Third Quarter Update

“I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land” Thabo Mbeki

Heritage Day serves as the perfect reminder of what makes VUSA special: our strength in diversity and the shared experiences that unite us. This term has been filled with milestones, growth, and memorable moments that have brought our communities closer.

One of the standout achievements this term was the Investec VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge. With parents, pupils and staff of six schools and various corporates joining in the challenge, the event was a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we work together. Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, we raised just over R1.2 million—a testament to the strength of unity and the commitment of our communities in making a difference. These funds will be allocated towards a VUSA library (it will not replace the mobile library project, just add to it) and will be used towards the devlopment of our dedicated staff. A special thank you to Investec who sponsored the event and whose staff participated in the event, raising over R100,000 in their personal capacity.

Another major highlight was our Market Day, run in partnership with Capitec Bank and Shoprite (Act for Change). This hands-on event gave the children an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and teamwork, equipping them with skills that go beyond the classroom. Thank you to the WPPS families who supported our young entreupeneurs at the derby rugby day.

At VUSA, our impact is built on the foundation of community. Every individual, whether a child, staff member, volunteer, or partner, contributes something unique to our programmes. It’s this diversity and collective effort that drives our success and the progress we see in our children every day.

As we honour Heritage Day, we celebrate the rich mix of cultures, perspectives, and contributions that make VUSA what it is. Together, we are building a brighter future, grounded in unity, purpose, and shared progress.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. We look forward to next term, with even more milestones and memories, knowing that our community is what truly makes us strong.

Brendan, Nikki, Lebo & Mak & the VUSA Team.

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VUSA 24-HOUR CYCLE CHALLENGE

We are incredibly grateful to every single person who took time from their lives and families to support this year's Investec VUSA Cycle Challenge. From the incredible Grade 2 families who participated from their weekend away in Elandskloof to the teams from Westerford, Rustenberg, Herschel, WPPS, Rondebosch, St Cyprians, and Bishops—thank you for entering teams of staff, parents, and learners. A special thanks to Capitec, Old Mutual Rewards, and Technogym for entering corporate teams.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Investec. Special thanks also to Virgin Active, and Technogym—thank you for providing the bikes, technicians, and flooring. The Virgin Active team brought the gees with their classes and activations, keeping the energy alive throughout the event. Thank you to RSAWEB for keeping our community connected. We are also grateful to Penbev and Bluewater for keeping our riders hydrated, and to Butlers and Checkers for feeding them. A huge thank you to Zee for keeping the caffeine flowing and to the Toast Truck, Oompa Loompa, and Chip n Dip for adding extra treats to the day. Thank you to Woodstock Brewery and Wade Bales for hydrating the adults, and to all the prize and raffle sponsors for rewarding our supporters. And, of course, a special shout-out to the DHL Stormers for bringing inspiration and making Cape Town smile.

To the Bishops ground staff, cleaners, and admin—an event of this scale would be impossible without your hard work behind the scenes. And finally, to our volunteers and the incredible VUSA staff, who always go above and beyond—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

VUSA / CAPITEC YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS MARKET DAY

Another fantastic Young Entrepreneur Day empowered our 13-year-olds from Langa, showcasing their impressive growth after completing a six-month entrepreneurship course. With guidance from Capitec's Marketing and Finance teams, the children learned valuable skills in business development, budgeting, and market analysis. They then put their knowledge into practice by developing products, (supported by Shoprite Act for Change) which were featured in market stalls alongside an end-of-season rugby match.

A big thank you to Sarah, Sascha and Bella from Lessons in Conservation for volunteering for the day and to Capitec and Shoprite for their invaluable support in making this possible. We’re committed to nurturing these young entrepreneurs and helping them build a brighter future.

Photo Credit: Deon Collison

MANDELA DAY

A big thank you to Capitec Bank, Shoprite’s Act for Change, Polyco, Bishops College, Bishop Prep and Bishops Pre-Prep, GVI, and all the dedicated volunteers who made Mandela Day exceptional.

The spirit of Mandela Day was truly embodied through your generosity and commitment to improving our community. By working together, we honored the legacy of service and upliftment that this day represents, making a real difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Photo Credit: Masi January

ISRF WOODRIDGE

A memorable journey for VUSA’s U13 athletes unfolded with your generous support, turning our recent tour into an inspiring adventure. The tour began with an emotional send-off at the Langa Stadium, leading our children to Port Elizabeth for a series of unforgettable experiences.

Highlights included an uplifting speech by World Cup Rugby Winner Deon Fourie and a range of thrilling rugby matches that showcased our team’s skills. The tour also featured a fun-filled day at Tsitsikamma with activities like zip-lining and segway riding, and concluded in a dramatic final game where VUSA clinched a narrow victory over St. Peter’s Prep.

This journey provided more than just rugby experiences; it was a chance for our children to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and enjoy memorable moments.

Thank you to Woodridge for inviting our children and for the unbelievable hospitality. A special thank you to Ryan Mitchell for raising funds for this special tour and to the WPPS families for their generosity ensuring this was an unforgettable experience for our children. Last but not least, thank you to our rugby partners, 10X and Old Mutual Alternative Investements for providing kit for our children, ensuring they looked and felt the part.

Photo Credit: Masi January

TRY TIME

Photo Credit: Masi January

ART OUTING : ZEITZ MOCAA MUSUEM

Our children were once again treated to an extraordinary outing to the Zeitz Mocaa Museum, arranged by Kate Briggs from Culture Connect Tours. The visit created a unique experience for our VUSA and Bishops learners, especially for those who don’t typically have access to art and so many of the beautiful spaces our city has to offer. The children were thoroughly engaged as they explored the museum, sparking their creativity and broadening their horizons. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to develop a deeper appreciation for the arts and discover the cultural richness our city has to offer. Many thanks to Sue Johns for your help in arranging the day.

Photo Credit: Masi January

INVESTEC

VUSA coaches had the privilege of attending an inspiring session with DHL Stormers coach John Dobson and players Evan Roos, Joseph Dweba, and Deon Fourie, thanks to a generous invitation from Investec. The team shared valuable insights about the Investec Champions Cup, the physical and mental preparation required for high-level rugby, and what goes on behind the scenes on game day. They also spoke candidly about the differences between club and international play, and most importantly, how to bounce back from setbacks and disappointments.

Our VUSA coaches found many of these lessons highly relevant to the VUSA programme, particularly the emphasis on resilience and preparation. We are grateful for every opportunity like this, which helps us continue to learn, grow, and enhance the experiences we offer our children. A big thank you to Investec for making this possible.

ATLAS DIGIBUS

Beyond the sports field, our Digibus has continued to play a critical role in supporting the children’s education. This incredible project has been an impactful vehicle of change and has provided access to digital literacy, supporting learners with the transition from mother tongue instruction to English. The coding programme ensures that the children gain essential skills that will serve them well in the future. We are grateful to Coronation and the Atlas Foundation for making this impactful project possible.

EARLY CHILD LEARNING

Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme continues to grow, with dedicated facilitators providing tailored support to prepare the children for school. The relationships they’ve built with the children are key to the programme’s success, ensuring that every child receives the attention and care they need. The ECD Angels continue to invest time, care, energy and love into our ECD Programme, supporting Likhwezi Educare every Tuesday from 10am-12pm. If you’re interested in joining this heartwarming journey, please reach out to Aoife Doherty or Bryony Bruce.

BEAUTIFUL BISHOPS - SOCCER AND TAG RUGBY

Rohan Bloom Foundation soccer:

In a change of sport two of our rugby teams were invited to take part in the Rohan Bloom Soccer festival. A wonderful morning of soccer with teams from across the peninsular taking part. Our players showed wonderful skills with the passing being a highlight. A morning like this is a great reminder of the abundant natural talent we have in our Langa community. Talent requires opportunity to flourish! We at VUSA are able to create these opportunities by collaborating with other schools and corporates. Thank you to all involved.

Photo Credit: Masi January

Tag Rugby:

Bishops Pre Prep hosted an afternoon of Tag rugby. Our u7 & U8 players loved the opportunity of playing in the festival against Bishops, WPPS and Kirstenhof. Some wonderful skills on display with our players showcasing their beautiful foot work and speed. As always it was great to see the camaraderie and sportsmanship shown by all the players. The future certainly looks bright. A special thank you to the Prep PA with Bronwyn and Bruce Darné ensuring our VUSA children are always fed at these events.

Photo Credit: Masi January

A massive thank you to the Bishops Rugby Supporters Club for this generous donation of R25,000. So grateful for your incredible support.

Photo Credit:

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

VUSA welcomes social worker, Sabelo Mlonyeni to the team. Sabelo plays a crucial role in supporting the holistic development of the children involved in our programs. Working across five primary schools, he focuses on Grade 4 & 5 learners participating in the Digibus programme in the mornings. Additionally, he supports our afterschool programme, working closely with VUSA staff, parents, and schools to build stronger ties within the community.

Sabelo provides essential psychosocial support to help children cope with the challenges they face both at home and at school, addressing emotional and social barriers that could impede their progress. This role is vital in creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, understood, and empowered to thrive. Thank you Ryan Mitchell for making this role possible.

IN THE MEDIA

The Southern Suburbs Tatler

Bush Radio Interview - Brendan Fogarty

2023 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

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