The Goalkeepers South Africa community started the year with its first networking webinar, setting the tone for 2025 with a focus on collaboration, planning, and well-being. Facilitated by Prof. Willem Fourie and supported by the Policy Innovation Lab, the session created space for Goalkeepers to reflect on their goals, explore potential partnerships, and discuss how they can sustain both their work and themselves in the year ahead.

A key theme of the session was intentional planning, mapping out priorities, identifying opportunities, and ensuring that efforts remain focused and effective. With many Goalkeepers tackling complex challenges in their fields, having a clear direction at the start of the year helps create momentum and structure. Prof. Fourie also revisited design thinking, emphasising that it is an ongoing process that guides how Goalkeepers approach their work, refine ideas, and collaborate for impact.

Alongside their ambitions, Goalkeepers also recognised the mental toll that high-impact work can take. The discussion on well-being encouraged members to share the small but effective ways they manage stress and maintain balance. Some emphasised the importance of setting boundaries and disconnecting when needed, while others spoke about meditation, exercise, creative outlets, and faith-based practices as ways to stay grounded. Simple routines, such as pausing in the car before transitioning between tasks or taking a break from screens, also proved valuable in preventing burnout. The conversation served as an important reminder that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, ensuring that the drive to make a difference does not come at the expense of personal well-being.

With a strong start to the year, Goalkeepers are now moving forward with clearer goals, renewed focus, and a commitment to both impact and balance. The Policy Innovation Lab remains a key support system, helping to strengthen connections and facilitate meaningful collaboration. As plans take shape, Goalkeepers are poised to turn their intentions into action, making 2025 a year of purposeful progress.