13 hours ago
Kagiso Trust marks 40 years of transformative development in South Africa
MANKODI Moitse is the Kagiso Trust's chief executive.
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.
