At Salt, our mission statement “Creating Futures” goes beyond the workplace. It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. I’m excited to share more about the Spirit Education Foundation (SEF), our collaboration at Salt South Africa and my own experience with the charity.
The Spirit Education Foundation isn’t just a scholarship provider. It’s a beacon of hope for economically disadvantaged high school scholars throughout South Africa. SEF offers financial support, mentorship, skills development, and upliftment programmes, nurturing future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.
Their mission is to build our nation through education, one scholar at a time. At SEF, scholars are encouraged to excel academically and in all aspects of their high school journey. Creativity, leadership, and community awareness are central to what SEF instills in its scholars, preparing them for life beyond exams.
Salt South Africa’s commitment: educating futures, creating impact
Reflecting on our commitment to Educating Futures, it is clear our values align with a core belief that education is the cornerstone of a brighter future. Our global initiative, launched in 2022, aims to encourage our teams to make a difference. This includes working with schools, educators, charities and educational programmes. Helping individuals of all ages reach their full potential.
Saskia Wiese, General Manager at SEF, says, “Our goal at SEF is to empower young minds by providing them with the tools they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life. This partnership with Salt South Africa aligns perfectly with our vision of nurturing creativity, leadership, and community awareness among our scholars.”
Starting this year, we’ve pledged R150,000 in 2024 to sponsor high school learners, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support. But we’re not stopping there. In June 2024, we proudly sponsored R30,000 towards SEF’s Feet4Fees trail run/walk, provided running socks to participants, and we’re actively involved in their mentorship programme, helping scholars develop essential skills for today’s world.
Danica Grobbelaar, Salt South Africa’s Operations Director and the local champion of this partnership, stresses, “CSR isn’t just a checkbox for us—it’s a core part of who we are. Through this partnership with SEF, we are contributing financially and dedicating our time and expertise to make a real difference in these scholars’ lives. By investing in education, we invest in South Africa’s future.”
Billie-Jean: My journey from transformation to giving back
This partnership is more than a professional endeavour for me, it’s deeply personal. Reflecting on my journey as a Spirit Scholar, which began 15 years ago in Grade 11, I am reminded of the profound impact SEF has had on my life.
Becoming a Spirit Scholar was a turning point for me. Back then, SEF – then known as KiDS – did more than lift a financial burden from my family; they believed in me. I remember the extra support they provided when I struggled with Afrikaans, helping me improve my grades significantly. But beyond academics, SEF gave me a sense of belonging, a community that felt like family. Now, being able to connect Salt with SEF in this partnership feels like a full-circle moment—using the support I once received to help shape the futures of others.
As an alumnus, I’ve stayed deeply engaged with SEF, contributing my time and expertise to nurture the next generation of Spirit Scholars. I’ve participated in camps, spoken at workshops, and welcomed new scholars, witnessing shy children transform into confident young adults ready to take on the world. This experience has been rewarding and has deepened my commitment to giving back.
Today, my journey comes full circle as I help bridge Salt with SEF in this new partnership. My story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that support, mentorship, and community can have on a person’s life. It also highlights the importance of paying it forward.
A future together: building on a legacy of growth and hope
As Salt South Africa embarks on this journey with the Spirit Education Foundation, we do so with purpose and an understanding of the difference we can make together. This partnership is about more than corporate responsibility; it’s about honouring the legacy of those before us and ensuring the next generation has the tools and support they need to succeed.
“We invite business leaders, partners, and candidates alike to join us in this mission. Together, we can create futures, build communities, and leave a lasting impact that goes far beyond the bottom line,” says Danica Grobbelaar.
Saskia Wiese adds, “We are thrilled to have Salt South Africa as our partner. Their commitment to education and community aligns perfectly with our values at SEF. Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the youth of South Africa, creating leaders who will shape our nation’s future.”
Because in the end, the true measure of success isn’t just in what we achieve, but in the futures, we help create – one scholar, one step, one story at a time.
