About us

About Us

Background

Before becoming the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma had established The Jacob Zuma Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) Educational Trust, as a result of his recognition and personal deep concern for the plight of the poor, particularly people in under developed rural areas. The trust enables children, whose poverty prevents their education, to attend school and have the opportunity to obtain a tertiary qualification.

Over the decades, Jacob Zuma has maintained his accessibility to people in need and in recognition of ongoing requests to alleviate the suffering of the poor, his vision for The Jacob Zuma Foundation was realised in 2008. Inspiration for the Foundation draws from the Patron’s experience of engaging with impoverished communities, especially in rural settings. It borrows on the Patron’s appreciation of the human spirit’s endeavour to rise above various barriers for personal excellence, with support.

“I saw the need to establish the JZF in order to respond to the plight and needs of the poor people, beyond those that are education related. In character, the Foundation seeks to respond to a range of challenges and poverty related needs of the poorest of the poor.” Jacob Zuma

The Patron recognises the need to foster private and public sector as well as foreign development partnerships in order to extend development support beyond Government Programmes.

Introduction

In keeping with the results-driven approach of its Patron, The Jacob Zuma Foundation strives to respond effectively, efficiently and within its valued accountability, to the needs of beneficiary communities.

The Jacob Zuma Foundation prides on its ethics, integrity and credibility and is respected both locally and internationally for its commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of the poor. The Foundation is committed to broadening its network of donor partners to enable life-changing upliftment of impoverished South Africans. Lead by a demonstrable spirit and passion to advance poor, rural communities over the years, Dudu Myeni, the Board and Management were assembled, based on their shared aspirations and interest of the Foundation.

Decisions are made in consultation with the Foundation’s Stakeholders and the Patron, and thereafter translated by the Board and Management into enabling programmes and initiatives that make tangible and measureable improvements in the lives of beneficiary communities.

“Nothing gives me greater fulfilment than the joy expressed by an impoverished family, whose honour and dignity in society has been restored, albeit to an extent.” Dudu Myeni