Sumbandila Scholarship Trust

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Only about 12 out of every 100 children that start school in grade one in South Africa go on to tertiary education, and 27% of children who have attended school for 6 years cannot read. This is a serious concern that is addressed by Sumbandila. Their ultimate goal is to cultivate leaders and entrepreneurs who can effect essential transformations in our society and economy.

Between inception in 2008 and 2023 the trust has positively impacted the lives of more than 400 children. Here are some of their recent highlights:

  • In 2022, 100% of their residential students achieved a university pass
  • In 2023, 34 new first years entered university
  • Currently Sumbandila has 145 students in enrolled in university
  • 132 students have graduated
  • 53 students are currently doing post-graduate studies

We are very excited that Sumbandila is extending its reach into Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is an eco-tourism mecca, and Masuwe Lodge on the edge of the Chamabonda Reserve (which already supports the Masuwe Primary School) and Chundu Island in the Zambezi National Park will be supporting them all the way. We look forward to:

  • Sharing their efforts and successes with our guests, and encouraging them to support Sumbandila too.
  • Spreading the word amongst our trade partners and agents, introducing the amazing work they do and suggesting ways that they too can benefit from Sumbandila’s expertise in reliably and responsibly educating future leaders.
  • Sponsoring prizes for fundraisers and helping them in any way that we can.

For Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Rhino Walking Safaris in the Kruger National Park Sumbandila has:

  • Provided the opportunity to get involved in education – our passion, but not our area of expertise.
  • Helped us to ensure that our bursary sponsorships are used wisely and effectively and target deserving youth.
  • Been caring and responsible in the manner in which rural children are supported and educated, without losing their identity.
  • Allowed us the opportunity to mentor and provide internships to deserving and excellent students – we and our guests are so impressed with the quality of students that come from their programs.
  • Have set an example through their holistic and considered approach that decries exploitation of the poor for fundraising purposes and impractical/insensitive/poorly considered hand-outs.
  • Carefully preserved the dignity of their recipients and provided a hand-up rather than a hand-out.

One of the most outstanding results of this programme is the incredible support and assistance in job placements offered to students by alumni. In the African spirit of Ubuntu they are already giving back themselves.