Imbeleko Foundation - #thevalleyofa1000dreams

14/06/2026

Nonto Myeni’s First Comrades Marathon · In support of Imbeleko Foundation

Our Founders’ sister, Nonto Myeni, is running her first Comrades Marathon — 85.6km dedicated to the rural learners of Imbeleko Foundation.

When the Imbeleko Hybrid STEM Academy closed due to electricity issues - our high-achieving learners transitioned to a partner school 15km away to protect their education. They make that journey every day. It is the promise and the price of opportunity.

We are raising R1,000 per kilometre she runs. R85,600 by Youth Day; to support their transport and educational needs.

If you or your organisation believes that where a child is born should not determine how far they can go, this is a tangible way to act.

Donate: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-us-keep-30-rural-learners-in-school-by-20-may

Goal: R85,600 by Youth Day, 16 June

12/06/2026

Thank you, Cordell.

What you saw during your visit is the result of countless people choosing to believe in possibilities that did not yet exist — learners who dared to dream, families who sacrificed, educators who persevered, and partners who invested in futures they may never personally see.

At Imbeleko, we often say that our work is not simply about education. It is about expanding what young people believe is possible for their lives and creating pathways for those possibilities to become reality.

Thank you for taking the time to walk alongside us, listen deeply, and share our story so beautifully. We are grateful for your friendship, your belief in our young people, and your commitment to building bridges of opportunity that stretch far beyond borders.

The future is indeed built long before we can see it — and it is built together. 🤎🌍

12/06/2026

Thank you Cordell. What stayed with us from your visit was not only your willingness to see our work, but your willingness to see our people.

The doors that continue to open for our learners, graduates and communities are possible because of leaders who take the time to listen, learn and walk alongside us.

Thank you for reminding us that meaningful change is built through relationships, shared purpose and a belief in possibilities not yet visible.

We are grateful for your friendship and partnership. 🤎🌍

12/06/2026

Congratulations to Nene Thandoluhle on receiving scholarship for high school at Inanda Seminary.
A huge thank you to Imbeleko Foundation - for making this possible.

30/05/2026

Bongeka, thank you for pausing to look back. And calling your village by name. Not everyone does. That alone tells us everything about the kind of engineer and human you are. The village is cheering for you, always.

To every young person reading this - this is what the long road looks like. It’s possible. It’s yours. Congratulations, Njiniyela wethu. We see you.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child I am incredibly grateful for the South African organisations and institutions that saw my potential and helped shape my future. For more than a decade, I put my head down and ran a marathon to get where I am today. Along the way, I almost lost sight of the cheerle...

08/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, we reflect on the power of women who open doors, share their stories, and inspire the next generation to dream boldly.
Earlier this year, the Imbeleko Foundation hosted its first-ever Matric Valediction Ceremony for the Class of 2025; a special milestone that marks the beginning of our scholars’ transition from high school into their university journey.

The valediction forms part of our university readiness programme, preparing our matric learners before they attend our annual camp and formally enter the Imbeleko University Support Programme.

We were honoured to be joined by Ms Thabile Dube, a seasoned FMCG leader who currently serves as Franchise Operations Director at Coca-Cola South Africa. Born on the outskirts of Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Dube shared her powerful journey with our
scholars, one shaped by resilience, discipline, and an unwavering belief that education can transform lives.

An MBA graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Dube spoke openly about her path, encouraging our scholars to remain focused, courageous, and intentional about their futures - to be DREAMERS!

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour women like Ms Dube who continue to inspire young people, especially young women to rise, lead, and create meaningful change in their communities.

02/03/2026

World NGO Day | 27 February

Today we celebrate the power of organisations that exist to change lives and build communities.
As we mark , we are especially proud of our University Scholars – Class of 2025, who have officially begun their first year of university.

You are not only pursuing degrees.
You are carrying the hopes of your families, the strength of your communities, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

At Imbeleko Foundation, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for social change. Watching you step into this new chapter reminds us why we do what we do.

May this first year stretch you, grow you, and open doors you once only imagined.
We are behind you. We believe in you. We are proud of you.

03/02/2026

Celebrating a Breakthrough Year at Imbeleko

As we prepare for the 2026 academic year, we pause to reflect on a defining milestone in 2025.

We closed the year with our Blended Learning Afterschool Programme (BLAP) Academic Performance Awards, celebrating the achievements of our Grade 8–9 Dreamers and the collective effort behind their success.

2025 marked the launch of Imbeleko’s decentralised BLAP model, expanding our Academy-based Maths and English programme into five local high schools across KwaNyuswa and growing our impact by 480 learners. Designed to complement classroom teaching, BLAP is a structured, CAPS-aligned afterschool programme strengthening literacy, numeracy, and future-focused skills.

2025 Academic Outcomes
•65–70% of learners improved in English, with average
gains of 10–15 percentage points
• 60–68% improved in Mathematics, with average
gains of 8–12 percentage points, particularly in
foundational skills

These results reflect the power of consistent academic support and strong collaboration between facilitators, teachers, and families.

With Gratitude

We thank our partner schools, parents and guardians, and service providers for making this celebration possible. Special appreciation to our current University Support Programme Scholars - Sinazo Mbuyazi, who was our MC and Imbeleko alum, and the Shange Twins, our keynote speakers, who were all so inspiring.

Grateful to Onella Events for sponsoring the décor and catering, and for the delicious food. Your consistent support always makes our celebrations even more special. And to Sihle’s Sound and Screens; thank you for always bringing the vibrant energy!

Above all, we celebrate our Academics Team and Events Coordinator for their dedication and care throughout the year.

This celebration marked more than academic achievement - it honoured community, and what’s possible when we invest in young potential.