Where Capital Meets Capacity: Kagiso Trust Celebrates 40 Years of Impact

Kagiso Trust has officially launched its 40th anniversary celebrating four decades of meaningful impact in education, socio-economic development, civil society, and local governance. As the organisation enters this milestone year, it unveils its new positioning statement: “Igniting Human Capacity” a reflection of its mission to empower individuals and communities as drivers of sustainable change.

A Model That Merges Financial and Human Capital

At the heart of Kagiso Trust’s approach lies a core belief, that investing in people is the most powerful and enduring form of capital investment. The Trust’s philosophy places human capital at the centre of national transformation.

Through educational initiatives such as the Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme (BNSDP) and the Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme (EMSP), as well as targeted skills development efforts, Kagiso Trust continues to equip individuals with the tools to become economically self-sufficient and active contributors to the country’s future.

As CEO, Mankodi Moitse affirms, “Every student we support and every entrepreneur we train contributes directly to economic growth and a more skilled workforce. This is how we build a self-reliant society.”

Financial Independence as a Development Strategy

Complementing this human-centred development model is a bold and effective financial strategy. Kagiso Trust stands out as one of the few non-profit organisations in the world that operates independently of donor funding. By merging financial capital with human capital, the organisation has created a sustainable funding mechanism that ensures long-term impact. Investment vehicles such as Kagiso Capital and Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH) have propelled the Trust’s asset base to R10 billion, reinforcing its ability to reinvest in South Africa’s future.

“Financial sustainability is not just a goal, it’s an imperative,” says Moitse. “Our investment model proves that development can be both impactful and financially independent.”

Transforming Education at Scale

A key pillar of Kagiso Trust’s legacy is its unwavering commitment to education. Over the past 40 years, the Trust has improved over 500 schools in rural and underserved communities. Its Beyers Naude School Development Programme has become a benchmark for educational transformation, enhancing matric pass rates, supporting teacher development, and integrating digital learning through partnerships with ICASA, CSIR, and key network providers.

In collaboration with provincial departments, the Trust is also reintroducing arts, culture, and sports into schools, and expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways. These efforts are not only equipping learners for future careers but also elevating technical education as a respected and viable choice for youth.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Emerging Farmers

Kagiso Trust is fostering economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development. Its Socio-Economic Development pillar aims to bring about much needed transformation in the property and agricultural sector. Enabling black entrepreneurs and emerging farmers to scale their businesses and gain access to markets. These initiatives are turning agriculture into a wealth-generating industry and reshaping the real estate landscape by supporting black property developers. Strategic partnerships with corporates, financial institutions, and government stakeholders ensure these enterprises are both sustainable and well-resourced, laying the foundation for inclusive economic growth.

Building Civic Engagement and Local Governance

By strengthening civic participation, enhancing data-driven activism, and building networks of civil society organisations through the Local Governance Support and the Civil Society Support programmes, the Trust is fostering active citizenship and encouraging communities to become co-creators of democracy, not just beneficiaries of aid. Its work with municipalities (most notably the Makana Municipality pilot) demonstrates how public performance can be improved through shared accountability and local leadership.

Looking Ahead: A Scalable, Self-Sustaining Vision

As Kagiso Trust reflects on four decades of meaningful progress, its focus is firmly set on the future. The next chapter will see the organisation scaling its investment-backed development model, expanding the reach of its education and entrepreneurship programmes, and deepening its partnerships across public and private sectors.

Kagiso Trust is committed to shaping a South Africa where sustainable development is driven by empowered people and self-reliant communities. The vision is clear: to build a nation where financial and human capital grow hand in hand, transforming lives today and securing prosperity for generations to come.