From Phiring to the world: Burgersfort businessman takes pride in assisting students in need

A non-profit foundation in Burgersfort is changing the lives of Mzansi youths. The RJ Shishongwe Foundation has invested in the education of more than seven tertiary students at various institutions.

This foundation offers financial aid to struggling but academically deserving youth, helping them with study fees and career opportunities.

The foundation was officially launched by Ronny Justice ‘RJ’ Shishongwe in September 2024. Shishongwe hails from Phiring Village in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality.

This kind-hearted philanthropist is also a devoted Christian and said he is on a mission to empower underprivileged university students through relevant educational and skills development, innovative healthcare, and focused livelihood programmes.

The Limpopo entrepreneur remembers going to bed hungry, and is now on a quest to assist other young people from impoverished homes.

Shishongwe has been a Good Samaritan to many youths. He recently handed laptops to some bursary beneficiaries enrolled at University of Johannesburg, Wits University, Varsity College (Cape Town) and Rosebank College.

The recipients hail from all corners of South Africa and are funded by the RJ Shishongwe Foundation. These students are from Lydenburg, Mbombela, Burgersfort, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Vhembe, Gauteng and other provinces.

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“After assisting the students with tuition fees, we have to support and monitor them in order for them to succeed with their studies. We want to see them acquiring top positions all over the country. That is the reason we purchased the laptops for them. We don’t choose the colour of skin, we assist everyone from all corners of Mzansi,” he said.

Shishongwe has lived in poverty for most of his life, but he has a good heart and is always willing to assist. Now that his circumstances have improved, he goes out of his way on multifaceted projects, including sports development, poverty alleviation, education development and skills development.

“I know the colour of poverty. When my mother died in my arms some years ago, I knew that I must start to hustle. That’s the reason why I am assisting the needy and academically deserving students today.

“This is my little contribution to the young beautiful souls out there who have big dreams but whose poverty and lack of opportunity are stumbling blocks.”

He reiterated that the foundation’s mission is to provide integrated financial inclusion services for underprivileged students to improve their family’s welfare and their education.

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Touching on the foundation’s success, its spokesperson, Johannes Mkhondo confirmed they will be hosting sports tournaments for local schools in Burgersfort, Lydenburg, Steelpoort and Ohrigstad and a Top 8 soccer tournament for amateur teams in Limpopo. “Our foundation will also donate shoes to needy pupils from Limpopo in the upcoming months.”

To achieve some of the foundation’s goals the management has pleaded for donations from local companies and mines in the Eastern Limb.

Those willing to donate to the RJ Shishongwe Foundation can interact with them on rjshishongwefoundation@gmail.com or visit the website, rjshishongwe.org.za

RJ Shishongwe Foundation’s offices are located at shop No 7, Town Square Plaza, corner Marone and Dirk Winterbach Street Burgersfort.