Over the last few weeks, our Black Bean team has been working to document the impactful work the Kolisi Foundation is doing to help those in need.
Watch our film to learn more about the important work the Kolisi Foundation is doing.
Play Video
The Kolisi Foundation, was founded by South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel. This organization focuses on having a long lasting impact in terms of the work they do, and currently they are focused on the coronavirus crisis and addressing the needs of those most vulnerable. However, they will continue to work tirelessly once the Covid-19 lockdown is over to help alleviate extreme poverty, bring hope to the people of South Africa and provide opportunities and mentorship to individuals with undiscovered talents.
The Kolisi Foundation had not planned to launch this early and was still in embryonic stages when the pandemic hit, but they swiftly acted to provide communities in need with disaster relief and much-needed resources.
South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, with approximately half of the population living in poverty. Many of these individuals also work in the informal sector and are daily workers who do not get paid unless they can work. South Africa’s lockdown has had catastrophic impacts on these vulnerable communities, who are struggling to provide resources and food for their families.
The Kolisi Foundation’s heartbeat is about changing the narrative of inequality in disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa. Through their #Each1Feed1 campaign, together with their partners, the Kolisi Foundation has been delivering food parcels to vulnerable communities that need support during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
“Remember the one - one by one. Just to focus on the one heart, and the one person, and the one life that you are changing. And remember that, that counts. That’s more important than anything else.”
Rachel Kolisi
Kolisi Foundation
On a recent trip, Siya went back to his roots as the Kolisi Foundation delivered much needed food parcels to the Zwide community – the same community Siya grew up in. The Foundation also partnered with Grey Boys’ High School, which is the school Siya attended to help support community members.
With the help of the parents, students, and teachers at Grey Boys’ school, 820 food parcels were distributed to families in the community. It was incredibly special to document this trip and experience the community and school that played such a huge role in Siya’s life, forming the foundation for his passion and drive to help others.
Siya has experienced first-hand the lasting impact someone can have on your life by helping you in times of need and investing in your future. This is something that is at the forefront of what Siya and Rachel are working to achieve through the Kolisi Foundation. They are committed to creating change one person at a time and encouraging others to do the same in order to change the narrative in South Africa.
“It changes you, it changes how you think. It doesn’t matter how small it is. Just do something for someone else and see how it makes you feel. It is driving me right now.”
Siya Kolisi
Kolisi Foundation
It’s been inspiring working alongside the Kolisi Foundation and witnessing first-hand the difference Rachel and Siya Kolisi are making in the lives of those who need it most.
You can support the work of the Kolisi Foundation. Every R100 will help to support one person for one month. You can make a difference.
Photos by Chris Joubert and Alex Oelofse.
