A CHANNEL TO EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITIES
OUR IMPACT
Changing Lives Through Education Since 2022
Since our inception, we have grown in our mission to provide access to education for students in need of support. Thanks to our incredible donors and partners, we are removing financial barriers and opening doors to higher education and vocational training.
Fields of Study We’ve Supported
• Urban Design (MA)
• Biokinetics (MA → PhD pathway)
• Chemistry Research (MSc)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Boilermaking (vocational trade)
• Mechanical/Autobody Technician (international placement)
Total Value of Bursaries and Training Awarded
Over R500,000 (ZAR) + USD 5,100
Funds Raised & Invested
+ZAR624K
Total donations received since inception
zaR300k
in tuition, fees, and training costs for direct student investments
+zaR65K
Generated surplus and built reserves to +ZAR115K – ensuring we can support even more students in the years ahead – a 2025 breakthrough
REAL STORIES, REAL CHANGE
From postgraduate researchers tackling COVID-19 detection and the prevalence of risk factors for falls among the elderly, to undergraduate engineers and coders, to a young boilermaker gaining critical trade skills – ZAR300,000 raised has translated into brighter futures and stronger communities.
All our bursary recipients come from historically disadvantaged communities. Together, we’re proving that when opportunity meets determination, transformation happens.
This is only the beginning. With your continued support, we plan to double the number of students we sponsor in the coming years and expand both academic and vocational pathways.
Join us. Donate today and help write the next chapter of impact.
Donate to unlock the power of education for aspiring students!
Our work is powered by the generous philanthropic support of passionate advocates for learning like you. Connect with us at info@africawetufoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved and support our work.
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Donate in international currency.
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The Africa Wetu Foundation (AWF) is supported by the generosity of our donors. Your one-time or monthly donation allows each striving student to receive support for scholarships.
OTHER WAYS TO DONATE
We appreciate your investment in the future of the young individuals we aim to support, and want to make it as simple as possible for you to join us on this journey.
Donate via direct EFT
OUR BANKING DETAILS
Account Name: The Africa Wetu Foundation- NPC
Bank: First National Bank (FNB) | Account Number: 62868935192
Branch Code: 250555 | Branch: Promenade Mall
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ
Donations within South Africa are eligible for tax exemption.
2025 BURSARY RECIPIENT
Chad Johnson
A motivated and creative self-starter, Chad commenced his tertiary education with a Web Application Development Certification and has worked in various positions since. Recognizing the importance of hands-on work and technical skills in a surging digital economy, he decided to embark on a vocational training program to upskill into a niche market – directly addressing the demand for skilled tradespeople in maintaining physical infrastructure that support our daily lives, and as the broader manufacturing and construction industries are being supported by the rapidly changing digital space.
He has no doubt impressed us with his commitment to excellence, his dedication to community outreach activities, and working diligently to stay focused and driven. With the AWF bursary, he hopes to use his education and training to make a positive impact in his community and beyond. He is confident that this financial support will not only lay the foundation for him to complete his studies, but will also hold the potential for career mobility and entrepreneurship – and to pay the generosity forward in the future.
2024 BURSARY RECIPIENTS
Uzair Basardien
Mechanical Engineering (CPUT)
With a strong academic record and an impressive background of practical experience, Uzair is a third-year student in Mechanical Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town.
Uzair’s ultimate goal is to become a well-rounded and skilled mechanical engineer, working on innovative and challenging projects that will allow him to utilize his technical and leadership abilities while making a meaningful contribution to his field. His passion for his area of study, motivation, and commitment are only a few of the excellent qualities that supported his successful bursary application at the AWF. We are proud of his achievements and excited for what the future holds!
2022 BURSARY RECIPIENTS
Lerys Hendricks
MA Urban Design (UCT)
Research intention: Don’t Waste Africa (How does Africa deal with waste?) – The research aims to investigate waste management by mapping five cities in five different countries, in an attempt to understand how waste affects these areas. Africa has the ability to solve its own ‘waste problems’ by learning from ‘waste solutions’ in neighbouring African countries.
Lerys is a well-spoken and confident individual who has braved a career change: after completing her degree in architecture, she acquired professional experience in her field for a few years and subsequently decided to upskill and specialise in Urban Design.
She believes that the design of cities is very crucial for the future development of Africa – our continent is urbanizing at a rapid pace, and Urban Design is vital in helping to solve complex issues to improve the functionality and liveability of its cities. She hopes that an AWF bursary will help her realize her goals.
WHO WE ARE
MISSION
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To accelerate access to education for students in Africa through the effective mobilization of innovation, relationships, and resources.
VISION
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To be part of the solution in empowering the young generation in Africa from disadvantaged communities to have access to further education and enhance their skills for a better tomorrow.
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Every student will be prepared for life after high school, whether the choice is to attend university or to obtain technical and vocational training.
OUR BELIEF STATEMENTS
EQUITY FOR ALL
We believe every individual deserves access to a high standard of education.
MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
We believe in assisting students to access the various post-secondary and career pathways available to them.
INNOVATION
We believe in investing in the young generation as the future drivers of innovation and economic growth.
OUR MODEL
To harness the power of a collaborative approach, leading to understanding each other’s views and values, allowing different generations to increase their sense of awareness of one another.
This, in turn, will provide a platform for students who have been able to complete their higher education or training and start their professional careers, to support other students as an act of appreciation and acknowledgement.
WHY EDUCATION
Education forms the foundation for preparing the next generation of future leaders.
"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world". - Nelson Mandela
MEET THE TEAM
Our team members have been carefully selected for their unique and impeccable skills and experience volunteering for other charitable causes. Together we share a desire to see the lives of young South Africans improve through access to education.
Leadership Team
Eleanor Govender
Director
Eleanor Govender is a graduate of Conference, Incentive, and Events Management, and an experienced market specialist in South Africa’s leisure, travel, and tourism industry. She is passionate about sharing the beauty of this country with all who dream of travelling it, getting to know its people, and experiencing its eclectic cultural diversity.
“It has always been my passion to assist and help those in need from previously disadvantaged communities. I believe in paying it forward because everyone deserves the right to quality education and opportunities. I joined the Africa Wetu Foundation because I believe in the vision and mission of the Foundation, and the future of the next generation.”
Viyassen Govender
Director
Viyassen Govender graduated from Durban’s University of Technology with a Diploma in Graphic Design. After two years of living and working on Robben Island, he worked in advertising and at some of Cape Town’s leading design houses. His various roles throughout the years as a layout artist, creative designer, and art director culminated in him establishing and managing Vegiah Design. He has conceptualized and brought to life unique designs for many South African companies, as well as international organizations.
“I believe in community upliftment and assistance. Besides my role as a director of the Africa Wetu Foundation, I’m also a trustee of the Bambini Dream Foundation, and I share my love for cooking as a volunteer and sponsor at the Ladles of Love soup kitchen in Belhar.”
Vanessa Jackson
Director
Vanessa Jackson is a lecturer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. After completing her BSc in Biochemistry at the University of the Western Cape, she continued to further her studies, completing her Doctorate in Biomedical Technology in 2004.
Her specializations furthermore include Environmental Microbiology. As the head of her department, she has published numerous research papers in her areas of expertise. She continues to inspire with her engaging teaching style – sharing her knowledge and helping students achieve their academic goals.
“When I was approached by the Africa Wetu Foundation to come on board as a director, I didn’t hesitate. I’m a first-hand witness to the struggles many South African students face: financial issues very often being at the core of their social struggles. If we can give a student an opportunity to access higher education, we can change the trajectory of their lives.”
Jacqueline Bibombe
Director / Co-founder
Jacqueline Bibombe obtained her BA (Hons) degree from the University of the Western Cape and her MA in Marketing and Communications from the Rome Business School.
With specializations in German, French, and Organizational Communication, her passion for languages and linguistic expertise have afforded her professional opportunities in various industries: from tourism to education to the language service industry. She is also a qualified copy editor and considers investment in language skills to be one of the key components of professional development.
“As one of the directors of the Africa Wetu Foundation, I have the privilege to be part of a dynamic team of individuals who are driven to bring meaningful change in an area where we believe our society needs it most: education. By helping individuals access quality education, we can uplift families and entire communities.”
Board Members
Romeo Tsusi
Board Member
Romeo Tsusi is an attorney of the High Court of South Africa and the chief executive officer and managing director of MRT LAW INC.
After completing his LLB at the University of the Western Cape, he worked as a candidate and associate attorney for a reputable law firm in Cape Town. With specializations in corporate and commercial law as well as litigation services, he established his law firm in 2020; simultaneously completing his LLM at UNISA. Romeo has experience in a wide range of sectors such as agribusiness, aviation, construction, logistics, media, and telecommunications.
”I believe that helping individuals access quality higher education is crucial in addressing the economic challenges facing our nation today. As a board member of the Africa Wetu Foundation, I’m able to offer practical and effective legal services, using the skills available at MRT LAW as a bespoke next-generation law firm, to serve a social cause.”
Paul Telfer
Board Member
Paul Telfer is the regional director of the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Sudano Sahel region. While working towards his PhD in Physical Anthropology, which he completed in 2006 at New York University, he worked in project management in West and Central Africa (Sierra Leone, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo). He managed and monitored multinational conservation projects, research programs and the administration of country programs: from conceptualization to design and planning.
Paul possesses leadership, strategic and organizational skills, which he applied in human resource management, finance, fundraising, public relations and the development of strong networks within communities and government.
“During my time as the director for international conservation communication and public relations at Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC), I was part of a meaningful project that aims to protect nature through education and community-driven empowerment and supports African governments with Early Childhood Development, Research and EduConservation programs. I believe that Africa needs the support it deserves, and I am so pleased to contribute my knowledge and experience to the Africa Wetu Foundation.”
Founding Member
Our founding member, Kayex Africa Holdings, represented by Jerry Bibombe, has been a strategic partner in assisting with the inception of the foundation.
Their core business activities include managing a diversified portfolio of small businesses and startups. As strategists and investors, they champion and partner with entrepreneurs who are defining the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We believe in helping young African students to pursue tertiary education and we are there to assist them – this is one of our corporate mandates.”
CONTACT US
We appreciate your interest in Africa Wetu Foundation.
