Verified
The Motsepe Foundation is a South African philanthropic organisation founded by Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The Motsepe Foundation has grown into one of the country’s most prominent private philanthropic bodies, funding education, healthcare and social development programmes across South Africa.
- Registered name
- Motsepe Foundation
- Type
- Private philanthropic foundation
- Fields funded
- Education support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Website
- motsepefoundation.org
- Phone
- 011 324 1500
The founders
Patrice Motsepe is a mining entrepreneur who founded African Rainbow Minerals, one of South Africa’s largest black-owned mining companies. Patrice Motsepe also owns the football club Mamelodi Sundowns and has served as president of the Confederation of African Football. Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe is a medical doctor, businesswoman and fashion patron who has served as chancellor of the University of Cape Town.
The Giving Pledge
In 2013 Patrice Motsepe became the first African signatory to the Giving Pledge, the campaign started by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett, committing at least half of the family’s wealth to philanthropic causes. The Motsepe Foundation’s education funding is one of the main ways the family meets that commitment, according to a provider record checked in August 2026.
What we know about the bursary
BursariesAfrica’s older guide describes a bursary for South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds, prioritising science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as business and the arts, with tuition, accommodation, living costs and mentorship. That guide also says applications normally open around mid-September and that bursars may be asked to take part in community service. BursariesAfrica has not been able to confirm those details for 2027.
The Motsepe Foundation’s website did not load readable content when BursariesAfrica checked on 15 September 2026, so this profile does not list a current closing date.
Beware of fake Motsepe adverts
Because the Motsepe name is so well known, fraudsters often use it on social media to advertise fake bursaries, loans and giveaways. A genuine Motsepe Foundation programme will never ask you to pay a fee or send banking details to a personal number.
How to verify a Motsepe Foundation call
Check any advert against the Motsepe Foundation’s official website and official social media accounts, and phone the foundation’s Sandton office on the number listed above to confirm that a call is real. Ask your university’s financial aid office whether it administers Motsepe Foundation funding for students. Apply to NSFAS and other bursaries at the same time rather than waiting for one call.
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation runs another long-standing private scholarship.
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