The Sinika initiative is a staff-driven, staff-giving programme of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and its partner entities that was established in 2018. “Sinika,” which means “we give” in several South African languages, represents the everyday commitment to the ethos and values of the Foundation by its family of staff. Through Sinika, members of staff contribute monthly donations off their salaries to support self-determined projects aimed at uplifting under-resourced communities. Below is an overview of three impactful projects that the Sinika initiative has undertaken: the Food Garden Project, Educational Support Project, and Jungle Gym Project.
Sinika Food Garden Project
Launched in August 2023, the Sinika Food Garden Project reflects the initiative’s commitment to food security and sustainable living. In partnership with Green Earth, the project was implemented at Minerva High School in Alexandra. The garden provides a hands-on learning environment for students while contributing to the school’s food needs.
In the first phase of the project, which began on 17 August 2023, Sinika staff worked alongside students to plant vegetables, applying the new gardening techniques they had learned. Particularly exciting for the participants was the spinach patch that the students had started on their own.
By the second phase, which commenced on 30 November 2023, staff returned to assist with weeding the garden and donated a water tank to help sustain the vegetables. The collaboration between staff and students made for an enriching and rewarding experience for all involved.
The final phase of the project culminated in a handover on 18 September 2024. The school took full ownership of the garden, with plans to continue engaging students in its maintenance. Learners who had participated in the project were awarded certificates for their dedication, cementing their role as stewards of the garden.
Sinika Educational Support Project
Education is at the heart of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation’s mission. In 2022, the Sinika Educational Support Project was launched in partnership with the Siziwe Ngcwabe Foundation to provide essential support to orphaned and vulnerable learners. The project targeted two townships, Nellmapius and Atteridgeville, where many students face significant socio-economic challenges.
In Nellmapius, the project collaborated with the Siyadinga Childcare Forum, while in Atteridgeville, it partnered with Unpredictable Football Club, which uses sport to promote social change. Over the course of the year, the project provided 100 learners with school uniforms and stationery, giving them the tools they needed to succeed in their education.
On 15 and 18 March 2022, the handovers took place in the two townships, benefitting 50 learners in each community. In Nellmapius, the group comprised mostly learners between the ages of 11 and 14, while in Atteridgeville, the beneficiaries were aged between 8 and 18. The project not only provided material support but also fostered a sense of hope and motivation among the learners, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds.
Sinika Jungle Gym Project: Learning Through Play
Recognising the importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD), the Sinika team embarked on a project to equip ECD centres in Vosloorus and Orange Farm with jungle gyms. These playground structures are essential for promoting physical, mental, and emotional growth in young children. Research has shown that outdoor play equipment helps children develop problem-solving skills, muscles, and social abilities, which are crucial building blocks for life.
ECD centres in South Africa are often under-resourced, particularly in poorer communities. The Sinika Jungle Gym Project, in collaboration with the Foundation’s partner entity Adopt-a-School Foundation, and the Early Care Foundation, identified 12 small, Black-owned ECD centres that needed support. These centres, often run by women, provide critical educational and care services to pre-primary children, frequently at the personal cost of the owners.
The jungle gyms donated through this project have brought significant joy and developmental opportunities to these centres. The initiative has also highlighted the dedication of the women running these ECD centres, who have taken on multiple roles from teacher to caregiver, ensuring that children in their care receive the best possible start in life.
Sinika is a testament to the power of collective action and commitment. From food security and education to early childhood development, the giving by the staff of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is making a meaningful difference in under-resourced communities.