Kagiso Trust: 30 Celebrating Years of Service

Kagiso [meaning Peace] Trust was established in May 1985 as a mechanism to channel funds, which would promote the struggle against apartheid as well as uplift and empower communities deprived by the system.

Its contributions to, and hands on involvement in a wide range of projects have allowed Kagiso Trust to make a real difference to the lives of many thousands of South Africans.

Kagiso Trust Investments (KTI), which was born out of Kagiso Trust in 1993, has set the organisation apart from many NGOs in that it serves as a means of generating sustainable income for the future.

The trustees believe that education is the key to the future growth and development of South Africa. To this end, it has developed a pioneering programme, named after one of the founding patrons, Dr Beyers Naudé, who played an active role in the growth of the Trust.

The outlook for the future is promising. As an organisation with a solid foundation and the ongoing dedication of the people who support it, Kagiso Trust looks forward to increased involvement from those who share the dream of making a difference to South Africans.

Our Business

The long history of Kagiso Trust (KT) is entrenched in building sustainable partnerships for poverty eradication. For over 20 years, KT has worked with South Africans to achieve a society which offers liberty, justice and freedom from poverty.

The core business of KT is empowering poor marginalized South Africans so as to affirm their place and participation in the larger social institution. KT pursues an organizational development strategy that seeks to maximize its unique strength of relating to ordinary people, particularly in rural communities, as well as its considerable experience in development facilitation to identify sustainable solutions towards poverty eradication.

Our Philosophy

Integrity
We shall at all times, endeavour to uphold our integrity both as individuals and as an organisation, as we realize that this principle is the value upon which all others are founded.

Accountability
We shall be accountable and take ownership of matters for which we are responsible. We shall practice self-evaluation, continually reviewing ourselves, our actions as well as attitudes, whilst carrying out our functions with a strong sense of commitment.

Passion for Development
We shall at all times ensure that we maintain our basic passion for working towards achieving our vision and mission.

A hands on, bottom up approach
We shall do whatever is necessary to achieve our mission; understanding that this may often require us having to get our ‘hands dirty’ in doing the necessary, practical tasks that may be required in any given instance.

Organisation Overview

Also Visit: http://kagiso.co.za/

Yvonne Chaka Chaka: The Princess of Africa

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Dobsonville, Soweto, 1965:

A child is born to Puti and Sophie Machaka, the Machakas had three girls: Doreen, Refiloe, and Yvonne Ntombizodwa Moloko Machaka .Today Yvonne is known as the Princess of Africa, performing artist, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, “Yvonne Chaka Chaka”

The Humanitarian:

Considered a role model throughout the African continent, she has demonstrated compassion for others throughout her career. Yvonne has taught literacy, promoted the rights of women, and never stopped to work to protect children everywhere.

As UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and also Ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria (sponsored by the World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization, and other institutions), Yvonne tirelessly campaigns for medications and bed nets that will help to end malaria — a preventable and curable disease that kills 3,000 people in Africa every day.

Inspired by these statistics she created her own charity, the Princess of Africa Foundation. Yvonne says, “We want to raise awareness and take initiative to eradicate this needless disease. People need to know more about malaria because it kills almost one million Africans a year, most of them children.”

Yvonne has also served as Ambassador for the University of South Africa (UNISA); City of Johannesburg Tourism, and Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign. Yvonne embraces the belief that every citizen should play a part in building community, so when she was asked to become an honorary Colonel in the South Africa Air Force, she didn’t hesitate. Her duties include team-building and attaining excellence in communication.

In 2001 Yvonne was named one of the Top 100 Heroes of South Africa by the Star Newspaper. Despite a travel schedule that keeps her on the road much of the time, Yvonne continues to make time to motivate, inspire, and educate everyone she meets. And she says “I am always ready to learn from others.”

Her continual efforts to raise donor monies from various African governments, the Global Fund, the World Bank, and the Gates Foundation ensure that those who need help the most will get it. Of the many awards and accolades she’s earned, Yvonne says that being the recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award, established in 1957, was a great honour. “This award of excellence is such a distinction. I realize that it is through the efforts of others, who walked this path before me, that I am able to follow in their footsteps to help others. It is a privilege to serve my communities and make the world a better place for all our children.

Her numerous accomplishments, and endurance in a demanding industry, can be attributed to an indomitable will and a childhood guided by the strength of her mother, Sophie Machaka. A domestic worker with only a Standard 6 education, Yvonne’s mother was a life-long teacher to all who knew her. She was Yvonne’s first mentor and gave her the gift of character. Yvonne says, “I know what it is like to sleep without food. I know what is like not to have. My mum taught me that when you die you will never take anything with you. So when I have, I share with others.”

Today, the voice of Yvonne Chaka Chaka has also become the voice for untold others who suffer injustice and disease. Her wisdom and insight, combined with common sense and good judgment, have become evident in the dignity, poise, and courage she radiates. It is said that the only way to have a friend is to be one, and the Princess of Africa lives this credo. She has embraced an array of people from every walk of life, and her friendships span the globe. The diversity, and quality, of Yvonne’s relationships are like her music — different notes blending together to create the perfect sound. This belief in the human family is at the core of her beliefs, “I would love for all people to be equal in the world and just to know that God loves us all.”


Those who are closest to Yvonne recognise that she exudes a wisdom that flows from the highest source. Yvonne is a dramatic example of the power of one. Passionate about changing her world, she works ceaselessly to build a better future for Africa. A non-drinker and non-smoker, Yvonne maintains strong spiritual connections.


Her philosophy is, “When we are born we come with nothing. And when we die, we die with nothing. God thank you for the life that you have given me.I love life, and I live it to the fullest.” “We are the instruments of Heaven. Our work is not design, but destiny.” African icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka is living her destiny, and those who understand her message are enriched by it.


Thank you for walking with me; it’s been A LONG WALK. I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE.  THIS IS MY MOTHERLAND ..................THANK YOU.

The Princess of Africa Foundation



The Princess of African Foundation was established in 2006 to complement the work of Yvonne Chaka Chaka as UNICEF and Rollback Malaria Goodwill ambassadors in Africa. It is a non-profit organization registered under Section 21 of the Companies Act with main objectives being to carry out community and social charity works.


The Foundation carries out its main objective by working in partnership and collaboration with other organizations and individuals. The focus of the Foundation’s work is to combat malaria which is reported to be killing 3000 children a day on the African continent.


The Foundation’s purpose is to heighten awareness:
•    On the dangers of malaria, preventative measures and treatment
•    By carrying out projects on information, education and communication about malaria in malaria prevalent areas
•    By carrying outs projects in high malaria prevalent areas with special focus on the most vulnerable – women and children


The Foundation has undertaken the following projects since its inception in 2006:
•    2008/9 – In partnership with the MTN Foundation and the Department of Health in Limpopo, launched the malaria residual spraying in villages located in the malaria prevalent areas in the north-eastern part of Limpopo Province


•    2009/10 – In partnership with the Department of Health in Limpopo and the African Women’s Development Fund  trained 103 women Community Health Workers in the malaria prevalent villages in the north-eastern part of the Limpopo Province


•    2009/10 – Created the Motherland Tour – A Journey of African Women documentary to highlight the plight of women and children suffering from various diseases and the lack of health facilities and various forms of infrastructure to access treatment


•    2010 – In partnership with the Wits Medical School and Radio Today ran an information and educational programme to the general public on the malaria disease, preventative measures and treatment

For more information visit: http://www.yvonnechakachaka.co.za/foundation/about.php

SPECIAL FEATURE: Thoko Ntshinga: Set To Inspire More Generations

Thoko Ntshinga is a South African actress best known for her roles as Donna Makaula on the M-Net soap opera Egoli, and as Senior Superintendent Nomsa Dlamba on the SABC1 drama series Interrogation Room, since 2005.

Ntshinga also won the Best Supporting Actress award at the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards for her role as Christine in the show.

She hails from Langa in Cape Town and looks set to do greater things. A look at her career review below will prove a sterling performer and leader.

Currently:

Founder and Director of Nants’ingqayi Arts Development Association. (A Community Development Project, based in Langa, Cape Town. South Africa.) 

Freelance Director, Actor, Translator, Cultural Facilitator, Community Development Practitioner. Community Theatre Facilitator.

Productions:

FILMS

2012                           Dark Tide (Performer)

2009                           Eersgeborene (Performer)

2007                           The bird can’t fly (Performer)

2007                           Anner House (Performer)

2007                           Mein Traum von Afrika (Performer)

2006                           Goobye Bafana  (Dialogue coach)

2005                           Follow your heart (Performer)

2006                           Katrina (Performer)

2000                           A Reasonable Man (Performer)

1988                           A Dry White Season (Performer)

1987                           Taxi to Soweto (Performer)

1984                           Skating on Thin Uys (Performer)

1983                           Farce about Uys (Performer)

TELEVISION

2007               Interrogation Room (Performer, Creative Director and Translator)

2005               Interrogation room (Performer)

1993-2003      Egoli, South African tele-serial (Performer) Trainee Director

1991/2            Velaphi  (Performer and Translator)

1990               Iingcinga (Performer) Best actress award

1989               Ingqumbo Yeminyanya, 2nd assistant Director and Cultural Adviser

1989               Akukho nkwal’liphandel’enye (Performer)

STAGE WORK

2012-13          Mies Julie Strindberg-Adapted by Yael Farber (Performer)

2012               Amaza by Z S Qangule. Artscape (Adapted and Directed)

2011.              Bash or Be Bashed. (Written and directed)

2011               Amaza by Z S Qangule. Artscape (Adapted and directed)

2009               Ezethu, the musical. Artscape (Conceptualiser and Director)

2008               Wayenje u Langa (Creator & Director) Suidoosterfees festival.

2005               Lazarus (Performer) UCT Little Theatre

2004-5            Kusalawula Yena (Adapted, Directed)

2004               Church full of Light (Performer)

1999               And the girls in their Sunday Dresses (Director)

1997               The good woman of Sharkeville (Performer)

1990               Curl up and dye (Performer)

1998               SABS Approved, Cabaret (Performer, Singer)

1987               Black & White Follies, musical (Performer/ Singer)

1986               Born in the RSA (Workshoped) Tour of England, Scotland & USA (Performer/deviser)

1984               Umongikazi / the Nurse (Performer)

1993               Farce about Uys (Performer)

1980               Uyscreams with hot chocolate sauce (Performer)

1979               Call me woman (Workshoped) Performer/deviser

1979               Cincinatti (Workshoped) Performer/deviser

1979               Nongogo (Performer)

1977               The African Odyssey (Musical) Performer/Lead dancer

1976               The Sacrifice of Kreli (Performer)

Prizes and Awards

 2013               Fleur Du Cap nominee for best supporting actress (Mies Julie)

2003               Woman of the World Award (WOW)

2000               City press/Rapport (Newspapers) Prestige 2000 Award for one of SA’sMost Inspirational Women

1998               Artistic Recognition of Excellence Award (Harlem USA)

1997               Corbet/Langa Award for uplifting the Community through outstanding Achievement in Dramatic Art. Cape Town

1993               Artes Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Work ‘Iingcinga’ (South African Broadcasting Cooperation. SABC)

Research Awards and Funding

NRF University Block Grant( Internal funding for a chosen project) Western Cape Cultural Commission (for Nants’ingqayi arts Development)

Suidoosterfees festival (for Nants’ingqayi Arts Development)

Ms Ntshinga developed isiXhosa language stream at the University of Cape Town Drama Department. This resulted in the adaptation of ‘Kusalawula Yena’, by GBS Xundu, a Grade 12 prescribed novel for the isiXhosa learners, in the Western Cape Region.

This piece of work was also adapted from a stage work into a multi media style where all exteriors were played on screen while the play was live on stage. DVD’s of this play were distributed to High schools for further assistance in the high school revision of the novel.

Ms Ntshinga was also part of the team which developed the Community Theatre

Stream at UCT during her time as a lecturer there.

Qualifications.

2012                Rape Crisis Counselling, Rape Crisis Centre, Cape Town Trust

(RCCTT) Certificate

2010-11          Comprehensive Life Coach Training. South African Institute of Life

Coach Training (SAILCT) Certificate

2004.                 Certificate, Event Management. Artscape Theatre.

2005.                 MA Theatre for Development (TFD), Winchester University. England

2000               Franz Marx Films, Multi Camera, Directorship (Learnership)

1998               Business Management and Administration (Damelin College)

1997               Communication 1 (University of South Africa. Unisa)

1997               Industrial psychology 1 (Unisa)

1997               Practical English (Unisa)

1996               Certificate (Drama) University of Pretoria (Proff. Louw Oodendaal) (A Community Outreach Project)

APPOINTMENTS

2003-2006       Lecturer, University of Cape Town (UCT)

Projects

Engaging the Langa community in self- upliftment and acquiring of skills towards self empowerment.

 Workshops and practice on Mon, Wed, Fridays for Theatre, Dance and African drums with the youth in Langa to date.

Reminiscence Theatre with senior citizens at Kwa Nolungile senior citizens’ club to date.

Organising professionals to share skills with Community members of Langa Cape Town.

Research (Areas where participation is required in the creation of material.)

Ntshinga T, 2012, Production: Amaza by Z S Qangule, Adapted and directed. Artscape

Ntshinga T, 2011.  Production: Amaza by Z S Qangule. Adapted and directed. Artscape

Ntshinga T, 2005. Production: Lazarus by Patrick Cairns. Intimate Theatre, UCT Drama Department. “Performer”.

Ntshinga T, 2005. Production: Kusalawula Yena, by GBS Xundu. Little Theatre. UCT Drama Department. ‘Adapted and directed’

Ntshinga T, 2004. Nosel'eyibethile, directed, Artscape. Ntshinga T, 2003. Consultancy: Catch a Wake up. The use of

Theatre for Development with the youth at UCCSA Church, Soweto. South Africa.

Other positions held

2010-to date   Board member, New Africa Theatre Association.

2008-to date   Director, Waterfront Television.

2005-7            Commissioner of the Western Cape Cultural Commission (WCCC)

2006-7            Chairperson of the Western Cape Cultural Councils 2006/7/8

2005-9            Board member of the St Joseph’s Home for Chronic Invalid Children

2004-to date   Director of Nants’ingqayi Arts Development Foundation (NAD), a Community Development project. Langa.

1999-2002       Trustee – Arts and Culture Trust of the President

2002               Arts Coordinator for the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust (Cape Town)

SOUIRCE: http://www.mlasa.com/Artists/gender=female&age=50_100&artistId=132

‘KK’ Combi, The Business Guru

By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

GUGULETHU multi-millionaire entrepreneur Zitulele Luke ‘KK’ Combi has come a long way.

Born in Retreat of Cape Town, Mr. Combi is one the people who has proven that we can all achieve greatness through perseverance.

And at the height of Apartheid after the hated Group Areas Act of the 1950s came into being (the Act forced non-whites away from affluent areas of South Africa into under-serviced townships), KK and his family were forcibly removed from Retreat to the township of Gugulethu in Cape Town where he grew up.

Without warning, they and their household goods were unceremoniously loaded onto a flat bed truck and dumped in Gugulethu. This experience was common to other non-whites throughout South Africa.

Mr. Combi’s determined spirit manifested itself early on when his admittedly autocratic leadership of the school debating team earned him the nickname “KK” after the flamboyant but autocratic former Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda. The name has stuck with him.

And for his tertiary education, Mr. Combi went to the Damelin College where he studied Public Relations & Career History.

Mr. Combi worked at Old Mutual for a year, where he was awarded Salesman of the Year. After this, he decided to follow his dreams.

He then opened a self service café in Gugulethu, which was forced to close in 1985 due to unrest in the township as delivery trucks couldn’t access the café.

In 1989, he developed the first service station in Guguletu.

And then in 1994, he developed the R45 million Nyanga Junction Development. A business complex that continues to serve many areas of Cape Town and elsewhere.

This was followed by a R20 million Ultra City Engen One Stop he developed in King Williamstown in 1995.

Also, in 1995 he started Master Currency with 2 branches.

Still in 1995, Mr. Combi traveled to the United Kingdom in search of ideas. While visiting a London foreign exchange bureau, it occurred to him that hordes of tourists would be flocking to see the miracle nation, South Africa. They would all need the services of a foreign exchange bureau. For the next couple of days he stood by the doorway of a London exchange bureau to observe proceedings. It wasn’t long before the bureau manager spotted him and called him in.

On discovering that he was from South Africa. The manager wanted news on South Africa’s transition Apartheid to democracy and Combi offered to give it to him in exchange for an insight into the world of foreign exchange transactions. “It wasn’t easy to comprehend initially,” Combi admits. However, a week later he got the hang of the business.

The company now employs 250 people at 20 branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. With a gross annual turnover of R2 billion, it is ranked third in the industry and commands 12% market share. “Look out for opportunities, they are always there waiting to be discovered,” says Combi.

Combi is also said to be a man of firsts. He was the first person in South Africa to be granted a foreign exchange licence; the first black South African to win the local Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur award in 2000; the first South African to be crowned World Entrepreneur for Managing Change in 2001 in Monte Carlo; and the first black South African appointed as a judge for the World Entrepreneur Competition in 2002.

Combi is also a Director on the Main Board of Massmart,   Chairman  of Sustainability Committee at Massmart, Regional Board of ABSA (Western Cape),  Master Coin (Pty) Ltd,  Vat Refund Administrators, Combi & Co. (Pty) Ltd,  Member of SA Institute of Directors,  Member of the World Entrepreneur Academy, Member of World CEO Organisation.

His community involvement has seen him building a school including community outreach programmes, among others.

AWARDS

Achievers Award in the Business Category | SABC 2 Tribute Magazine | 2003

Award for Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Marketing | Institute of Marketing Management | 2001

Business Personality of the Year Award | Cape Times | 2001

World Entrepreneur for Managing Change | 2001

SA Entrepreneur of the Year | 2000

Cape Business Personality of the Year

Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Managing Change | World Entrepreneur Summit

South Africa's Best Entrepreneur

Salesman of the Year | Old Mutual

MZOLI'S PLACE

Mzoli's Place. Photo courtesy Julian Knutzen

A MEAT-LOVERS DREAM

Enjoy good food and great company at Mzoli's Place. Photo courtesy of Wayne Taylor

Mzoli’s Place, situated just outside Cape Town in the township of Gugulethu, is known for its vibrant parties, diverse patronage and, of course, its signature meat.

Kwa-Mzoli, as locals call it, is the ideal place to introduce oneself to township culture, the friendly people, big personalities, street fashion and the partying that never stops.

A TASTE OF LOCAL CULTURE

Mzoli's Place is the perfect spot to visit to experience a taste of township life. Photo courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

Incorrectly referred to as a shebeen because alcohol is also consumed there, Mzoli’s Place started as a butchery with ashisa nyama (a local term used to describe an informal barbecue at a butchery), but has expanded to include live entertainment, music and a bar. If you are on the lookout for the latest andhottest South African acts, then Mzoli’s Place is your destination. Well-known DJs and bands regularly play there and it is the after-party venue for many of the cultural happenings in Cape Town.

BRING AND BRAAI

The highlight of Mzoli’s Place, however, is the meat, which is braaied (barbecued) on the premises with its signature secret mix of herbs and spices. Patrons need to bring their own beverages, crockery and cutlery. Mzoli’s provides the meat and the excellent party atmosphere and you bring the rest.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

There's no need to bring and braai at Mzoli's Place, which doubles as a butchery. Photo courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

Mzoli’s Place is a great spot to end off your week. Sundays are usually the best days to go, as the music is live and the locals happy. Get there early as the queues usually wind around the block and parking is limited. Book a shuttle directly from your accommodation; it’s convenient and will definitely be needed after all the alcohol you’ll probably consume!

Bookings for large groups are essential.Contact Mzoli’s Place on +27 (0)21 638 1355. Visit Mzoli’s Meat on Facebook

Check out our blog for some awesome pics and a first-hand account of a Mzoli’s experience.

SOURCE: Cape Town Tourism

Wendy Luhabe, Has Built A Legacy

By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Wendy Luhabe, is an accomplished businesswoman, social entrepreneur and author.

She has pioneered many initiatives for the economic empowerment of women and their participation in South Africa’s economic landscape.

Luhabe is deeply engaged in many sectors, including education, youth leadership development, and business, for which she is the Chairwoman and Director of a number of leading companies in diverse industries.

After working for 10 years for corporations internationally Luhabe decided to dedicate her life to empower African women in business.

She was born on 29 May 1957, Daveyton, Gauteng Province, South Africa, and grew up in the old Benoni location.

Luhabe graduated in Arts from the University of Fort Hare (1977) and in Commerce from the University of Lesotho (1981).

After 10 years of national and international corporate experience with BMW, she founded “Bridging the Gap” in 1991, a consulting firm working on both sides of the corporate equation: On the one hand to prepare young Black South Africans to enter the world of work, on the other hand to support South African companies on how to integrate them into their corporate business.

Mostly, Mrs Luhabe is known for her vision in founding the Women Investment Holdings (WIPHOLD) in 1993: initiating the participation of women in the economic landscape of South Africa. She launched the first fund to provide capital to women-owned businesses in South Africa with a R120 million private equite fund.

She was awarded as one of the 50 Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World and Global Leader of Tomorrow of the World Economics Forum; and inaugurated as a Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg in 2006.

Luhabe was appointed Honorary Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in the 2014 New Year Honours for her services as a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation.
Wendy Luhabe’s defining moment:

“In my early 20’s my father gave me the best gift of my life, a book by Dr Wayne W. Dyer called “Your Erroneous Zones” which was about taking responsibility to change one’s circumstances. This book taught me, at an early age, that no one oppresses us or abuses us without our permission and that in life we either choose to be a victim, or to change our circumstances. By the time I was 25 I knew that I am responsible for my life and that any choices I make have consequences. So I decided to approach life by creating my own rules and making the kinds of choices that support my aspirations.“

Luhabe is married to the former premier of Gauteng Province, Mbhazima Shilowa, they have 2 sons and a grandson.

Furthermore, Luhabe is also the Chair of the Women Private Equity Fund and is on the Board of IMD Business School, and she was recently appointed by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the newly-formed International Council on Women’s Business Leadership.

Luhabe is also an active mentor, accomplished author and powerful role model who is known for her writing and speaking engagements. She is a passionate ambassador for entrepreneurship as a platform to transform society.

Her work include Wendy Luhabe: Defining moments. University of Kwazulu Natal Press, 2002, ISBN 978-1-86914-020-5.

Source: http://www.wendyluhabe.com/