In response to the challenges they encountered in their own educational journeys, Mukovhe Morris Masutha and Ntandokabwo James established Thusanani Foundation in 2011. The founders realised that individuals who come from marginalized communities encounter obstacles throughout their school careers and need assistance to access tertiary education.
With over 1000 volunteers in 6 institutions of higher education across South Africa, the foundation reaches out to over 35 000 high school learners in Rural KZN, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Free State and some of the Gauteng Townships. In partnership with the Universities, FET Colleges, NGOs, Government and the Private Sector, the Foundation Thusanani Foundation has managed to enrol over 450 students into various higher education institutions.
The community-based programme helps underprivileged youth access post-schooling opportunities through an integrated, flexible and holistic approach designed to improve the completion rates and the overall experience of low-income students at various institutions of higher education and training,”.According to Masutha “The National Development Plan is informed by a public-private partnership but that partnership is incomplete without civil society movements”. The public and private sector need to support and fund volunteer movements because they upskill the youth added Masutha.
Thusanani Foundation provides numerous programmes which focus on winter revision, tutoring, career guidance, facilitation of admission into higher education and training institutions and the promotion of Vocational and Artisan Skills. Additionally, the organization also supports rural and township high schools with infrastructure facilities such as computer and science labs, community libraries and school Refurbishments.
