Project Portfolio Office (PPO) recently had the privilege of taking part in the CEO Challenge, a prestigious event in support of the South African Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame exists to celebrate, preserve, and promote the extraordinary contributions of South Africans across sports, business, arts, and culture, ensuring that their stories inspire generations to come. By participating, PPO reaffirmed its commitment not only to excellence and leadership but also to community impact and the promotion of an active lifestyle.
Representing PPO was a special four-man cycling team, each rider carrying a unique link to Pretoria Boys High School (PBHS). Leading the group was PPO CEO, Guy Jelley, a proud PBHS Old Boy from the Class of 1994. Joining him was his lifelong friend and fellow 1994 classmate, Bronson O’Kelly. Guy’s younger brother, Gavin Jelley, PBHS Class of 2003 and ex-PBHS Master, brought further family pride to the team. Completing the lineup was the youngest rider, Jack Jelley, Guy’s 13 year old son, who will begin his PBHS journey in 2026 and is set to graduate as the Class of 2030. Jack represents the third generation of Jelley’s at PBHS, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, Robin Jelley, who graduated in 1966.
This unique blend of generations and traditions highlighted the powerful connection between education, legacy, and family. For PPO, it was more than just a ride—it was an opportunity to showcase the values of continuity, teamwork, and resilience that underpin both successful businesses and great institutions.
One of the highlights of the event was Jack’s memorable meeting with football legend Lucas Radebe, a Hall of Fame inductee admired for his sporting excellence and his role as an ambassador of South Africa on the global stage. The PPO team also enjoyed the unforgettable experience of cycling alongside John Smit, former Springbok captain, PBHS Old Boy, and another national icon. Sharing the indoor hot box with Smit and the current PBHS Headmaster, Gregary Hassenkamp underscored the living tradition of excellence the Hall of Fame seeks to honour.
The CEO Challenge was not just a sporting event—it was a reminder of the importance of inspiring future generations. The South African Hall of Fame plays a critical role in preserving the legacies of South Africans who have made an indelible impact. By doing so, it provides young people with role models who embody hard work, leadership, and perseverance. For Jack, meeting and riding alongside such figures offered a tangible glimpse of what it means to live with purpose and ambition.
For PPO, participation was a natural fit. The company has long championed the importance of being active and balanced as part of its workplace culture. Encouraging wellness and physical activity is a cornerstone of PPO’s philosophy, as the company believes that healthy, motivated individuals form the foundation of strong, innovative teams. By aligning with the Hall of Fame and the CEO Challenge, PPO not only demonstrated its corporate values but also contributed to a cause that celebrates South Africa’s rich heritage.
As the wheels turned and the kilometres were covered, the PPO team exemplified the spirit of legacy, camaraderie, and inspiration. In the end, the CEO Challenge was about more than cycling—it was about honouring the past, engaging in the present, and shaping the future.
