Latest news with #KagisoTrust
The Citizen
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
40 years of Kagiso Trust: Real stories of real women changing SA
With support from Kagiso Trust, women are rebuilding broken towns, producing organic food, and launching businesses that reach global markets. Noziphiwo Zumani felt defeated as she watched her hometown deteriorating and its people losing hope. Nomsa Ngwenya knew how to grow cocktail tomatoes but she had no transport to get them to market. Dipuo Phakathi's side hustle was showing promise but she needed help to get it to the next level. Kagiso Trust celebrates 40 years of empowerment Today, all three women – and thousands of others – are seeing their dreams come true thanks to support from Kagiso Trust, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary as one of South Africa's leading development organisations. 'As we celebrate Women's Day on 9 August, it's inspiring to see how our programmes have been able to ignite women's capacity, empowering them to drive sustainable change for themselves and their communities,' says Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse. 'Everything we do is based on the belief that investing in people is the greatest investment of all and the women who have benefited from our local governance, education and socioeconomic development programmes have proved that time and time again.' Makhanda revival led by women with vision Zumani, 42, says she remembers the Eastern Cape town of Makhanda when it was 'at its peak, economically and socially'. But things deteriorated and no-one seemed interested in 'bringing back the dignity that we as black people had in Makhanda'. That changed in 2023 when Kagiso Trust ran asset-based capacity-building community-led development workshops as part of its pilot governance model in the town. Zumani and others were inspired to launch a non-profit company, Imbumba Yeembonim, or collective unity of visionaries, to tackle social challenges. ALSO READ: Zozibini Tunzi to host Free State Fashion Week's Women's Day Business & Fashion Festival They identified four strategic pillars on which to build 'sustainable solutions that foster empowerment' – tourism, environment and healthy living, sport and education. Today, they host heritage tours guided by residents who share authentic Xhosa stories. The second pillar will be introduced later this year, aiming to improve nutrition and the physical landscape by establishing community gardens and rehabilitating dumpsites. Zumani says Imbumba Yeemboni has become a 'beacon of hope'. Imbumba Yeembonim founder Noziphiwo Zumani. Picture: Supplied Organic farming dreams take root in Limpopo Ngwenya has a master's degree in agricultural science, but instead of following a conventional career, she decided to set up an organic farming business in the Mopani district of Limpopo, specialising in cocktail tomatoes, herbs and moringa. Things were difficult without international certification or a way to transport her products to market. This changed in 2022 when she joined the Spar Rural Hub farmer development programme, which is supported by Kagiso Trust's Tyala Impact Fund. The programme provides small-scale farmers with resources, training and access to markets. Ngwenya says it was 'a game-changer'. Last year, she was named female farmer of the year at the Kagiso Spar Agri-Awards that celebrated excellence among the emerging farmers in Spar's Mopani Rural Hub programme. She used her prize money to invest in solar-powered irrigation. ALSO READ: Laconco, Lootlove and Relebogile Mabotja among big winners at Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards Through the Agri-Awards, Kagiso Trust committed R3 million in funding to support 10 outstanding farmers from the programme who had demonstrated significant improvement and profitability during the financial year. From side hustle to international furniture brand Phakathi, a qualified engineer, was working in Standard Bank's enterprise development department in 2017 when a negative experience with a cabinet supplier persuaded her to start a side hustle, DeNic Cabinets, in partnership with a carpenter. In 2019, she resigned from her job to focus on the business fulltime, but then Covid struck. Fortunately, Phakathi spent the first half of 2020 as a member of the first cohort in Kagiso Trust's PROPreneurX, a property entrepreneur accelerator programme. It was established to support black property entrepreneurs to be market- and finance-ready in order to grasp opportunities in the property sector and the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem. When she graduated from PROPreneurX, Phakathi said she had learned the value of strategy, deepened her leadership skills and built business networks. 'I wanted to see where I needed to place my business, who I needed to market and speak to,' she said. 'Collaboration is key. I wanted to build a network of trusted suppliers I could go into projects with. Who better to refer to a client than the same people you have sat down in a classroom with and know? For me, that was gold.' Phakathi now delivers high-end custom furniture across South Africa and internationally. NOW READ: Tholsi Pillay shares victory with Wouter Kellerman at Basadi Women in Music Awards
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Unified approach wins plaudits at summit on technical and vocational education
The 8th Annual Technical Teachers Conference in Johannesburg marked a historic first, uniting South Africa's Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education & Training in a powerful show of alignment for technical and vocational education. Co-sponsored by Kagiso Trust and Sasol Foundation, the event celebrated 10 years of the Technical Schools of Excellence Network and 40 years of Kagiso Trust's transformative work. With innovative workshops, virtual reality learning, and a focus on modernizing TVET curricula, the conference set a bold vision for inclusive, industry-aligned education. The presence of both the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education & Training at this year's Annual Technical Educators Conference was 'symbolic and powerful', according to Dean Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, a Trustee at co-sponsor Kagiso Trust. Nevhutalu told delegates at the conference in Johannesburg that the united front presented at the conference for the first time 'shows us that bridging the gap between educational levels is possible, necessary and urgent'. The conference included another first: the presence of lecturers from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and schools of skills, as well as the high school educators who have traditionally attended. Tshamani Mathebula, the head of the Sasol Foundation Trust, said the unified approach was a significant step forward. 'It strengthens the articulation between educational levels and underscores the importance of cohesive, responsive vocational pathways,' she said. Sizakele Mphatsoe, Kagiso Trust's head of education, said the conference came at a 'crucial moment' in the evolution of the TVET sector as the Department of Basic Education conducts a curriculum review and beds down the General Education and Training Certificate, introduced in 2023 as part of a three-stream model that provides different educational paths for learners based on their performance and career aspirations. 'The alignment of curricula with industry demands is urgent and essential,' she said. 'To truly empower the next generation, we must reconstruct our training models, embedding digital fluency and entrepreneurial thinking at every level of learning,' he said. Speaking at the conference's gala dinner at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Kagiso Trust chairperson Mankone Ntsaba said the event marked two milestones: 10 years of impact by the Technical Schools of Excellence Network, spearheaded by the Sasol Foundation; and 40 years of transformative work by Kagiso Trust. 'The Trust's 40-year legacy reflects our evolution from a donor-funded entity at inception to a self-sustainable organisation that partners across government, civil society and the private sector to enable inclusive, sustainable education,' she said. Ntsaba added that the partnerships behind the conference were 'an example of how our legacy is not a solo journey but a shared one. Together we have built a platform that empowers technical educators, the very backbone of our economic engine.' In its efforts to Ignite Human Capacity in schools, Ntsaba said Kagiso Trust was investing in modern technologies, supporting the professional development of educators and co-creating education models that respond to urgent development needs. 'Let us continue to engineer hope, craft opportunities, and shape a South Africa where education is not a privilege for the few but a right for all,' she said.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unified approach wins plaudits at summit on technical and vocational education
The 8th Annual Technical Teachers Conference in Johannesburg marked a historic first, uniting South Africa's Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education & Training in a powerful show of alignment for technical and vocational education. Co-sponsored by Kagiso Trust and Sasol Foundation, the event celebrated 10 years of the Technical Schools of Excellence Network and 40 years of Kagiso Trust's transformative work. With innovative workshops, virtual reality learning, and a focus on modernizing TVET curricula, the conference set a bold vision for inclusive, industry-aligned education. The presence of both the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education & Training at this year's Annual Technical Educators Conference was 'symbolic and powerful', according to Dean Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, a Trustee at co-sponsor Kagiso Trust. Nevhutalu told delegates at the conference in Johannesburg that the united front presented at the conference for the first time 'shows us that bridging the gap between educational levels is possible, necessary and urgent'. The conference included another first: the presence of lecturers from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and schools of skills, as well as the high school educators who have traditionally attended. Tshamani Mathebula, the head of the Sasol Foundation Trust, said the unified approach was a significant step forward. 'It strengthens the articulation between educational levels and underscores the importance of cohesive, responsive vocational pathways,' she said. Sizakele Mphatsoe, Kagiso Trust's head of education, said the conference came at a 'crucial moment' in the evolution of the TVET sector as the Department of Basic Education conducts a curriculum review and beds down the General Education and Training Certificate, introduced in 2023 as part of a three-stream model that provides different educational paths for learners based on their performance and career aspirations. 'The alignment of curricula with industry demands is urgent and essential,' she said. 'To truly empower the next generation, we must reconstruct our training models, embedding digital fluency and entrepreneurial thinking at every level of learning,' he said. Speaking at the conference's gala dinner at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Kagiso Trust chairperson Mankone Ntsaba said the event marked two milestones: 10 years of impact by the Technical Schools of Excellence Network, spearheaded by the Sasol Foundation; and 40 years of transformative work by Kagiso Trust. 'The Trust's 40-year legacy reflects our evolution from a donor-funded entity at inception to a self-sustainable organisation that partners across government, civil society and the private sector to enable inclusive, sustainable education,' she said. Ntsaba added that the partnerships behind the conference were 'an example of how our legacy is not a solo journey but a shared one. Together we have built a platform that empowers technical educators, the very backbone of our economic engine.' In its efforts to Ignite Human Capacity in schools, Ntsaba said Kagiso Trust was investing in modern technologies, supporting the professional development of educators and co-creating education models that respond to urgent development needs. 'Let us continue to engineer hope, craft opportunities, and shape a South Africa where education is not a privilege for the few but a right for all,' she said.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Kagiso Trust backs entrepreneurs as key to tackling unemployment
KAGISO Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse. Image: Supplied DEVELOPMENT agency Kagiso Trust says small businesses and entrepreneurs are central to addressing South Africa's high unemployment and poverty levels, particularly as questions arise over the accuracy of the country's official jobless statistics. Marking its 40th anniversary, Kagiso Trust is highlighting the growing role of the informal economy and the need for greater investment in small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This comes ahead of International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, observed globally on 27 June. 'By providing employment, entrepreneurs and the SMMEs they run are building the human capital that leads to economic growth,' said Kagiso Trust CEO Mankodi Moitse. While official data estimates that small businesses employ between 50% and 60% of the national workforce and contribute roughly 34% to GDP, the sector continues to face major hurdles. These include complex regulatory compliance, limited access to funding, and restricted market access. This year's MSMEs Day theme, 'Connecting the entrepreneurs', will be the focus of events hosted by the United Nations in New York. The UN said, 'Leaders from the business, policy and entrepreneurial sectors will gather to discuss strategies for connecting MSMEs with the resources they need, including finance, technology and market access.' 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 Moitse said Kagiso Trust is actively addressing these needs through targeted initiatives in the agriculture and property sectors. 'We have chosen to work in the agriculture and property sectors because both are significant contributors to the economy and lack sufficient transformation,' she said. In agriculture, the Trust's Tyala Impact Fund uses a farmer aggregator model to create collectives of small-scale farmers. These groups share resources, receive technical support, and are linked to markets. The fund is also developing an agricultural academy to train a new generation of black agripreneurs and promote youth participation in the sector. In property, Kagiso Trust is working with the Trust for Urban Housing Finance (TUHF) and the University of Cape Town through the Property Entrepreneur Accelerator, PROPreneurX. 'Through specialised property management courses, we are empowering previously disadvantaged community-based organisations with vital skills in property ownership and management – creating pathways to sustainable asset development and wealth creation,' Moitse said. 'We also offer a credit facility to support entrepreneurs wanting to enter the residential rental property market.'
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
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.
