Kagiso Trust is dedicated to creating a brighter future for South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
Established in 1985 during a time of profound change, we have steadfastly worked towards promoting equity and socio-economic inclusion.
Kagiso Trust was established with a mission to alleviate poverty and enhance development in South Africa. Over the years, we have evolved into one of the country’s leading development agencies, known for our bottom-up approach and strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organisations, and the private sector. Our journey is marked by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and impactful interventions. We continue to demonstrate our capability as a thought leader who inspires society and ignites human capacity to solve critical challenges faced by the country.
Kagiso Trust was born out of the anti-apartheid struggle, providing crucial support to development initiatives across various sectors. Post-1994, we expanded our focus to include education and enterprise development, securing financial stability through strategic investments and partnerships.
From the early days, we recognised the need for a long-term approach to funding and the importance of a diversified portfolio to ensure longevity of our work without relying on external donors.
Our commitment to sustainability and growth guides thev Trust’s investment approach equally, financial independence is crucial for us to drive long-term socio-economic transformation.
Our investment approach is built on three key pillars:
Our investment approach is built on three key pillars:
We look forward to cementing our efforts to influence policy changes by igniting policy-oriented dialogues that will lead to legislative reforms, systemic transformation, and the removal of structural impediments and barriers that inhibit the implementation of our core programmes and the overall ambition of eradicating poverty.
Kagiso Trust is established as an anti-apartheid organisation and later receives R1.2 billion from the European Special Commission, serving as a channel to disburse these funds to victims of apartheid.
Kagiso Trust appoints Achmat Dangor as itsfirst CEO.
The Japanese government joins as a funder, helping Kagiso Trust continue its work during uncertain times.
Kagiso Trust launches its first bursary programme, opening doors to higher education for students who need it most.
Kagiso Trust implements a Community Education Development project in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand with the aim of further capacitating community leaders through education and skills development.
Achmat Dangor passes the torch to Eric Molobi, who steps in as CEO.
With the EU ceasing to fund NGOs, Kagiso Trust launches Kagiso Trust Investments to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Kagiso Trust also helps establish the Mvula Trust to bring clean water and sanitation to rural communities in Limpopo, Gauteng, KZN, and the Eastern Cape.
The withdrawal of international funding forces Kagiso Trust to retrench staff, however, the organisation’s commitment and resolve remains unwavering.
Headed by CEO Kgotso Schoeman, Kagiso Trust establishes Kagiso Trust Consultancy to help bolster government effectiveness.
Kagiso Trust launches KERPEF to increase employment prospects for young people and women in rural areas.
In partnership with universities, Kagiso Trust develops a memorial lecture series honouring the values of Beyers Naudé, which promote social justice and transformation.The organisation also launches its flagship programme, Beyers Naude Schools Development Programme (BNSDP) in Lwamondo Secondary. The programme later expands to eight more Limpopo schools.
B-BBEE mechanisms, Kagiso Trust acquires shares in the FirstRand Group as part of its mission to shape a more equitable South African economy.
The EMSP is launched to support top-performing learners in rural areas who lack the resources to obtain a tertiary education.
Having taken the significant step of establishing KTI, Kagiso Trust now begins to reap the rewards by receiving its first dividends.
To deepen the organisation’s investment base and to better support social development, KTI merges with the Tiso Group to create Kagiso Tiso Holdings.
Partnering with the University of Johannesburg, Kagiso Trust facilitates open dialogues to help find solutions to the challenges facing South Africa’s education system.
Kagiso Trust creates the Kagiso Trust Leverage Fund to help non-profit organisations become more financially sustainable. Together with the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Kagiso Trust launches KST to design an education model that will re-shape public schooling.
Kagiso Trust establishes Kagiso Capital to diversify and grow its financial assets, better equipping the organisation to effect meaningful change.
Kagiso Trust celebrates its 30th anniversary by launching a bold new strategic direction and a refreshed logo.
Through a co-funding model with the Limpopo Department of Education, the BNSDP expands into the Sekhukhune East District.
Kagiso Trust launches its Socio-Economic Development programme to help transform the property and agriculture sector in South Africa.
Partners, supporters and stakeholders gather for Kagiso Trust’s inaugural AGM, marking a new chapter in collaborative, purpose-driven progress.
Kagiso Trust repositions its brand to better reflect what the organisation has always stood for: Igniting Human Capacity, by unlocking the power of people and communities to drive their own prosperity.
Kagiso Trust proudly celebrates four decades of working alongside communities, partners and changemakers to build a more just, inclusive and empowered South Africa.
Launched our new brand positioning, shifting from Overcoming Poverty to Igniting Human Capacity.
Launched the BNSDP programme in Limpopo to further educational development.
Created to manage and grow the Trust’s financial assets.
Established through a partnership to implement development programmes.
Initiated to facilitate critical dialogues on educational improvements.
Merged KTI with the Tiso Group to enhance investment capabilities.
Established to support disadvantaged students in higher education.
Initiated in Limpopo to enhance educational outcomes.
Launched to commemorate the legacy of Beyers Naude and promote social justice.
Created to drive economic growth and generate sustainable funding opportunities.
Established during a period of profound social and political change in South Africa. Funded by the European Union, disbursing a total of R1.2 billion to support various initiatives.
