FirstRand Foundation Announced as Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa’s New Country Patron

Joining Mercedes-Benz South Africa as Co-Country Patron, the FirstRand Foundation steps into a role as both a major funding partner and high-profile advocate of the Foundation’s mission, and will aim to play a major role providing the essential and sustained investment required to support Laureus-assisted programmes at grassroots level, says the partnership.

The FirstRand Foundation’s role will involve actively engaging stakeholders through various initiatives, including participating in high-profile fundraising and awareness events. The group will also aim to help increase the Foundation’s public visibility through promotional activities, ensuring the critical mission of Laureus remains top of mind for customers, partners and the wider public, adds the partnership.

“Joining the Laureus family by becoming the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA Country Patron aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving positive societal impact. Our hopes would be that we really get an opportunity to express and live the purpose of FirstRand, to create a future of shared prosperity,” says Konehali Gugushe, Head of Social Investing at FirstRand.

“We believe that sport, particularly in South Africa, is one of those things that acts as glue for our society. For us to be associated with Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, an organisation that stands for excellence and passion, is exciting,” adds Gugushe.

“Sport is a uniquely powerful vehicle for teaching life skills, building community and creating opportunities. We look forward to providing the platform and investment necessary to help Laureus SA scale its effective programmes and to continue to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of young people,” says Gugushe.

For the past 23 years, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa has funded, supported and promoted the use of sport as a tool for social change. The Foundation supports a large network of Sport for Social Change organisations in over 100 communities which aim to use sport in innovative ways to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges facing our youth, including poverty, homelessness, gangsterism, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and HIV / AIDS, says the partnership.

Since its inception, Laureus SA says it has raised over R100-million for projects which have aimed to help improve the lives of over 100 000 young people in South Africa. 

“We are delighted to welcome the FirstRand Foundation into the Laureus family in this pivotal capacity alongside Mercedes-Benz South Africa,” says Bryan Habana, Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA. “The Country Patron is the corporate cornerstone of our local work.”

“Beyond providing core funding, the FirstRand Foundation will lend its significant brand visibility and extensive network to raise awareness and advocate for the transformative power of Sport for Development programmes, which is instrumental in helping us tell the stories of hope and change we witness every day,” concludes Habana.

For more information, visit www.firstrand.co.za.

*Image courtesy of contributor