Four years ago, Limpopo student Lawrence Mungulwa’s life changed when he met RJ Shishongwe Foundation’s Ronny Justice Shishongwe at the entrance of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Doornfontein Campus.

After losing his parents and facing financial exclusion at the the institution, it had been a tough year for Mungulwa and he was in need of help. He could not afford to continue with his studies toward a BEng in Mechanical Engineering.

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“The young man approached me, [explained] his situation, and pleaded for help. He was a stranger to me, and all he asked was that I help with the R3 870 registration fee. I took his details and after three days, his registration was settled through the RJ Shishongwe Foundation,” said Shishongwe, the founder of the NPO.

On May 4, the Mungulwa family celebrated Lawrence’s graduation. The RJ Shishongwe Foundation had covered his tuition, residence and meal fees up to the completion of his course.

“I am thankful to this foundation. I was down and out when i asked for their intervention, and they indeed helped me in achieving my dreams. I wish they continue investing in the lives of other students,” said Lawrence.

The non-profit foundation, operating in Burgersfort and Lydenburg, has so far invested in the education of more than seven tertiary students at various institutions. It offers financial aid to struggling but academically deserving youth, helping them with study fees and career opportunities. The foundation was officially launched by Shishongwe, who hails from Phiring Village in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, in September 2024.

Shishongwe said he is a devoted Christian on a mission to empower underprivileged university students through relevant educational and skills development, innovative healthcare, and focused livelihood programmes.

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