A symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence & patience.
Our logo draws its inspiration from the ancient Akan (West African) symbol, the Nyansapo Wisdom Knot.
The wisdom knot conveys the philosophy and ethos that “a wise person has the capacity to choose the best means to attain noble goals”.
This wisdom knot is a continuous reminder of our vision to enable and unlock the potential of future leaders.
The Tiso Group began quite simply as a group of investment banking professionals establishing an investment company. At the time we were not sure what sectors the company would be focused in. All we knew was that we collectively had some investment knowledge and experience and needed to put it to use in developing a new organisation that with a bit of luck could take its place over time on the commercial landscape in South Africa. We knew that we had the possibility of opportunity in the market and collectively we had relationships and networks that would enable us to access capital.
The first course of action was to put together a presentation that reflected our values, experience base and intentions and then we set about the task of raising working capital – we were especially careful not to be distracted by providing advisory services as a source of working capital. Following a few engagements with Investec we managed to raise R7.5 million with the help of Stephen Koseff and Andy Leith. Within a few months of raising the capital we had the potentially tough discussion of how we would dilute our own shareholding to enable the entrance of a new shareholder, that being the Tiso Foundation at 25%. The beauty is that all of us and Investec readily agreed and thus began the story of the Foundation.
It is important to keep in mind that at the time there were no BEE charters or legislations that required the creation of broad-based entities. We soon thereafter approached Bishop Mvume Dandala, the then presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, to not only become the chairman of our Foundation, but to work with us in envisioning scope and profile of the Foundation. We met with him at his house in Observatory and explained our vision of creating a Foundation, which would become a shareholder in the company we were forming. With no financial capacity at that stage, we were fashioning something that existed only in our minds with the possibility of it never actually coming to fruition.
He listened carefully to us. He encouraged us, telling us we were doing something novel, unique and noble and, much to our elation, he agreed to be part of ”this idea” of the Tiso Foundation. The first few years were characterised by a lot of planning and strategising with Bishop Dandala. It was during that time that we put in place the administration and framework for implementation – assembling a Board of Trustees, registering the Foundation as a Section 18a Public Benefit Organisation and drafting our Trust Deed. Most importantly, we started to conceptualise what the Foundation would do, why it would exist.
It was Bishop Dandala who suggested the establishment of an Advisory Board, and it was soon after that we hired Madindwa Mashinini, our very first employee. He was always very interested in education and had a passion for social development. It was therefore no surprise when he was the first to raise his hand to champion the work of the Foundation. He played a critical role in the early days of the Foundation working closely with Bishop Dandala and ourselves.
The real excitement started after our official launch in 2005, as we were able to capitalise the Foundation more sustainably. That’s when our five-year rolling programme approach took root. Our approach was to run programmes, which would provide support over a 5 year period, after which we would analyse and adjust accordingly for the next five year cycle.
Soon more capacity was required and more employees were hired as the Tiso Group grew, and the value of the Foundation’s endowment grew accordingly. The Foundation later began receiving dividends and that is ultimately how the vision began to take shape, leading us to where we are today
To us as founders, the model was critical. We wanted to show that you could
successfully blend commercial and social objectives. We wanted to show that you could do philanthropic work without being reliant on donor funding, and that we could play a role in ushering in a new era of sustainable and independent
African philanthropic institutions.
Our goal has always been to leave a lasting legacy that changes lives and fortunes of young South Africans. We want the beneficiaries of the Tiso Foundation to look back 30 years from now and remember an organisation which contributed
to them breaking the cycle of poverty. We truly believe that there is no more powerful and potent way to assist in breaking out of poverty than through quality education and a strong sense of self-belief. We want to leave examples of what you can
do through education and dedication. We want to create a place where we enable people
to recognise their potential.
We want there to be a lifelong relationship with the Foundation. We want to continue to empower and enable future leaders, and in so doing contribute towards realising the full potential of our country and our continent. We couldn’t be more proud
of some of the achievements of a number of our early beneficiaries, and we can see the emergence of potential future leaders amongst our current beneficiaries. We continue to be actively involved in the activities of the Foundation, and we draw inspiration from the real difference the Foundation continues to make in young lives.
Nkululeko Sowazi & David Adomakoh, Founders of the Tiso Foundation
At the heart of the Tiso Foundation are the lives we touch — from artisans and doctors to investment bankers and engineers, our scholars are part of the Tiso Foundation family.
In celebration of the past decade and thousands of transformed lives, we highlight 10 of our future leaders.
As a Foundation, we believe that creating the future leaders of tomorrow begins with the education of today. From educators to learners we’ve given thousands of South Africans access to greater opportunities, touching the lives of more than 42 000 youths along the way.
To ensure we can offer the best quality education and skills development we’ve designed and partnered with leading educational institutions and like-minded businesses. Cornerstone to every initiative is an intentional, holistic support structure for our students as we walk the road with them throughout their time with us, encouraging them through their challenges and celebrating their triumphs.
Dreaming is not free
And that to love, live and believe
Also means to serve, sacrifice and to sing,
But visions and visionaries have wings
And perceptive, knowing eyes that see
Beyond the narrow straits and impediments
Of the here, and the fleeting now,
To entrench the qualities of an African possibility Ensuring a sustainable life
Anchored in the essence of longevity;
No fly-by-night, fong kong frivolities and niceties But tried and tested, the real makoya, invested…
Young, daring minds, drawn and forged
In foundries of new beginnings, new thinking Formulas wrought in the wisdom of the ancients
A new breed of men and women, nurturing talent
To touch the pinnacle of opportunity
Instilling new thoughts, new approaches infinities Towards ethics of business and investments
Linking burgeoning ideas to ideals;
Cultivating economic power among communities Once despairing, desperate and disparate
Africans, lifting others, as they rise
Tiso Foundation, young, committed and business-wise
Tiso is about building new beacons
Of African excellence, a new ethos
Of human investment through independence
Yes, their visions have wings
And eyes that have removed the scabs
Of self-pity, disdain and black entitlement;
Empowerment that genuinely empowers
Both the empowerer
And the empowered,
Untying the historical colonial knots with the wisdom knot…nyansapo That strangles communities of our new nation;
Visions and visionaries that have strong wings,
Eyes that see beyond mundane things
This is the mission of Tiso Foundation…
Delivered by Don Mattera in honour of the Tiso Foundation at the 5 year celebration, 3 June 2010.
