Kagiso Trust marks 40 years of transformative development in South Africa
Image: supplied.
On 9 June 2025, the Kagiso Trust proudly commemorated its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of unwavering commitment to enhancing education, fostering socio-economic development, and strengthening civil society and local governance. As an emblem of its enduring mission, the Trust introduced a new positioning statement: 'Igniting Human Capacity.' This sentiment encapsulates its core belief that empowering individuals and communities is imperative for sustainable change.
At the heart of Kagiso Trust's operational philosophy lies a steadfast dedication to human capital. 'Investing in people is the most powerful and enduring form of capital investment,' stated Kagiso Trust's CEO, Mankodi Moitse. 'Every student we support and every entrepreneur we train contributes directly to economic growth and a more skilled workforce. This is how we build a self-reliant society.'
Among its various educational initiatives, the Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme (BNSDP) and the Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme (EMSP) exemplify the Trust's commitment to nurturing future generations. Through targeted skills development, these programmes equip individuals with the essential tools to achieve economic independence and actively participate in shaping South Africa's future.
Demonstrating a unique approach in the non-profit sector, Kagiso Trust does not rely on donor funding, making it one of the few organisations worldwide to operate independently in this respect. By fusing financial capital with human capital, it has established a sustainable funding mechanism allowing it to amplify its impact. With an asset base of R10 billion, bolstered by investment vehicles like Kagiso Capital and Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH), the Trust is well-positioned to reinvest in the nation's future. 'Financial sustainability is not just a goal; it's an imperative,' Moitse added. 'Our investment model proves that development can be both impactful and financially independent.'
A significant pillar of Kagiso Trust's legacy is its emphasis on education. For four decades, the Trust has enhanced over 500 schools in rural and underserved communities, making the BNSDP a benchmark for educational transformation. The programme has notably increased matric pass rates, supported teacher development, and integrated digital learning through collaborations with organisations such as ICASA, CSIR, and key network providers.
Additionally, the Trust is making strides in reintroducing arts, culture, and sports into school curricula, while expanding pathways for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). These efforts not only prepare learners for future careers but also promote technical education as a viable and respected choice for South Africa's youth.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
Beyond the realm of education, Kagiso Trust is deeply invested in economic empowerment initiatives through its entrepreneurship and skills development strategies. By focusing on the property and agricultural sectors, the Trust is helping to transform these industries into wealth-generating engines for black entrepreneurs and emerging farmers. Strategic alliances with corporates, financial institutions, and governmental entities ensure that these enterprises remain sustainable while promoting inclusive economic growth.
Furthermore, Kagiso Trust is reinforcing civic participation through its Local Governance Support and Civil Society Support programmes. By igniting data-driven activism and strengthening networks amongst civil organisations, the Trust is inspiring communities to become collaborative architects of democracy rather than mere recipients of aid. Their engagement with local municipalities, particularly the pilot project in Makana Municipality, showcases how improved public performance is attainable through shared accountability and empowered local leadership.
As Kagiso Trust celebrates its remarkable 40-year journey, its gaze is firmly locked on the future. The organisation aims to scale its investment-backed development model, expand educational and entrepreneurial initiatives, and deepen partnerships across public and private sectors.
In shaping a South Africa characterised by sustainable development, Kagiso Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to empower individuals and build self-reliant communities.
The vision is resolute: to foster a nation where financial and human capital synergistically flourish, transforming lives today and paving the way for future prosperity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Standard Bank pockets R24 billion in six months, while Capitec eyes earnings to surge above 22%
Headline earnings are a way of measuring a company's core profit. The first half of 2025 seems to be a great time for banks as they are pocketing billions in headline earnings. Standard Bank Group reported R24 billion in headline earnings, while Capitec said it expects its earnings to increase between 22% and 27%. Headline earnings are a way of measuring a company's core profit. Basically, how much money it makes from its main business activities, without the noise of unusual or one-off events. Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank Group, attributed this success to continued balance sheet growth, robust fee and trading revenue growth, and diligently controlled costs. ALSO READ: Standard Bank glitch: Clients shocked by empty account balances The bank eating everyone's lunch Standard Bank Group is Africa's biggest lender by assets. Tshabalala was reporting on the bank's performance for the six months ended 30 June 2025. The bank's headline earnings grew by 8% to R23.8 billion, while its return on equity (ROE) increased to 19.1% 'Our performance in the first six months of 2025 reflects the robust franchise momentum in our businesses and active capital management despite the volatility linked to global developments. We remain confident and firmly on track to deliver on the 2025 targets outlined to the market in August 2021,' said Tshabalala. The bank's outlook Standard Bank Group expects its headline earnings per share to grow from 8% to 12% and ROE within the 18% to 22% range, for 2026 to 2028. From information gathered by The Citizen, Standard Bank's lowest paid employee gets R258 390 per annum, making this the highest average salary in banking. Tshabalala walked away with more than R89 million in remuneration. Out of the R89 million, his annual salary cost the bank more than R10 million. ALSO READ: Do you still need cash? Banks closing ATMs, except Capitec Capitec expects an increase Capitec on Wednesday said it expects its headline earnings to grow by 22% and 27% for the six months to end in August 2025. In the same period in 2024, the bank made R6.4 billion in headline earnings. It is attributing this expected growth to increased loan disbursements and annualised credit loss ratio remaining stable. 'Growth in net transaction income and commission, including value-added services and income from Capitec Connect, continued as active client numbers increased and transaction volumes grew,' said the bank. Capitec CEO tops banking pay charts According to the Capitec's financial results for the year ending 28 February 2025, former CEO, Gerrie Fourie's annual salary and provident fund is over R18 million, with benefits worth R118 000. When including short and long-term incentives, his total cost to company for the year was over R104 million. Fourie resigned as CEO on 25 July, and handed the reigns to Graham Lee. 62% of the Capitec's employees earn between R250 000 and R500 000 annually. NOW READ: Absa and Standard Bank raised their minimum salaries for 2025 – here's the new pay
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Innovator Trust prepares for prestigious Women in Tech Awards celebrating female innovators
Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards to honour South African female pioneers in technology This year, the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) shines a spotlight on the ingenuity of South African female-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that are steering the charge in technology innovation. Founded over a decade ago by Vodacom, the awards has been pivotal in nurturing and advancing the capabilities of women-led businesses within the tech sector. The WIT platform, a cornerstone initiative of the Trust, aims to amplify the achievements of women who lead not just with innovation but with intent and influence. Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised the importance of women-led innovation for societal and economic progression. 'Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,' she stated. 'Research conducted by the McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance.' Furthermore, the Boston Consulting Group indicates that startups founded or co-founded by women generate significantly higher returns, more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, compared to those founded by men. Jooste affirms, 'The evidence is clear: investing in women delivers measurable results.' It is revealed that the event will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, engaging keynote presentations, interactive plenary discussions, and exhibitions showcasing emerging talent in innovation. Attendees can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities that foster dialogue centred on reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking strategies.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Innovator Trust prepares for prestigious Women in Tech Awards celebrating female innovators
This year, the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) shines a spotlight on the ingenuity of South African female-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that are steering the charge in technology innovation. Founded over a decade ago by Vodacom, the awards has been pivotal in nurturing and advancing the capabilities of women-led businesses within the tech sector. The WIT platform, a cornerstone initiative of the Trust, aims to amplify the achievements of women who lead not just with innovation but with intent and influence. Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised the importance of women-led innovation for societal and economic progression. 'Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,' she stated. 'Research conducted by the McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance.' Furthermore, the Boston Consulting Group indicates that startups founded or co-founded by women generate significantly higher returns, more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, compared to those founded by men. Jooste affirms, 'The evidence is clear: investing in women delivers measurable results.' It is revealed that the event will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, engaging keynote presentations, interactive plenary discussions, and exhibitions showcasing emerging talent in innovation. Attendees can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities that foster dialogue centred on reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking strategies.
