Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust

16/06/2026

11/06/2026

See what CRET has been working on this past quarter, from exciting updates to stories of alumni giving back. Read CRET’s latest newsletter.

https://cret.online/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CRET-Updates-June-2026.pdf

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25/05/2026

What happens when a community comes together to tell its own story?

For the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, it becomes something powerful.

Behind every programme, every beneficiary, and every success story is a community committed to changing lives through education.

Our new website was created to reflect the heart of CRET, the people, the partnerships, and the purpose that have shaped 25 years of impact.

Built by the youth, for the youth, the platform was a collective effort between staff at the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and dedicated CRET alumni, who worked together to bring this digital home to life.

From the students who inspire us, to the mentors who guide them, and the partners who make it possible, the website tells the story of a community united by one belief:

Education changes lives.

Take a moment to explore the new digital home of CRET and the stories that continue to shape our legacy.

https://cret.online/

19/05/2026

Transforming lives through education is never a journey taken alone.

The impact of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust is made possible through the support of corporate partners, donors, mentors, and alumni who believe in investing in South Africa’s future.

Together, we help talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access higher education and develop the skills needed to succeed in the world of work.

These partnerships enable CRET to provide holistic support, from tuition and accommodation to mentorship, career guidance, driver training, and work readiness.

Our new website celebrates these collaborations and the powerful role partners play in unlocking opportunity for the next generation of leaders.

Learn how to partner with us: https://cret.online/

04/05/2026

Behind every bursary is a story of determination, resilience, and possibility.

At the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, we support young people who show potential, drive, and the courage to pursue their dreams, even when opportunities seem out of reach.

Our students receive more than financial support, they benefit from mentorship, psychosocial support, work experience opportunities, and personal development training designed to help them succeed post schooling and beyond but most importantly, they also gain a family with CRET.

On our new website, you can explore the stories of the young people whose lives are being transformed through education.

Their journeys remind us that when talent meets opportunity, extraordinary things happen.

Discover our students: https://cret.online/

22/04/2026

For 25 years, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust has walked alongside young South Africans on their journey to higher education, leadership, and opportunity.

What began with a commitment to support a few students has grown into a powerful legacy of graduates, professionals, and changemakers who are shaping the future of our country.
Today, we are proud to introduce our new digital home.

www.cret.online

The new website brings the CRET story to life, highlighting our students, our partners, our impact, and the powerful community that continues to drive our mission forward.

Explore the platform to learn more about:

• The holistic support model that goes beyond funding
• Inspiring scholar and alumni journeys
• Opportunities to partner, support, and give back
• The growing legacy of CRET impact

Because when one student succeeds, families, communities, and futures change.

Visit our new website: www.cret.online

25/03/2026

Chantelle Oosthuizen, Executive Director of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, joined the inaugural episode of The Growthpoint View to discuss the evolving role of purpose-built student accommodation.

In conversation with George Muchanya, Head of Growthpoint Investment Partners, and Amogelang Mocumi, Fund Manager at Growthpoint Student Accommodation Holdings, the discussion explored how student accommodation can deliver strong investment outcomes while meaningfully supporting student success and broader social impact.

The discussion explored key factors such as proximity to campus, accreditation, operational excellence, and the critical role of investment in delivering both sustainable income and meaningful outcomes for students.

At CRET, we understand that access to quality accommodation is integral to academic success, and it is encouraging to see these conversations gaining momentum across the sector.

As a strategic partner of Growthpoint Properties, we value the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and thank Growthpoint for including CRET in the discussion.

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qVcXKkv-qk

Purpose built student accommodation is often seen as a niche asset class. In reality, it is becoming one of the most resilient and scalable property investme...

19/03/2026

From lecture halls to the airwaves, celebrating the inspiring journey of one of our CRET alumni.

Tshepo Lepote, a proud alumnus of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), was recently featured on Radio 2000, where he shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey and the story behind his proudly South African shoe brand, Sole of Heritage.

Since joining the CRET family in 2007 and pursuing his BCom Accounting and Honours at the University of Johannesburg, Tshepo has gone on to build a dynamic career, from the corporate space to leading with purpose as a former Deputy Chairperson of the CRET Alumni Advisory Board.

Today, he is walking a bold path as the founder of Sole of Heritage, a brand born in Soweto that celebrates African identity, culture, and unity through uniquely designed footwear. More than just a business, Sole of Heritage is rooted in education, storytelling, and empowerment with a vision to create opportunities and inspire hope, especially among young people.

We are incredibly proud to see Tshepo using his journey to uplift others and showcase the power of heritage, entrepreneurship, and purpose.

16/03/2026

The 2026 Youth Enhancement Programme by the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust brought together 45 young people from across South Africa for more than just a programme, it created a space for growth, reflection, and inspiration.

Over the course of the programme, students engaged in interactive sessions focused on leadership development, teamwork, critical thinking, and personal growth. Through group activities and peer learning, they strengthened their ability to collaborate, solve problems, and support one another as they navigate their academic journeys.

A highlight for many participants was the opportunity to hear from CRET alumni and leadership from the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, whose messages of resilience, perseverance, and purpose reminded students that setback can become steppingstones to success.

The programme also emphasised the importance of mentorship, volunteering, mental well-being, and time management, key elements that help young people thrive both academically and personally.

By the end of the programme, students left not only with new skills and knowledge, but with renewed motivation, confidence, and a deeper commitment to giving back to their communities.
Investing in young people today helps build a generation of leaders who will shape a stronger South Africa tomorrow.

If you would like to support young people on the CRET programme and be part of empowering the next generation of leaders, please contact us at [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.

22/12/2025

As we head into the holiday season, we encourage all our students, alumni, partners, and friends to stay safe and be vigilant on the roads.

Please drive responsibly, be an aware pedestrian, avoid distractions, rest when tired, and look out for one another. Every journey matters, we want you to arrive safely.