HM Pitje Foundation
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Education is the beginning

Transforming lives.
Building futures.

We help schools and communities access the knowledge, infrastructure and support they need to thrive.

Explore our work Support the mission
Discover our story

Who we are

Education can change the direction of a life.

Founded by Khudusela Pitje in honour of his late father, HM Pitje, the foundation is dedicated to alleviating poverty through education.

We work alongside schools, educators, young people, community partners and businesses to strengthen learning environments and create practical pathways into opportunity.

Read the founder story
01

Our vision

Schools of excellence that communities aspire to attend.

We envision government schools with high standards, strong infrastructure and learning environments where every child can imagine more.

02

Our mission

To alleviate poverty through education.

We empower communities through school adoption, youth development, literacy support, future-facing skills and whole-person wellness.

What we do

Growing the next generation of leaders.

Our programmes meet learners and young people where they are—at school, in their communities and at the start of their working lives.

Volunteers refreshing a school building 01

School Adoption Programme

Helping township schools become schools of excellence.

We support adopted schools across the full learning environment—from leadership and teaching quality to safety, infrastructure and parent involvement.

  • Wellness
  • Infrastructure
  • Remedial classes
  • Literacy
  • 4IR training
  • Libraries
Learners and volunteers reading together 02

HMP 100+4 Youth Programme

Skills and pathways into the future of work.

Learnerships, internships and SMME development help young people build experience, confidence and access to employment.

  • Learnerships
  • Internships
  • SMME development
  • Work readiness
Young volunteers smiling while improving a school 03

HMP Future Icons

Turning creative and sporting potential into possibility.

We develop emerging icons across arts, entrepreneurship, fashion, film, philanthropy and sport.

  • Arts
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fashion
  • Film
  • Sport
04 Future-ready learning

AI and You

Technology should feel like a door, not a barrier.

AI and You is a practical learning platform created to help young people and communities build confidence with technology, digital skills, and artificial intelligence. Through simple, structured lessons and guided learning pathways, the programme aims to make future-focused skills more accessible, understandable, and useful in everyday life.

Explore AI and You
Young people learning digital and artificial intelligence skills together on laptops

Programme 1 of 4: School Adoption Programme

Programme snapshot

Impact grows when communities grow with us.

Our literacy work combines learner support with local opportunity—placing books, skills and trusted people around every child.

10
schools in the remedial literacy programme
655
learners supported in Maths and English reading
45
community-based youth extra-class teachers
1,000
youth opportunities targeted with programme partners

Figures reflect recovered programme information and will be updated as new reports are published.

A learner receiving a donated book
A volunteer painting a school bookshelf
2012the legacy continues

The legacy behind the name

“Remember where you come from.”

HM Pitje rose from difficult rural circumstances to build businesses in township communities and serve as the first Mayor of Mamelodi in 1969.

Throughout his life, he prioritised educational support for students in need. The foundation carries that spirit forward—pairing ambition with service and opportunity with responsibility.

When one learner is given the tools to thrive, the possibility reaches a family, a school and a whole community.

Whole-community support

Learning needs more than a classroom.

Our work recognises the connected needs that shape a young person’s ability to learn, belong and succeed.

01

Literacy & libraries

Books, e-libraries, educational media and targeted reading support that build strong learning foundations.

02

Sports development

Coaching, mentoring, the Icons Cup and Soccer Academy create pathways for future sports leaders.

03

Arts & culture

Workshops, equipment and enterprise guidance help young creatives participate in the arts economy.

04

Feeding & wellness

Nutritious food and wellness support help vulnerable learners and communities focus on growth.

From the field

Small moments. Lasting change.

Scenes from literacy days, school improvements and volunteer-led community action.

Volunteers building colourful reading spaces for learners

Mandela Day Book Drive · Coming soon

Every book opens a new future.

The next HM Pitje Foundation Mandela Day Book Drive is on the way. We’re getting ready to collect books, build welcoming reading spaces and help more learners discover the joy of reading.

Visit the campaign site One shared purpose.
Lasting impact.

Let’s build what comes next

Partner with the foundation.

For programme support, partnerships, volunteering or donation enquiries, contact our team directly.

Call us+27 11 784 3151 Email ushmpitjefoundation@newgx.co.za
Visit usNew GX Offices
35 Ferguson Road
Illovo, Johannesburg
South Africa