Tracey Henry’s departure from Tshikululu Social Investments after a remarkable 26 and a half years at the
helm marks the end of an era for the organisation. Tracey herself kindly shared a copy of her farewell
speech and supporting presentation materials with me following the event on 24th January 2025. These
documents offer a valuable insight into her leadership and the evolution of Tshikululu under her guidance.
They reveal a leader deeply passionate about the power of social investing to transform lives and
communities, and a clear vision for the future of the sector. Henry’s words paint a vivid picture of her
journey, from her initial foray into the development sector in 1998 to her establishment of Tshikululu as a
prominent force for positive change in South Africa.
The materials suggest that Henry’s leadership has been defined by a deep commitment to accountability and
sustainability, principles that are clearly embedded in Tshikululu’s organisational DNA. Key initiatives
highlighted in the documents include the publication of Tshikululu’s first “Report to Society,” a move that
signalled a dedication to transparency and genuine stakeholder engagement. This wasn’t simply a tick-box
exercise; it represented a fundamental shift towards open communication and a recognition of the importance of building trust with the communities they serve.
The development of thought leadership platforms, such as the now-annual SSI conference, is also showcased as a testament to her vision of fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the social investment sector. These conferences, as described in the materials, weren’t just networking opportunities; they were carefully curated events designed to stimulate dialogue, challenge conventional thinking, and drive innovation in the field. They
became a vital hub for industry leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to connect, share best practices,
and collectively address the complex social challenges facing South Africa.
A recurring theme throughout the distributed materials is the importance of mentorship and collaboration.
Henry evidently spoke warmly of her own mentor, Godfrey, acknowledging his profound influence on her
career trajectory and the valuable lessons she learned under his guidance. She also paid tribute to her
colleagues, emphasising the inherently collaborative nature of the work and the vital role of a supportive
and high-performing team. She particularly mentioned the Human Capital team, led by Sam, highlighting
the crucial importance of creating a positive and empowering work environment where individuals can
flourish and contribute their best. This emphasis on people, both within the organisation and in the
communities they serve, highlights Henry’s belief that social investment is ultimately about human
potential and the power of collective action
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