Township tour

It all started with a township tour in 1997. Barely recovered from the shocking inequality that existed between the excessively poor and the excessively rich in this town, and astonished at the fact that this was strictly not to be talked about in ‘white’ Hermanus, we got talking. Soon, words turned into action: computer classes and after-school care.

A brilliant idea

Our first large project was the first holiday school, Zwelihle Summer School. In setting up this school, Thamsanqua Salukazana initiated the first recruitment of young volunteers. A brilliant idea.

Nelson Mandela Children's Fund

The Zwelihle Summer School was the first project to receive funding.  Much to our delight, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund offered 10,000 Rand for our A4-sized plan. For the organising committee it was highly motivating.

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Launch of the foundation

ANBI, CBF, Transparency Prize

Following the launch, we applied successfully for tax exemption (ANBI) and accreditation (CBF). What started as a private enterprise developed in 10 years' time into a small professional Dutch NGO/NPO with 20 partners. Trustworthy evaluation and financial accountability made donors and partners express confidence in our plans and projects. And, last but not least, we were awarded the Transparency Prize in 2008.

Role models

Thamsanqua's brilliant idea turned into a success story. We saw young people become role models and grow up to become self-aware adults.  We saw children seamlessly transition from holiday school participants to holiday school volunteers. 
One of the most rewarding compliments was given by a former holiday school volunteer who ran into us a few years after he left the project. He said: ‘You gave me skills, I use them every day’.

Ricus Boerma
Martje Nooij

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