For over 22 years, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation has advanced high-impact development initiatives that strengthen opportunity across South Africa.
We partner with visionary funders and institutions to advance proven solutions that strengthen education, enterprise, and social cohesion.
WHO WE ARE
An Independent Philanthropic Foundation
Established in 2004, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation with Public Benefit Organisation status.
We exist to strengthen South Africa's development landscape by addressing systemic socioeconomic challenges, working with partners across basic education, higher education and youth development, entrepreneurship and small business development, and programmes supporting women and children.
Rather than operating as a direct implementing charity, we establish, fund, and strengthen specialised partner entities that deliver measurable impact on the ground.
OUR APPROACH
A Model Designed for Sustainable Impact
The Foundation advances development through strategic partnerships and evidence-based models. Each funded entity operates with clear governance structures, defined outcomes, and long-term implementation strategies.
By working alongside business, civil society, government, and institutional partners, we ensure that initiatives are impactful, accountable, and sustainable.
Our role is to provide oversight, strategic direction, and funding support, enabling our partner entities to focus on effective programme delivery.
The Foundation has also signed the South African Climate Philanthropy Pledge, embedding climate responsibility into its broader development mission as communities face increasing environmental pressures.
OUR programmes
Advancing Impact Through Dedicated Entities
We implement our mandate through our specialised partner entities, each focused on a distinct area of development.
Adopt-a-School Foundation
Adopt-a-School uses a Whole School Development model to strengthen under-resourced schools. It improves leadership and governance, enhances learning environments, supports academic performance, and upgrades infrastructure in partnership with government, business, and communities.
Thari Programme
The Thari Programme focuses on learner well-being and school readiness by creating safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments. It integrates academic, social, and health support to improve retention and help learners thrive.
KST
KST is a collaborative education initiative established in partnership with Kagiso Trust. It applies a district-level Whole School Development approach, delivering coordinated improvements in infrastructure, curriculum support, leadership, and social services.
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides holistic support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing higher education. In addition to financial assistance, students receive mentorship, workplace exposure, life skills development, and psychosocial support.
Black Umbrellas
Black Umbrellas is an enterprise development incubator supporting 100 percent Black-owned small businesses. It equips entrepreneurs with mentorship, skills development, access to networks, and business growth support to build sustainable enterprises.
Our Impact
Our Impact Highlights of Building Opportunity and Transforming Lives
For more than two decades, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and its partner entities have worked to expand opportunity, strengthen education systems and support inclusive economic growth across South Africa.
Learners reached
Adopt-a-School Foundation
Schools supported
Adopt-a-School Foundation
Educators developed
Adopt-a-School Foundation
Students supported
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
Graduates supported
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
Entrepreneurs supported
Black Umbrellas
Children supported
Thari Programme
People reached
Thari Programme awareness initiatives
Impact figures as at 31 May 2026
PARTNER WITH US
Join Us in Strengthening Impact
With over two decades of programme development, strong governance, and established implementation partners, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation offers a credible platform for collaborative development.
If you are a donor institution, government department, civil society organisation, or corporate partner seeking measurable and sustainable outcomes, we invite you to connect with us.
