When founded shares were gifted to three charitable organisations.
The Student Sponsorship Programme and The Ditikeni Investment Company remain shareholders to this day. DEmpower (DEC Trust) exited in 2024 after a successful partnership of 20 years.
Over the years, more than five million worthy beneficiaries in nine provinces across South Africa have benefited from various initiatives and our track record of delivery.
DITIKENI INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED
Ditikeni is an investment holding company that provides financial sustainability for 21 NGOs.THE STUDENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME (SSP)
SSP offers scholarships to previously disadvantaged students to attend Johannesburg’s best high schools.
I was thrilled to be part of the recent Execs Back to School event at Yeoville Boys, where seasoned executives and business leaders came together to take action and understand how the performance of our public education system directly shapes South Africa’s future prosperity.
Hosted by Citizen Leader Lab and sponsored by Sphere Holdings, the event provided the opportunity to dive into the key challenges facing our schools. One of the most pressing issues discussed was inequality—the significant disparity between township and suburban schools, with rural areas facing even greater challenges. From curriculum gaps to inadequate infrastructure, it's clear that the playing field is still far from level.
This annual event highlights how long-term collaborations between school principals and business leaders, like those created through Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for education programme, drive meaningful and sustainable change in school culture and outcomes.
Lerato PhelaneChartered Accountant - Board Director and Multi-Chairperson
This is such a great initiative and it helps put our school on the map. Our school has improved and it was all through hard work. We are now one of the best and we are very grateful to Sphere Holdings
Thabisile MadunaStudent – Tlhatlogang Secondary School
To Itu and the Sphere community, what you’ve done for me today is beyond what I expected. I’m so grateful we crossed each other’s path…. The investments and inputs made today will direct us and gives us a sense of purpose.
Khosi Ntuli Principal – Tlhatlogang Secondary School Interim Managing Director - Pearson South Africa
SSP is proud to be a shareholder in Sphere Holdings, a partnership that inspires hope and creates opportunities for academically gifted scholars from under-resourced communities. Through our shareholding, we are able to reach and support even more scholars, giving them access to quality education and the chance to build a brighter future. Sphere Holdings is more than just a donor—they are a true partner in our mission, helping us nurture the next generation of South African leaders.
Linda MnisiStudent Sponsorship Programme (SSP) – Acting Executive Director
I was inspired by the passion and dedication of the school principals who focus their energy on developing learners to be the next future shapers – despite the many challenges they face.
Derain Pillay General Manager of Honeywell
Execs Back to School—an initiative conceptualised by Sphere Holdings CEO and Citizen Leader Lab alumnus Itumeleng Kgaboesele—offers South Africa’s business leaders a firsthand look at the transformative power of education partnerships.
This annual event highlights how long-term collaborations between school principals and business leaders, like those created through Citizen Leader Lab’ Leaders for Education programme, drive meaningful and sustainable change in school culture and outcomes.
Dr Robyn WhittakerCollaboration Convener at Kaleidoscope Lights and Co-Founder of Africa Voices Dialogue
Execs Back to School 2024: A Day of Inspiration and Impact
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