Thebe Foundation

The Thebe Foundation is a public benefit organisation established in 2011 by Thebe Investment Corporation to drive the group’s community development strategy. The Thebe Foundation runs core programmes in education and entrepreneurship, and holds previously disadvantaged communities as its primary beneficiaries.

Registered name

Thebe Foundation

Type

Public benefit organisation (Thebe Investment Corporation)

Fields funded

Accounting, agriculture, artisan skills, finance, education, engineering, ICT, media, mining, renewable energy and water

Website

thebefoundation.org.za

A company founded with Mandela

Thebe Investment Corporation was founded by Dr Enos Mabuza alongside Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Beyers Naudé. The Thebe Foundation’s values are excellence, integrity, empowerment, ubuntu, collaboration and empathy, and its stated objective is to transform society one community at a time to ensure economic freedom.

Starting with literacy and numeracy

Since 2013 the Thebe Foundation’s Literacy and Numeracy (LitNum) Programme has worked in Mpumalanga schools. LitNum trains Grade R to 4 teachers in literacy and numeracy content and teaching skills, supports foundation phase heads of department, provides resources with training in learning through play, tracks learners’ progress and involves parents in supporting children at home.

The Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

The Thebe Foundation established the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Programme in 2016 as part of its Founder’s Legacy Programme, honouring Dr Mabuza’s role in founding Thebe. The scholarship funds young black South Africans from diploma to master’s level in accounting, agriculture, artisan skills, corporate finance, maths and technology education, electrical and mining engineering, finance, ICT, media, renewable energy, and water and energy. It covers tuition, textbooks, accredited accommodation and meals, or a transport allowance.

Applicants must be under 35, with at least a 60% average, household income under R600 000, no outstanding student debt and no other funding, including NSFAS.

Support beyond funding

The Thebe Foundation holds an annual career summit where beneficiaries network, share experiences, hear motivational speakers and meet Thebe Investment Corporation executives and HR teams about work placements. A work readiness programme helps university and TVET graduates build entrepreneurial skills and improve their chances of employment, and the Foundation also focuses on students’ wellbeing. The Thebe Graduate Directory connects alumni with employers.

Timing

The 2027 scholarship closes on 22 September 2026 at 12:00 midday, and late applications are not accepted.

How to research the Foundation

Read about Enos Mabuza’s life and Thebe’s founding, and certify every document within three months before uploading.

Missing-middle students should also look at the StudyTrust Missing Middle Bursary.