewards on a journey’ have enabled Mergon to become catalysts for kingdom impact.
2023-05-1530 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 8: Maturing in Mergon's identityIn this episode of Our Mergon Journey, Pieter Faure, Almero Strauss and Keri-Leigh Paschal comment on the growth pains Mergon experienced in maturing as a organisation. There is an art to blending commercial interests and credibility in the market with being overtly Christian - and they share how embracing a learning culture, and intentionally building a unified brand identity, have been key to Mergon's success.
2023-05-1024 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 7: Power of the collectiveIn this episode of Our Mergon Journey series, Pieter Faure interviews Lauren Cloete-Henning and Keri-leigh Paschal about the origins of Muthobi, Nation Builder and Ziwani. Within the context of a global shift in thinking about corporate social responsibility, these different Mergon initiatives have been serving as a bridge between business and positive social impact, for more than a decade.
2023-05-0225 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 6: From conduit to catalystIn this episode, Pieter Faure, Neil Hart and Danie Vermeulen discuss the Mergon Foundation journey, and what they have learned about redemptive practices in philanthropy. They explain the reasons for shifting from a traditional funder-donor approach, to a strategic partnership approach that now focuses on three regions: South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle-East.
2023-04-2428 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 5: Partnering for success and significanceIn this episode, we dive deeper into Mergon’s journey as investment entrepreneurs. We discuss Mergon’s portfolio mandate, personal experiences in early-stage investing in South Africa, and finding those elusive instances where prayer, timing, leadership and due diligence converge. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Mergon’s approach to investing in start-ups.
2023-04-1730 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 4: Beauty in small beginningsIn this episode, Pieter Faure, Almero Strauss and Lauren Cloete-Henning share some of their learning experiences as a small new team. At the time, there simply was no blueprint available for operating in the diverse environments of entrepreneurial investment, philanthropy, and corporate social impact. Undaunted, the team added a kingdom-minded mandate, and found their own way forward.
2023-03-2018 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 3: A season of transitionsIn this episode, Dick van der Walt provides insights into Mergon’s leadership transition around 2008, when founder Francois van Niekerk handed over the reigns to Pieter Faure and his new team. They candidly discuss the tricky process of embracing organisational growth and change, while keeping the original mandate intact, and celebrate God’s faithfulness along the way.
2023-03-1324 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 2: Laying a strong foundationIn this episode of Our Mergon Journey series, Pieter Faure, Gauché Radley and Almero Strauss share their memories of Mergon’s early days. They remember their experiences of working with Mergon founder, Francois van Niekerk, and explain how the values he embedded into the organisational culture from the beginning, still guide Mergon today.
2023-03-0622 min
Entrepreneurial Ministry LeaderTransitional Leadership with Neil HartIn this episode of the EML podcast, our host Tommy Lee sits down with Neil Hart, Executive Head of Mergon Foundation, a foundation based in South Africa that allocates resources to ministries across Africa and the Middle East. They talk about the journey, the work of the Mergon Foundation, and Neil's newest book, The Magnificent Exit, about transitional leadership. The conversation revolves around developing a pipeline of leaders, the problem with creating celebrity pastors, and the perspective that all leaders need to have when leading their organizations. “Organizations should exist for people, and people for the mission and kingdom of God...
2023-02-2729 min
MergonOur Mergon Journey Ep 1: Introduction to the seriesWelcome to Our Mergon Journey, a podcast series that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the heart of Mergon. In this episode we find out a bit more about the “why” behind the series, and meet your host, Mergon CEO Pieter Faure.
2023-02-2722 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 12: Nhlakanipho - iThembaRoughly 14 years ago, Nhlakanipho Zondi heard about an iThemba kids programme happening at a school in his community. Curious to see what this kids programme was about, 12-year-old Nhlakanipho decided to stop by. This is his Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 11: Joan - GLA14-year-old Joan Mwadiwa and some of her friends were bullied in primary school because of their ethnic roots. Afraid that speaking about it might make it worse, Joan kept it to herself for a long time. This is her Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 10: Maurisha - POPUPMaurisha Theron was stuck in a demanding retail job which not only robbed her of spending time with her family, but also of her joy. After resigning, she struggled to find another job for nearly three years. This is Maurisha’s Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 9: Daniel - Towers of HopeThere are many drivers behind homelessness, and it would be wrong to assume that it’s always issues like substance abuse, family dysfunction, mental health issues or criminal affiliation that lead to a person becoming homeless. Often such psychosocial factors are very well the main drivers, but Daniel Thlabathlaba has a different story of how he ended up on the street. This is his Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 8: Lizwi - Leva FoundationLizwi grew up in a disadvantaged community in rural Eastern Cape. Yet, he always had aspirations to achieve great things, despite his dire circumstances. His path crossed with that of Leva Foundationwhen, during his software development studies at university, he applied to assist Prof Jean Greyling in taking the TANKS coding game to underprivileged communities. This is Lizwi’s Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 7: Sinethemba - Sihamba SonkeIn an area like Zithulele where only 25% of youth attend an educational institution, only 5% have completed matric and a staggering 70% of youth are unemployed, many young people are hopeless and unsure of how to navigate these difficult life circumstances. Sinethemba Beja was one such young person who didn’t manage to finish her final year of high school. This is her Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 6: Thembisa - Living HopeThembisa was faced with a hopeless situation when her husband lost his job before the 2021 lockdown. With her being a stay-at-home-mom to their three children, it meant that soon there were no means for even the basics. This is Thembisa’s Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 5: Bajabulile - Give a Child a FamilyWith the number of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa at a staggering high, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully there are many stories of hope, such as the story of Give a Child a Family (GFC) foster parent, Bajabulile Mbili.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 4: Daniel - Calling AcademyCalling Academy is a low-fee independent school that provides high-quality education to boys like Daniel, who are from low-income communities around Stellenbosch and Kroonstad. In addition to providing top-quality education, the school aims to help their learners discover God’s calling for their lives. This is Daniel’s Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 3: Tracey - Sozo FoundationTracey Mungofa was born and raised by her grandparents, deep in the woods of Zimbabwe. Her mother had to emigrate to Botswana to find work. She moved to South Africa in 2014 and settled in Vrygrond – a desperately overcrowded and under-resourced informal settlement in the Cape. This is Tracey’s Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 2: Cazile - Key of HopeIt is estimated that 7,800,000 adults and children in South Africa are living with HIV. In some communities of KwaZulu-Natal, 60 percent of women have HIV. This devastating epidemic has ripped apart countless families and left many in despair. From the age of five, Cazile Mhlope knew what it meant to lose the people closest to her. This is her Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastStories of Hope Episode 1: Masiwakhe - Gold YouthIt is estimated that more than 3.2 million learners are bullied yearly in South Africa. In addition, over 67% of bully victims said that they won’t ask a teacher for help because they don’t necessarily think it will change their situation. Masiwakhe Bulu was one such learner who had to deal with and overcome the effects of bullying as a young boy. This is his Story of Hope.
2022-09-1504 min
UpNext with Tommy LeeTransitional Leadership with Neil HartIn this episode of UpNext, our host Tommy Lee sits down with Neil Hart, Executive Head of Mergon Foundation, a foundation based in South Africa that allocates resources to ministries across Africa and the Middle East. They talk about the journey, the work of the Mergon Foundation, and Neil's newest book, The Magnificent Exit, about transitional leadership. The conversation revolves around developing a pipeline of leaders, the problem with creating celebrity pastors, and the perspective that all leaders need to have when leading their organizations. “Organizations should exist for people, and people for the mission and kingdom of God. Leaders...
2022-07-2929 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 1: Afrika Mhlophe - Growing your cultural intelligence as a leaderRegardless of whether we’re aware of it, all of us carry a cultural bias. Pastor, author and speaker Afrika Mhlophe says if we want to grow our cultural intelligence, we need to scrutinise the culture that drives our beliefs and ultimately determines our behaviour. How can we appreciate other cultural perspectives and let go of any beliefs that are incompatible with the Christian faith? Afrika helps us answer this question and several more in this episode of Elevate.
2021-11-1630 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 2: Edwin Fillies - The art of cross-cultural leadershipLeading in multicultural environments is not easy - but it can be hugely rewarding. In this episode we asked Edwin Fillies, co-founder of YWAM’s Nations-to-Nations ministry, to speak to us about leading cross-cultural teams and developing God’s heart for the ‘other’. Working with over 25 000 young people every year, Edwin encourages us to embrace hospitality, live open-heartedly and engage multi-culturally in the body of Christ.
2021-11-1625 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 3: Dr Johan Beukes - Becoming a healthy spiritual leaderHow spiritually healthy are you as a spiritual leader? In this episode Dr Johan Beukes shares on ways of growing our spiritual health and leadership, so that we not only survive, but thrive, in change and diversity. Johan explores some of the mindsets that typically derail leaders from their God-given course, and encourages leaders to root their identity firmly in Christ.
2021-11-1625 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 4: David Denmark - Building healthy donor relationshipsAs a leader of an NGO or ministry, why is it always so hard to ask for money? In this episode, David Denmark, executive director of the Maclellan Foundation, helps us get to the heart of this question by exploring the complexities of financial giving, from both a beneficiary and donor perspective. Through rich theology and practical experience, he paints an inspiring picture of what healthy donor-beneficiary partnerships can be when rooted in trust and Kingdom principles.
2021-11-1625 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 5: Werner Momberg - Growing your organisational healthHave you ever thought about the various dimensions of organisational health and whether you’re nurturing it effectively? Today we join Werner Momberg from the Mergon Foundation, who shares on the vital role that organisational health plays in having long-lasting success and sustainable impact. He speaks to some of the 11 key dimensions that make up a healthy organisation, and how they work interconnectedly to grow your impact over time.
2021-11-1624 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 6: Kärin Butler Primuth - The power of partnerships in world missionsHave you ever wondered how to benefit from the strength of multi-organisational networks? In this episode, we speak to Kärin Butler Primuth, CEO of visionSynergy, who are collaboration specialists in the global mission movement. Karin makes an inspiring case for the power of Christian partnerships to accelerate Kingdom impact and shape the future of world missions.
2021-11-1625 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 7: Steve Patty - Strengthening your strategy for impactIn this episode, Dr Steve Patty of Dialogues in Action encourages us to see strategy and evaluation not as an event that we ‘must do’ once or twice a year, but as a ‘way of life’ that architects a culture of learning in our ministry. Through fresh and practical insight, Steve helps us develop our strategic thinking so that we can effectively evaluate and communicate our impact as leaders and organisations.
2021-11-1625 min
The Mergon Foundation PodcastElevate Episode 8: Eddie Waxer - Raising up and releasing leadersAs ministry leaders how do we empower and release the people around us? In this episode of the Elevate series, Eddie Waxer shares on the power of humility to pave a culture of inclusivity, trust and dedicated discipleship. Having helped drive a movement in global sports evangelism, Eddie illustrates how we can effectively multiply our impact when we keep the mission, and not ourselves, at the centre.
2021-11-1626 min
Missions TodayMissions Driven Investing with Pieter FaureBehind most amazing ministries is a group of amazing supporters! Though at times we seem to think that ministry just happens, financial support and stability are keys to ongoing ministry. This week on Missions Today, we’ll head to South Africa to speak with a man whose job it is to help fund Kingdom work, and he does it through growing business. Check out what Pieter Faure shares with us this week on Missions Today!
For more information about Pieter's work, please check out Mergon Group.
2021-11-1326 min
Repurposing BusinessCapital and Non-Profits, NGOs & Charities With Pieter FaureIn this episode, I sit down with Pieter Faure to discuss capital within non-profits, NGOs, and charities.
Link to Pieter's website: https://mergon.co.za/mergons-journey-the-courage-to-surrender/
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2021-10-1141 min
Doing Business DifferentlyKeep Seeking And LearningMergon CEO Pieter Faure reminds us that seeking God is not a once-off event, but a continual exercise in humility, patience and trust.
2021-06-1412 min
The Wonderful Leaders PodcastEp.5 Finding Your LeadershipJoin Dan as he Interviews Neil Hart, Executive Head of the Mergon Foundation, about "Finding Your Leadership". We hope you are encouraged by this Podcast.
The post Episode #5 Finding Your Leadership appeared first on Wonderful Leaders.
2020-07-2927 min
Business in the time of COVID-19Navigating Business Through COVID-19 with Almero Strauss, Group Director of MergonNation Builder — Almero Strauss, a Group Director of Mergon, provides insights into how business leaders can successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shares some of his own experiences of managing his business portfolio in this current reality.
2020-05-0100 min
Ander programmeJennifer gesels met Etienne Piek van MergonEnige ander lekker GROOT onderhoude oor spesiale geleenthede wat buite ons normale program-formaat val.
2019-06-0205 min
KlipkouersEpisode 75: Francois van NiekerkDie biljoenêr wat nie een is nie. My belangrikste en kragtigste onderhoud nog. Francois is die stigter van die Mertech Groep wat bestaan uit 200 maatskappye en die Mergon Foundation wat elke jaar meer as R100 miljoen aan Christen liefdadigheidsorganisasies skenk. Hy is oa die mede-stigter van die Atterbury Groep. Ek beplan om vir 20 gelukkige Klipkouers sy boek, Doing Business With Purpose, te gee. Hierdie episode word moontlik gemaak deur ons nuwe borg EXAH. Webwerf
2018-05-302h 05
KlipkouersFrancois van NiekerkDie biljoenêr wat nie een is nie. My belangrikste en kragtigste onderhoud nog. Francois is die stigter van die Mertech Groep wat bestaan uit 200 maatskappye en die Mergon Foundation wat elke jaar meer as R100 miljoen aan Christen liefdadigheidsorganisasies skenk. Hy is oa die mede-stigter van die Atterbury Groep.
Ek beplan om vir 20 gelukkige Klipkouers sy boek, Doing Business With Purpose, te gee. Hierdie episode word moontlik gemaak deur ons nuwe borg EXAH. exah
2018-05-302h 05
360 BizNation Builder Social Innovation ChallengeCliffCentral.com — Nation Builder, together with the Stellenbosch University LaunchLab and the Mergon Group, is inviting business pitches for their inaugural Social Innovation Challenge. The competition aims to identify and support South Africa’s social entrepreneurs, with an opportunity to win a share of R150 000 seed capital. Entrepreneurs with a self-sustainable business idea – no matter how simple or small – that addresses particular social issues, positively impacts communities, empowers the disadvantaged, or has the potential to solve local problems in innovative ways, are invited to enter the Social Innovation Challenge. Ten finalists will receive exposure to a broader networ...
2018-04-1100 min