logo
Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation: Empowering the needy through education

Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation: Empowering the needy through education

IOL News20-05-2025

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Image: Tracey Adams
EXECUTIVE Trustee of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation (KMF), Gugu Motlanthe, is a community builder on a mission.
The plight of learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds is her top priority as she steers KMF towards alleviating hardships and modern-day challenges.
The truth about democratic South Africa is that virtually everybody with a semblance of honesty can attest to Thabo Mbeki's lamentations of 'one country, two economies' — one white and affluent and the other black and in dire straits.
It is against this backdrop that Motlanthe and KMF remain resolute and relentless in their programme to help take children from impoverished township and village backgrounds out of their perennial hardship through educational empowerment initiatives.
Together with other media, I was privileged to receive a KMF invitation to join a group of Grade XI learners from Forte Secondary School in Soweto and Westbury Secondary School in Johannesburg on 'extra-curricular activities' at the KMF HQ in Houghton, Johannesburg, recently.
The KMF philanthropic mission includes offering disadvantaged children training in, among others, robotics and coding, computer gamification, multimedia podcasting as well as drone technology.
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
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.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The aim, of course, is to bring South Africa's lower rung learners up to speed with their affluent counterparts in an economically unequal country they all call home, and owe allegiance to at least, just perhaps, such interventions could assist in producing learners equipped to tackle tertiary education with fear or intimidation.
It is easy to take things for granted, but many village and township learners become exposed to today's opportunities for the very first time when they are invited by Motlanthe to visit the KMF premises to learn.
There is also a hidden bonus for the visiting learners, always. They get to meet face-to-face, for the very first time, with South Africa's former President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is the patron of the KMF.
Although the groups of learners are often large as they straddle from one side of the KMF premises, the lucky ones also get to shake the hand of the unassuming former President, and also pose for photographs with him and Motlanthe and other staffers of the KMF, including the security personnel. The learners are also well looked after. They are served a delicious meal with drinks in a country where one meal a day is a luxury for many.
Speaking in her capacity as the executive trustee, Motlanthe says: 'As a Public Benefit Organisation, the KMF is intentional on bridging gaps in education, with the target being the youth of the country. The research and curriculum development are currently underway for the KMF to soon offer solar and wind energy training to unemployed youth.'
This will help tackle the runaway youth unemployment in the country, where an astronomical number of youth graduates are sitting at home without jobs, some for as long as 15 years.
Additionally, in a country facing increasing energy insecurity over the past decade, training in solar and wind energy could bring about new opportunities for the fast-becoming hopeless unemployed youths. Solar installations and maintenance have become a key industry in an era of load shedding.
I watched a podcast training session underway at the KMF. The learners were visibly elated, over the moon. Some were seeing the live studio for the first time. As they took the mic one after the other, some became too emotional to handle the joy of the opportune moment. Overcome by emotion, they sobbed and cried, as if they never believed such abundant love could be shown by the caring KMF.
The KMF premises are a hive of activity. At the back end are digitised vegetable gardens from where frequent harvest takes place for distribution to the needy. Even a small poultry project comprising a few dozen egg-layers features among the myriad programmes. Occasionally, Motlanthe does donate free eggs as well.
The KMF is an entity that keeps both Motlanthe and the former President busy as bees. However, watching them at work, it is easy to tell that they both have a heart to render assistance to others, especially the less fortunate. There can be no doubt that contribution, albeit in relatively small measure, will help to make South Africa a better place for all who live in it.
* Abbey Makoe is the chief executive and editor-in-chief of the Global South Media Network.
** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media or IOL.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Meat shortages could hit your wallet hard
Meat shortages could hit your wallet hard

IOL News

time5 hours ago

  • IOL News

Meat shortages could hit your wallet hard

Karan Beef confirms a case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease at its feedlot Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers Aviation flu could impact the price of poultry in South Africa. Image: File South African consumers may face higher meat prices this winter as outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, an avian flu-related ban on Brazilian poultry imports, and financial turmoil in the local poultry sector tighten supply. Prices of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) have already surged by 140%, pushing up costs for processed products like polony, while disruptions in the beef sector create a complex picture for meat affordability - posing particular challenges for lower-income households. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Gordon Nicoll, chairperson of the South African Meat Processors Association (SAMPA), outlined the challenges: 'We're currently facing a serious supply issue when it comes to raw materials, specifically mechanically deboned meat from Brazil. The problem isn't just about price anymore; it's about whether you can get stock at all. That's the first issue.' Mechanically deboned meat is essential in the production of affordable processed meat products such as polony, viennas, russians, and tinned corned beef, which are staples for many South African households. Domestic production of MDM is minimal, making the country heavily reliant on imports, primarily from Brazil. 'South Africa imports about 19 000 tons per month,' Nicoll said. 'Brazil was the last open source. Now that is closed too, and other suppliers cannot meet our demand.' The suspension of Brazilian poultry imports since May 15, 2025, following an outbreak of bird flu in Rio Grande do Sul, has resulted in a shortage of MDM and increased prices. 'The price of mechanically deboned chicken has increased by 140% since the Brazilian import ban,' said Imameleng Mothebe, CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE). 'Every day with no imports is another nail in the coffin of food security for millions.' At the same time, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa has severely affected the beef sector. A confirmed case at a feedlot in Heidelberg, Gauteng, led to quarantine measures that cut animal slaughtering by nearly 75%. Despite the outbreak, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), reassured consumers about food safety and supply. 'Although foot-and-mouth disease is a serious concern for producers, beef products are safe and consumers should not be alarmed,' he said. Sihlobo explained that because South Africa is typically a net exporter of beef, export suspensions result in increased domestic supply, which could place downward pressure on prices in the short term. However, producers bear the economic burden. 'Export bans force farmers to hold cattle longer, increasing feed and care costs,' Sihlobo noted. Minister John Steenhuisen announced that the Department of Agriculture has ordered vaccines to cover the KwaZulu-Natal area, while assessments, as well as forward and backward tracing of the outbreak in Gauteng, are ongoing. "Over 900 000 doses of vaccines were ordered, and the first batch is expected to arrive next week. 'These plans are not only about responding to outbreaks, but also about building permanent infrastructure to manage future risks. 'More broadly, we are establishing a Biosecurity Council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority, and industry. We are rolling out a farm-to-fork national traceability system for livestock.' The department is also preparing to establish a Biosecurity Council to improve disease surveillance and control. Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) will open a centralised Operational Centre on June 9, 2025, to coordinate the FMD response. The centre will lead efforts in vaccination, movement control, and collaboration with government and industry stakeholders. 'RMIS was established precisely for a time like this, to provide coordinated leadership and technical expertise,' said RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier. The plan includes expanding veterinary service capacity and creating FMD-free livestock compartments to secure supply chains. The poultry industry is further challenged by the recent business rescue of Daybreak Foods, one of South Africa's largest integrated poultry producers, which had to cull 350,000 chicks amid financial difficulties. This has compounded supply pressures on chicken products. Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of Eskort, called the combined impact of foot-and-mouth disease, the Brazilian import ban, and the Daybreak poultry crisis a 'triple whammy' for food security. 'Meat is going to be more expensive for everyone this winter, but many people will also face the threat of hunger and malnutrition,' he warned, urging government to ease the ban by allowing imports from unaffected regions. The Department of Agriculture has committed to reviewing Brazil's regionalisation application and considering a partial lifting of the import suspension. 'We are following international guidelines which allow trade from zones free of avian influenza,' Steenhuisen said. This approach is aimed at protecting both animal health and food supply stability.

SA personal healthcare CEO named in Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list
SA personal healthcare CEO named in Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list

IOL News

time18 hours ago

  • IOL News

SA personal healthcare CEO named in Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list

Avian Bell, CEO of Quantumed. Image: Supplied. Quantumed, on Friday announced that its CEO, Avian Bell, has been named to the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the Healthcare category. "This recognition celebrates Bell's visionary leadership and Quantumed's unwavering commitment to the personal healthcare industry through community upliftment and public health education across South Africa," Quantumed said. Under Bell's leadership, Quantumed (a proudly local start-up) has become a leader in promoting sexual healthcare, personal wellness and safety education, particularly targeted towards underserved and preciously marginalised communities. The company's innovative outreach programmes and accessible healthcare solutions have empowered countless South Africans with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health. 'This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the incredible work our team is doing to make healthcare more inclusive and impactful across the continent,. We believe that education is the first step toward empowerment, and we're committed to continuing our mission of transforming lives through knowledge and genuine care in the personal healthcare space,' Bell said. The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list honours young leaders who are shaping the future of the continent through innovation, resilience, and social impact. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Bell joined a distinguished group of changemakers who are redefining what it means to lead in Africa today. Bell's announcement as Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 Honouree in the healthcare space comes at the onset of Youth Month in South Africa, illustrating the immense potential young leaders have to create a more inclusive, equitable personal healthcare sector. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:

Calling all young people: It's not all about experience – here's what employers really look at when hiring youth
Calling all young people: It's not all about experience – here's what employers really look at when hiring youth

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

Calling all young people: It's not all about experience – here's what employers really look at when hiring youth

Many employers – especially in the financial services, sales and retail sectors – check your credit record as part of their hiring process. Image: File It's Youth Month and while we're focused on all things young people, it's hard to ignore the mammoth-sized elephant in the room: unemployment. With youth unemployment now sitting at a staggering 45.5% (Stats SA - F2025:Q1) – and no clear plans in May's National Budget on how this will be tackled as a nation – you'd be forgiven for feeling somewhat despondent. This has led to many young people pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours, which shows proactivity and determination. However, our research shows that there are more school or college graduates who want to join a reputable company where they'll be able to learn from their colleagues and leaders, rather than try to start their own business. Yet, their concern is that they don't have the necessary experience to secure a job. But if you're a young person looking to get a foot on the rung of the corporate ladder, you'll be pleased to hear that it's not all about experience. Companies know that most young people are just starting out in their careers, and so – while some experience is certainly valuable – it's not always a deal breaker. Here are six things companies look at – aside from experience – when recruiting, and what you can do to boost your chances of snatching up that dream job. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Credit record – Many employers – especially in the financial services, sales and retail sectors – check your credit record as part of their hiring process. It's not just about whether you're in debt, but about how responsibly you manage your money. A clean credit history demonstrates that you're reliable and trustworthy, especially for roles that involve handling cash or sensitive data. Start by checking your credit record regularly and taking steps to pay off debt or resolve judgments. Qualifications – Degrees and diplomas are valuable, but they're not the only things that count. Accredited short courses, online certifications, vocational and industry-specific training can also boost your profile – especially if they show you're proactive about your learning. Don't underestimate the power of ongoing education, even if it's outside traditional institutions. References – References provide an employer with real-world validation of who you are and how you work. A good reference – from a teacher, mentor, internship supervisor or previous employer – can speak volumes about your character, work ethic, and reliability. Think ahead: build strong relationships, ask for permission before listing someone, and give them a heads-up if they might be contacted. Volunteering experience – Volunteering is more than just giving your time – it's a powerful way to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and dedication. Employers love to see candidates who take initiative and contribute to their communities. Whether it's tutoring, helping at a food drive, or working with a youth group, volunteering shows that you're dependable, proactive and willing to learn. It also gives you experience to talk about in interviews, especially if you're still building your CV. Social media presence – Your online profile tells a story – make sure it's one you're proud of. Employers often review candidates' social media accounts to get a sense of personality, professionalism and whether you'll be a good cultural fit. That doesn't mean deleting everything, but it does mean thinking before you post. Are your platforms public or private? Do they reflect your values and goals? A good online presence can even work in your favour – showcasing your interests, talents or creative projects. Soft skills – Your attitude, communication style, and how you solve problems are just as important as your qualifications. Employers want people who can work well in a team, adapt under pressure, are proactive problem-solvers, take feedback and stay motivated. These 'soft skills' are often the deciding factor between equally-matched candidates. Practice active listening, build confidence in speaking clearly and respectfully, and stay open to learning. How you show up every day says a lot about your potential. In a world where everyone's chasing experience, the reality is that It's not just about ticking boxes – it's about showing up with purpose. At Momentum, we believe in realising dreams with (YOU)th in power – because your future starts with how you show up today.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store