Salesforce employees, partners and media representatives visited Johannesburg’s Maharishi Institute, exploring how education, technology skills and collaboration can create opportunities for young people.
Following Salesforce’s Agentforce World Tour in Johannesburg, Salesforce employees, associates, partners and media representatives gathered at the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) campus in Marshalltown for the company’s inaugural Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Day.
The visit provided attendees with a firsthand look at an innovative education model working to address youth unemployment, skills shortages and urban renewal in South Africa. The programme opened with a performance by the Maharishi Institute choir, followed by guided breathing, yoga and meditation sessions that form part of the institution’s daily student experience.
The event also aligned with Salesforce’s broader focus on preparing individuals and businesses for the AI-powered future of work. Attendees learned how the Maharishi Institute has helped more than 25,000 young South Africans access higher education, develop technology and artificial intelligence skills, and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Discussions during the day explored potential future collaborations centred on technology skills development, including plans for a dedicated Salesforce Academy that could become the only academy of its kind in Southern Africa.
Dr Taddy Blecher, CEO and Co-Founder of the Maharishi Institute, outlined the organisation’s vision of transforming Johannesburg’s inner city into an “Education Town” while creating pathways to employment and economic participation for thousands of young South Africans.
“We are set out to prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary person,” said Blecher. “Our goal is to educate 100,000 disadvantaged young people, connect them to quality jobs and demonstrate that every individual has extraordinary potential when given access to the right opportunities, skills, support and education.”
Attendees were taken on a guided tour of the institution’s expanding education precinct, including entrepreneurship hubs, business education facilities, technology training centres, early childhood development programmes and community sports infrastructure.
One of the highlights was a visit to Johannesburg’s first dedicated inner-city soccer field built in more than a century through a partnership with Standard Bank. The facility forms part of broader efforts to revitalise the surrounding community.
The tour also featured a surprise appearance by entrepreneur and Nando’s founder Robbie Brozin, who attended in support of the Jozi My Jozi civic initiative. The initiative brings together more than 200 organisations working collaboratively to improve urban safety, economic activity and community development across Johannesburg’s inner city.
Among the facilities showcased was 54 Main Street, home to the Maharishi Next Institute of Technology, where discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a future Salesforce Academy focused on developing Salesforce-related skills and creating employment pathways within South Africa’s growing technology ecosystem.
Ursula Fear, Senior Talent Program Manager at Salesforce, said partnerships between education institutions, industry and communities are increasingly important in preparing young people for the future of work.
“As technology continues to reshape the future of work, helping people access the skills, networks and opportunities needed to participate in that future is more important than ever,” said Fear.
“What makes Maharishi Institute particularly compelling is its commitment to developing the whole person while equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills. Through possible partnerships like these, we may have an opportunity to help bridge the gap between education and employment while ensuring that more young people can benefit from the opportunities being created by the digital economy.”
The day concluded with mentorship sessions between Salesforce professionals and Maharishi Institute students. Discussions focused on leadership, career development, technology and professional growth, giving students valuable exposure to global workplace experiences and career pathways.
Building on the success of the visit, the organisations are also exploring further opportunities for engagement, including a planned sports day involving partners, customers and students later this year.
