Hip-hop artist uses music and philanthropy to inspire change

From making history in South Africa’s hip-hop industry to leading a national NPO, Benoni-born Ramesh Masina has dedicated his life to empowering young people and rebuilding communities through education, leadership and opportunity.

Masina, who grew up in Etwatwa before moving to Farrarmere, is the co-founder of the Khulisani Foundation alongside Bianca Phumzile Williams.

Established in 2010, the NPO focuses on developing young people through programmes centred on youth leadership, food security, the creative economy and digital skills.

Since its establishment, the foundation has reached more than 20 000 direct beneficiaries and over 102 000 indirect beneficiaries through its various community development initiatives across South Africa.

Masina said his passion for community development began long before his music career.

“I started realising at around the age of 10 or 11 that there were challenges in my community that needed attention,” he said.

He said his mother played a significant role in shaping his outlook after opening their family home to children through an early childhood development centre.

“My mom changed our house into an ECD. Watching her care for other people’s children taught me that if there is a challenge in your community, you can be the one to make a difference.”

While music became his platform, Masina said he always believed it could be used for something greater.

“Entertainment can be used to fight social challenges,” he said.

Inspired by that belief, Masina and Williams established the Khulisani Foundation to equip young people with practical skills while encouraging them to become active leaders in their own communities.

He explained that one of the organisation’s key objectives is restoring Ubuntu, which he believes has gradually faded in many urban communities.

Masina added that while social issues such as unemployment and poverty remain pressing, people should not lose sight of the values that hold communities together.

“Africa’s priority is land because everything comes from the soil. When people have food security, they are able to think beyond survival and focus on building stronger communities.”

Today, the organisation’s programmes range from youth leadership and community development to food security, creative enterprise and digital skills training, helping young people develop sustainable careers and become agents of change.

Masina said technology is becoming increasingly important in creating equal opportunities.

“Technology is part of us. We need to learn how to live with it while making sure it removes inequality instead of creating it.”

The foundation is also working towards expanding its accredited training programmes, launching a digital application to connect young people with opportunities and extending its reach to more communities.

He mentioned that they are currently working towards opening their own facility at least by 2027. They are already underway with fundraising for this cause.

Despite the organisation’s national footprint, Masina hopes to strengthen its presence in his hometown.

“There is still more work that needs to be done here, and I hope to work more in Benoni and across Ekurhuleni to bring about change.”

He encouraged young people to take ownership of their futures while remaining grounded in strong values.

“Don’t lose your principles and values. Quality is better than quantity.”

For those wanting to make a difference, Masina believes the greatest reward comes from serving others.

“Do it for yourself because you feel good helping others. When you uplift someone else, you are also enriching your own life.”

The Khulisani Foundation programmes are free for beneficiaries.

Khulisani is offering seven free programmes designed to equip young people and community members with leadership, entrepreneurial and practical skills.

Individuals interested in becoming beneficiaries, volunteers or learning more about the organisation’s initiatives can visit www.khulisani.org.za for more information and application opportunities.

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