The Foundation recorded significant progress in 2019, bolstered its impact figures, and introduced a number of innovations. The Covid-19 pandemic beginning at the end of 2019 into the close of the reporting period in February 2020, led to some disruption of the Foundations activities, but it quickly adapted and propelled its work, not least because of its accomplishments in 2019.

The Foundation remained committed to its purpose and as the 2020/2021 year progressed, it geared its programmes in new ways, with increasing resilience, wherewithal and intensity, as is being demonstrated across the country. Productive meetings and gatherings are taking place online, new ways of implementing projects and programmes are being innovated, and work from home regimes are proving effective.

The Foundation is effectively engaged with the turning cogs of our new reality and continues to make a difference to lives through its programmes implemented by its partner entities. KST continues to build classrooms, Black Umbrellas is supporting small businesses through these tough economic times, and the Thari programme hosted a Career Expo in August 2020 for senior students in Diepsloot with all due protective measures.

Young people have been among the worst affected by the pandemic and the measures to contain it, including in terms of the disruption to their studies, their career and livelihood prospects, and their emotional wellbeing. The Foundation hosted a well-attended “Thought Lab Webinar” with its partner entity, Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), on youth development in July. The webinar was inspired by CRET alumnus working in a variety of capacities and sectors on the frontlines of the Covid-19 response. As the webinar reaffirmed, our future in an uncertain world is dependent on the development of youth now. The webinar solidified the partnership between youth development practitioners and the private sector in jointly confronting the challenges to continued youth development support in these challenging economic times. We believe our relationship with our stakeholder partners and donors is based on a shared social commitment that works in the interests of all.

 The Foundation is meeting the challenges of 2020 with strength and fortitude and the continued support of its stakeholders, partners, friends and associates and, its Board, Executive, partner entity boards and members of staff.

Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is thankful to all for a most fulfilling and well-accomplished 2019/2020 year, and sustained support.