Education a Priority

Issue: 8 | April 2013

Kagiso Trust takes pleasure in inviting you to the Bold Step Campaign Golf Day .

The Bold Step Campaign is an education reform initiative aimed at empowering rural disadvantaged youth through education. The initiative was launched to benefit Kagiso Trust’s Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme (EMSP) which sponsors disadvantaged students to pursue a tertiary qualification in the engineering and commerce sectors at aby reputable tertiary institution in South Africa.

For further details on the campaign, please visit www.boldstep.co.za

EVENT DETAILS:

DATE: Wednesday 24th April 2013 TIME: 10:30 Registration 11:30 First Tee-off VENUE: Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club FORMAT: 4-ball alliance with two scores to count COST: R5,000 per 4 ball RSVP: Please email Amandla Kwinana at akwinana@kagiso.co.za or call 011 566 1900

Please be advised that a section 18A tax certificate will be issued for every 4 ball booked. Sponsorships opportunities are available, i.e. (hole, t-shirts, caps and prizes).

We look forward to hosting you at what promises to be a fabulous day.

EDITOR’S LETTER

4 WORD FROM CORPORATE AFFAIRS

5 KT, SHANDUKA, FSDoE MoU SIGNING

9 PARTNERING WITH GOVERNMENT

11 THE INAUGURAL BOLD STEP CAMPAIGN DINNER

13 YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK

15 CATCHING UP WITH KERPEF

17 DID YOU KNOW?

18 NOTICES

05

11

13

contentsApril KagisoTrustInBrief

Bold Step Launch Dinner

Designed & Produced by Star Hero Publishingwww.starhero.co.za

A Word from Corporate Affairs

Sustaining Sustainability

A recent interview by an organisation which sought to better understand how Kagiso Trust (KT / the Trust) has been able to sustain itself as an organisation over the years introduced a new concept. As we delved into discussions about the work of the Trust as well as the structures and processes that KT had put in place to ensure its sustainability into the future, the interviewee described KT as ‘Sustaining it’s sustainability’. That is, the interviewee had resolved that KT was innovatively introducing structures that would ensure that as an non-profit organisation preserves its sustainability.

A lot of the time when we talk sustainability, the first thing that comes to mind is the economic dimension of sustainability which is obviously important. However, I would like to highlight the importance of the social dimension.

Core to Kagiso Trust’s sustainability is the organization’s people. Kagiso Trust values and understands that its people are the custodians of the organisation’s values, integrity, accountability, passion for development and a hands on, bottom up approach, ethos and mission.

Our people, including the board of trustees, management, staff, and the communities we serve have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that the organisation remains relevant throughout the different transitions and changes in the environmental, economic and social dimensions that we have and continue to work in.

The organization has also had the ability to not get ahead of itself, and understood that we have a lot to learn, even though at times it may look as if

‘we have arrived’. The organisation has adopted an approach of always starting off small with the view that we must allow ourselves room to fail and learn from our mistakes in order to perfect our models.

This in turn has given us room and the space to conceptualise innovative models in pursuance of achieving and remaining true to our mission, of building collaborative partnerships & sustainable programmes in pursuance of making a substantial contribution in helping to achieve a society which will offer liberty, justice and freedom from poverty and inequality.

A recent innovation by the Trust, is the Bold Step Campaign, a fundraising initiative which seeks to empower ordinary rural disadvantaged youth, through education so that the can become extra-ordinary.

As the year gains momentum, we as an organisation have set goals which we must achieve. At times it feels like there are not enough hours in a day or months in a year to achieve and realise the targets we have set for ourselves,

however what keeps us going is the passion we have for development and the work that we do.

As we continue in pursuance of fulfilling our mission, we would like to Thank the KT family, partners and the communities we serve who have hung in there and given their all, in assisting us to meet our goals.

As you will be aware, a lot still needs to be done and would like to urge you to not lose the fight and the will to continue to take KT forward. In Kgotso’s (our CEO’s) words, DON’T DROP THE BALL.

To our partners and stakeholders, we look forward to working with you as you make us stronger and relevant. We do not take for granted your contribution in helping us to be the change that we want to see in our communities.

Nontando MthethwaCorporate Affairs Manager

54

Nontando Mthethwa

Shanduka Foundation, Kagiso Trust and Free State Department of Basic Education Partnership

Shanduka Foundation and Kagiso Trust have embarked on an exciting initiative aimed at improving

education in a district in the Free State. This partnership will see both organisations contributing through their respective programmes; the Adopt-a-School Foundation and the Beyers Naude School Development Programme.

These organisations will combine their resources, knowledge and best-practice whole school development models to make a sustainable and long-term improvement to education.

Each organisation has committed R100 million over five years to adopt all the schools in the Fezile Dabi district. The Free State provincial

government will match this by a further R200 million contribution. The organisations have finalised an implementation plan integrating methodologies to create a cohesive model. The ultimate aim of the collaboration is to develop a working model that can be duplicated across the country.

Free State MEC of Education Honourable Tate Makgoe and his team support this project and are excited about the prospect of this work being conducted in their province.

In December 2012, a workshop was conducted with the management team from the Free State Department of Education and district officials from the selected district to discuss the project in detail.

In addition to the identified district, Fezile Dabi, two further settlements have been incorporated into this initiative, namely Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.

The 11th March 2013, observed the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between Shanduka Foundation and Kagiso Trust, with the 12th March also witnessed Shanduka Foundation, Kagiso Trust and the Free State Department of Education signing an equally momentous Memorandum of Understanding.

The signing was conducted by Shanduka Foundation Chair Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, Kagiso Trust Chair Dean Zwo Nevhutalu and MEC of Free State Department of Education Honourable Tate Makgoe.

5

Key Issues Addressed MoU Signing

*The Honourable MEC Tate Makgoe suggested that admin

blocks be included as part of the infrastructure in addition to the halls that the department has been building.

*The MEC stressed that in dealing with teachers, we ought to help

them without making them feel “bad or stupid”, keeping in mind that they are a product of Bantu Education. Kgotso Schoeman, talking on the Retreats, agreed, stating that our teachers should be made to feel

appreciated. Tate Mokgoe also mentioned that career guidance in schools should be prioritised and universities should play a major role in assisting learners and providing them with relevant registration and application information.

*Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that collaborations should be at a

large scale and see different sectors working together to advance the improvement of our education as no entity can do it on its own.

*Dean Zwo Nevhutalu mentioned that the partnership wants

to foster commitment and accountability as this will be key to the success of the programme.

*Themba Mola mentioned the importance of teachers and

learners being able to optimally utilise the available resources at their disposal even before they are rewarded with infrastructure.

“This partnership symbolises two organisation entering into a marriage” – Donné Nicol, CEO of Shanduka Foundation.

“We need to start working together as organisations” – Stephen Lebere, Executive Director of Adopt-A-School.

“We want to prove that you don’t need a ridiculous amount of money to change education in our country” – Kgotso Schoeman, CEO of Kagiso Trust.

“We, as the Free State [Department of Education], promise we will give you the best return on your investment” – Tate Mokgae, MEC of Education, Free State.

“People who are not educated are a danger to themselves… and government has no choice but to take a keen interest in giving quality education” – Dean Zwo Nevhutalu, Kagiso Trust Chairperson.

“This partnership will strengthen the delivery of education in our country” – Cyril Ramaphosa, Shanduka Foundation Chairperson.

“[This partnership] is a vital core in education transformation… and we pledge our support as the national government” – Angie Motshekga, Minister of Basic Education.

“The involvement of communities [during infrastructure development] will bring about job creation, addressing the social ills in our communities” – Tate Mokgoe, MEC of Education, Free State.

Quotes

6

I thank you for affording us the joy and sense of fulfilment by way of this important signing ceremony.

For me this moment says education is indeed becoming a societal issue. Truly we’re not too far from overcoming barriers to quality education and improved outcomes required by the National Development Plan.

This Memorandum of Understanding, between Kagiso Trust, Shanduka Foundation and the Free State Department of Education, is a vital cog in the basic education transformation machine.

This unity in action, that defies boundaries and rivalry for turf, is a continuation of a long journey whose direction our people had determined in June 1955, in the Freedom Charter.

We said then that “The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall be Opened.” That was two years after the introduction

of the Bantu Education Act which had condemned the African people to a bad education of an inferior quality, under conditions of racial segregation and inequalities in service provision.

Like the Nedlac Accord on Basic Education, this partnership recognises that we will succeed to open “the doors of learning” to the extent that we all play a role in education transformation.

We welcome this essential partnership confident that you will take South African education more than two steps forward. The parties to this agreement have done much for education transformation. So has our education team in the Free State.

The Shanduka Adopt-a-School Foundation has played a pivotal role in support of quality schooling. It has mobilised many companies and individuals in the quest for improved outcomes.

Under its school adoption programme, Shanduka has around 170 schools. It has built over 265 school facilities, created over 3 500 temporary jobs and benefited over 240 small and medium-sized businesses. Kagiso Trust is also known for its distinguished work in education.

Kagiso Trust’s Beyers Naude Schools Development Programme (BNSDP) involves 167 schools in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, in the Free State. This initiative, that’s implemented in partnership with our provincial department, promises more rewards precisely because it prioritizes whole school support programmes.

It goes to the root of our key challenges by seeking to impact on quality of teaching and learning in the classroom. Among other things, it supports teachers and principals. This we welcome since teacher development is one of our key priorities that we drive with the Department of Higher Education.

Minister Angie MotshekgaRemarks at the signing of a MoU

between Kagiso Trust, Shanduka FoundationFree State Provincial Department of Education

Issued by: Department of Basic Education | 12 Mar 2013

7

8

All eight schools that received fully equipped science laboratories, computer centres and refurbished libraries from Kagiso Trust through this programme reached a matric pass rate target of 75% in 2011. The BNSDP set a benchmark of 80% for the 2012 matric results and achieved 81.3%.

P r o g r a m m e D i r e c t o r , A n investment in education is an investment in the future. It’s an investment that’s requisite for building schools and a country that works. Your focus on infrastructure is most welcome.

When we launched the National Schools Build Programme in December 2012, we said ‘infrastructure is central to the attainment of good quality education outcomes.’

A shared country perspective on education will advance the production of knowledge and skills critical for economic and social development.

We have made great strides in education and partnerships have contributed tremendously. School attendance is close to 100% for the basic compulsory band, in the 7-15 year age-range. This should be reinforced with quality outcomes.

Between 2002 and now the percentage of publicly employed educators with at least a three-year post-matric qualification has increased from 80% to 96%. The curriculum has become clearer

and more relevant. We’ve given serious attention to setting clearer standards and monitoring schools through standardised assessments, culminating in the new Annual National Assessments (ANA).

We have our challenges though, thus the importance of mutual partnerships. The results of ANA 2012 confirmed that a number of factors are at play in the education system, including our demographic and historical realities.

I trust that this partnership will enrich our work in this make-or-break matter of reviving the culture of teaching and learning.

A national education partnership structure will be launched this year to coordinate and maximise our collective efforts in creating schools that work.

In the same indomitable spirit of Kagiso Trust’s Bold Step, this

initiative will encourage the nation to take a bold step and get actively involved in changing the face of education.

On our part, working with provinces and districts, we will ensure that teachers teach every day, that learners have and use textbooks and workbooks, that the curriculum is covered, that learners have transport and lunch and that they are screened and supported where they need additional support. We wish you well in 2013, the third year of your education initiative in the Free State, and Kagiso Trust’s first year of implementation with the Shanduka Foundation.

I’m glad our MEC did not misrepresent us. Kagiso tells me it really benefitted from your diligence and leadership.

Together we have shown that nothing is impossible. But change will not descend like a deux ex machina in some work of short fiction, or like god from the machine.

As we’ve learnt from Aristotle, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.”

With sustained action, effort and perseverance, we will bring forth an enlightened, skilled and prosperous nation we all aspire for. Working together we can do more.

Last year over 2,800 Grade 12 learners at rural Free State schools passed their matric exams, thanks to the support of the Kagiso

Trust’s exceptional Beyers Naude School Development Programme (BNSDP). Almost 1,000 of these matrics passed with university exemption, opening up opportunities for a future that they might not have had without this support.

Amongst the many achievements of 2012, Kagiso Trust is delighted to report that the three top performing high schools, Kgetha-Tsebo, Sekgutlong and Mohalanditwe achieved a 100% pass rate.

Maths and science pass rates were also strong: of the 44 schools in the BNSDP, 30 of them achieved a maths pass rate of 60% and above, including 2 schools with a 100% pass rate in maths and 9 schools where 80% or more learners passed matric maths.

Learners fared just as well in science, with 31 schools achieving a pass rate of

60% and above, more than two-thirds of these seeing more than 80% of their learners passing matric science. So in January Kagiso Trust hosted a ‘well done’ celebration to honour all the programme’s stakeholders, especially the learners and their teachers, as reward and recognition are an important part of our ethos.

Theirs is an outstanding result and one that reaffirms to Kagiso Trust that we are investing our money in education in the correct way.

How it works: a holistic approach to development

Kagiso Trust’s flagship BNSDP was launched in 2004 and has now benefitted 216 rural schools in five provinces. The programme has a positive impact on schools by both improving infrastructure and providing quality educator and learner interventions.

The results speak for themselves: over and above the incredible 2012 matric results, 41 high schools have seen

a massive improvement in results, achieving an average grade 12 pass rate of 75%. Some schools have even soared from 58% to 92% in just three years! As a result, 27 of these schools are now enjoying the rewards of newly built media centres, libraries, computer centres and science labs, while 16 more are receiving infrastructure development. Our holistic approach means the programme also focuses on leadership and management skills for teachers, governing bodies and learners.

Teachers are given curriculum training with an emphasis placed on maths and science. At the same time, the governing body receives guidance on running a good school and the students are provided with leadership skills.

Why it works

Why does the BNSDP work? That’s easy. Schools need to apply to get onto our four-year programme. They must be willing participants and we require teachers to sign a statement of

Partnering with Government to Improve Education: Kagiso Trust’s acclaimed Beyers Naude School Development Programme

By Kagiso Trust CEO Kgotso Schoeman

9

Indeed, a fundamental catalyst in the process is the retreat programme that each school participates in. School staff, selected parents and learners are taken on a weekend retreat.

Here the difficult truths about why their school is underperforming are addressed and consensus is reached on what needs to be done and who is accountable for turning the school’s performance around.

Then, here’s where it gets interesting: motivational prizes for teachers and infrastructure upgrades only start when a school has reached a grade 12 target pass rate of 75%, now 80%.

This incentive system grows a culture of accountability and wins buy-in from the staff to the learners and their parents, right up to district and provincial education leaders.

The shared accountability includes a commitment from government to pay 50% of the costs for infrastructure upgrades, matching Kagiso Trust’s investment rand for rand.

Also vital are the strong partnerships that Kagiso Trust establishes with government stakeholders in the programme. In particular, the Department of Education has played a pivotal role in the success of the programme in the Free State.

We believe the leadership of Education MEC Tate Makgoe in driving the process has been focal to how the programme has succeeded in a way that sets an example for other provinces.

The Sekgulong success story: When Sekgulong Secondary School in the Free State first applied for help, it was easy to see that they desperately needed infrastructure upgrades.

As corporates, it can be tempting to pump money into a situation, especially when you see that kids are suffering. But, that would have been like placing a plaster on a gaping, infected wound. We simply had to go deeper, so we stuck to our policy and insisted that in order to benefit from any infrastructure changes, the school had to achieve a 70% pass rate for Grade 12.

Next, the BNSDP provided support and training through Kagiso Trust’s professional curriculum training team, but to reach the 70% goal, the school had to establish initiatives that would meet the learners’ needs.

They began by implementing regular result assessments – a bit like performance assessments that are common in the workplace.

Learners now gather once a term for a results meeting with their educators. Results are discussed and learners are ranked by performance – nothing wrong with a little healthy competition! These meetings serve to celebrate any improvements to the marks, identify learners who are struggling and conclude with further commitments to their goals.

Failing or struggling learners are then helped through the ICU (or Intensive Care Unit) remedial initiative. Educators dedicate extra time after school to these learners to help them catch up with their classmates and

ultimately pass their exams. Not only did Sekgulong Secondary School reach the 70% pass rate in 2011, but it also saw ten learners from the class go on to tertiary education!

Having achieved the pass rate goal, in 2012 the school moved into the infrastructure phase of the programme.

Last year, learners and educators were delighted when the new computer room, equipped with the latest models was opened. A re-equipped and fully stocked science laboratory was also welcomed and new, up-to-date books have started to arrive in the library.

At the end of the year, the educators and others who work in the school’s hostels were also rewarded for their hard work and dedication with a principal’s lunch.

We celebrated their good results, goals were renewed and a fresh commitment was made for 2013.

A benchmark for public-private partnership

Kagiso Trust’s BNSDP programme works; it’s helping matrics achieve that all-important qualification that opens the doors for jobs or further studies.

That’s why we’re committed to continue to invest in education in this way and why I’d like to personally invite other like-minded donors to talk to us so we can assist and inspire each other as we help boost education in this country.

We are positive about the future and we believe that other investors should be too.

10

Kagiso Trust launches ‘Bold Step’fundraising campaignA call for the public to help assist school leavers with funding for tertiary education

Last year, just over one in every four out of the 380,000 young South Africans, who passed Grade

12, earned a university pass. In theory, around 100,000 new enrolments were expected at our country’s universities in February.

But, how many of these promising young students will be able to afford a university education without outside assistance?

That’s why Kagiso Trust launched its Bold Step fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for bursaries administrated by its Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme (EMSP).

With MacFarlane Moleli of eTV News as MC, the launch took the form of a fundraising dinner on the 19th February and featured guest speaker Transnet CEO Brian Molefe, who himself hosted the launch of the EMSP.

Numerous business leaders attended the function including Murphy Morobe (Kagiso Media), Matsobane Sexwale (Impact) and Sandile Zungu (ZICO), amongst others.

Harnessing the potential of public action

What makes this campaign different is that it appeals not only to companies whose donations would benefit their BEE scorecards, but also to ordinary South Africans.

“This campaign is a call to action for all South Africans to take a ‘bold step’ in contributing to education reform,” says Kagiso Trust CEO Kgotso Schoeman. “It’s time for a new type of mobilisation that taps into the potential for public action. We have the opportunity to ensure that more young people have quality education, which is imperative to tackling poverty.”

The real cost of education

Students can expect to pay between R20,000 and R30,000 per year for most undergraduate degrees, and even more for other degrees. And, even if they manage to enroll for their studies, many students drop out due to a shortage of funds.

Studies conducted over the past decade by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Higher Education South Africa (HESA), amongst others, suggest that 30 – 40% of students drop out during their first year of university, with many of them hailing from poor homes where combined household incomes range between R400 and R1600 per month.

“Whether students apply for partial or full bursaries, most underestimate the true cost of education and find themselves stuck with extra costs they can’t afford,” says Schoeman, describing the important role that the Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme has to play in assisting students.

“Aside from the tuition, there are textbooks, transport, food, accommodation and other living costs that can financially cripple the student - and that’s when they drop out.”

11

He points out that for those who take jobs in order to try to make enough money to pay for their studies and living costs, the pressure of both working and studying places them under enormous stress and detracts from proper focus on their education.

Their studies invariably end up being affected and many of the students fail to finish their courses successfully.

“This just isn’t good enough! If we want to see South Africa move forward on every level, those of us who are fortunate enough to assist should consider making a financial contribution which will help others enjoy their right to quality education,” concludes Schoeman. “The Bold Step campaign is more than just a call to action; it’s a human action.”

The Kagiso Trust launched the Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme in honour of one of its founding members in 2007.

The aim of the programme is to fund black youth from rural communities who show an excellent aptitude for maths and science in the schools that are participating in the Beyers Naudé School Development Programme.

The learners are encouraged to study in the field of engineering and commerce with funding provided for the duration of their studies.

The funding covers tuition fees, books and educational equipment, accommodation, transport and personal expenses. The scholarship programme’s vision is to create a viable, vibrant network of young business and science leaders.

Kagiso Trust, which has initiated the Bold Step campaign, is committed to transforming the country’s economy through implementing supportive and sustainable education initiatives at the heart of rural South Africa.

For more information, please visit www.boldstep.co.za.

12

The Young, Gifted and Black BNSDP Free State Well Done Ceremony

The day of the Well Done Ceremony at Kgola-Thutho Secondary School, QwaQwa, fell on the 20th of January, 2013. It was a Sunday. One thing about Sundays is they are generally beautiful days; we spend time with family, share food and laughter, experience nature and it’s often during such times we take a moment to say Thank You, either to God or our loved ones.

This Sunday was not all that different. Kagiso Trust (KT) together with the Free State Department of Education (DoE) came together to recognize the great work put in by teachers and particularly the learners in their 2012 Matric examinations. This was the day to say Thank You and Well Done.

As a celebratory affair, the Kgola-Thuto school hall was decorated lavishly in white and blue, the school choir stood out in their bright royal blue uniform and the guests were already seated and chatting away excitedly.

Within a few minutes the choir led us in singing the National Anthem and the ceremony was underway.Fast forward to the speeches where

learners and principals shared what contributed to their success (it had a lot to do with self-discipline); KT Chair, Dean Zwo Nevhutalu, declared the relationship Kagiso Trust has with the Free State DoE the best it has ever had; and the top learners proudly accepted their certificates and vouchers. Following the awarding of prizes, the time came for the Honourable MEC Tate Makgoe to address the house.

To much applause, the MEC walked up on stage and took his place behind the podium. He spared no time getting to the reason behind the partnership between the Free State Department of Education and Kagiso Trust’s Beyers Naude Schools Development Programme (BNSDP). “We are addressing the stereotype that white schools can teach our children better than we can”, he said.

And true enough, that perception has been strong among black communities where parents sacrificed large sums of money just to send their children to ‘white’ schools because they believed, and many still do, that they offer better education, better discipline, better extracurricular activities, better everything, compared to black schools.

“Yet the 2012 results of the BNSDP schools have turned this discernment around. Three of the BNSDP schools obtained a 100% pass, performing better than a number of former Model C schools in the region. “These results,” stated the MEC, “show that QwaQwa can be counted amongst the best.”

Tate Makgoe paused and took a look at the congregation; proud parents, scholars, district officials, teachers, principals, service providers and other colourful guests had their eyes transfixed on him.

“In this job it’s hard for me to be caught smiling. But today, I am smiling because I am happy”, this man had shared earlier. And the smile was on his face as he spoke, pride radiating from behind the podium.

“2012 was a good year”, the MEC declared. He took us back to the year when he first became Free State MEC of Education. Tate Makgoe related how hurt he was that in 2009 all the schools that had obtained a 100% pass mark were Afrikaans schools, in 2010 and 2011 there was one African school that obtained a 100% pass mark.

13

Last year, however, saw 12 African schools in the Free State achieve a 100% pass mark, a result to be proud of.

Before the MEC’s speech had taken place, Nina Simone’s To Be Young, Gifted and Black blasted through the speakers and everyone (lyrics in hand) joined in.

One could see Kagiso Trust CEO, Kgotso Schoeman singing with gusto, a learner smiling at the beauty of the words and a young man mumbling through the song. Although it was evident that the majority of the party did not know the song, they heard the words and felt its message.

They joined in whichever way they could and even though they may have mumbled through the words, they belched out “young, gifted and black!” The MEC, touched by the profound message found in this song, recommended that every one of the BNSDP schools sing this song in their assemblies.

The MEC recalled the first time he had heard this song as a teenager and being told by an adult that he is “young, gifted

and black”. He encouraged parents, teachers and the general public to actually say to our children “you are young, gifted and black” and in so doing, help them become confident individuals who know they can be whatever they want to be.

The history of this country has played a large role in making black children feel inferior to their white counterparts. Yet despite this disadvantaged standing, the children of Thabo Mafutsanyane improved on a 74% pass rate in 2011 to 81% in 2012, surpassing the target of 80%.

Now that the children passed and will be making their way to university, a large number moving from rural Free State to the urban settings of Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and even abroad, Tate Makgoe made it a point to impart an important message to them.

“Never ever think that you are inferior to the other children, you are equal to those who may be coming from white schools. And don’t be scared to ask questions.” The learners, in fact the whole assembly, was silent, all the attention on the MEC.

You are not in university because they did you a favour; you are there because you deserve to be. And for that, you must be proud!”

And deserve it they do. E‘tsho Engineering and Project Management came on board and sponsored a jaw-dropping prize to four learners. Lucky Radebe and Aubrey Lehlohonolo received R25 000 each for being top performers in Mathematics and Physics, respectively.

Ignetious Kananelo Moloi and Nthabiseng Judy Rankoetseng, being the overall top learners each received R25 000 and a trip to Australia in June 2013.

Ignetious achieved an overall pass percentage of 88.6% and ranked first while Nthabiseng, the only female in that party, had achieved an overall pass percentage of 84.6% and ranked in second. In Brief spoke with Nthabiseng, her eyes still glittering with tears of joy.

In Brief: What motivated you and drove you to excel in your studies?

Nthabiseng: I don’t have parents; my mother passed away and I don’t know my father. My grandmother has been taking care of me.

I knew that if I want to succeed I have to study hard and ensure that I can study further.

In Brief: And what will you be studying this year?

Nthabiseng: I’ll study medicine at Wits; I’ve always wanted to be a doctor.

In Brief: Who would you say has been your role model?

Nthabiseng: My aunt. She is a nurse and is always encouraging me to work hard because it will pay off. She believes in me.

In Brief: Do you have any words for learners who may be discouraged by their financial situation at home and lack a support system?

Nthabiseng: Education is everything. Everything will come to you when you have done well so do not give up; instead give it your all!

The role that adults play in the education and success of a child is vital. Some learners, like Nthabiseng, have family that constantly reminds them to value education and do their best. Others, on the other hand, cannot identify anyone

who cares or even believes in them. And so, as Tate Makgoe had mentioned, parents, teachers and the general community need to tell children that they are indeed “young, gifted and black.”

The ceremony was proof that this form of belief, among other factors, does reap great rewards.

14

CATCHING UP

KERPEFWITH

In Brief catches up with Mohlolo Selala (MS), Senior Programme Manager of the Kagiso Enterprises Rural Private Equity Fund (KERPEF). Mr Selala shares the fund’s investment criteria and the programme’s latest investment.

In Brief: KERPEF is very different to other investors in that there is a strong sense of social responsibility attached to it. The investment criteria appear to be tailored for such community uplifting investments. Could you take us through each point and why it is important for the business seeking investment to have each of these elements?

MS: Kagiso Trust (the ‘Trust’) has always being about improving the lives of ordinary people in a sustainable way, so through KERPEF we seek to contribute in building sustainable businesses.

To achieve our objectives KERPEF has set key elements for the approval of the investments in addition to a detailed due diligence, some of which are:

Skills transfer – There should be a skills route map in the business on how the skills will be transferred to the entrepreneur. This is required especially in cases where the entrepreneur is buying

into an existing business. The aim is to ensure that the entrepreneur will be able to successfully run, grow the business, create value and be able to transfer the same for the sustainabily of the business.

The entrepreneur will therefore be required to be hands on in the operations of the business.

Focus area - The focus area of investment is any place in the Southern Africa in which the business activity will have a high social impact in the creation of employment, wealth creation and enterprises development.

BEE – Given the historical economic context of our country, KERPEF is committed to the promotion of Black Economic Empowerment, as such in all the investments the BEE candidates must obtain miminum 25+1% to ensure that they have a say in the business decision- making.

Governance and business structure – When making investment decisions, people starting the business are the most important resource for the success of that business, therefore the entrepreneurial team‘s response to the daily business activity is critical for its success.

To ensure that the business is run and managed professionaly and within the legal frame, KERPEF wants all the investee companies to be governed as per all legal boundaries.

Every business that KERPEF invests in must be a private company; this allows KERPEF to hold shares in the business and a seat in the board in order to monitor the investments. In Brief: This year KERPEF has invested in a Key Distributor business in Mpumalanga. Tell us more about what this business is about.

15

MS: Thembeka Sales and Logistics (PTY) LTD (Thembeka), obtained exclusive rights from a world established supplier to distribute more than 400 branded house hold products to the local and traditional market. Products are packaged in order to meet the needs of the market. The distributor sells directly to the local small shops who in turn save on transportation costs. The customers also benefit from substantial discounts offered by the suppliers.

In Brief: How would this business benefit the community it operates in?

MS: The business is expected to create more than 30 new employment opportunities. People in remote areas will be able access house holds products without incurring transport costs and benefit in the discounts which are passed to them from the supplier. More importantly the business is developing

entreprenures and participation of BEE candidates in the supply chain.

In Brief: Is this the first business of its kind in South Africa or are there other models which could assist in projecting whether this business could be sustainable and commercially viable, important factors for any investor?

MS: This is not the first time this business model is implemented. The supplier has successfully partnered with other distributors and the model has been implemented for many years in South Africa (SA) and other countries outside SA e.g. India.

The challenge has been that most entrepreneurs, especially BEE candidates did not previously participate in the supply chain businesses due to lack of finance. KERPEF would like to rollout such businesses in the country and

increase participation in the supply chain business.

In Brief: Is KERPEF still continuing with its investment and involvement with Zizi Lodge and MAAS? How are these businesses progressing?

MS: KERPEF has learned many lessons over the years on the investments and is still involved in the businesses. The aim is to perfect the Mthatha Airport Agricultural Services (MAAS), to expand it into a major fresh produce supplier and replicate the model in other areas. Zizi lodge offers good services and quality accommodation in the South Coast and guests have been giving positive comments on their experiences.

Startup businesses take longer to grow and be profitable but KERPEF is putting systems in place which will ensure the success of these businesses.

16

DIDKNOW

YOU

Kagiso Trust has a very rich history and to ensure that as we progress we do not forget our roots, InBrief would like to share some interesting facts with you.

1.Did you know why Kagiso Trust was formed?

Kagiso Trust was born in May 1985. The Trust’s mission was to channel funds within South Africa to promote the struggle for human rights and justice, and to build and empower the people and communities deprived by Apartheid.

The Trust provided funds for:

Publicity campaigns against censorship and detention of children

Legal assistance to political trialistsFinancial support for alternative press as well as cultural groups and activities to demand freedom of speech

Education projects, which the Trust perceived as crucial.

2.Did you know the scale at which Kagiso Trust operated in South Africa in 1994?

In 1994 Kagiso Trust supported over 200 projects. At this time, KT had 8 offices nationwide:

Eastern Cape Regional Office in King Williams Town.

Port Elizabeth Sub-office.

Transvaal/OFS Regional Office in Johannesburg.

Northern Transvaal Sub-office in Pietersburg.

Natal Regional Office in DurbanWestern Cape Regional Office in Athlone.

Western Cape Bursary Office in Cape Town.

Head Office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

17

Our condolences to Siza on the passing of her father this month.

Our condolences to Bra Tsie on the passing of his mother this past weekend.

Our prayers are with Sis Linkie and her family.

Congratulations to Paballo and Naledi on the birth of their son on Friday, 18 January 2013.

Congratulations to Nontando on her 5 year anniversary at KT.

All the best to those competing in Kagiso Trust’s first Biggest Loser Challenge – keep up those healthy lifestyles.

January 2013

Our condolences to Sis’ Linkie on the passing of her daughter this month.

Mohlolo and Mam’ Maria celebrated their birthdays this month, on the 2nd and 23rd respectively

Congratulations to Siza on her 2 year anniversary at KT.

The ladies, in particular, are doing well in KT’s Biggest Loser Challenge and looking oh-so-fabulous! Keep it up.

Nontando and Sis’ Linkie celebrated their birthdays this month.

Congratulations to Yoyo on his 6th year anniversary with KT.

Super Congrats to Themba, Joan and Sis’ Linkie on their 18th year anniversary with KT.

Happy and blessed Easters to all our staff and families.

3 more months to the Biggest Loser Challenge Grand Finale – stick to those healthy lifestyles and reap the rewards!

February 2013

March 2013

NoticesNotices18

Nontando and Sis’ Linkie celebrated their birthdays this month.

Congratulations to Yoyo on his 6th year anniversary with KT.

Super Congrats to Themba, Joan and Sis’ Linkie on their 18th year anniversary with KT.

Happy and blessed Easters to all our staff and families.

3 more months to the Biggest Loser Challenge Grand Finale – stick to those healthy lifestyles and reap the rewards!

NoticesNotices