About Us

History of the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation

In 1999 the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation ("Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation") was established. Initiated by its co-founders; Adv. Eric Mabuza and Charmaine Mabuza, the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation targets young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or remote rural areas who have demonstrated outstanding academic acumen. Adv. Eric Mabuza believes that the key to breaking the cycle of poverty is through education.

In a quest to ensure that South Africa’s youth receive the education they deserve and to bridge the social divides that exist in South Africa, the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation in partnership with Ithuba Holdings (RF) (PTY) LTD ("Ithuba"), the National Lottery Operator, have awarded a number of students with full university tuition, housing and living expenses to pursue their dreams in their chosen field of studies.

Zamani Holdings (PTY) LTD ("Zamani"), the financial backbone and majority shareholder of Ithuba, has for over 12 years, played a significant role in the socio-economic development of South Africa and contributed towards the education of many students whom have become qualified professionals. Over the years, the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation has produced high performing graduates who are currently excelling in their respective careers, both locally and internationally.

The Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation seeks to leave a sustainable legacy that will change the lives of generations to come. Majority of the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation recipients have been and are currently enrolled at South Africa’s leading universities and studying to obtain some of the country’s much-needed and scarce skills, such as Chartered Accountancy and Computer Science, to name a few.

All the individuals that are recipients of the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation have demonstrated academic excellence and a determination to change the quality of their lives and those of their families, securing a bright future for themselves. The Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation is founded on the pursuit of success, humility and Ubuntu. It encourages academic growth to assist the lives of individuals who have the potential to not only improve their lives but to contribute to the betterment of others.

Vision

It is expected that after graduation, the former students of the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation ("Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation"), will join the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation's alumni and provide the same opportunity to another student. Metaphorically speaking the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation resonates with a plough-back initiative:

Mission

To instill hope through education and to provide sustainable livelihoods for generations to come.

Sowing the Seed

Recruiting learners who understand their social and economic circumstances and display the tenacity through a proven track record of excellent academic results for their entire school career.

Nurturing the Seed

Ongoing Academic Support and informative job market preparatory sessions.
Academic Support includes:
Fostering relationships with students and their families.
Goal setting, academic planning and stress management.
Providing study methods for various academic disciplines.
Tracking academic performance.
Stakeholder communication.
Liaising with faculty officers from various tertiary institutions.

Harvesting the Seed

Selected candidates are contracted to motivate and instill a learning culture at their previous secondary schools. During their holidays they have to tutor and mentor a student from their previous high school (a big brother initiative). Once students graduate they are expected to join the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation's alumni and provide a similar opportunity to other learners.