Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation

13/10/2026

Every milestone can open the way for another.

For CRET graduate Thatohatsi Koloba, completing her postgraduate diploma in accounting is a step towards her goal of becoming the first chartered accountant in her family.

Her journey is also a reminder that building a future requires access to opportunities beyond the classroom.

Through the Drive to Thrive initiative, CRET is helping young people overcome practical barriers by supporting access to driving skills and licences, building greater confidence and independence as they prepare for the world of work.

One step at a time, young people are building the futures they have worked towards.

07/10/2026

A strong business idea needs opportunities to grow.

For entrepreneurs, access to networks, markets, knowledge and meaningful business connections can help turn ambition into sustainable growth.

Black Umbrellas' participation at the NSBC Business Expo created an opportunity to connect entrepreneurs with the wider business ecosystem, opening conversations, building relationships and creating greater exposure for growing enterprises.

By supporting entrepreneurs beyond the early stages of their journey, Black Umbrellas continues to help build businesses with the potential to create lasting economic and social impact.

06/10/2026

Opportunity can reach far beyond one person.

For CRET graduate Raymond Smith, completing his degree represents not only a personal milestone, but an opportunity to create greater access and possibility for his family and community.

As he continues his studies and works towards a career in law, Raymond reflects on the importance of removing barriers and equipping young people with the practical skills they need to enter the world of work with confidence.

Through initiatives such as Drive to Thrive, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust continues to support young people as they take the next steps towards their futures.

05/10/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Eckles as Executive Director of Black Umbrellas, effective 1 October 2026.

Since joining Black Umbrellas in 2015, Jerome has grown through the organisation, driven by a deep commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the environment in which Black-owned businesses can grow.

In his new role, he will focus on accelerating digital reach, deepening ecosystem partnerships and scaling support for Black-owned businesses to drive long-term economic growth and job creation across South Africa.

From all of us at Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, congratulations, Jerome. We look forward to this next chapter for Black Umbrellas and the entrepreneurs it supports.

29/09/2026

An opportunity can change one life. What happens next can change many more.

In its latest edition, Accountancy SA profiles Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation CEO Cyril Madiba in “Holding the Door Open” — a reflection on opportunity, mentorship and the responsibility to create pathways for others.

Cyril’s journey demonstrates the long-term impact of investing in human potential: when opportunity is supported by mentorship and purpose, its impact can extend far beyond one individual.

Today, that journey continues through leadership focused on ensuring more young South Africans have the opportunity to learn, grow and realise their potential.

Read the full feature here: https://magazine.accountancysa.org.za/asa-september-2026/page-12

SAICA - The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

24/09/2026

15/09/2026

When young people can take their ideas beyond the classroom, their sense of what is possible can change.

Speaking to Capricorn FM, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation CEO Cyril Madiba reflected on the significance of eight learners from seven Limpopo schools representing Africa at the Invention Convention China International Division 2026.

The learners presented three homegrown innovations addressing real-world challenges, while also gaining exposure to global peers, research institutions, technology companies and new ways of thinking.

As Cyril shared, opportunities like these can build confidence, strengthen scientific thinking and inspire other learners to see new possibilities for themselves.

Buffalo International Logistics, Adopt-a-School Foundation, the Department of Education, and partners in China made this journey possible.

At CRF, our role is ultimately about helping remove the barriers between potential and opportunity.

09/09/2026

Achievement is about more than reaching a milestone. It is also about the belief, support and opportunities that help make it possible.

At a special evening celebrating young people supported through CRET, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation CEO Cyril Madiba reflected on his own journey — from a first-year student and CRET beneficiary with the ambition of becoming a chartered accountant, to leading the Foundation today.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also celebrated the determination of the young graduates, recognising the hard work, perseverance and commitment behind every achievement.

Their journeys remind us of what can happen when potential is met with opportunity and young people are supported to keep moving forward.

08/09/2026

A qualification can open doors, but sometimes practical barriers still stand in the way.

Speaking to Lotus FM, CRET Executive Director Chantelle Oosthuizen highlighted how something as simple as not having a valid driver’s licence can limit employment opportunities for young graduates.

Through its holistic approach to student support, CRET has already assisted close to 100 young people to obtain their driver’s licences, helping address one of the practical barriers they may face when entering the world of work.

While a driver’s licence cannot guarantee employment, interventions like these can help young people become more mobile, empowered and better positioned to access opportunity.

Creating pathways to employment means looking beyond education alone and responding to the realities young people face as they transition from learning to earning.