Author: Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation

Simphiwe Mtetwa

The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation’s selection as a finalist for the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards marks an extraordinary milestone for an organisation that, in only three years, has quietly become a lifeline for thousands across township and informal settlement communities. Its nomination in the Best Rising NGO category recognises not only the Foundation’s impressive grassroots impact but also the inspirational leadership of its founder, Bonamelo Moloi — a changemaker whose journey from lived hardship to national recognition embodies the resilience, purpose, and compassion that define the organisation.

Moloi is an internationally certified life coach, youth development advocate, and award-winning civil society leader. Raised in township conditions marked by poverty, limited access, and social exclusion, his lived experience fuels his commitment to empowering young people and restoring dignity within underserved communities. In 2023 he was appointed a Brand South Africa “Play Your Part” Ambassador, and in 2024 he received the Mayoral Youth Legacy Excellence Award from the City of Ekurhuleni. These accolades reflect not only his leadership but his hands-on commitment to practical change: feeding families, developing youth, building partnerships, and using his own home as a digital skills hub for young people hungry for opportunity.

The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation was established in 2022 in response to rising poverty, anxiety, and hopelessness in township communities. Since then, it has impacted nearly 15,000 individuals — children, youth, families, and the elderly — through youth development and poverty interventions. Its work centres on two core pillars: youth empowerment, including education support, skills development, and gender-focused empowerment; and poverty relief, including food and water security and community outreach. The Foundation operates on the principle that giving is not an obligation but a passion, and that communities can thrive when dignity and opportunity are restored. Its mission is to help people provide for themselves, build stronger families, and foster responsible, hopeful individuals who can shape better futures.

The programme nominated for the CSI Legacy Awards — Melisizwe Coders — is the Foundation’s flagship initiative and a powerful demonstration of what community-driven innovation can achieve. Launched in December 2023, the programme was born from an urgent need to close the digital divide affecting youth in areas like Ekurhuleni. Many young people in these communities face barriers that prevent them from accessing quality STEM education, reliable digital infrastructure, or mentorship aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In response, Melisizwe Coders offers free digital upskilling in computer literacy, coding, website development, and digital entrepreneurship. The programme also integrates mentorship, psychosocial support, and personal development — recognising that talent flourishes when emotional wellbeing and confidence are nurtured.

The model is deeply localised and community-rooted. Without formal funding, the programme has already trained nearly 70 young people, both in-school and unemployed. Its outcomes have been remarkable: over 30 new digital enterprises created, youth placed in entry-level digital jobs, and young facilitators emerging from within the programme itself. It also includes learners who have secured three-year sponsored education and wealth-creation opportunities. Melisizwe Coders demonstrates how targeted digital training, delivered within the community and reinforced by mentorship, can unlock economic mobility even in contexts where opportunity is scarce.

Moloi’s personal investment in the initiative is profound. One of the most meaningful milestones of his leadership has been the transformation of his own home into a digital skills hub — a space where young people find not only training but mentorship, psychosocial support, and a sense of belonging. This act reflects his belief that leadership begins with service and that empowering others is a calling, not a profession.

Being named a finalist for the CSI Legacy Awards is a deeply significant honour for both Moloi and the Foundation. It validates the belief that community-rooted initiatives, even those launched without funding, can achieve national impact when driven by purpose, collaboration, and compassion. For the Foundation, the recognition is not merely celebratory; it is motivational, strengthening its resolve to scale its programmes, deepen its partnerships, and widen its reach across South Africa.

At its core, the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation represents what can happen when lived experience meets intentional leadership. Its work restores dignity, builds confidence, and opens pathways for young people to thrive. As a finalist for the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards, the Foundation stands as a beacon of hope — proving that resilient communities can rise, that youth can lead, and that even the smallest beginnings can spark profound transformation.

Digital Skills Program

The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation is proud to announce that it has been recognised as a finalist in the CSI Legacy Awards 2026 for its Digital Skills Program.

This recognition acknowledges the Foundation’s impactful work in youth empowerment, digital literacy, and community development, particularly within underserved communities. Through the Digital Skills Program, young people are equipped with practical ICT and coding skills that enhance their employability, foster innovation, and create pathways to meaningful participation in the digital economy.

Being named a finalist in the CSI Legacy Awards affirms the importance of community-led initiatives in driving sustainable social change and reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to building future-ready skills among youth.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, supporters, facilitators, and the young people who continue to inspire and shape this journey. This milestone motivates us to deepen our impact and continue creating opportunities that transform lives.

By Sbongile Sokela

In a world where small acts of kindness can spark great change, the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation is walking a powerful journey of hope, purpose, and transformation through its Youth Development and Poverty Intervention initiatives.

What began in December 2024 as a heartfelt effort to restore dignity and inspire hope, the Back to School: School Shoes Campaign, has now grown into a year-long movement of compassion and impact. Launched alongside the Foundation’s annual Food Drive, the campaign first reached over 50 families and 200 individuals, with a special focus on the elderly and child-headed households. “The smiles, the gratitude, the light in young eyes… that was the moment that changed us forever,” said Mr. Bonamelo Moloi, Founding Chairperson of the Foundation. That moment, he said, ignited a movement under the campaign theme “Empowering Young Feet to Walk the Path to Greatness.”

On 31 October 2025, the Foundation celebrated a major milestone by gifting 100 pairs of brand-new school shoes to learners at Mayfield Primary School in Daveyton. The gesture was more than just an act of giving, it was a celebration of what can happen when hearts and hands come together. In less than a year, the campaign has delivered over 1,000 pairs of school shoes to more than 1,000 children in need. This success, Moloi said, was made possible through the unwavering support of donors, partners, and volunteers who believe in the Foundation’s mission. “Each pair of shoes tells a story of dignity restored, confidence rebuilt, and dreams reawakened,” he explained. “True impact begins with intentional kindness. Our children are watching and learning from what we do, not just what we say. Together, we are not just giving shoes, we are healing nations, building futures, inspiring hope, and playing a helping hand in ushering transformation.”

The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation stands as proof that transformation begins with one step and one act of kindness at a time. As a credible nonprofit organisation, the Foundation continues to build partnerships with community-based organisations, local businesses, faith groups, schools, and leaders who share its heart for youth development. “We firmly believe that sustainable growth and development require strong collaboration and international partnerships,” Moloi said. “The Empowering Young Feet campaign is just the beginning of a much greater journey. We want to help children access mentorship, digital skills, and personal development opportunities that prepare them to lead and transform their futures.”

He added that everyone can take part in this movement, whether by donating a pair of school shoes, offering resources, volunteering time, or simply sharing the Foundation’s story. “A simple pair of school shoes becomes a symbol of possibility,” he said. “It reminds each learner that it’s not about the shoes, but about them. This is an investment into their future, a reminder that their dreams matter, that they are seen, and that greatness is possible.” The Foundation’s connection to Mayfield Primary School holds special meaning. “Charity begins at home,” Moloi said. “As a Foundation rooted in the Mayfield community, we wanted to start our journey of empowerment right where we are planted.”

This year alone, the Foundation has donated over 300 pairs of school shoes to Mayfield learners in Grades 6 and 7. The partnership is part of a long-term commitment to support the school through education, mentorship, and digital skills training. “Our vision is to help learners and teachers thrive in the digital future,” Moloi said. “We aim to build a model for digital transformation that can be scaled across the City of Ekurhuleni, nurturing communities where education, skills, and opportunity meet to change lives.”

For support, contact them at :Email: engage@bonamelomelisizwe.foundation
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“We are committed to empowering our learners and ensuring they have the resources they need for success.”

he 100% Foundation delivered 750 pairs of school shoes to learners who can’t afford them in selected schools across Ekurhuleni and the West Rand.

This initiative forms part of the foundation’s annual plan to help needy learners with essentials like sanitary pads and nutritious meals.

They collaborated with local organisations such as Bacha Ba Dichaba, Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation and Youngage Foundation to identify the schools in need.

They identified seven schools in Ekurhuleni and the West Rand. Some of the local schools that benefitted include Rolihlahla Dan Pharasi and Mayfield primary schools in Daveyton.

In addition to providing the learners with footwear, they also donated e’Pap, a nutritious cereal to help the pupils begin their school day with energy and focus.

The 100% Foundation senior development and project co-ordinator, Janap Biemba, thanked their sponsors for their commitment to help the learners with the essentials they need to succeed.

“We extend our gratitude to our donor, Knorr Bremse, and our anonymous contributors for making this initiative possible. Together, we are committed to empowering our learners and ensuring they have the resources they need for success,” said Biemba.

By Sbongile Sokela

George Mbilase Primary School in Daveyton, Gauteng, has been making significant strides in educational activities, thanks in part to the support of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) and various stakeholders.

One of the key drivers of progress has been the BEEI Program, which provides job opportunities for unemployed youth while supporting teaching and learning in public schools. Through this initiative, George Mbilase Primary School has seen positive developments, including the selection of 12 learners for a public speaking camp coordinated by the Siyakha Youth Foundation and the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation.

The Public Speaking Camp offers a valuable platform for learners to sharpen their public speaking abilities. According to the school’s Reading Champion, Thabang Lichaba, this opportunity is boosting learners’ confidence and enhancing their academic performance.

The school also excelled in the District East Ekurhuleni Region Arts and Culture 3-Day Competition, where they secured second position in the Cumboots category. This achievement reflects the commitment and hard work of Assistance Mbali Magagula, the school’s Reading Champion, whose dedication to training the learners has yielded impressive results.

George Mbilase Primary School has expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of stakeholders who continue to play a key role in its success. These include the 100% Foundation, the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation, the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, and Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers.

The school’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with the backing of initiatives like the BEEI and supportive stakeholders, ensures that learners continue to receive quality education while excelling in cultural and academic programs.

By Sbongile Sokela

The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation prides itself on collaborating for impact. One of its core values is to align with allies who share the same vision. Bacha Ba Dichaba embodies exactly that, a spirit of community, education support, and development within the very same communities served, the communities of Ekurhuleni.

At the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation, education and youth development are at the heart of the mission. The foundation believes every child deserves the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive, regardless of their background. Their approach is holistic, combining practical resources with mentorship, skills development, and community partnerships to create lasting impact.

The recent donation of 21 school bags to learners through the collaboration with Bacha Ba Dichaba is more than just a gesture. It is part of a broader commitment to remove barriers to learning. A school bag may seem small, but for a child it means dignity, readiness, and a sense of belonging.

This initiative complements other programmes such as:
* School shoes donations to restore dignity and confidence for learners.
* Digital skills development for both in-school and out-of-school youth, equipping them for the future of work.
* Mentorship and leadership training to help young people unlock their potential and become changemakers in their communities.

By addressing immediate needs while also building long-term capacity, the foundation is laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s leaders in Ekurhuleni and beyond.

The motto, “I cannot help everyone, but everyone can help somebody,” is a constant reminder that change is built through collective action. Partnering with Bacha Ba Dichaba reflects this belief. They share the same commitment to uplifting the community, particularly in education and youth development.

By working together, the two organisations can pool resources, skills, and networks to reach more learners, address more needs, and inspire greater community involvement. The recent donation of 21 school bags is a clear example, a simple yet powerful way of ensuring learners are motivated to succeed in school.

Looking ahead, their joint efforts will include spelling bee competitions to strengthen reading and writing skills, and new school shoes donations to ensure learners walk to school with dignity and confidence. Plans are also in place to introduce digital skills literacy across schools in Ekurhuleni and beyond, preparing youth for a changing digital world.

“Through such collaborations, we’re not just meeting immediate needs, we’re building a culture of support where the community rallies behind its young people, creating pathways for education, empowerment and lasting change,” said the foundation.

The CEO added, “I cannot help everyone, but everyone can help somebody” a reminder that collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Mr. Moloi and his team from Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation are truly embodying this spirit.

The Academy Awards ceremony at George Mbilase Primary School is another important initiative. Held earlier this year in the second school term, it recognised the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of learners. Teachers and community members came together to acknowledge these achievements and to motivate students to strive for greater success.

The spelling bee competitions have also had an impact. Learners from different grades competed in vocabulary, spelling, and public speaking. These events boosted confidence, improved literacy, and encouraged healthy competition. For many learners, the spelling bee sparked a deeper love for reading and learning.

The partnership between Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers and George Mbilase Primary School continues to create opportunities for learners. Educational programmes, extracurricular activities, and mentorship help students grow beyond the classroom. The wider community also benefits as a new generation of confident, capable young leaders is nurtured.

The National Youth Service (NYS) has played a vital role in supporting academic growth. Through NYS, the organisations have organised tutoring sessions, literacy programmes, and academic competitions. NYS has also encouraged volunteerism, inspiring young people to give back to their communities.

Looking to the future, Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers plan to expand by introducing more school-based clubs and career guidance workshops. They also want to partner with organisations to bring in books, technology, and training opportunities. Plans are in place to host inter-school competitions and community outreach events to inspire even more young people.

Despite challenges such as limited resources, the organisations have managed to overcome them through partnerships, volunteers, and creative solutions. Another challenge has been keeping learners consistently engaged, but by making activities fun and relevant, participation has improved.

“It was a meaningful way to honour Madiba’s legacy of service, unity and social responsibility.”

With paintbrushes, rollers, and big hearts, Affinity Health staff and external volunteers came together on July 19 to give Colin House at Benoni Child Welfare a colourful makeover in honour of Mandela Month.

The team spent the day painting the home’s fence and walls, helping to restore warmth and dignity to a space that provides care, safety and hope to vulnerable children.

“Guided by the theme ‘It’s in our hands’, the project aimed not just to refresh the walls and fence, but to create an environment that feels more cheerful, welcoming and nurturing for the children and caregivers alike,” said Siphiwe Mahlangu, project co-ordinator for the 100% Foundation.

Mahlangu added that the day’s work was more than just a volunteer activity.

“It was a meaningful way to honour Madiba’s legacy of service, unity and social responsibility. By dedicating our time and energy, we reaffirmed our shared belief that small actions can lead to big changes.”

He thanked all who participated for their effort, teamwork and compassion.

“Let’s continue to live the values Nelson Mandela stood for – not just for one day, but every day.”

Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation has taken a resolute stance in advancing support for girls and women through menstrual health awareness and education. Menstrual health awareness and education is crucial in South Africa, where many girls and women face challenges in managing their menstruation due to:

1. Limited access to sanitary products

2. Lack of education on menstrual health and hygiene

3. Cultural taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation

4. Limited access to healthcare services, particularly in townships, rural areas and Informal settlements.

Recognizing these challenges, our objective is to consistently play a helping hand in improving the accessibility of sanitary pads to young girls and women in townships and informal settlement communities. Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach, enabling us to distribute an average of 140 sanitary pads monthly since September 2023.

A study by Stellenbosch University Hospital revealed that 30 percent of young girls in South Africa face period poverty, lacking secure access to basic period products. The repercussions are severe – one in three South African girls aged 9 to 18 miss several school days each month due to menstruation, compromising educational opportunities crucial for gender equality. This translates to an educational gap of about 60 days per year, putting these girls at a significant disadvantage in an already unequal society. Additional sources report that around 7 million South African girls lack access to affordable sanitary products, causing them to miss school and fall behind their male counterparts. The adverse effects of period poverty include the use of unsafe sanitary products, heightened health risks, and medical complications.

Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation champions sanitary pad drives as part of our Girl-Child Dignity Preservation Campaigns. These initiatives are designed to promote well-being and empower girls and women through education and awareness in menstrual health, self-mastery, and skills development.

As a registered non-profit organisation, we are fueled by the conviction that “Everyone deserves a helping hand, and that’s why we exist. We exist to help.”

We are unwavering in our commitment to collaboration, understanding that together, we can achieve far more in the fight against period poverty.

To collaborate, contact us at: engage@bonamelomelisizwe.foundation

To learn more about us, visit our website at: https://www.bonamelomelisizwe.foundation/

The Youth Legacy Excellence Awards hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni were held recently in Alberton.

The chairperson and founder of Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation, Bonamelo Moloi, was recently awarded at the inaugural Youth Legacy Excellence Awards in the youth activism and civil society category.

The awards, which were hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni, honour deserving youth for their innovation and outstanding career or community work.

“I am encouraged and honoured to have received this recognition as a testament to the impact achieved through pursuing a purpose greater than oneself,” said Bonamelo.

According to Tsholofelo Moloi, the foundation’s engagement coordinator, they have successfully impacted over 8 000 beneficiaries, including children, youth, and the broader community. This is despite working with limited resources.

Moloi said the foundation is committed to uplift communities through youth development and poverty intervention initiatives.

Bonamelo registered his NPO in January 2022, aiming to inspire a new generation of youth leaders to change their circumstances while addressing immediate needs related to poverty alleviation.

He served as programme director for National Science Week in 2017 and 2018, engaging high-level stakeholders such as the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation.

Through his NPO, he continues to lead various community development initiatives, earning the trust of residents and positively impacting their lives.

One notable program is the Kasi Coders Ekurhuleni, which provides essential coding and website development skills to 18 top-performing learners from four high schools in Daveyton during a six-week boot camp.

“Remarkably, a learner from a child-headed household has already begun designing websites for local businesses, showcasing the program’s transformative potential,” said Moloi.

The Foundation recently organised girls during its ICT Day where they introduced 24 girls from Unity Secondary School to innovative technologies, including self-driving cars and solar-powered fans.

“In response to the tragic drowning incident of Daveyton learners, the Foundation launched the Water Champions 2024 program to promote water safety education, collaborating with partners such as The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa.

“This initiative has been instrumental in teaching children essential water safety skills, aiming to prevent future tragedies and raise awareness among young audiences,” said Moloi.

The programme benefitted Grade 10 and 11 learners from Unity Secondary School, Hulwazi Secondary School, HB Nyathi Secondary School and Dinoto Technical Secondary School.

The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation recently completed the pilot of KasiCoders, their coding and web development programme, as part of a broader digital skills development initiative.

Launched in Daveyton in partnership with Eazi Code and the Digital Learning Hub, KasiCoders is an innovative programme aimed at fighting unemployment and encouraging tech entrepreneurship in disadvantaged communities by empowering youth with vital STEM education and ICT skills.

Bonamelo Moloi, the founder of the foundation, said they provided hands-on coding and programming experience to equip young people with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and thrive in the modern tech-driven world.

This inaugural programme benefitted Grade 10 and 11 learners from four high schools in Daveyton including Unity Secondary School, Hulwazi Secondary School, HB Nyathi Secondary School, and Dinoto Technical Secondary School.

“We concluded the programme with a fantastic awards ceremony, where our top performer and most improved KasiCoder each won a brand-new laptop, and the top three learners received fully sponsored programming courses to help them continue their journey in tech. These learners will have the opportunity to design their projects using the programming skills they’ve gained from KasiCoders,” said Moloi.