About Us – KST

KST is a collaboration between Kagiso Trust and the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. The collaboration emerged from the experience of both entities in the implementation of their respective Whole School Development programmes. The aim was to develop a programme that leverages the methodologies and best practices of each organisation. The result was an integrated District Whole School Development model, addressing infrastructure development, curriculum support, social welfare and leadership in schools, which could be implemented at a district level.

In March 2013, KST and the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve education in the Free State province. This MoU served as a vital component in the transformation of basic education in South Africa. The nature of the KST partnership with the FSDoE, has contributed significantly towards getting the programme off the ground.

The combined financial leveraging has been accompanied by synergised strategic and technical expertise to ensure that the vision of KST is realised.

Five years after a successful partnership – backed by the sterling performance of the FSDoE in the NSC results – KST partnered with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF). The partnership between KST and FREF represents an unprecedented opportunity for the continuity of the District Whole School Development (DWSD) model in the Free State. The partnership creates a new era of collaboration and partnerships, enabling the FSDoE and KST to work together to improve the quality of education in the Free State, in a holistic, strategic and sustainable manner.

Through this integration, the District Whole School Development (DWSD) model is poised to influence a broader systematic change in the education sector. The DWSD model is aimed at transforming public school education based on a district by district approach across South Africa.

The implementation of the programme commenced in 2014, in two Free State districts: Motheo and Fezile Dabi. Six years into the programme and we are still excited and energised to continue the work we do to uplift schools, educators, learners and communities. As KST, we recommit ourselves to serving our children and our country.

KST is run by passionate individuals led by CEO Themba Mola. We are dedicated to making an impact in changing the landscape of education in South Africa.

The dedicated workstreams are complemented by the knowledge, guidance and strategic leadership of all four organisations (Free State Department of Education, Kagiso Trust, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and FirstRand Empowerment Foundation).

This is a unique pilot project and various committees are in place to mitigate potential risks and ensure proper governance and accountability at all levels.

Transformation and Empowerment Workshops:

Curriculum development through educator capacitation and training
Infrastructure development
Instructional Leadership and Governance in the school, including Youth Leadership development

District Whole School Development programme impact figures in the Fezile Dabi and Motheo Districts since inception:

Schools attended the Empowerment Transformation and workshops

Learners indirectly impacted by the Empowerment and Transformation workshops

Project schools

Learners referred for further medical attention

Spectacles donated

Learners underwent vision screening

New school facilities built

School facilities renovated

SMMEs supported

Temporary jobs created