Zenex Foundation

NGOs are not contractors. They are co-creators of change.

On , we celebrate the organisations working at the heart of South Africa’s education system, innovating, adapting, and partnering to translate policy into practice.

At Zenex Foundation, we believe sustainable reform requires strengthening the entire ecosystem, not just funding projects. That means investing in organisational capacity, supporting sector networks like NASCEE and SAMEA, and building long-term developmental partnerships across funders, NGOs and government.

South Africa’s education challenges are deep and structural. Collaboration is not optional, it is essential.

Read our full reflection here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-ngo-day-strong-ngos-build-systems-zenex-foundation-rlgbf/

When used purposefully, M&E can inform strategy, improve programmes, and contribute to sector learning. Read our article on three decades of evidence driving impact in the Business in Society Handbook 2025.

Read the full case study here: https://trialogueknowledgehub.co.za/handbook-2025-three-decades-of-evidence-shape-the-zenex-foundations-impact/

&E

As we wrap up our 30th anniversary year, we are grateful to everyone who has journeyed with Zenex. Thank you for the stories, reflections, and moments of celebration that made 2025 so meaningful. Watch our short video reflecting on the year that was. Warm wishes for a restful break and a successful year ahead.

2025: A Year of Celebration, Reflection, and Renewal Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

What a year it has been!

Thabisile Zuma, Programme Manager at the Zenex Foundation, looks back at 2025 through a deeply personal and inspiring lens, her experience in the FLIEP Fellowship, a programme that connects emerging philanthropic leaders from across the world.

Her story captures moments of learning, challenge, connection, and growth as she navigated retreats, masterclasses, and a powerful collaborative project focused on sustainability in education.

If you’re curious about how leadership in philanthropy is shaped, nurtured, and lived out, this is a must-read.

Read the full article: A Year of Growth: My Journey Through the FLIEP Fellowship
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/year-growth-my-journey-through-fliep-fellowship-zenex-foundation-6yqrf

We are proud to announce that the Zenex Foundation has received the Outstanding Educator Award from Unisa - The University of South Africat the 2025 Chancellor’s Calabash Awards, hosted by Chancellor Dr Thabo Mbeki !

This incredible honour recognises our commitment to improving learning outcomes in language and mathematics. For 30 years, we’ve invested in evidence-based programmes, African language resources, and teacher development to help build a stronger education system for all children in South Africa.

In accepting the award, our Chairperson Adv. Thandi Orleyn reflected on the meaningful timing of this recognition, arriving as Zenex celebrates 30 years of contributing to education in South Africa. She highlighted Zenex’s enduring commitment to supporting all children and strengthening the country’s education system.

Thank you to UNISA for this meaningful recognition. We remain committed to transforming education and shaping a brighter future for our nation.

ZENEX STORIES OF IMPACT | IT ALL ADDS UP| Sometimes a “regret email” leads to an unexpected opportunity - and a life-changing one.

This inspiring article by Nduvho Ramulongo, former intern at Zenex Foundation, who now works at UNICEF South Africa, reflects how the Zenex Foundation opens doors for young people by providing exposure, mentorship, and real pathways into the education sector. What starts as an internship becomes a journey into systems thinking, research, leadership development, and sector-wide collaboration.

Zenex continues to refine and strengthen its approach, showing that transformation is not a moment - it’s a long-term commitment to people and the ecosystem.

This is what meaningful youth development looks like.
This is impact.
This is Zenex.

Read the article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transforming-talent-pipelines-education-sector-zenex-foundation-1o79f