Jako Poolman
Laughter, inspiration, and a sumptuous breakfast were on the menu at the BMT College Good News Breakfast, held on Thursday, September 12, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Westcliff. Corporate companies whose employees study with BMT College were treated to this unique gathering, hosted to inspire and ignite new passion—especially at this time of year.
While some people arrived a little prickly from sitting in traffic and general fatigue, everyone left smiling, their hearts filled with new hope for our country, our people, and above all, for the change an individual can make.
Brent Lindeque, better known as The Good Things Guy, was the keynote speaker. His passion for making South Africa a better place was so contagious that it spread to every person in the dining room.
But what do BMT College and Brent – an individual whose small act of kindness made a huge difference and changed the news narrative in our country – have in common? More than you think! Here are some of the highlights from Brent’s speech and how it underlines everything BMT stands for.
Purpose and passion
Purpose and passion go hand in hand. “Without these two things, nothing will happen,” says Brent. You must find your purpose and passion and implement them in your daily life if you’re going to be the change you want to see.
That is exactly what BMT College does. “Our purpose and passion since 1992 when the college started has been to train people to be integrated and to advance in a workplace where they can truly make a change with their knowledge and by investing in themselves,” says Dr Bernie van der Linde, principal of BMT College.
There are always three sides to a story
Don’t just look at the negative, says Lindeque. You must learn to view everything from every angle and find the positive, even in the bleakest situation, like when you have to queue for five hours to vote.
“With our highly trained and devoted staff, we ensure every student learns critical thinking and how to analyse and improve situations. We stand for quality education that can be put into practice in the workplace. With our lecturers always available and willing to help, we instil a positive approach to studying and investing time in yourself,” says Van der Linde.
One thing can change everything
Lindeque’s simple act of kindness a decade ago truly changed everything – both in his career and in the international perception of South Africa. “You still need to know what problems we’re facing, but you need to find a balance between positive and negative news,” emphasised Brent.
BMT College knows all too well that one simple act, like answering a study query immediately, can make a world of difference. “We also strive to give our students balance with our flexible study options. We go out of our way to have a positive interaction with anyone because we know that simple words of encouragement or a calm answer can change a person’s whole study experience,” says Van der Linde.
What you do makes a difference
Lindeque was the force behind the “take a bag, leave a bag” trees popping up in grocery stores. These trees help people who forget their grocery bags in the car reuse bags and pay it forward. He also didn’t charge a licensing fee for his concept.
“We’re acutely aware that we’re responsible for helping our students improve their future by sometimes becoming the first person in their family to obtain a diploma. We don’t take this responsibility lightly. We connect with our student’s companies to encourage them to invest in their staff’s future and career, and in this way help everyone to make a difference in their way. We can all contribute to society and a better South Africa, especially when we make an effort to support each other on our educational journeys.” says Van der Linde.
There are people who are already the change!
Lindeque shares a tale of how he met the formidable former Public Protector advocate Tuli Madonsela. She now works at the University of Stellenbosch, where she lectures in law, training a new generation of her so-called “justice warriors”. “Also, remember that legacy is not one thing, but it’s absolutely everything. Every person you touch. Even if you’re a dad and get a medal for Best Dad of the Year. Become part of people who are being the change,” says Lindeque.
The same goes for BMT College. “We train our staff and our students to be ethical warriors who better themselves to become the leaders of tomorrow. We have a strong legacy with the courses and teaching methods we offer that are continuously updated to respond to the changing world of work. That is why we bestow medals on our graduates: to remind them that they’re already ethical warriors, and they inspire change wherever they venture,” says Van der Linde.
Finding happiness
We all have bad days, and that is okay. But when we view things we “should” do differently and think of them as things “we are able to do,” says Lindeque, we can change our own narrative.
“That’s something we’ve always done at BMT,” adds Van der Linde. “It’s not that you ‘should’ study or obtain a higher qualification – we want you to know that you can achieve a qualification with our help, assistance and guidance. We want students to know that having knowledge and advancing yourself is a privilege, even on tough days. And even on the tough days, we’ll be there to support and remind you that you get to do something rather than that you have to do something.”
How do we become the change we want to see in the world?
Brent refers to a Fred Rogers quote: In times of tragedy, look for the helpers. “And if you can’t find the helpers, it’s your responsibility to become a helper,” adds Brent.
Helping students to thrive and make their dreams a reality is just one way that BMT College are helpers, says Van der Linde. “We want to ensure our students know that they always have someone who’ll go the extra mile to help them. And we want to help our students change their own narratives into positive stories during their studies and after they graduate. At BMT College, we strive to be the change we want to see in distance education – for our students, staff, and ourselves. Being in South Africa is good; being part of the BMT College family is great. This Business Breakfast was about thanking our business partners for making a huge impact on our students’ lives.”
Read on Lindeque’s website, The Good Things Guy, how his movement began by turning a relatively simple challenge into an opportunity to change the country’s narrative. Follow BMT College on social media for their Motivational Mondays to inspire and remind you that you can do great things.
View more photos here of the BMT College Good News Breakfast
What our corporates had to say:
“Thanks for making me part of the Good News Breakfast with BMT College, in fact it was an honour. I enjoyed every moment of the event from the beginning to the end. I gained a lot of information on how people’s life can be changed positively.
The BMT College is serious about improving developmental measures of students, subsequently changing and touching lives of generations to come. In light of the above, our officials are receiving the best if not excellent educational programmes from the BMT College, which will in turn improve their performance and service delivery at large.
I will be sharing positive good news of the College to our colleagues and the Department at large.
Thank you again for the invitation and hoping to be part of the future events to come.”
M Rooi: Department of Water and Sanitation
“Last week, I had the privilege of attending a business breakfast hosted by BMT College, where we were inspired by thought-provoking South African keynote speaker, Brent Lindeque.
Brent delivered an exceptional presentation. His insights resonated deeply, blending practical wisdom with a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in our country. It was a truly enriching experience that left us with actionable ideas and renewed motivation & and had a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.” It was certainly a morning of valuable insights and inspiring conversation.”
A Govender Kammies: Group HR and Training Manager – Traxtion
“Being part of the BMT business breakfast meeting was a privilege because of the beautiful souls I’ve met and interacted with. The speakers were amazing especially Brent Lindeque (The good things guy). He literally changed my mind set and made me realise that help is always there when needed, and it takes one good deed to change the world. And hid mother being his number one fan proved that with good upbringing and family support one conquers the world.
I would like to forward my deepest gratitude to BMT for the invitation. As we are approaching the last quarter of the year when most people are exhausted, such an event refreshes and motivates a person’s intellectual capabilities. “
M Mohlaoli: Skills Development Officer – Aranda Textile Mills
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