A few years ago, Sipho Mbongo was a young man with a matric certificate, a big dream and no clear idea of how he would get there. Today, he is a firefighter in Qatar, working in one of the world’s most demanding emergency response environments. But his journey...
Resources
Publications, News, and Media
This section consolidates all Foundation communications and materials into one accessible hub.
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How the Workplace Is Evolving Across Generations
May is Workers’ Month in South Africa, prompting a conversation about what the modern workplace really looks like today. From new perspectives on work-life balance to the rise of digital collaboration, the workplace has changed dramatically. Conversations with...
Protecting Learners in a Digital World: Understanding the Risks Behind the Screen
Learners today spend a large part of their daily lives online. Many use cell phones and other electronic devices for schoolwork, research, and communication with teachers. While these tools support learning, they also expose learners to social media and online...
Why Inclusive Development Requires Collaboration Across Sectors
Inclusive development requires more than good intentions. It demands coordinated action, shared accountability, and partnerships that bring together diverse strengths. In South Africa, socioeconomic challenges are interconnected, spanning education, youth...
From Crisis to Care: Addressing School Violence Through Holistic Support
In the month of March, we commemorate Human Rights Day, and it is a moment to reflect on the fundamental rights of every child, especially the right to safety, dignity, and education. Across South Africa, schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning and...
It Takes a community: Confronting Teenage and Girl Child Pregnancy Together
Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing challenge in South Africa, not only because of the health and educational consequences it brings, but also because it reflects the vulnerability of young girls to violence, coercion, and exploitation. For some, particularly those...
Teaching Through Fear: The Hidden Mental Health Toll on South Africa’s Educators
Each morning, teachers like Winnie Titi enter classrooms filled with promise – and uncertainty. For many South African educators, fear has become as familiar as chalk and textbooks. As the country observes Mental Health Month this October, it’s time to confront...
CRET Graduate Tackles South Africa’s Waste Crisis Through Innovation
For Ryan Govender, making a difference in the world of technology and sustainability is not just a job, but a personal mission. Originally from Chatsworth, Durban, Ryan is now a Senior Software Engineer at SpotmyEnergy, a renewable energy startup based in Cologne,...
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation Signs South African Climate Philanthropy Pledge and Champions Community-Led Climate Action
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,...
Black Umbrellas shines spotlight on women entrepreneurs during Women’s Month
This Women’s Month, Black Umbrellas, a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, is shining a spotlight on the power and potential of women entrepreneurs’ contribution to economic growth and social transformation. Black Umbrellas is an innovative Enterprise and...
Staying Safe from Job Scams: What Every Young Jobseeker in South Africa Needs to Know
In today’s digital age, job opportunities are just a click away. From online portals to social media, vacancies are advertised everywhere. Unfortunately, this convenience comes with a growing danger: scams, phishing emails, and fraudulent job offers targeting young...
The Value of an Inclusive Workplace
For generations, women were excluded from professional roles and decision-making positions, with barriers that limited their growth and opportunities. Today, as we celebrate Women’s Month, we are reminded about how far we have come, and how important it is to create...
Hope rekindled and confidence restored at Soweto school on Mandela Day
A Soweto school was a hive of activity on Mandela Day as teams of sponsors, volunteers and influencers worked tirelessly to make an impactful difference. It was part of the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s (a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation) annual Back to...
Urgent Action to Stop Violence, Abuse, and Neglect in Schools
28 May 2025 In the spirit of South Africa’s Child Protection Week 2025 and its theme, “Working Together to End Violence Against Children,” a powerful gathering took place in Botshabelo, Free State this week. Here, government departments and civil society leaders...
Lilitha Legacy Celebration Shines Light on Women’s Empowerment and Youth Development
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a powerful celebration of purpose and progress, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) hosted the Lilitha Trust Stakeholder Appreciation Breakfast on 11 April 2025, honouring the partners, donors, and visionaries who have championed...
Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Inclusion and Innovation
8 March 2025 On International Women’s Day 2025, we honour the trailblazing women entrepreneurs who are redefining industries and driving meaningful change. As participants in the Black Umbrellas Programme, these inspiring women have demonstrated resilience,...
Celebrating Black Umbrellas Top Entrepreneurs of 2024
South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to shine, thanks to individuals whose determination, innovation, and passion for business growth and community upliftment inspire industries and create lasting impact. At the forefront of this progress are the...
Black Umbrellas Celebrates Excellence at the 10th Annual National Enterprise Development Awards (NEDAs)
20 November 2024 Black Umbrellas , a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, proudly hosted its 10th Annual National Enterprise Development Awards (NEDAs) last night, recognising the achievements of black entrepreneurs who are driving change in their industries...
Navigating the Final Stretch: CRET advises how matriculants can prioritise mental health amid exam pressure
23 October 2024 With the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams starting on October 21, South Africa’s Grade 12 learners are under mounting pressure. As the final stretch approaches, many are feeling the weight of expectations, which can take a serious toll on...
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Newsletter 2023
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation pays it forward through staff initiative Sinika
The Sinika initiative is a staff-driven, staff-giving programme of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and its partner entities that was established in 2018. “Sinika,” which means “we give” in several South African languages, represents the everyday...
Black Umbrellas Opens Business Avenues
“With the support of our corporate sponsors, more women are enabled to participate in Black Umbrellas’ development programmes, furthering a shared commitment to gender equality and empowerment.” – Black Umbrellas CEO, Mark Frankel. On 20 August, to mark Women’s Month,...
Black Umbrellas celebrates women entrepreneurs during women’s month
20 August 2024 In celebration of Women’s Month, Black Umbrellas, a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, is recognising the remarkable achievements of the women entrepreneurs in its programmes. Black Umbrellas is an established ESD incubator that brings...
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation marks two decades of transformative impact
August 22, 2024 As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is marking 20 years of driving socio-economic transformation and empowerment across South Africa. Established in 2004, the Foundation has worked to uplift communities and...
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation continues to celebrate Madiba’s legacy of education
18 July 2024 The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation will join its partner entity Adopt-a-School for its 12th Back to School for Mandela Day Campaign as part of the 15th International Nelson Mandela Day on July 18. The annual initiative is just one of a myriad of ways that the...
The imperative for supporting women entrepreneurs
16 July 2024 Women face significant barriers in the realm of entrepreneurship, including access to finance, networking opportunities, societal norms, and mentorship. Securing funding and investment can be particularly challenging, limiting their ability to grow their...
Recognition Awards celebrates outstanding graduates
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) celebrated the remarkable achievements of its bursary students at its annual Recognition Awards ceremony at The Venue in Melrose Arch, on Thursday evening. The prestigious event honoured 45 graduates from various universities...
Thari Programme bring parents and children together for positive parenting dialogue sessions
Botshabelo, May 23, 2024 – To commemorate National Child Protection Week, the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation’s Thari Programme hosted a two-day dialogue focused on enhancing positive parenting skills. Positive Parenting: A Parent and Child Dialogue ran on Wednesday 23 May...
EDITORIAL | Free State’s interventions in public schools could help other provinces
But questions remain about whether the schooling system is set to ensure only the best pupils make it to matric — disadvantaging many others 22 January 2024 – BY TIMESLIVE PREMIUM EDITORIAL As another new school year begins, what has become clear is that...
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation calls for up-scaling of programmes for psychosocial well-being of children and safer schools
By Mmabatho Maboya, CEO, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation The vulnerabilities of school children in South Africa demand urgent attention. Violence at schools and at home, abuse, bullying, gangsterism, alcohol and substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy are among just...
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