Spur brings global young leaders together over dinner in Cape Town

Food has a way of bringing people together, even when they come from different parts of the world. That idea will be at the heart of Cape Town’s One Young World Summit, where Spur will sponsor the Opening Ceremony dinner on 3 November.

The international gathering, running from 3 to 6 November 2026, is expected to welcome approximately 2 000 young leaders from more than 190 countries for discussions on issues affecting their communities and the wider world.

The delegates will include entrepreneurs, activists, innovators and policymakers, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build connections and explore ways to turn shared ambitions into action.

Spur Corporation’s sponsorship will see the restaurant group welcome delegates through a shared dining experience before the Summit’s opening proceedings.

Vuyo Henda, who is the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Director of Spur Corporation, said food can help people connect across different backgrounds.

‘Some of our most meaningful connections begin around a table. A shared meal can turn strangers into people who listen to one another, exchange stories and discover what they have in common,’ says Henda.

The dinner also reflects the company’s Leading for the Greater Good commitment, which focuses on creating value for its business, employees, communities and the wider world.

*‘Leading for the Greater Good means using our influence, decisions and actions to create meaningful value for our business, our people, our communities and the world around us. Being part of One Young World strengthens that commitment by connecting us to a global network of purpose-driven leaders who share our ambition to create positive, sustainable change,’ *Henda adds.

‘Welcoming these young leaders to Cape Town is an opportunity to bring our Greater Good journey to life through the warmth of South African hospitality.’

One Young World is a global network of young people working to create positive change in their communities and workplaces. Its mission is to equip young leaders with the ideas, inspiration, connections and skills needed to turn their ambitions into practical action.

The organisation’s community comprises more than 20 000 Ambassadors across 196 countries. Their initiatives span several areas, including improving access to healthcare and education, promoting equal opportunities in the workplace and advancing the circular economy.

Together, the network has generated more than $4 billion in social impact over the past three years, according to the organisation.

One Young World’s annual Summit is also supported by prominent figures from political, business, social and humanitarian circles.

Past supporters have included Queen Rania, the late Kofi Annan, Sir Bob Geldof, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Maria Ressa and former Irish president Mary Robinson, alongside chief executives from major global businesses.

The 2026 gathering will bring the Summit to the Mother City following previous editions in cities including London, Zurich, Pittsburgh, Johannesburg, Dublin, Bangkok, Ottawa, Bogotá, The Hague, Munich, Manchester, Belfast and Montréal.

South Africa previously hosted the event in Johannesburg in 2013. Cape Town’s turn provides another opportunity to bring emerging leaders from around the world together on home soil.

The Summit is designed to bring emerging leaders together to discuss challenges and opportunities across different sectors and countries.

Its wider agenda includes climate justice, peacebuilding, equity, health, technology and human rights.

The gathering also takes place as South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising, giving youth leadership and social change added historical significance.

The event’s programme extends beyond the opening dinner, with delegates expected to take part in discussions and collaborative sessions throughout the gathering.

A key part of the One Young World model is its network of Ambassadors. After the Summit, delegates join a global community intended to help them continue collaborating and pursuing initiatives across countries and sectors.

For Cape Town, hosting the international gathering will bring together young people from across the world, while showcasing South African hospitality and the role of shared experiences in creating connections.

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Picture: Supplied

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