InBRIEF

Issue #17 | August 2015

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Peace Liberation Development | www.facebook.com/kagisotrust

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Education is not preparation for life;

education is life itself

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CONTENTS

august 2015

INSIDE INBRIEF
P5 Ode to Arch

P7 Essay Competition
P9 UJ Panel Discussion
P11 Partnerships in Education
P12 Wits Panel Discussion
P14 MEC Foreword

P15 Rev Chikane Message

P16 Be the Change

P21 Back to School

P22 Tlotlanang

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P24 Speaking to Spirit of Oom Bey

P25 Dreams and Dilemmas

P27 KT wins 2015 East African

Philanthropy Awards
P28 KTH acquires 51% of Servest
P29: Notices

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WORD FROM
CORPORATE
AFFAIRS

Moosa and Sophia Williams-De

Bruyn, who rose up against the
extension of pass laws to black
women, which infringed on their
freedom of movement.

Robert Greenleaf, author of

Servant Leadership observed that
Good leaders must first become
good servants. They focus on
we, rather than me. They
inspire, foster transformation
and bring out the best in those
around them.

The 1956 Womens March to the

Union Buildings is a testimony
of strength, determination and
activism across the class and
racial barriers amongst South
African women. These women
displayed strength, served a
higher purpose and helped to
mould South Africa as we know
it today.

s we celebrated
former President
Nelson Mandelas
legacy, through Mandela Day,
we reflected on Conscious
Leadership.

They understand that their role

is to serve a higher purpose,
support the people around
them and to create value for all
stakeholders. They recognize
the integral role of culture and
purposefully cultivate a conscious
culture of trust and care.
As we celebrate Womens Month
this August and as we continue to
celebrate South Africas 21 years
of freedom, we pay homage
to the legacy of some of our
Conscious Leaders, that is, Lilian
Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima

Their heroic efforts have

placed todays young women
in a historically exceptional
position, where they are better
empowered to influence laws
and policies in the future,
and further ensure the equal
treatment of not only women,
but all individuals.
Countless women from various
sectors of society continue
to serve as role models,
demonstrating the importance
of writing women back into
history and looking forward to

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great things in the future. They

have persevered through social,
cultural and legal challenges
and created lasting legacies of
achievements for the following
generations to follow and enjoy.
As we celebrate Women, I would
like to encourage our young
South African Women to put their
best foot forward in pursuit of
becoming the Conscious Leaders
our country needs, in bringing
about change in different sectors
of our society.
Go out there and grab the
world by the lapels You may
encounter many defeats, but you
must not be defeated. In fact, it
may be necessary to encounter
the defeats, so you can know
who you are, what you can rise
from, and how you can still come
out of it. Maya Angelou

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SPARKLING PEARLS
OF WISDOM
Ode to Arch campaign kicks off
Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that
overwhelm the world, so said one of South Africas most beloved citizens and Kagiso
Trusts world famous patron, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (the Arch).

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#OdetoArch

he Arch, as he is fondly known, has gained a reputation both locally and abroad for
his pearls of wisdom, insight into human nature and active role in promoting social
cohesion for a truly democratic South Africa. This year, to mark Kagiso Trusts 30th
anniversary of sustainable contribution to poverty alleviation, education and empowerment,
all South Africans have the rare opportunity to share with the world exactly how the Arch
has made an impression in their lives.
Kagiso Trust chairman Reverend Frank Chikane has provided the first ode, sharing his
thoughts on just one of the many influences that the Arch has had on his life.I have known
Desmond Tutu from the early 80s, when he returned from Lesotho and immediately got
involved in his prophetic ministry against the apartheid system.
This included work in areas of African and Black Theology to clarify the challenges occasioned
by the racist apartheid system at the time. It is when he became General Secretary of the
South African Council of Churches (SACC) when his ministry became even more prominent.
Most people know him from that point on. Desmond Tutu took on this role during the most
difficult times in the history of the church and this country. It was during that time that he
showed leadership, courage and commitment to his faith and God. You could see that he
acted based on his faith. I took over at SACC, from Beyers Naud in 1987, at the height of
the crisis in South Africa with increased levels of state violence and massacres.
Desmond Tutu was the one church leader who was ready to drop everything and come and
be with me when we were dealing with this crisis. I remember that he was in Canada at one
stage. I sent a note saying weve got a crisis I think it was in Sebokeng and he dropped
everything and cancelled his trip and flew straight to Johannesburg to join me on the visit
to Sebokeng.
He was always ready and able to prioritise what was important at any given time for the good
of the country thats why he was awarded the Nobel peace prize, Chikane reminisced.
Now, all South Africans have the opportunity to send in their memories, highlights, learnings
and special moments with social activist Desmond Tutu. You can send your ode, by sending
us your message or photo with the Arch on facebook, twitter or on our website Visit the
Kagiso Trust 30 Years site today www.kt30years.co.za and submit your entry.
Twitter @Kagiso_Trust #KT30Years
Facebook: Kagiso Trust
The 30 best messages will be published in a book which will be presented to the Arch.

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Kagiso Trust announces the winners of the Beyers Naud

Schools Development Programme (BNDSP) Essay writing
Competition at the Infrastructure Launch

agiso Trust has a long

working history and
relationship
with
schools in the Thabo
Mofutsanyana District, Free State.
For the past eight years, the Beyers
Naud Schools Development
Programme (BNSDP) has been
working in partnership with
the Free State Department of
Education to transform underperforming schools into centres
of academic excellence, focusing
on management strategies of the
schools, curriculum delivery and
the accountability of the school
governing bodies, among other
interventions.

father would be very proud with

the academic performance of these
schools and learners she said.
Learners must take advantage of
the media and science centre as its
one of the best centres equipped
with resources that will equip
learners with their maths and
science particles.

The Free State MEC for Education,

Tate Makgoe addressed the Matric
class of 2015 and said, You
must start dreaming now about
achieving seven distinctions and
not let your circumstances define
your future. Its not about how you
start but how you finish. The Free
State Department of Education
The schools infrastructure was has outlined a four step formula of
handed over to six primary schools success for the class of 2015.
and two high schools over a twoday school walkabout. The schools
These are focus, hard work,
received libraries, physical and life perseverance and discipline.
sciences laboratories, media and The MEC also thanked the
computer centres. The Beacon principal, the teachers, parents
Secondary School achieved a 100% and community for their ongoing
pass rate in the 2014 matric results, support.
proving that great academic results On the second day of the
and hard work can prevail over infrastructure launch, the BNSDP
socio economic circumstances.
Essay Competition winners were
announced during the main
Nthabiseng Secondary School, ceremony held at Nexus Primary
after being awarded infrastructure School in Harrismith.
in 2014, launched the Eric Molobi
Media and Science Centre, named The objective of the BNSDP
after the late Eric Molobi, who was Essay Competition was to engage
a political stalwart and Robben learners on their thoughts on
Island prisoner as well as former leadership, transformation and
Kagiso Trust CEO. The Molobi innovation in education. As the
family was represented by Erics famous words of former president
daughter Naomi Ratsheko. My Nelson Mandela, Education is

the most powerful weapon which

you can use to change the world.
In order for that weapon to be
effective and change the world
for the better, all involved parties
have an imperative role to play.
With this in mind learners were
asked to write an essay, answering
the question What makes an
innovative teacher?
26 schools in the Thabo
Mofutsanyana district participated
in the competition and there was
an overwhelming response from
the learners. After a long judging
process, three overall winners
were selected, Nomvula Xaba
and Mpatetse Maleka, both from
Lekgulo Secondary School and
Nokhanya Thokoa Sekgutlong
Secondary School.
Grade 12 learner, Mpatetse Maleka
from Lekgulo Secondary said that,
innovative teachers should be
vibrant, energetic and passionate
and must be able to introduce
new ideas into the class room.
Im thankful to Kagiso Trust for
selecting me as one of the winners
and for building my school a
science lab, computer centre and a
new hall. Next year I would like to
further my studies and become a
meteorologist.
It has always been our wish to
celebrate our 30 year anniversary
with the very people who have
made our work and longevity
possible added Themba Mola
Kagiso Trust Acting CEO.

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BNSDP Essay Competition Winners

Topic: What makes an innovative teacher?
Extracts
Ms Nomvula Xaba Lekgulo Secondary
School
An innovative teacher is ambitious. He is the type of
teacher that examines a subject or ideas carefully and
prepares himself thoroughly before presenting a lesson
in class. It is very important for teachers to expand their
knowledge of a particular subject by doing research before presenting it. Teachers can do research using the internet or by visiting a library. This helps them to increase
their knowledge and also helps them work efficiently.

Ms Nokhanya Thokoa Sekgutlong Secondary

School
Teaching is one of the essential careers; it deals with
moulding little minds to create future scientists, businessmen and others. In this case, innovative teachers
are required and they have the following qualities: passion, vibrancy, love for learners, someone who is ready
to learn and challenge, thinks out of the box, someone
who inspires dreaming, someone who stands out of the
crowd.

Ms Mpatetse Maleka Lekgulo Secondary

School
An innovative teacher strives for perfection and enriches the lives of her learners with possibilities. She
lets them realise their worth and gives them courage
to achieve their dreams. She constantly innovates to
ensure success, her ambitions are priceless. She creates
opportunities for learners in need to change their life
situations on their own and ensure that they know
where to seek help if necessary and succeed.

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Collaboration, innovation, development

and sustainability major issues for NGOs
What are the future financial and funding models for non-government organisations (NGOs)? That was
the question asked at the Kagiso Trust (the Trust) community engagement workshop and panel discussion
held at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus on 16 April 2015.

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lobally, as in South
Africa, NGOs are
challenged by the
scarcity of resources.
Even successful NGOs
such as South African based poverty
alleviation organisation, Kagiso
Trust are reminded of this reality.
Speaking at the workshop, Thabiso
Ratsomo, a Kagiso Trust trustee
acknowledged that it had taken
the NGO over 20 years to become
sustainable, and that to this day, the
organisation relies on government
and corporate partnerships to deliver
the development services it does.
Kagiso Trust didnt have it easy.
When the European Union (EU)
decided to redirect funding to the
South African government following
democracy, we made a choice not to
close down because we thought the
work of the trust was still relevant.
At that time the EU was our main
donor and their decision to pull out
presented a very difficult period for
the organisation, but this also gave
us the opportunity to reassess how
we operated and to consider thinking
and strategies that would overcome
this challenge, Ratsomo said. Over
400 guests who represent NGOs and
various community organisations
attended the panel discussion and
workshop at the Imbizo Hall to pose
and ask questions relating to the
topic.
Investments
On the eve of the democratic
elections, Kagiso Trust launched
its investment arm Kagiso Trust
Investments which changed the
direction of the NGO, ensuring its
sustainability while allowing it to
continue with its development work.
Mokgethi Tshabalala, CEO of Thebe
Foundation agreed adding how Thebe
had taken a similar approach with
Thebe Foundation in setting up Thebe
Investments. Thebe Investment
Corporation was started in 1992 by

an NGO and is now sitting at a worth

of R6 billion and the community trust
is still a shareholder. Tshabalala
shared with the audience the
importance of looking at ways within
your organisation to become more
sustainable. If you are in feeding,
one basic thing that you constantly
need is mealie-meal. Instead of
procuring at Makro, for example,
talk to the Department of Trade and
Industry about producing your own
food . Tshabalala mentioned that
the advent of B-BBEE meant that big
companies were looking for strategic
partners.
The main problem lies with the way
Non Profit Organisations procure
services, added Khosi Mvulane,
Founder and Managing Director
of G.A.D Consulting Services. G.A.
D is a Governance, Auditing and
Accounting firm that provides its
services to NPOs and SMEs. In our
experience sustainability isnt there
from the beginning. For example,
you cant run an HIV NGO if thats
no longer the reason South Africans
are dying. You need to address
the problem, a problem in your
community. Additionally, you need to
keep evolving as your environment
evolves, said Mvulane. She also
made the point that many NGOs find
it difficult to account to their donors
because they are not acquiring
services from properly registered
service providers.
Another issue standing in the way
of growth in the NGO sector is the
fear to collaborate with other NGOs.
Often NGOs spread their resources
too wide and for this reason NGO
leaders find it difficult to be experts
at anything. Mvulane added,
NGOs need to decide which areas
to focus on and in which projects
monies belong in. In their bottomsup approach, Kagiso Trust has always
been rooted in the community,
prioritizing
poverty
alleviation
through education. With this in mind

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Kagiso Trust will host several such

community engagement workshops
around the country during its 30th
anniversary celebration in order to
inspire and to offer lessons learnt on
its journey with other NGOs looking
to become sustainable.
Our sector is at the cutting edge of
providing solutions and we believe
in the power of the NGO sector,
Themba Mola, acting CEO of Kagiso
Trust told audiences. We
are
looking at working with different
NGOs and also receiving their pearls
of wisdom to address the issue of our
current relevance, this we believe
will be accomplished by shifting our
mind set of always receiving and, as
we have realised, make use of the
other alternatives to funding such
as through investments. This is
the second of six panel discussions
that Kagiso Trust will be hosting
in accordance with its pearls of
wisdom campaign which aligns with
the organisations 30th anniversary
this year.
Celebrating 30 years
The pearls of wisdom campaign
launched last month at Wits Business
School will travel across South Africa
in the form of panel and community
engagement discussions hosted in
partnership with various universities.
The discussions will encourage
leading figures in the academic,
government, civil and private sector
to share wisdoms and lessons learnt
with the broader South African public
in a yearlong knowledge sharing
campaign.
The aim of the campaign is to
promote dialogue around key issues
facing the development agenda of
the country.
Follow the Pearls of Wisdom
campaign on Twitter: @Kagiso_Trust
#KT30Years or go to www.kt30years.
co.za

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION
FOR PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION

Phuthaditjhaba, Free State Our aim is to get our township and rural schools to have the same quality education
as urban schools so that the playing fields are levelled and this can only be achieved through partnerships.

hese were the words of the Free

State MEC for Education Tate
Makgoe at the recent panel
discussion focusing on The
future partnership models for Education in
Africa held at the QwaQwa campus of the
University of the Free State.
Makgoe noted that the long-standing
partnership between Kagiso Trust and the
Free State Department of Education was
an excellent example of how civil society,
development organisations and government
could work together to empower the
younger generation of South Africans.
Dean Zwo Nevhutalu, Kagiso Trusts longestserving trustee and a part of the expert
panel, highlighted the need for collective
partnerships to make education a priority
in Africa.Private sector corporate social
investment programmes need to work
closely with district education to find out
the needs of schools and apply programmes
that are aligned with these needs.
Innovative partnerships are needed to
ensure sustainability in the education sector.

Education is the key to eradicating poverty,

he said. He cited the Kagiso Trust and Free
State Education Department partnership as
an excellent example of this, where there
was a shared vision and genuine interest
from both parties to improve schools and
provide a better learning experience for
students.
This vision is certainly being realised, with
166 schools in the Thabo Mofutsanyana
district benefitting over the last seven years
of collaboration between Kagiso Trust and
the Free State Department of Education.
The tangible results of this shared vision
and the value of strong partnerships goes
beyond South Africas borders.
Makgoe added, The Free State Department
of Education has formed partnerships with
other countries where study opportunities
have been given to over 500 Grade 12
learners to study at institutions of higher
learning in Cuba, China and India. The
aim of this learner transfer is to gather
international best practice and skills in the

fields of maths, science and engineering

and bring those skills back to South Africa
thereby contributing to society and the
country.
The comments from other panellists,
including University of the Free State
Director of Community Engagement:
Bishop Ramhlele and Thabo Mofutsanyana
Education District Director: Busi Tshabalala,
were equally insightful.
They noted the challenges of addressing
the apartheid legacy of Bantu education,
particularly in township and rural schools,
thereby recognising the need for strong
partnerships to close the education gap.
This is being done through bursaries, teacher
training programmes and skills transfer,
better school infrastructure and sharing of
best practice, they noted.
The public and private sectors need to
start developing a trust relationship, so they
can form strong partnerships, maximise
resources and build an equal nonracial
South Africa, concluded Ramhlele.

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FOREWORD FROM FREE STATE

EDUCATION MEC TATE MAKGOE

s we celebrate 30 years of Kagiso

Trusts selfless community service,
let me take this opportunity to
express my gratitude on behalf
of the learners, parents and department
officials for being bestowed once again an
opportunity to pen this foreword.
The Free State Department of Education and
Kagiso Trust have a long-standing, close and
warm relationship. Our partnership dates
way back to 2007 when this programme was
focusing on 10 secondary schools in Qwa
Qwa.
To date the BNSDP has invested R180
million to 166 schools in Maluti-A-Phofung
Municipality. This not only benefits
the municipality but is a long term and
sustainable investment for the province and
the countrys economy as a whole.
For the first time this year, six out of the seven
schools that we rewarded with infrastructure
at the recent BNSDP Infrastructure Launch
were primary schools. The reward came in
the form of infrastructure facilities designed
to improve learning and teaching in our
schools.
This is a clear demonstration of the BNSDPs
commitment to restore dignity to education
by creating a conducive environment for the
provision of quality education at all levels of
the system.
We congratulate Beacon Secondary School,
Kgoledi, Bodibeng, Nexus, Sekgothadi,
Sentebale and Boitelo Primary Schools for
being the recipients of the new state-ofthe art infrastructure. The infrastructure
includes life science laboratories, computer
laboratories, libraries and ablution facilities.

2015 also marks 60 years since the adoption

of the Freedom Charter. Together, with Kagiso
Trust we have come a long way in translating
the vision of the Freedom Charter into reality.
Over the last eight years we have strived to
ensure that: doors of learning and culture
are open to all.
In the words of former Kagiso Trust
Chairperson Dean Zwo Nevhutalu, the
BNSDP opens the doors of knowledge and
learning.
We have been working with schools and local
government to transform underperforming
schools into centres of excellence in learning,
focusing on management strategies of
the schools, curriculum delivery and the
accountability of School Governing Bodies
(SGBs) in Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality.
Through the BNSDP, the Annual National
Assessment (ANA) and National Senior
Certificate (NSC) Class of 2014 were among
the top achieving learners and schools in the
province.
The programmes infrastructure and holiday
in Durban incentives have generated a high
level of motivation among teachers, learners
and parents to work hard to improve results.
In addition, the teacher development
component of the programme has led to the
improvement of teacher content knowledge
to 83.9 % and teachers pedagogical skills to
80.7%.
Together with Kagiso Trust we have travelled
the miles to ensure that this programme
yields the positive outcomes expected.

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I am therefore confident that as we celebrate

the 30th anniversary of Kagiso Trusts
successful empowerment of the poor and
marginalized South Africans, the BNSDP will
go a long way in helping the department to
achieve the goals set out in the 2015 ANC
January 8 Statement, President State of the
Nation Address (SONA), Premier State of the
Province Address (SOPA) and the National
Development Plan (NDP). These goals are
inter alia improving quality of schooling
and management of our schools, increasing
participation of learners in Mathematics
and Physical Science and improving school
infrastructure.
I am glad that the leadership of the Thabo
Mofutsanyana Education District did
not misrepresent us. The success of this
partnership can in part be attributed to the
commitment and perseverance of the district
staff.
Together we have shown that nothing is
impossible. With sustained action and efforts
we will bring forth an enlightened, skilled and
prosperous nation we all aspire for.
Working together we can move education
forward!
I thank you

Mr Tate Makgoe
Free State Education MEC

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Message from
Reverend Frank
Chikane
BNSDP Infrastructure Launch 25-26 June 2015

t is with immense pride that we, as

Kagiso Trust, have seen the increase in
performance in Thabo Mofutsanyana.
Through the Beyers Naud Schools
Development Programme (BNSDP) we have
had the opportunity to work very closely with
the Free State Department of Education (Free
State DoE) and educators.
We are grateful that in our role of supporting
the Department and imparting knowledge
and skills to educators, we have also had the
opportunity to be recipients of a wealth of
knowledge from the Free State DoE as well
as from educators, parents and learners.
Our journey has been one characterised by
true partnership: mutual respect, vision and
accountability.
We are currently celebrating Kagiso Trusts
30th Anniversary through the Pearls of
Wisdom campaign. We are sharing wisdom
we have gathered these past 30 years and
also reflecting on the wisdom to be gained
from others. One of the lessons which have
stood out for us is that under no circumstance
can education be undermined.
We have seen how education can empower
an individual, a family, a community. We
have witnessed success stories, through
our Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme of
daughters and sons of unemployed parents
becoming engineers, accountants and other
professions. According to our constitution,
it is every childs right to receive education
and it is our responsibility to ensure that our
children receive quality education.

education have a duty to return the sacrifice

which others have made. They are like the
man who has been given all the food available
in a starving village in order that he may have
the strength to bring supplies back from a
distant place. If he takes this food and does
not bring help to his brothers, he is a traitor
Let us continue learning from and leaning
on each other as we traverse the challenging
terrain of ensuring each child receives quality
education. And to those who have been
fortunate to be the recipients of education,
remember to plough back. It is through the
ploughing back that we will see colossal
change in our society. It starts with you and
me.
Congratulations to each and every single one
of you who played a role, no matter how
small, in ensuring your schools perform. The
84.68% BNSDP pass rate achieved by the
schools in 2014 is impressive, to say the least.
We also saw 10 BNSDP schools achieve a
100% pass rate last year.
Learn as much as you can. And never
underestimate the impact education has
on improving our lives. Keep the Thabo
Mofutsanyana flag flying high.
Kind regards,
Reverend Frank Chikane
Chairperson, Kagiso Trust

Julius Nyerere, former Tanzanian president,

said: Those who receive this privilege of

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BE THE CHANGE
YOU WANT TO SEE
The teaching profession is one of the most criticised in
South Africa. There seems to be no end to the amount of
flack educators receive for the learners who underperform.
However, Thabo Mofutsanyana has changed the situation
around.

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espite the criticism, this Free

State district has performed well,
clinching the top performing
district position in the Free State
for the past two consecutive
years. It was not by chance that the district
has been performing so well and Kagiso
Trust, through its Beyers Naud Schools
Development Programme (BNSDP), bears
testament to this.
On 15 May 2015, the Thabo Mofutsanyana
Education District (TMED) held their annual
awards whose purpose is to acknowledge
and celebrate educators who excel in their
profession and assist learners to perform. The
event, which coincided with the Honourable
MEC Tate Makgoes birthday, was a festive
affair.
It was evident that the educators in
attendance were fuelled by a love and pride
of teaching and love and humility for their
learners. MEC Tate Makgoe, consistent with
the TMED awards theme, expressed his
gratitude to the educators for expressing
something inside so strong within each of
them: the love of teaching.
Working in 166 schools in the Thabo
Mofutsanyana district, the BNSDP has
supported the Free State Department of
Education (Free State DoE) in assisting
educators to unlock their potential and be
the change they want to see in their schools,
communities and society. The first step of
transformation, according to the BNSDP,
comes when educators, together with the
key stakeholders of the schools, attend a
weekend retreat. The retreats are a series
of workshops which force educators and
school staff to reflect on how their actions
as individuals and a collective either help or
hinder their schools to perform.
The honest, sometimes painful, workshops
dig deep and unearth the real reasons
why schools are underperforming and
assist educators to compile a list of things,
determined by the attendees, each individual

should do to ensure their schools are the

schools they would be proud to be a part of.
With a change of attitude, the recognition
of where one has dropped the ball and a
renewed belief and excitement for education,
the educators go back to their schools
revitalised as some have said. They go back
ready to implement the transformation.
Transformation can be a difficult and tedious
task, however the educators persevered and
reminded each other of the promises they
each made to play their bit in improving their
school. This consistent approach to everyday
spent in the classroom accumulated to the
success of the schools.
Gradually, schools performance increased,
learners started to notice positive change in
their educators and, seemingly miraculously,
the Thabo Mofutsanyana districts star shone
brighter than any other.
Complementing the BNSDP retreats, MEC
Tate Makgoe and district officials never
failed to encourage learners and educators.
The MEC ensured that each learner and
educator believed that they are champions
and instilled a culture of excellence; being
a rural or farm school was no excuse, the
MEC stressed that the African child has the
potential and their educators are more than
capable to release it.
And so, understanding where they went
wrong in the past, the Thabo Mofutsanyana
district corrected their ways, regained selfbelief and pride in their abilities with the
assistance of their district, province, Kagiso
Trust and other key players to become the
best performing district in the Free State
in 2013 and 2014 and the best performing
district in the country in 2014.
Despite the odds, this mostly rural district
realised the change they wanted to see in
their schools. Soon enough they will realise
the fruits of the resulting ripple effect.

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 17

www.kagiso.co.za

SECURING OUR COUNTRYS FUTURE

THROUGH eLEARNING
When MEC for Education in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi came into office in June 2014, most will
remember his bold vision of creating paperless schools in Gauteng. We are investing in the
classroom of the future, where teachers will no longer have to carry books to mark, this will be
done instantaneously on the computer, he was quoted as saying in the The Star (10 June 2014).

18| Kagiso Trust InBrief August 2015

www.kagiso.co.za

year later and Lesufi is not alone

in the belief that the future of the
South African education system
will be improved through the
embracing of technologies available to both
learners and educators. The innovative use of
information and communications technology
(ICT) has proved beneficial for numerous
schools where learners
are able to interact
with educators and
other learners to gain
clarity on subjects they
encounter challenges in.

in January this year at seven schools with a

further 14 schools to be included in the pilot.

Through using gadgets

such as smart phones
and tablets, devises
most
children
are
already familiar with,
learners can be taught in
a way that is stimulating
and relevant to them.
However,
simply
providing tablets to
schools will not guarantee success.

However, the pilot has

recently
experienced
challenges
where
a
number of tablets were
stolen in some of the
schools. This has not
dampened the Gauteng
Education Departments
spirits;
instead
they
recalled the tablets (some
88 000 which have been distributed from
2013) to ensure that all tablets are fitted
with tracking technology in case of theft.

The practical benefits of the transformation

to paperless classroom have been amazing:
the costs of elearning content versus
textbooks are around a quarter of the
price, learners do not need to carry or
share textbooks anymore
and educators can easily
mark homework and
assignments with the
assistance
of
online
programmes.

our
children
are the
future

ICTs have proven to be the sustainable ways

of transforming education. The elearning
strategy involves five critical pillars:
connectivity,
econtent,
infrastructure,
capacity-building, and maintenance and
support. Continuous training is being
provided to educators to support and
enhance their utilisation of ICTs, says Lesufi.
The Department of Education is using
Gauteng to pilot this ambitious project, with
the intention of rolling it out to the rest of
the country following its success. The R2
billion Information and Communications
Technology in Education Project was initiated

Understanding the socio-economic issues in

townships, Kagiso Trust Acting CEO Themba
Mola sympathised with the Department of
Education, citing the approach Kagiso Trust
has been taking to ensure infrastructure
such as computers and other equipment are
not stolen and/or vandalised.
Through the Beyers Naud Schools
Development Programme (BNSDP) we have
realised the importance of building a strong
relationship with the communities we work
in shared Mola. Before we start with any

interventions we gather with the community

and communicate the reason why we are
there and how it will benefit their children
and ultimately the community itself. Getting
buy-in from the community is crucial.
As technology is fast becoming an undeniable
tool in the workplace, introducing and
utilising it in schools is of great importance.
According to Professor Jonathan Jansen,
Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University
of the Free State, We have two systems:
one that works and evolves for 20% of
our children in which qualified teachers,
computer based technologies and innovation
marks daily learning and teaching, and
another one for 80% of our children in which
the most basic material conditions arent
met, such as decent classroom infrastructure
and textbooks for very subject.
(Destiny, July 2015). Regardless of whether
children are in rural, township or suburban
schools, they deserve the opportunity to be
taught in the most effective of ways.
Initiatives such as those driven by MEC Lesufi
and Kagiso Trust, among others, are ensuring
that the underprivileged 80% have access
to innovative educational technologies and
quality education. However, in the end, we
as parents and communities need to ensure
that these technologies are protected
to ensure the future of our children and
country.
As
Nelson
Mandela
passionately
pronounced: our children are the future.
Lets heed these words of wisdom and allow
our children the resources they need to
succeed.

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 19

www.kagiso.co.za

MESSAGE FROM deputy president CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Kagiso Shanduka Trust Back to School Fundraising
Dinner 2 July 2015

t is my pleasure to welcome you to the Kagiso

Shanduka Trust Inaugural Back to School fundraiser.
I am delighted that you have chosen to be part of
this evening dedicated to building a better future for
children in the Free State. Investing in the education
of young people is the greatest contribution we can
make to our future. By dedicating resources, time and
energy to the improvement of the school environment
we provide learners with the opportunities they need
to succeed.
By improving the conditions for effective teaching and
learning we transform schools into sites of engagement,
wonder and stimulation. Through the provision of new
classrooms, libraries and science labs, and through
meaningful educator training, we allow learners to
realise their potential.
It has been encouraging to see how the Kagiso Shanduka
Trust (KST) has grown from an ambitious idea to an
effective programme for educational transformation.
It has harnessed the resources and commitment of
significant public and private institutions towards the
achievement of a common goal.
The partnership between KST and the Free State
Department of Education is a testament to the power
of collaboration. We are grateful to the Department
for taking this leap of faith. Now, two years after we
cemented our partnership, we can celebrate many
achievements and we can reflect on the lessons learned.

20| Kagiso Trust InBrief August 2015

As we see how the schools have embraced the

programme and made it their own, our ambition has
continued to grow. Once we can demonstrate the social
and educational impact of the programme in the Free
State, we hope the model can be adopted in other parts
of the country.
Kagiso Shanduka Trust has taken great strides and I am
proud of the changes that have been implemented in
improving the quality of education in the province. This
fundraiser is just one of the ways we invite you to share
and contribute to these successes. Working together,
we are forging a new path in education. We are building
a better future for our youth and our country.
Yours
Cyril Ramaphosa
Chairperson, Shanduka Foundation and Deputy
President, Republic of South Africa

www.kagiso.co.za

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR BUSINESS

Free State Department of Education and Kagiso Shanduka Trust host the first Back to School Party in Bloemfontein. 3 July
2015. Last night, 400 guests, dressed in school uniforms, attended the inaugural Bloemfontein Back to School fundraising
dinner in support of education foundation, Kagiso Shanduka Trust. The event took place at the Emoya Estate and was hosted
by Deputy President and Shanduka Foundation Chairperson, Cyril Ramaphosa, Free State Premier Ace Magashule, Free State
MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe and Kagiso Trust Chairperson, Reverend Frank Chikane.

From left to right. Panel Facilitator,

Nonkukhanya Jele; Chairperson
of Kagiso Trust, Reverend Frank
Chikane; Deputy President and
Shanduka Foundation Chairperson,
Cyril Ramaphosa; Free State MEC
for Education.

he event celebrates the unique

partnership between the Kagiso
Shanduka Trust and the Free
State Department of Education
and emphasises the value of collaboration
in order to make a meaningful and lasting
impact in education.
Over R1.8 million was raised through
individual and corporate pledges on the
night which will support Kagiso Shanduka
Trusts Free State whole school development
programme in 428 schools in the Fezile Dabi
and Motheo districts.
The programme includes the provision
of basic and specialised infrastructure,
leadership and governance support,
curriculum development for educators,
learner support in critical learning areas and
a social welfare programme that addresses
the health and social needs of vulnerable
learners.
Since the project launched in March 2013,
97 schools have received curriculum support
programmes, 215 leadership retreats have
taken place, over 60 schools have received
infrastructure projects and over 16 000

learners have had their eyes tested. The

project aims to benefit some 200 000
school going children in the province.
During the events panel discussion,
Shanduka Foundation Chairperson, Cyril
Ramaphosa, spoke of some of the key
elements of whole school development. It
is about enthusiastic and passionate school
leadership and hardworking pupils with
supportive parents, living in a community
that values its schools.
He shared insight into the KSTs communitycentric building model which offers
temporary employment opportunities to
the parents of school children and the use
of community businesses. Already, over 700
temporary jobs have been created and 80
community businesses have been involved
in the development programmes.
Kagiso Shanduka Trust, Advisory Board
Chairperson, Reverend Frank Chikane,
said, This partnership brings together
the strengths and learnings from the
different organisations and has resulted in
a sustainable, scalable and replicable model
for the education system.

When efforts are combined it ensures that

the impact we achieve as Kagiso Shanduka
Trust and the Free State Department of
Education is far greater than what would be
possible if we were to work in isolation.
Free State MEC for education, Tate
Makgoe said, The Free State Department
of Education and Kagiso Shanduka Trust
have a shared vision to make education an
empowering experience and equip children
with the skills and knowledge to contribute
to the development of our society.
There is a lot more that needs to be done but
its fundraisers such as these are a step in the
right direction in supporting programmes
that create positive change for learners in
the Free State, providing them with the skills
and the knowledge to empower them to
reach their full potential.
These events also give companies and
individuals an opportunity to contribute to
education in their community. Together we
can make a difference in the future of South
Africa.

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 21

www.kagiso.co.za

TLOTLANANG

THE PLACE WHERE I QUENCH MY THIRST

Written by Manako Sefubanyane

e cherish and salute one

another in this family, hence
the name Tlotlanang. When
one lays his or her eyes on the
emblem of the school, this is
evident. There is a tree that symbolises growth.
Learners are nurtured to grow holistically into
responsible beings. Then follows a key. The
key indicates that with education our learners
can open any door they come across; they
can indeed take different career paths they
desire to follow in pursuit of their dreams at
institutions of higher learning.
Last but not least, there are two doves (white
and blue). This symbolises that the learners
can now broaden their horizons. They can part
and go places and with the sky as their only
limit; this means they are now fully equipped
with skills to make the world a better place.
Therefore they can touch every corner, leave
no stone unturned and plough back and serve
the nation.
One may wonder how Tlotlanang Combined
School carries out its mandate of nurturing
learners towards excellence and towards
being positive contributors in South Africas
wellbeing. There is only one answer to this:
the Tlotlanang family is one body made up of
educators, support staff as well as learners.
This mixture lays the foundation that will stand
tall against all types of storms that life exerts
on its structures (the learners).
To name but a few events that stand as corner
stones of Tlotlanang, we have concerts that
comprise of talent display performances such
as drama, music, poetry sessions and dance.
One could perceive the above mentioned as
overrated, but it is an utterly different story with
the Tlotlanang community. The mentioned are
presented in an outstanding style that gets the
entire community to the school on its feet.
Learners become exposed to acting and role
playing at a very tender age, they also get

22| Kagiso Trust InBrief August 2015

an opportunity to be able to identify which

career paths to follow in the future said Mrs.
Monnaruri. The school, on the other hand,
benefits from these events as they become
a means of fundraising. The learners get
an opportunity to showcase the activities in
a remarkably outstanding fashion and this
enhances the learners levels of self-esteem
and maturity. Moreover, even those learners
who come from troubled backgrounds, who
are always looking down on themselves find
this as a platform to show the world that
indeed there is something significant they can
offer as well.
The events have not only played a hand in
improving the learners academic performance
but also have contributed immensely in
assisting learners to embrace their roots and
be conversant as well as proud of their cultural
heritage in a multicultural South Africa. Most
importantly, given the fact that Tlotlanang is
a multi-racial school, the events have assisted
a great deal in enforcing unity and a sense of
appreciation among the learners - hence the
schools motto we respect each other.
Learners always look forward to performing
different activities and their parents always
support the school both financially and with
their presence, said Mrs. Shuping. Our
children have indeed put the school at an
exceptionally high standard, academically
and otherwise to an extent that most of the
children from the nearby community want to
be enrolled at our school.
As if the above stated is not enough, the
learners, especially those in the Further
Education and Training (FET) section, hold an
annual Market Day that is meant to capacitate
the learners in the area of entrepreneurship
and through partnerships, design business
plans and engage in the actual running of
a business (mini stalls) and interacting with
customers (fellow learners) in the process.

www.kagiso.co.za

This assists in exposing learners to the

demands of the world of work and to

motivate them in wanting to make it to the
end (matriculation).
The events have helped shy learners
to gain confidence and achieve more
academically, and those who have been
high achievers, excel more. Also, the
school is able to raise funds from ticket
selling that assist in the carrying out of
the school programmes that require some
financial injection, said Ms. Mitche.
Last but not least, it is through these
events that teachers and parents are
able to know one another better, build
a relationship that makes it easier to
comfortably deal with challenges learners
face in their journey of learning and to
celebrate their successes together.
The stated events only become a success
through tremendous efforts by, among
others, educators who work timelessly
to motivate and inspire learners through
thick and thin. In the whole of Thaba Nchu,
Tlotlanang is that school that has a team
that can really sacrifice and work an extra
mile with no incentives (but with learners
excellence as motivation enough), to
engage in a variety of activities that assist
in spicing up the daily business of school to
avoid monotony. This enhances a free and
enjoyable teaching and learning process.

venture. Tlotlanang is remarkably

different in its own right. It is a place that
makes it evident that learning should be as
fun as possible. This being proven by the
harmoniously easy interactions between
learners and all elders in the community
of Tlotlanang, but still aiming at making
a vast difference in the lives of the South
African child.
This institution excels in its mandate to
instil in the learners the values of self-love,
respect, tolerance and embracement of
diversity. The institution is without a doubt
a well that provides the thirst-quenching
water of excellence.

Manako Sefubanyane is an
educator at Tlotlanang Combined
School, one of the schools which
are part of the Kagiso Shanduka
Trust intervention in the Free
State. This article is a writing of
story writing lessons educators
were offered to encourage
them to share their stories and
experiences.

Ms Segalo argues that learners gain self

confidence and they again find the events
therapeutic to them as individuals. The
events are vital as they bring all stakeholders together as they are a joined

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 23

www.kagiso.co.za

Speaking to the spirit of Oom Bey -

NMMU distinguished lecture explores perspectives on transformation in SA

n Friday, 22 May 2015, the majestic

Anglican Cathedral in York Street,
George was abuzz with excitement
as more than 150 guests, including
learners, teachers, students, the church
fraternity, parishioners, members of the public
and representatives of NMMU and the Kagiso
Trust, gathered there for the much anticipated
NMMU Distinguished Dr Beyers Naud
Memorial lecture.
The NMMU George Campus Principal, Prof.
Quinton Johnson, warmly welcomed all guests
and set the tone for the evening by calling on
all to strengthen our noble quest to transform
ourselves for the better from Africa, as the
cradle of humanity. Furthermore, the NMMU
George Campus Choir was also in attendance
and enthralled guests with their beautiful
voices and diverse repertoire.
With his awe-inspiring keynote address as
context, Bishop Brian Marajh, together with
four youth panellists who briefly articulated
their perspectives on the dreams and the
dilemmas facing young people in the presentday democratic South Africa, set the scene
for a lively debate. The Bishop indicated that it
was critical to protect human dignity, advance
courage and truthfulness.
He posed some piercing questions to the
audience about the individual and societys
acceptance of diversity and taking of
responsibility in this context. It is vital to be
able to work constructively transformation
should lead to a greater good he said. He also
indicated that an evolution needs to take place
in ones life. Not to care about your neighbour
is not to care about South Africa, he said.
This is the third year that NMMU, through its
Centre for the Advancement of Non Racialism
and Democracy (CANRAD) is hosting this
prestigious lecture series, an innovative project
of the Kagiso Trust aimed at keeping alive
Dr Beyers Naudes powerful legacy and the
associated uplifting values. The event hosted
by NMMU in George included an exhibition

focused on the life and legacy of Dr Beyers

Naud, which was attended by guests in the
church hall, followed by the formal proceeding
in the historic cathedral.
The event also enjoyed the blessing of
Archbishop Desmond Tutu who, in a letter
to the audience, read by the NMMU George
Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson,
reflected on Dr Beyers Naud as a remarkable
human being and expressed his delight in the
Lecture Series, which aims to promote the
cause of a more just and democratic society.
Dr Beyers Naud is Kagiso Trusts founding
trustee, alongside persons of the stature of
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr Max Coleman,
Reverend Frank Chikane, Prof Jakes Gerwel
and others.
More about Dr Beyers Naud
Dr Beyers Naud, was born in Roodepoort,
the son of a founding member of the Afrikaner
Broederbond. He studied theology at the
University of Stellenbosch and completed a
Masters degree in languages. As a minister in
the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK),
he began to doubt the religious justification
for apartheid after witnessing the destruction
of black family life under the South African
migrant labour system.
In 1963 he resigned from both his church post
and the Broederbond. He went on to edit an
ecumenical magazine, Pro Veritate, which
opposed apartheid, and, in 1963, became
director of the newly formed Christian Institute
and an underground supporter of the antiapartheid movement.
In 1977 Pro Veritate, the Christian Institute and
Beyers Naud were all banned. Unbanned
in 1984 Naud succeeded Archbishop Tutu
as General Secretary of the South African
Council of Churches. He was a member of the
African National Congress delegation during
the negotiations in the early 1990s with the
National Party government which led to the

24| Kagiso Trust InBrief August 2015

transition to democracy. On his death, in 2004,

he was honoured with a state funeral.

www.kagiso.co.za

Dreams and dilemmas

in present day
democratic
South Africa
George Washington Carver said education is the key to unlock the
golden door of freedom. Freedom in South Africa has long been
associated with functioning as a successful democracy, but Is this
what a democracy is supposed to be like this?

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 25

www.kagiso.co.za

oubting if youll get a job or

be accepted into university,
even though you have an
outstanding academic merit,
just because your skin isnt the right colour.
Do policies, like the BEE instil the equality
that a democracy is supposed to represent?
Nelson Mandela once said that Education
is the most powerful weapon which you
can use to change the world.
In South Africa, the standard of education
cannot be equally measured as there
are still many schools not functioning to
the required level, this is evident from
the fact that they do not have sufficient
textbooks, sufficient desks and sometimes
incompetent teachers. If BEE is to be
successful, a high standard education
needs to implement equally across the
board.

of this has been forgotten. People are still

pessimistic and being divided according to
race. There are still limited opportunities,
such as education and the conflict and
violence in South Africa has sky rocketed
as we see the atrocious recent xenophobia
attacks on the news. This is not the South
Africa I dream of or want to live in as a
young person.
South Africa needs independent courts
and a well-run government that reflects
and represents the truth about all South
Africans. How can we let our government
make discrimination illegal, but then they
often do not practice what they preach.
As we all saw, when the government
welcomed President Robert Mugabe to
visit and tour South Africa he made many
controversial and derogatory comments
about South Africans. Why are we allowing
leaders like this to be televised when what
he stands for goes against our countrys
democracy?

A democracy is where everyone

is equal, but I feel, as part of the
South African youth, that people Being a young citizen in South Africa, I
are being disadvantaged within our strongly believe we can achieve a truly nonracist, equal democracy. Nelson Mandela
democracy and its policies.
I dream of a South Africa where everyone,
no matter what race, has access to good
quality education. This would be the
main solution to most of the issues we
face in our country. If everyone had a
good education behind their name, then
issues such as unemployment and the
lack of basic services wouldnt be relevant
in our democracy like it is today. I dream
of a South Africa where the needs of the
citizens are taken care of. A society where
people dont lack basic services such as
clean water, proper sanitation and housing.
When Nelson Mandela was set free
from jail, this became an unforgettable
occasion for many South Africans. It was
the beginning of a new era. We thought
we had moved from an era of pessimism,
division, limited opportunities and conflict.
But to me it seems in todays democracy all

once said in his speech he delivered on

youth day, I am confident that South
Africa`s youth is more than ready to meet
the challenge of freedom.
We are firm in our conviction that you
deserve a better future. In order to
achieve my dream for South Africa, we
need to ensure that the values of the
rainbow nation are embraced and that
we are united in our diversity. Each of us
should have to opportunity to hold the
golden key to our freedom.
Delivered by high school learner, Annebelle
Llyod at the Beyers Naud Memorial
Lecture at St Marks Cathedral, George on
22 May 2015.

26| Kagiso Trust InBrief August 2015

www.kagiso.co.za

KAGISO TRUST WINS 2015 EAST

AFRICAN PHILANTHROPY AWARDS
Kagiso Trust, South Africas oldest, black led non-governmental organisation (NGO) won the 2015
African Grantmakers Network (AGN), African Philanthropy Award in Tanzania in June.

This award, which is run by AGN, celebrates exemplary philanthropists and philanthropic organisations that
employ practices effecting positive change throughout Africa. Themba Mola, Kagiso Trust Acting CEO says,
We are very proud and honoured to receive this award and to be recognised by our fellow African diaspora.
This year marks our 30 year anniversary celebration and receiving this prestigious award is an indication to us
that we are on the right track in pursuit of alleviating poverty and empowering marginalised communities.
Kagiso Trust has two flagship programmes in education namely the Beyers Naud Schools Development
Programme (BNSDP) which empowers and trains educators in rural communities by providing school
governance structures, leadership training and infrastructure upgrades, and works with communities
around the school to participate in the management of their school. The Eric Molobi Scholarship Programme
(EMSP) (which is an extension of BNSDP) provides financial support for disadvantaged learners as they
study towards tertiary education degrees or diplomas, primarily in the engineering or commerce sectors.
Kagiso
Private

Trust
Equity

also
Fund

supports
(KERPEF)

rural
which

businesses
strives to

through
Kagiso
Enterprises
Rural
bridge gap for rural entrepreneurs.

Kagiso Trust Trustee, Girlie Silinda upon receiving the award on behalf of Kagiso Trust said, I would like
to take this opportunity to appreciate the important contribution made by Kagiso Trusts founders, i.e.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Dr Beyers Naude, Dr Max Coleman, Dr Abe Nkomo, Father Smangaliso
Mkhatshwa, Dr Allan Boesak and Professor Jakes Gerwel. The driving force behind their ideal of creating a
just and free society was a powerful vision and a strong devotion.

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 27

www.kagiso.co.za

KTH acquires 51% of Servest

in a landmark transaction

ohannesburg based investment holding

company, Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH)
announces the successful acquisition
of a 51% shareholding in the Servest
Group (Servest) to form the largest,
majority black-owned, facilities management
company in Africa, in a transaction valuing
the group at approximately R4.5 billion.

black-owned, but it represents so much more

than just an empowerment transaction,
says Kevin Derrick, Chief Executive Officer of
Servest. This not only clearly demonstrates
our ongoing commitment to transformation
and long term sustainability, but brings with
it significant opportunities for future growth,
expansion and job creation.

The Servest investment offers a compelling

proposition, consistent with KTHs strategy,
as the business has significant presence in
South Africa, United Kingdom and the rest of
Africa with multi-currency earnings. Servest
provides integrated facilities management
solutions to more than 6 500 clients on 24
000 sites in South Africa, with key markets
in East, West and Southern Africa as well as
the United Kingdom. Key services include
inter-alia cleaning, parking, catering, hygiene,
office service, landscaping to prominent
clients such as Transnet, Netcare Group,
Anglo Platinum, Debswana, Sasol, Sainsbury,
BBC and UKs House of Parliament among
others.

KTHs Chief Investment Officer, Jacob

Hinson, said: Our investment strategy
seeks to achieve active participation in
fewer, prominent investments, with strong
management teams that will drive growth
across the continent. Servest is a unique
investment that meets all our criteria.
We were therefore able to execute this
transaction on pure commercial terms
without any external or vendor facilitation
with an equity cheque of approximately R1
billion. We look forward to working with our
new partners to create a truly global facilities
management business.

Commenting on the acquisition, Vuyisa

Nkonyeni, Chief Executive Officer of KTH,
said: This transaction demonstrates clear
delivery against KTHs strategy of acquiring
meaningful or majority stakes in fast growing
companies which are supported by strong
management teams and have good exposure
to African market opportunities. In the South
African market, we will identify investments
that will afford us significant influence or
control alongside like-minded partners.
The transaction makes Servest the largest,
majority black-owned, facilities management
company in Africa, strongly positioning it to
expand its footprint across the rest of the
continent. In the South African context, this
will give Servest an advantage over other large
facilities management companies, with over
51% black ownership, under the new revised
BEE codes which came into effect on 1 May
2015. As part of the transaction, KTH and CoFounder, Mr Kenton Fine, will facilitate equity
participation of management as part of a
talent management and transformation plan.
This deal means that Servest is now 51%

KTH has been executing its strategy

of becoming an emerging pan-African
investment champion, having concluded
transactions which involved R5.1 billion
of disposals, follow on investments and
portfolio company restructurings to date;
R3.3 billion of new deals since 2011, including
a maiden pan-African investment in Fidelity
Bank and a landmark minority take-out and
delisting of Kagiso Media in 2013. In addition
to this transaction, KTH expects to conclude
another significant acquisition in West Africa
imminently.
Servest Co-founder and Group Chairman,
Kenton Fine, said, We have enjoyed a very
successful and long-standing relationship
with our exiting shareholders, RMB Corvest
and Shalamuka, and are delighted at the
prospect of partnering with a professional
organisation of the calibre of KTH. With similar
values entrenched in both organisations, we
look forward to embracing the additional
experience and knowledge that KTH will
bring, further underpinning our continued
ambitious growth strategy into the future.
Beyond the commercial rationale, both
parties see the transaction as an important

28| Kagiso Trust InBrief August 2015

step in driving further transformation at

Servest. The company has embarked on an
ambitious staff development drive and the
establishment of the Management Trust
reinforces its commitment to transformation.
The KTH-Servest acquisition remains subject
to regulatory approvals including South
African Competition Commission approval.

About KTH
KTH is one of the largest pan African
investment holding companies with an
investment portfolio comprising of market
leading companies across its chosen sectors
and geographies. The group has an asset base
in excess of R15 billion, a solid track record of
investment performance and is managed by a
professional and experienced team of African
investment professionals.
KTH is an active long term investment partner
and does not have any exit imperatives which
allows the group to partner with businesses
through investment cycles to create long
term, sustainable value.
About Servest
Servest is a leading provider of facilities
management services, to over 6 500 clients
across more than 24 000 sites throughout
Africa and the United Kingdom. Founded in
1997, Servests integrated operating model
provides extensive operational support,
infrastructure and international best practice
within the public and private sectors for all
hard and soft services. Each of Servests
business units are both highly experienced
specialists and market leaders in their own
right. Servest employs 45 000; 27 000 people
in Africa and 18 000 people in the UK.
Group services consist of facilities
management, mechanical and electrical
services, energy management, camp
management and catering, cleaning,
hygiene and pest control, landscaping and
turf construction and maintenance, marine
support, office support services, parking
management and security.

www.kagiso.co.za

NOTICES
Birthdays
We joined our colleagues in celebrating their birthdays and of course, eating the cake.
Happy Birthday!
May: Siza and Phathu
June: Themba, Paballo and Amandla
July: Paul, Sakhile, Joan and Linda
August: Mme Tshabalala and Bra Tsie

Anniversaries
We congratulate our staff on their anniversaries and thank them for their invaluable
contribution to KT.
May: Sis Kedi, 25 years
June: Mme Maria, 21 years
July: Bra Tsie, 17 years and Linda, 6 years
August: Phathu, 4 years

Addition to the Family

Congratulations to Mzo and
his wife on the arrival of their
adorable baby boy, Awande
on Saturday 4 July 2015.

August 2015 Kagiso Trust InBrief | 29

www.kagiso.co.za

Celebrating three
decades of sustainable
development
A pearl starts out as a single grain of sand yet, given the right
conditions, gathers layers over time until a perfect pearl is
formed. Pearls of Wisdom are much the same - knowledge is
created through time, sustained effort and develops into an
enduring treasure that should be shared with others.
To celebrate Kagiso Trusts 30th anniversary of sustainable
development we will be gathering and sharing these Pearls
of Wisdom from South African leaders in civil, corporate, and
public sector.
This celebration is underpinned by four strands relating to
the development agenda of our country and continent:

Development

Collaboration

www.kt30years.co.za

@Kagiso_Trust
30| Kagiso Trust InBrief August
2015
#KT30Years

Innovation

Sustainability