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Tiso Foundation

Together, We Go Further.

Tiso Foundation is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Africa’s youth through education and skills development. Established in 2001, our mission is to create sustainable opportunities for young people, enabling them to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. We believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.

Tiso Foundation

Creating Opportunity. Changing Lives.

Tiso Foundation is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Africa’s youth through education and skills development. Established in 2001, our mission is to create sustainable opportunities for young people, enabling them to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. We believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.

About Tiso Foundation

The Tiso Foundation is dedicated to breaking down financial barriers to education. We believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Through our comprehensive bursary programmes and skills development initiatives, we’re creating pathways to success for deserving students.

Compassion

We believe every student deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background.

Excellence

We're committed to providing world-class educational opportunities and support systems.

Community

Building partnerships that create lasting impact through collaborative efforts.

Our Story

Founded with a vision to democratize education, the Tiso Foundation emerged from a simple yet powerful belief: that financial circumstances should never limit a student’s potential. Our journey began when we recognized the countless talented individuals whose dreams remained unfulfilled due to economic barriers.

Over the years, we’ve evolved from a small initiative into a comprehensive educational support system. We’ve partnered with leading universities, established mentorship programmes, and created a network of supporters who share our vision of an educated, empowered Africa.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. At Tiso Foundation, we’re putting that weapon in the hands. of those who need it most”

Today, we stand as a testament to what’s possible when communities come together. Our alumni network spans multiple sectors, from medicine to engineering, business to education. Each success story reinforces our commitment to continuing this vital work.

Our Story

Tiso Foundation

Tiso Foundation is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Africa’s youth through education and skills development. Established in 2001, our mission is to create sustainable opportunities for young people, enabling them to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. We believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.

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Our programmes:

Empowering Futures Through Action.

At the Tiso Foundation, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of South Africa’s youth through our comprehensive range of programmes. Our initiatives focus on providing mentorship, skills development, and growth opportunities, empowering young individuals to excel academically and professionally.

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UNDERGRADUATE
BURSARY

MASTERS
SCHOLARSHIP

PHD
SCHOLARSHIP

ARTISAN
TRAINING

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Previous Programmes

Meet Our Trustees

The Trustees of the Tiso Foundation embody vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to social change. As custodians of the Foundation’s mission, they provide strategic guidance and steadfast oversight, ensuring that every initiative remains true to its purpose of empowering young people through education and skills development. Their collective wisdom and dedication inspire confidence, drive impact, and safeguard the legacy of the Foundation, building pathways of opportunity for generations to come.

Vhonani Mufamadi

Chairman

Vhonani is the founder and chief executive officer of Muvoni Technology Group Limited (formerly Ideco Technology Group Limited) – a black owned technology business specialising in security and forensic solutions. An admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Vhonani also serves on the boards of some leading South African corporations and philanthropic organisations

Safeera Mayet

Trustee

Safeera has held senior management roles in Tiso Group, Kagiso Tiso Holdings, Tiso Blackstar Group, and Idwala Industrial Holdings. She currently serves as Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA), while also fulfilling the role of Group Legal Advisor to Tiso Investments Holdings Proprietary Limited. In addition, she was appointed to the South African Startup Act Movement Steering Committee as a representative of SAVCA. An Admitted Attorney, Safeera holds both a BCom and LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.

Nkululeko Sowazi

Trustee

Nkululeko is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of Tiso Investment Holdings, an investment company with interests in South Africa and Ghana. He previously served as Chairman of Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH) and is currently a member of the board of directors for several companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In addition, he chairs Sappi, Bud Chemicals and Minerals, and Botswana Soda Ash (Botash). Beyond his corporate leadership roles, Nkululeko is deeply engaged in the non-profit sector, serving on a number of organizations, including as Chairman of the Housing for HIV Foundation based in Washington, D.C.

Michelle Kimmie

Trustee

Michelle is the General Manager of Investments at the Tiso Foundation and previously served as Head of Transaction Management at Tiso Group Proprietary Limited. She is responsible for seeking new avenues for generating stable annuity cash flow that will sustain and support the initiatives of the Foundation. In addition to her executive responsibilities, she has held trustee positions in several organizations and currently is a trustee for Tiso Foundation, the AECI Community Education and Development Trust and the AECI Foundation

David Adomakoh

Trustee

David is the Chairman and co-founder of Tiso Investment Holdings and previously served as Chairman of Tiso Blackstar Group, an investment company with interests in market-leading broadcast and retail marketing businesses in South Africa and across the African continent. Earlier in his career, he was head of Chase Manhattan for Southern Africa and later became head of Africa Corporate Finance at JP Morgan Chase. In addition to these leadership roles, he has also contributed his expertise as a non-executive director on the boards of several leading South African companies, including Nedbank Group.

Bridget Shibambu

Trustee

Bridget holds a BA (Corporate Communications) Honours degree from the University of Johannesburg and formally began her career at Anglo American South Africa as a Communications Officer. She went on to serve as Fund Manager of the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund, gaining extensive expertise in corporate social investment and socio-economic development. With over 20 years of knowledge and experience in these fields, she currently serves as the General Manager: Programmes. Most recently, she has also been appointed as a Trustee of the De La Salle Holy Cross College Alumni Foundation.
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Meet Our Management Team

At the heart of the Tiso Foundation’s impact is a management team whose dedication goes far beyond strategy and operations. They bring passion, vision, and relentless commitment to ensuring that every initiative uplifts young people and expands access to education. With integrity and excellence guiding their work, the team continues to drive the Foundation’s mission forward, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring hope for a brighter future.

Taryn Foster-Sutherland

Marketing and Communications Manager

Taryn began her career at Metro FM after which she moved to 5FM. Taryn joined the Tiso Foundation after 8 years as an experiential marketing consultant at DMX Africa. Taryn has a passion for marketing and communications and has consulted with a number of companies on their marketing strategies. Taryn holds a BA (Corp Comms) Honours degree from the University of Johannesburg as well as a Digital Marketing certification from Vega School of Advertising.

Michelle Kimmie

General Manager Investments

Michelle is the General Manager of Investments at the Tiso Foundation and previously served as Head of Transaction Management at Tiso Group Proprietary Limited. She is responsible for seeking new avenues for generating stable annuity cash flow that will sustain and support the initiatives of the Foundation. In addition to her executive responsibilities, she has held trustee positions in several organizations and currently is a trustee for Tiso Foundation, the AECI Community Education and Development Trust and the AECI Foundation

Meriam Mokoena

Programmes Manager

Meriam is a youth support and development specialist with extensive experience spanning over 10 years in education management, mentorship, and stakeholder relations. She holds a BA in Industrial psychology & industrial sociology from Wits and a BA Honours degree in development sociology from Wits. She is committed to empowering and enabling young individuals to thrive.

Liesel Peters

Office Manager

Liesel is a former Group Accountant from African Bank Investments Limited from 1998 to 2003. She joined Tiso Group in 2004 as an accountant and proceeded to perform various other roles within the Group which included Company Secretarial, Office Manager and Finance Manager role during her 20-year period of service.

Bridget Shibambu

General Manager Programmes

Bridget holds a BA (Corporate Communications) Honours degree from the University of Johannesburg and formally began her career at Anglo American South Africa as a Communications Officer. She went on to serve as Fund Manager of the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund, gaining extensive expertise in corporate social investment and socio-economic development. With over 20 years of knowledge and experience in these fields, she currently serves as the General Manager: Programmes. Most recently, she has also been appointed as a Trustee of the De La Salle Holy Cross College Alumni Foundation.
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Meet Our Support Staff

The Tiso Foundation’s support staff play an essential role in keeping the organisation’s work moving forward. With steady commitment and professionalism, they manage the daily operations that allow programmes to run smoothly and partners to stay connected. Their reliability and care ensure that the Foundation’s vision is carried out in practical ways, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people we serve.

 
 

Precious Mrwetyana

Support Staff

Precious previously worked for Metropolitan Life as a marketing administration clerk. She joined Tiso Group in 2007 as a receptionist. Currently she is a secretary at Tiso Foundation.

Lucky Mhlahlo

Support Staff

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Collaboration

At the Tiso Foundation

At the Tiso Foundation, collaboration is at the heart of how we empower South Africa’s future leaders. For over two decades, we’ve partnered with corporates and communities to provide more than financial support, offering mentorship, psychosocial care, career development, and the resources students need to thrive. Our collaborative model ensures that every student is equipped not only to succeed academically but also to grow into professionals who drive transformation and create lasting impact across the country.

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Tiso Skills Fund

Welcome to the Tiso Skills Fund

A cornerstone initiative of the Tiso Foundation dedicated to addressing the critical need for skills development in South Africa. In a rapidly evolving job market, equipping individuals with relevant skills is essential for economic growth and social progress. The Tiso Skills Fund is committed to empowering individuals with the practical knowledge and competencies required to thrive in various industries.

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Investing in Potential

Sustainable impact through strategic support.

Welcome to Tiso Foundation Investments, where we are committed to driving sustainable economic growth and social transformation through strategic investments. As a leading Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) partner, we offer unparalleled expertise and a proven track record in fostering inclusive development and creating lasting value.

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Be Part Of The Change

Your contribution can transform a students life. Whether through donations or collaboration, every action creates ripples of positive change.

Donate Now

Make a direct impact on a student's educational journey. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our vision of accessible education for all.

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Collaborate With Us

Join our network of corporate partners and create sustainable bursary programmes. Together, we can scale our impact and transform more lives.

Collaborate With Us

News / Blog

Voices of Impact. Stories of Change.

Stay up to date with the latest stories, achievements, and updates from the TISO Foundation. From scholar success stories to new partnerships and community initiatives, this is where we share the impact we’re making—together. Explore how we’re empowering South Africa’s future, one story at a time.

Tips for bursary applications

Blog

Before applying for a bursary, make sure you read through our tips. Having a great application makes you stand out from the crowd and increases your chances of getting funding.

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Tiso Foundation: Empowering South Africa Through Education and Opportunity

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How Education Funding in South Africa Is Expanding Access to Learning

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Shaping Tomorrow: The Power Behind Modern Education Management

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Level Up Your Learning: Secure a Master’s Scholarship Today

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Application Tips and Insights for the Tiso Bursary Programme

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Gallery

Moments That Inspire.

Explore the people, events, and milestones that define our journey. From programme highlights to community impact, our gallery showcases the stories of transformation and hope made possible through the Tiso Foundation’s work.

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Get In Touch

Tiso Foundation

Have questions, ideas, or want to partner with us? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a student, donor, organisation, or simply someone who believes in the power of change—reach out and let’s start the conversation.