Our aim is to encourage each individual in our programme to actively contribute to the future of South Africa. Typically, this is either achieved through taking up leadership roles within their fields or mentoring other students. Once they have finished the programme, beneficiaries then join our alumni group, which is dedicated to helping the next group move forward.

Where did it all begin?

It all began with Tshepo – our very first beneficiary!

Tshepo was raised by his grandmother and supported alongside 6 other grandchildren off a government pension alone. The other adults in the family had either passed on or were facing additional challenges that made it impossible for them to hold down a job. Running into the 11-year-old Tshepo at a railway station, Trustee Paballo Thekiso took the young man to buy some bread, and… well, let’s just say Tshepo made quite the impression, because the rest is history!

Where are we now?

Originally formed in 2002 by a small group who decided to provide funding to this young man, the Trust has successfully provided funding to over 110 graduates to date. Primarily working at the tertiary level, we provide funding and support for university, college, FET colleges, and adult skills training centre degrees and diplomas – with the shape of our support being determined based on the requirements and goals of the individual students we assist.

The Tshepo Trust focuses on supporting our beneficiaries through the combination of financial compensation, mentorship and psycho-social guidance.

In essence, we pride ourselves on being a small organization which provides personal, one-to-one support for each individual, in a way that best suits their unique needs.

Instead of asking our beneficiaries to pay back their funding – we rather encourage each individual to actively contribute Pay It Forward. Typically, this is achieved through our alumni programme, in which past beneficiaries would mentor current beneficiaries, or assist family and community members in finding employment.

Our beneficiaries continue to grow from strength to strength because of this personal approach and we are thrilled to back them through various phases of their lives.

We are proud of our Tshepo Trust family, and we hope to share more of our journey with you!