Established in 2011 by Rakesh Wahi, Founder and Chairman of the ABN Group, the trust has become a powerful force for change in the lives of Africa’s youth. Since its inception, it has undertaken over 367 projects and made more than 50,000 donations to meaningful causes to expand access to education and opportunities.

Its programmes range from funding under-resourced orphanages and daycare centres to establishing safe transport systems and soup kitchens in disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the Trust has awarded bursaries to students in South Africa, Ghana, and Rwanda, many of whom were first-generation university graduates. It has also facilitated over 300 internships across ABN Group companies, offering youth critical professional exposure and pathways into formal employment.

“The ABN Education Trust was founded on the belief that education has the power to change lives and uplift entire societies,” says Mr Wahi, trustee and co-founder.

“The Corporate Golf Challenge reflects the spirit of collaboration, engagement, and generosity that defines the Trust’s work, bringing together leaders who understand that real progress begins with education and empowering our young people.”

Now in its fourteenth year, the Golf Challenge has grown into a signature event that unites corporates, the media fraternity, and philanthropic partners around a shared purpose. This year’s event will conclude with a charity auction, featuring handcrafted artworks by Mrs Wahi and other exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds channelled directly into the Trust’s educational and community programmes.

Roberta Naicker, Group Managing Director of the ABN Group and a trustee, adds: “The Corporate Golf Day offers a wonderful opportunity for participants to network and share in an enjoyable day on the greens, while feeling the satisfaction of supporting something truly meaningful. Ultimately, every swing, every sponsorship, and every donation helps to change the trajectory of young lives.”

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KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and Basic Education (DBE) minister Siviwe Gwarube held an all-of-government meeting at the Marine Building in Durban this morning to discuss financial solutions for the financial challenges in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Basic Education.

Gwarube admitted that the issues of finance within the KZN DBE have been caused by both lack of resources and lack of financial prudence. She also acknowledged that the DBE was put under section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA).

“The reality is that the system is faced with two things. The one is the under investment. But also, there has been poor decision making when it comes to the management of finances in the department over the past years. I don’t think we can, realistically and honestly, sit here and say everything has been done well, yet we find ourselves in this situation,” stated Gwarube.

One of the poor decisions that have contributed to the current issues of the DBE mentioned by the minister was the Covid-19 assistants who were taken on as permanent employees, increasing the cost of employees.

Premier Thami Ntuli further stated that their main priority is improving the learning environment of the learner and different solutions are to be explored. It may happen that they could seek assistance from non-governmental organisations.

Amongst the three major topics the meeting touched on was the management of transfers to quintile 1, 2, and 3 schools, as these are the poorest schools and rely solely on government funding.

“So, transfers are the monies sent from the province to the various schools to manage the operations. It is incredibly important to have these transfers protected so that schools can ensure that they do what they need to do,” stated Gwarube.

Gwarube further stated that the meeting was not only about addressing financial concerns within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Basic Education but the growing pressures that affect the entire education sector.

“So, the immediate and short-term actions will include ensuring that we are looking at the releasing of, particularly, the transfers that need to go to schools. These are some tough financial conversations and, as I said, this is not just limited to KZN, but it is something the entire education sector is facing.”

In terms of implementing practical solutions to the problem, Gwarube commended the work that education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and KZN MEC for Finance Francios Rodgers are doing in each other’s departments.

“So, the one is the work that will be commenced around doing audits of ghost employees and ghost learners. We are looking at over two million students in this province so being able to make sure that the money that we have is actually been spent on ‘warm bodies’ and not inflated numbers is going to be quite important. Secondly, I think also commending the province for bringing the cost of employees down from 93% to 89% is quite important, remembering that the national benchmark is 80%. So, it is moving in the right direction but we need to move that down further,” explained Gwarube.

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On any given afternoon at the Durban University of Technology, 23-year-old Smangaliso Mduduzi Hintsho can be found juggling assignments and business deals. While many students are worrying about overdue submissions and readings, Hintsho is reviewing luxury cars for thousands of followers online.

“We are an automotive reviewing company. I am an automotive reviewer,” he explained. “I started it back in 2020, but I hadn’t started filming. I started filming in 2021, that was when there was COVID… I got a lot of time on my hands and decided to start filming, and that’s how I started Bonabay Universe.”

Hintsho’s company, Bonabay Universe, trading as Bonabay Cars (Pty) Ltd, has grown into more than just a hobby. With a TikTok following of 42,700, Facebook 33,000, and YouTube 3,000 subscribers, his reviews have reached an audience far beyond campus.

“Oh, very important, if it weren’t for TikTok, I wouldn’t be relevant, nobody would know me,” he admitted.

For Hintsho, his side hustle wasn’t born out of financial desperation, but out of childhood passion.

“I grew up watching Top Gear and I always wanted to be Jeremy Clarkson, always wanted to be Richard Hammond and James May. It was the coolest job in the world … I just did it for the little boy inside of me who got so excited seeing these three men talking about cars, seemingly doing what they enjoy most.”

His passion soon became profitable. Through dealership sponsorships, Bonabay Universe earns enough to cover Hintsho’s essentials like groceries and clothing. He spends about six hours a day working on his business.

“My camera guys get paid, and I get paid. That helps with groceries and clothes and food … it helps,” he explained.

But behind the glossy cars and exciting test drives lies a challenge faced by many students with side hustles, which is balancing academics and business.

“It’s very hard to balance my studies and hustle, I’m not going to lie. The very reason I’m doing my second year for the second time. My work overpowers school, and I’m just left behind … falling short and just dropping ridiculous marks.”

While Hintsho dreams of one day working for the BBC’s Top Gear or having his own motoring show on SABC 3 for everyone to be able to watch, for now, he admits that his business often overshadows his studies.

Across South Africa, many students are turning to side hustles to supplement their NSFAS stipends and cover the rising costs of living. From selling baked goods to reviewing cars, side hustles are no longer optional luxuries but rather tools of survival.

“I feel very sad that students need side hustles to survive,” Hintsho said. “The NSFAS money that we get is not entirely enough … imagine somebody who is not getting money from home, it must be very, very tough for them.”

For Hintsho, his hustle is both survival and self-fulfilment. His most rewarding moment so far? Not the money, not the recognition, but driving his dream car.

“My most rewarding moment so far was driving one of my dream cars, the Mercedes AMG C63s. That moment to me was the greatest by far.”

Despite the struggles, he encourages fellow students to start something of their own:

“My advice to a student trying to start a side hustle is go for it! 100% go for it! Just ensure you don’t leave your studies behind … give yourself some school time and then give yourself some business time.”

For Hintsho, Bonabay Universe is more than a hustle. It is an “empire in progress.” And while he admits his academics have taken a hit, he remains committed to chasing both a degree and a dream, one review at a time.

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Speaking at a media briefing on the 2026 online admission process for grades 1 and 8, Chiloane stressed that all documents must be certified and authentic.

He reminded parents that the final date to submit the required paperwork is 9 September, warning that schools have been given the authority to verify addresses and ensure that children actually live within the designated feeder zones.

“I know some parents may feel tempted to use a relative’s or friend’s address to secure placement, but I urge them not to do this,” he said.

The MEC emphasized that dishonest applications will only complicate the process and may lead to delays or even disqualification.

With the deadline approaching, parents are encouraged to submit their documents on time and follow the correct procedures to secure spaces for their children.

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The financial stress caused by these delays is immense. Students who depend on NSFAS for their tuition and living expenses are left in limbo, struggling to make ends meet. This financial instability not only affects their ability to focus on their studies but also their overall well-being and mental health.

We call on Buti Manamela to prioritize the release of funds instead of focusing on deploying his ANC allies on the SETA board. As an affected LLB Unisa student, my hopes of graduating are reduced due to the corrupt ANC-led government, which chooses to fund national dialogues at the expense of students.

As a former Provincial Secretary of Umkhonto Wesizwe in Mpumalanga, we will continue putting pressure and mobilizing other affected students to march to the Union Buildings. As students, we are unapologetic about free, decolonized education that was announced by HE President Jacob Zuma.

Moreover, the misalignment between NSFAS funding criteria and institutional processes has exacerbated the situation, creating confusion and further delays. This has led to a significant number of students being left without the necessary financial support to pursue their education.

The impact of these funding issues is far-reaching. It threatens to widen the gap in educational attainment, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who rely heavily on financial aid. The strain on the university’s resources as it tries to support unfunded students also hampers its ability to invest in other critical areas, affecting the overall quality of education.

It is imperative that all stakeholders, including NSFAS, the government, and educational institutions, work together to immediately address our funding issues.

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And in true Mabula spirit, the task of hosting fell to the Mabula Youth – a vibrant team of lodge employees under the age of 35 from various departments, organised into “Big Five” teams, each with their own captains and vice-captains.

“This wasn’t just an outing, but it was a chance to plant seeds of curiosity, conservation, and pride in our heritage,” says Maralize Mulder, Marketing Manager at Extraordinary. “Many of these children had never seen wildlife up close before. Watching their faces light up as they saw a lion or an elephant for the first time reminded us why community engagement is so important in what we do.”

The programme was designed to be as immersive as it was educational. Learners enjoyed:

• A warm, song-filled welcome at the lodge’s reception.
• A guided safari with Mabula’s expert field guides, spotting lions, elephants, and other iconic species.
• A fascinating talk on the endangered Southern Ground Hornbill.

An interactive session with the Mabula Anti-Poaching Unit, learning about the dedication behind wildlife protection.

A behind-the-scenes glimpse of the lodge kitchens and daily operations.

Mr Adams, Principal of Spa Park Primary School, summed up the day’s impact: “This initiative was not just about giving the children a day of adventure. It was about inspiring the next generation to appreciate and protect our natural heritage, while strengthening our connection with Mabula Game Lodge. This was undoubtedly a day they will never forget.”

By the day’s end, the laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and heartfelt goodbyes made it clear – this was more than a field trip. It was an investment in the future, sparking an appreciation for conservation, tourism, and the opportunities that lie within their own communities.

It’s moments like these that show how tourism, when rooted in community, can change lives and shape futures.

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PluxNet, widely recognised for its commitment to community upliftment through high-speed fibre connectivity, partnered with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to assist students with education funding queries. NSFAS representatives were on-site to guide attendees through the application process and encourage greater ownership of their financial aid journeys.

Unemployed young people were also given access to a range of entrepreneurial and enterprise support initiatives. Representatives from the Small Enterprise Development Fund (SEDFA) and various Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programmes were available to showcase opportunities for youth to integrate into formal economic value chains, including pathways to supplying goods and services to the corporate sector.

The Expo attracted participation from several prominent institutions and companies, including:

• Lepharo Incubation

• UNISA Enterprise

• African Bank Affinity Partnership

• Pan African Chambers of Commerce

Skills development was another cornerstone of the event. Afric Training College offered tailored presentations on practical training programmes designed to equip young people with market-relevant skills in technology, business, and leadership—preparing them to navigate South Africa’s competitive job landscape.

Speaking on the success of the event, PluxNet CEO Mr. Zamo Mthiyane said,

“Youth empowerment is not about talk. It’s about creating access. This Expo was designed to give young people the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to build their future with confidence.”

As Youth Month draws to a close, PluxNet reiterates its long-term commitment to supporting the next generation by fostering digital inclusion, entrepreneurial development, and personal growth opportunities.

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The summit honoured the legacy of 16 June and the 1976 Soweto Uprising, underscoring how the bravery of that generation continues to inspire today’s youth in their pursuit of education, opportunity, and equality.

Zenzo Nkomo, CEO of Lepharo Incubation, emphasised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship as vital avenues for young people to uplift their communities. He encouraged youth to harness their creativity and devise solutions that respond to local challenges while establishing sustainable businesses.

As host of the summit, PluxNet Fibre reaffirmed its dedication to closing the digital divide by extending high-speed fibre internet access to more communities, including affluent areas such as Bryanston. The company also encouraged young people to pursue opportunities in digital technology, content creation, and entrepreneurship, noting that youth-led enterprises are key to driving inclusive economic growth.

The summit featured engaging panel discussions, networking sessions, and reflective conversations on leadership and community development. Young participants shared their aspirations and gained insight from experienced mentors, strengthening their resolve to confront unemployment, inequality, and social challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Ultimately, the event served as a rallying call for youth to step forward as architects of a new digital era—one founded on education, entrepreneurship, and unity.

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The 2025 academic year so far has been a whirlwind of tests, assignments and maintaining a healthy balance between school and personal lives. Students have weighed in on finding it hard to stay motivated and keep up with the pace of the semester.

“Academic burnout just makes me feel like I am incapable of doing anything school related,” says Siya Snymes, final year student at the University of Witwatersrand  (WIT)

Academic Burnout was recognised as a syndrome under the International Classification of Disease (ICD-11) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019 as a syndrome after there was a significant increase in students struggling to adapt during Covid 19.

“I feel like the only reason I’m continuing is for academic validation,” said Richfield student, Iya Mathenjwa.

Academic performance has always been a high level of requirement especially for bursary students to maintain funding. Anele Mkhize, third year student at the University of Free State mentioned that she found herself overwhelmed majority of the semester which quickly became the norm.

“And if you feel like you don’t even know what you are doing, freaking out and having panic attacks which is the norm now, just having random panic attacks throughout the day.”

Educational Psychologist, Dr Sharon Enoch explained that academic burnout in a lot of cases is a slow burn effect that students are unaware of until it reaches the tipping point.

“Often times, anxiety caused by learning problems or barriers like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conceptual struggles like when people do not understand the content and they procrastinate, not because they do not understand what needs to be done but because they are not wired to do the work.”

Dr Enoch also added that academic performance pressure is rarely explained as burnout since most students feel better coping under pressure to perform and can handle it.

“I do not feel pressure to achieve high grades; I do my best and see the results. If it happens that I feel pressure to get high grades, it is for me and not my family.”

There are many root causes of academic burnout that need to be evaluated closely as they impact academic performance such as depression and anxiety. It is important that during the exam period and assignment submissions students take the time to ensure that they manage their mental health and be able to adapt to the demands of tertiary level institutions.

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