Discover the transformative power of change through the eyes of those who live it. Meet the beneficiaries whose lives have been touched by the FirstRand Foundations. Join News24 as we share their stories, voices of resilience that educate, uplift, and inspire meaningful action for sustainable change.
Empowering Communities. Thriving Together.
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation enables Katlehong Engineering School's vision with clean, reliable energy
In a township where 37% of people can't find work, Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation represents something truly valuable - opportunity. But until recently, that opportunity was constantly threatened by a challenge most of us no longer face, namely keeping the lights on.
Picture trying to learn welding when the power cuts out mid-lesson, or attempting to complete a technical project when you never know if the equipment will work tomorrow. For the 1 540 students at this specialised school in Ekurhuleni, regular power outages weren't just an inconvenience; they were stealing their future, one blackout at a time.
All that changed on 1 August 2025, when the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) officially handed over a solar photovoltaic system that now ensures students at Katlehong Engineering School can pursue their technical training without the constant shadow of power cuts.
Honouring the teachers who are shaping SA’s future
In May, the FRF hosted a celebratory send-off brunch at The Leonardo in Sandton to honour the six outstanding winners of the 2024 National Teaching Awards.
Every thriving education system begins with the people at the front of the classroom – the teachers. Those dedicated professionals who love nothing more than to spark curiosity, nurture potential and open doors to opportunity. Their role extends far beyond delivering lessons. They inspire confidence, shape character, and prepare young people for the demands of the future. In South Africa, where schools face the dual pressures of limited resources and high expectations, supporting teachers is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the entire education system.
Recognising this, the FirstRand Foundation (FRF) places education at the centre of its social-investment agenda. From early childhood development through to capacity-building initiatives, the Foundation’s work reinforces the principle that quality education requires strong, well-supported educators
Honouring excellence in teaching
One of the ways the FRF brings this commitment to life is through its support of the National Teachers Awards. Now in their 24th year, the awards celebrate excellence in classrooms and leadership across the country, recognising educators whose impact goes beyond test scores to transforming lives.
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