The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation has officially signed the South African Climate Philanthropy Pledge, joining a growing coalition of funders committed to addressing the urgent climate crisis through more intentional, climate-focused giving. This collective effort, coordinated by the Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA), represents the first climate philanthropy pledge on the African continent and the 10th globally, marking a bold step forward in advancing local solutions to a global challenge.
“This pledge is a timely opportunity to show real solidarity and take action on climate change alongside like-minded organisations,” said Melanie Spencer, COO of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
The pledge outlines eight key commitments, including integrating climate considerations into philanthropic strategies, educating stakeholders on climate intersections, investing responsibly, and advocating for climate resilience, especially within the South African context. IPASA will support signatories with an implementation framework, translating these ambitions into real-world impact.
But for the Foundation, climate action is not a new conversation, it is an evolving journey.
For over two decades, the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation has worked to foster inclusive and empowered communities through education and small business development. As climate change increasingly affects the very communities the Foundation serves, whether through floods, drought, or rising food insecurity, the Foundation has expanded its lens to include climate resilience as part of its broader development mission.
While climate change is not the Foundation’s core mandate, it is already embedded in many of its initiatives:
- Building Greener Schools Through Adopt-a-School Foundation
Adopt-a-School Foundation is delivering climate-smart infrastructure to under-resourced schools across South Africa. From solar-powered boreholes in the Eastern Cape to waterless sanitation systems in KwaZulu-Natal and eco-classroom designs in Limpopo and Gauteng, these projects are transforming schools into healthier, more resilient learning spaces for thousands of learners.
Each site is a living classroom, demonstrating the principles of sustainability through passive ventilation, natural lighting, and water-saving technologies. These efforts not only address infrastructure backlogs but also reduce environmental impact and promote climate literacy at a grassroots level.
- Empowering Future Green Leaders Through CRET
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is investing in the next generation of environmental changemakers. With 49 students currently supported in disciplines like Environmental Science, Engineering, Crop Production, and Animal Science, CRET is building a pipeline of professionals ready to lead South Africa’s transition to a greener economy.
In addition, CRET’s Green Earth Organic Farming Project trains township-based youth and women in sustainable agriculture. Through workshops on composting, eco-friendly farming, and food waste recycling, the project is addressing both climate change and food insecurity, empowering communities to grow their own futures.
- Driving Green Enterprise Development Through Black Umbrellas
Black Umbrellas is helping climate-conscious entrepreneur’s scale. One standout example is Tevin Memla, founder of Grace Artisan School, which provides accredited training in renewable energy technologies. With support from Black Umbrellas’ enterprise development programme, Grace Artisan School has grown from a single-employee business into a team of 18, equipping youth with the skills needed for South Africa’s just energy transition.
From solar PV training to B2B partnerships with mining companies, this model reflects how enterprise development can contribute to climate goals while creating meaningful jobs.
The Foundation’s climate journey is rooted in its belief that true transformation lies in empowering people to shape their own futures. Whether through a solar-powered school, a green-skills workshop, or a university scholarship in environmental science, each intervention is a building block toward a more just and sustainable society.
By signing the Climate Philanthropy Pledge, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively, investing wisely, and deepening its impact in response to South Africa’s climate realities.