For the past two years, Kannemeyer, who lives in Scarsdale New York, has been the CEO of the non-profit Haitian American Cultural and Social Organization (HACSO), supporting Haitian immigrants in the United States, and providing hands-on help during Haiti’s most recent hurricane disaster.
His journey to America started shortly after he had completed his BProc law degree in Port Elizabeth in 1999, when he took up the opportunity to work at a three-month summer camp for children in Ohio.
“I decided to take a break-year before returning to South Africa to work at a law firm. After the camp, I found a position at a bakery.”
But the travel bug had bitten hard, and upon returning to South Africa, he immediately made plans to go back, working at two more summer camps, the last one being for children with learning and emotional disabilities, run by adolescent development organisation St Christopher’s Inc., based in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
It would be turning point in his life – with St Christopher’s offering Kannemeyer a permanent position on their legal team.
“I stayed at the organisation, working in various roles, for 14 years … The kids we worked with didn’t have proper nuclear families [many were from foster homes], some were troubled, some had learning challenges.
“For many of these kids, grad school [university] would never be in their line of sight. Many had never left the confines of their neighbourhood.”
Despite opposition, Kannemeyer organised the school’s very first trip abroad, bringing a group of teens to the Northern Areas, where they assisted at schools and orphanages. “It was one of the highlights of my life. None of the kids had a breakdown [as predicted], and they still stay in touch with me.” Kannemeyer continues to support several South African orphanages.
To raise funds for St Christopher’s, Kannemeyer climbed Mount Kilimanjaro – succeeding on his second attempt – and wrote a book about the expedition, titled “One can make a difference”.
In 2016, he accepted an offer to take over the reins of HACSO, an influential immigrant organisation in the United States, which at the time was in danger of closing.
During the hurricane that same year, Kannemeyer organised for supplies to be shipped to Haiti, and assisted with their distribution on the ground. “I was so enamoured with how people responded to the hardships – I knew I was in the right place.”
Commenting on his Alumni Award, Kannemeyer said: “We don’t do the stuff we do for the acknowledgement, so it’s very humbling to be recognised by the university. It’s also affirmation for HACSO, that we are doing something right for the community, and people are noticing.”
Kurt Kannemeyer (centre) receiving his Alumni Achiever Award, flanked by Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa and President of the Alumni Association Mr Khwezi Blose.