"The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is dedicated to advancing education through its comprehensive programmes and collaborations with various partner entities," says the foundation's CEO Mmabatho Maboya. "Our efforts through our partner entities echo Madiba's words that education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world."

Since 2012, the 'Back to School for Mandela Day' initiative has mobilised corporate partners to go back to school and spend their 67 minutes supporting volunteer activities in schools. Through this initiative, the foundation and its corporate partners have over the years benefitted eleven schools and thousands of learners, says the foundation.

The theme for this year's initiative, taking place at Mvelendzandivho Primary School in Soweto, is 'creating a conducive teaching and learning environment,' which is the commitment of Adopt-a-School's holistic Whole School Development model, says the foundation.

According to the foundation, at the end of this year's initiative, the school and its 1 200 learners will have benefited from: 

  • the expansion of a vegetable garden
  • renovations and furnishing of the computer laboratory and library
  • renovations of the combination court and the Grade R play area
  • a solar system for the computer laboratory and library, and
  • a JoJo tank to get through water shedding. 

The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation says that when it was established in 2004, it set its mandate to improve education and grow small Black-owned businesses. Over the years, the foundation has pioneered and piloted dynamic development models toward this.

Through strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors, government departments and community organisations, the foundation says that it amplifies its impact, creating a robust network of support that champions educational excellence and equity.

"Education is a key component of our purpose to foster an inclusive and empowered society," says Maboya.

Speaking at the higher education and training graduate Recognition Awards ceremony of another of the foundation's partner entities, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, patron of the foundation, President Cyril Ramaphosa, says, "Education is the key that unlocks the golden door of freedom. Through our work, we will continue to unlock many more doors for the men and women of our country. Doors to self-betterment, progress and prosperity for all with a hunger for learning."       

The foundation's holistic approach to education will be borne out in Soweto at 'Back to School for Mandela Day' with learners receiving eyesight tests and the donation of spectacles. Poor eyesight may compromise learning outcomes, says the foundation.

Learners also receive a host of treats and necessities from sponsor partners, including:

  • corndogs 
  • Shoprite Foundation goodies
  • Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and
  • Waltons stationery.

According to the foundation, educational content includes:

  • a financial literacy talk by author Nicollette Mashile
  • distribution of Coco the Money Bunny books
  • sanitary pads from Shoprite Foundation along with SHE bins
  • a Health, Sanitation and Sexuality education talk by Adopt-a-School, and
  • a reading session with Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert.  

"On days like Mandela Day, we truly see the spirit of Madiba coming to life as South Africans come together to make the lives of our people just that little bit better," Maboya concludes. 

For more information, visit www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org. You can also follow the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation on Facebook or on X. 

*Image courtesy of Facebook