Established in 2004, the foundation has worked to uplift communities and create an inclusive society through its innovative programmes and strategic partnerships.

The foundation says that its initiatives are dedicated to improving education, fostering small business development and addressing social challenges.

According to the foundation, progress in education and small business development are strategic pillars to improve the quality of life for South Africa's people and to develop an inclusive and empowered society.

Over the past 20 years, from distinctly humble beginnings, it has developed and implemented groundbreaking models that have significantly impacted the lives of millions through its partner entities and programmes:

  • Adopt-a-School
  • KST
  • Thari Programme
  • Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), and
  • Black Umbrellas.

"The foundation has been a catalyst for change in communities across South Africa. We have empowered individuals to shape their own futures, and our impact is measured not just in numbers but in the stories of resilience, growth and success that have resulted from our initiatives," says Mmabatho Maboya, CEO of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

The foundation says that its journey began in the mid-1990s when its patron, Cyril Ramaphosa, used his public speaking fees to support underprivileged students seeking tertiary education.

This initiative laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 1999, which has now impacted the intergenerational poverty of hundreds of families, according to the foundation. 

In the same year, a visit to his former primary school in Soweto to deliver a much-needed fax machine, inspired the Adopt-a-School Foundation in 2002, aimed at addressing the holistic needs of schools. Adopt-a-School has since transformed the learning experience and results of hundreds of disadvantaged schools, the foundation adds. 

In 2004, the Shanduka Foundation was launched as the corporate foundation of the Shanduka Group, incorporating CRET and Adopt-a-School. The foundation expanded its reach in 2009 by partnering with Black Umbrellas to support small business development.

Black Umbrellas has enabled the success of ever-more small businesses through the reach of its virtual incubation platform, adds the foundation. 

This was followed by a collaboration in 2013 with Kagiso Trust and the Free State Department of Education to form the KST District Whole School Development pilot, which has contributed to the stellar performance of schools in the province over successive years.

In 2017, the foundation piloted the Thari Programme for the support of vulnerable children and women to address the socio-economic challenges in schools, homes and communities that affect learning outcomes. According to the foundation, Thari takes pride in having averted the drop-out from school of many vulnerable young people.

Following President Ramaphosa's divestment from the Shanduka Group in 2015, the foundation transitioned from a corporate foundation to an independent entity and was renamed the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

Over the years, the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of its evidenced-based model-building approach, which allows for the testing of assumptions, identification of unintended consequences and the application of resources in a meaningful way, the foundation says. 

  • Whole School Development Model: This model, implemented by Adopt-a-School and KST, has supported over 650 schools, benefiting more than 1.5 million learners and teachers.
  • Thari Programme: Addressing the needs of vulnerable children and women, this programme has registered over 1 250 children for support.
  • Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET): CRET has provided bursaries and holistic support to nearly 400 students.
  • Black Umbrellas: This initiative has incubated over 3 000 small Black-owned businesses, creating and sustaining over 12 000 jobs.

At the heart of the foundation's success is its commitment to partnership and collaboration. By actively connecting diverse stakeholders, it says that it has amplified its reach and impact, effectively addressing socio-economic challenges on a large scale.

"Our enduring partnerships and shared vision have enabled us to make a lasting difference in the lives of millions," says Maboya. "This approach has made us the partner of choice for donors and organisations committed to a thriving and equitable South Africa." 

The foundation says that as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains committed to continuing its work long into the future and with even greater dedication.

"The foundation's mandate to improve education and grow small Black-owned businesses supports the United Nations's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address poverty, inequality, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all," Maboya says. 

"It is also aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP), which stresses education, skills and work opportunities as key capabilities for decent lives," adds Maboya. 

"We will continue to make our contribution to foster an inclusive society for all," 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