NEWS
Dr. Poppy Bhengu: Bambisanani Supporter Achieves Academic Dream
The Bambisanani Partnership proudly celebrates one of its own – Dr. Poppy Bhengu, who has just obtained her Doctorate in Philosophy of Sports and Exercise Science. At just 35, Dr. Bhengu has overcome barriers, broken stereotypes, and become a beacon of hope for many young black girls across South Africa and beyond.
Dr. Poppy Bhengu:
Raised in a deeply cultural family and community where girls were traditionally groomed to be wives and taught that their place was in the kitchen, Poppy dared to dream differently. In a time when little girls imagined themselves walking down the aisle in white gowns, Poppy imagined herself walking across a graduation stage in a red gown, the prestigious symbol of a PhD.
Achieving such an academic milestone did not come easy, especially when balancing the many roles she plays: a young mother, a wife, a full-time employee, and a dedicated volunteer of the Bambisanani Partnership. Through this initiative, a powerful collaboration between South Africa and the UK that uses sport to promote education, leadership, and social cohesion in rural communities, Poppy has been instrumental in transforming lives while working tirelessly toward her own dream.
Her journey was filled with obstacles and personal sacrifices, but she never allowed her circumstances to define her future. Instead, she used them as fuel to push harder, to go further, and to rise higher. She wanted to show young girls that it’s possible, she believed that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
As she steps into this new chapter, Dr. Bhengu hopes that this qualification will not only open new doors for her personally and professionally but also strengthen her role within Bambisanani. She envisions herself drawing more resources and forging new partnerships to expand the organisation’s reach and deepen its impact in underserved communities.
Her story is more than a personal victory, or a dream obtained; it is a powerful message to every young black girl from a township, village, or rural area, that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and that they, too, can rewrite the narrative.
The Bambisanani Partnership salutes you, Dr. Poppy Bhengu. We are incredibly proud of your achievement and the inspiring journey you have walked to get here. You embody resilience, vision, and leadership, and you are living proof that dreams deferred are not dreams denied.
David Geldart, Founder of the Bambisanani Partnership, added: “I have watched Poppy’s amazing journey with great admiration. She is a most remarkable person who will inspire young people, both in South Africa and the UK, to dare to dream big and then do all that is necessary to fulfil that dream despite any obstacles. She is a fantastic member of our team who believes that anything is possible ….and proves it time and time again!”
Congratulations, Doctor. The red gown suits you beautifully, and the world is waiting for your next chapter.
Partnership with KZN Cycling goes from strength to strength
The pioneering Cycling Programme devised in partnership with Bambisanani, University of Leeds and KZN Cycling has gained international acclaim for its impact. More than 8,000 young people from the remote, rural Nkandla region have now been taught to ride and maintain bikes.
The Bambisanani/KZN Cycling partnership is transforming lives through cycling. Youngsters from the Nkandla region are now involved in competitive cycling as a result of this programme. Talented cyclists are emerging and are being given opportunities to participate in the KZN Cycling Community Series.
Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling explained:
“The KZN Cycling Community Series is a new series of short course mountain bike races that was created to allow for maximum participation by young and not so young alike – and whether they are serious bike riders, or just people that want to become involved. The aim is to stage events in areas that have been traditionally under serviced by event organisers, and while the core focus of the events is on learners in local schools under the age of 19 years old, there was also an open category event for all members of the community that have wanted to take part. Apart from ensuring that more cycling events are staged across the different districts in the province, the series has also allowed for the KZN Cycling High Performances coaches to be able to identify any potential talented riders that may be out there that have as yet not come to the fore.
Despite the thumping rain in the lead up and intermittent bad weather on the day, the final event in the KZN Cycling Community Series was able to be staged at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay. Even though the fields and surrounds were wet and muddy, the staff and course designers were still able to set up a race venue and circuit that was challenging enough to test the riders at the front of the packs, while also providing an element of fun for the not so serious contenders that joined the event. Sixty riders from the programme in the area were selected to take part in the event, including twelve riders from the Nkandla Hub. These are amongst the riders that have shown ongoing progress and development in the area, and who are now “on the radar” for more involvement.
This was a final event that was a fitting culmination of this new series that has now been established, and will be grown and staged again going forward. The primary difference in the new series will be that the format will allow for a final event with the best riders from all 11 districts able to win a spot to compete, and this will be one of the cornerstone elements of the progression elements for the 25/26 time period. I don’t doubt that the ‘Nkandla kids’ will be in the mix.”
David Geldart, CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership added, “The partnership with KZN Cycling is having remarkable impact on so many levels. Together we have brought cycling, with all its opportunities, to over 8,000 young people. As a means of transport, the bikes transform the 2 hours walk to school leading to improved punctuality, attendance and academic achievement. The programme is now providing opportunities for youngsters to participate in competitive cycling and from this we are ‘discovering’ some really talented cyclists who can potentially access High Performance Pathways. It is only a matter of time before one of our cyclists from Nkandla is on the podium! Huge thanks must go to Alec and all the team at KZN Cycling and indeed to Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett from The University of Leeds for pioneering some outstanding work in area where bikes were rarely seen three years ago!
Please also see:
Global Impact Award Nomination
Congratulations to the fantastic team of students and staff from the University of Leeds (UoL) who have been nominated for a prestigious Global Impact Award.
The University of Leeds is a key member of the Bambisanani Partnership team that has gained international acclaim for it work using sport and education to create social change in one of South Africa’s most remote regions. For over ten years, the university has developed life changing programmes through its student volunteer programme in South Africa – Gryphons Abroad.
The university has pioneered cycling and leadership programmes that have had a significant on those involved. The remarkable cycling programme delivered in partnership with KZN Cycling has seen more than 8,000 young people learn to ride and maintain bikes. Each year, hundreds of primary school learners develop leadership skills through a unique sports programme delivered by UoL and students and staff.
The Global Impact category of award celebrates members of the UoL community who work with a global focus. Nominations recognise groups or initiatives which have actively engaged in the promotion and maintenance of international intercultural educational activities.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on 6th May 2025.
See related articles:
Moving through March Fundraiser
Another March has come and gone and many hours of exercise have been achieved to raise much needed funds for the Bambisanani Partnership.
The Leeds Trinity University team
Individuals and teams from families and work colleagues have enjoyed the challenge of moving as much as possible in March 2025. Individuals and teams paid to participate with some also gaining additional sponsorship.
Based on 10 points for each hour of exercise, individuals and teams set targets to achieve. Activities including, Walking, Running, Pilates, Yoga, Swimming, Cycling, Gym sessions and Team Sports have all made a contribution to personal fitness and even provided competition between individuals and teams. 20 people participated in total raising more than £500 for the charity.
The prize for the most hours achieved went to Holly Pearson, a member of the Leeds Trinity University Sport Science Department. Congratulations Holly. A close second place went to Sheila King, recently retired from Trinity but who always has Bambisanani close to her heart. Sarah Todd the department head was delighted with her team's success and contribution.
The Pounder family team
Organiser and Bambisanani Partnership Trustee Barbara Pounder said, “Everyone who has taken up the challenge has supported the continuing work of the partnership in a really positive way. Thank you to everyone, young and old who has supported the Partnership and found just how much exercise they can do in 31 days. Brilliant effort everyone; keep the activity going! This is a great ‘Win, Win’ situation: promoting active lifestyles and raising money to support our projects in South Africa. Next year we aim to have even more people involved.”
St. Mary’s Menston Bambisanani Fundraising Easter 2025
Congratulations to Sophia and the Stow Family
Sophia, a Year 7 student at St. Mary’s Menston won the Bambisanani Easter Card Competiton.
Sophia's card will be sent to our friends in South Africa and our supporters of The Bambisanani Partnership.
Sophia was presented with a Lindt Easter Egg for her winning design. Mr Nield and Miss Wood delivered the good news to Sophia.
Congratulations to the Stow family who won the Bambisanani Easter Raffle.
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our recent fundraising activities.
Bambisanani Partnership teams up with Kitaid to bring football kits to South Africa
Bambisanani has begun a new partnership with the charity Kitaid. Founded by Derrick Williams MBE, Kitaid has, for the past 25 years, been collecting football kits from football clubs and individuals to then distribute to football loving children and adults in some of the poorest parts of the world.
Bambisanani team members David Farmer, Catherine Chattoe, Barbara Pounder and Brogan O’Connor pictured with Kit Aid founder, Derrick Williams
Recently, Bambisanani team members David Farmer, Catherine Chattoe, Barbara Pounder and Brogan O’Connor drove down to the Kitaid base in Hemel Hempstead in a minibus and collected 30 boxes containing over 1,000 pieces of football kit. These will now be sorted and taken out to South Africa in June 2025 by students from St. Mary’s School, Menston and Newcastle College.
Both charities have committed to working together which will mean that kit will be taken to South Africa annually by Bambisanani student volunteers.
This new Bambisanani venture was organised by David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Pudsey who said: "With this collaboration with Bambisanani and Kit Aid we have put in place a legacy for a thousand football kits to be delivered annually to South Africa. This undoubtedly will bring many smiles to many young people and promote their sporting aspirations."
David Geldart from the partnership added “The success of our work in South Africa is totally based on shared values and effective partnerships with others. This initiative is just brilliant; bringing two likeminded charities together. We have seen over the years the tremendous impact of providing sports kits to children and young adults in one of the poorest parts of South Africa. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of football in the Zulu communities where we work. This is about far more than football shirts – it’s about connecting people through the power of sport and making a difference in the world. Many thanks to Derrick and the team for making this happen.”
St. Mary’s students impress Rotarians with Bambisanani Partnership Presentation
We are extremely proud of St. Mary’s Menston Year 13 students Holly Taylor and Freya Power who were invited to speak to the members of Rotary Club of Aireborough about their recent work in South Africa as part of The Bambisanani Partnership.
Holly and Freya with The club’s President Janet Appleton, Rotarians Graham Davies and Janet Kerr and St. Mary’s teacher Charlotte Wood.
Holly and Freya spoke articulately and passionately about their volunteering and the impact their time in Africa had on them and South African students. In their recent visit to South Africa, St. Mary’s students and staff worked with 14 different schools and more than 1,400 students in a range of Bambisanani sports, education and leadership programmes.
The Rotarians were very impressed by the two students and loved hearing their stories.
The Rotary Club of Aireborough, together with Eshowe Rotary Club in South Africa have supported the Bambisanani Partnership since the very first St. Mary’s School visit to South Africa 19 years ago. During that time more than 27,000 students from both countries have engaged in the various Bambisanani programmes and projects. The pioneering work of the partnership has gained international acclaim during that time. Rotary support has been instrumental in these programmes as well as with infra structure projects that have seen houses rebuilt and computers and clean water brought to South African schools. The very special relationship with Rotarians is helping to change lives in one of the most challenging regions of South Africa – it is also helping to bring young people together from both countries, promoting global citizenship and international friendships.
Well done to Holly and Freya – their powerful presentation inspired members of the Rotary Club of Aireborough and developed this very special relationship even further. Long may it continue!
Freya in South Africa
Freya Power
“Volunteering in South Africa as part of The Bambisanani Partnership was incredible and the best experience I have ever had. I have never been as happy as I was in those ten days. It has really changed my perspective and attitude towards many things in life. The love the children have for their education is truly inspiring and has made me appreciate my own education more than I ever have. South African children always try their best in everything they do and never give up despite the many challenges they face. There is definitely a lot that can be learned from these amazing children. As a musician myself, nothing could have prepared me for the pure talent of the singers in the choir at Mnyakanya High School. For me, the performances they gave were one of my highlights. I could see the pure passion and emotion they put into their singing and this is what made it so special. I think when they sang, it touched the hearts of many people. It was particularly emotional when they performed for us for the last time as everyone reflected on what a life-changing experience we had, but also that we had to leave all the wonderful people we had met. The singing of the Ntolwane Primary school children was also very touching. When we arrived, hundreds of children came together and created the most powerful sound which gave me goosebumps. I realised that singing is something that unites them and I think that is a very beautiful thing. Something that will always be imprinted in my mind is the pure joy we witnessed on the faces of so many children during our time there. To think we contributed to this is really special and something I will never forget. It was particularly touching time when we volunteered at Thembimfundo Special School, to see how happy the children were, despite the challenging circumstances they face, despite these they never stopped smiling and laughing. These children give me hope for humanity. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to volunteer in Kwa Zulu Natal. Thank you Bambisanani.”
Holly in South Africa
Holly Taylor
“Volunteering in South Africa as part of The Bambisanani Partnership was the best decision I have made. Our time there helped me to better understand how different people from different cultures live their lives. Being able to have the opportunity to help the children at Mnyakanya High School was life changing for both us and them, being able to see the difference our volunteering was making was so special. I didn’t expect that in such a short time we would make such good friendships with all the students at Mnyakanya and that they would leave such a lasting impact on me. Being able to witness how they live their everyday school life and seeing how different it is to ours made me appreciate how lucky we are, even though sometimes we don’t appreciate it. Being able to sing, dance, play sports and help these children learn was such a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.”
Move through March
A personal Fitness challenge and a great way to support the Bambisanani Partnership.
What is it?
A personal Fitness challenge and a great way to support the Bambisanani Partnership. Open to all ages and abilities.
How to do it?
Maximise your exercise through an activity of your choice (walking, swimming, pilates, cycling, exercise classes etc…) An hour a day, an hour a week. It’s up to you.
For each hour of activity, 10 points can be earned and if you would like to keep a record of your points please email your details to bmpounder@yahoo.co.uk We’d love to hear from you.
With each ‘Move’ you are contributing to your own health and well being and to all those amazing young people in South Africa.
Result:
‘A fitter and healthier you, benefitting Bambisanani too’
Everybody wins!
Donate £10 to enter here and support the Bambisanani Partnership’s pioneering work in South Africa
Fundraising Event at Michelin standard Indian restaurant 2025
Date: Sunday 18 May 2025
We are currently seeking gifts and prizes for our raffle and auction that will be held on the night.
If you can help with any of these please contact David Geldart via: d.geldart@bambisananipartnership.org
Date: Sunday 18 May 2025
Time: 12.30pm for 1pm lunch
Venue: Tharavadu Indian Restaurant in Leeds
7-8 Mill Hill
Leeds
LS1 5DQ
2 minute walk from Leeds train station
Cost: £25 per adult, £12.50 under 16’s, Under fives free
Food: Two course Kerala Indian lunch
This will be a great afternoon for people to experience Michelin standard Kerala food
There will be the opportunity to take part in an auction and some fundraising games, so could you please bring some cash as well
This will be a fantastic event for the whole family as well as raising money for a great cause
The Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has referred Tharavadu as his favourite restaurant - the reviews are amazing
Tickets are available from Catherine Chattoe at St. Mary’s Menston c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org
01943 883000
Also see related articles:
Outstanding School improvement at Mnyakanya High School
Mnyakanya High School in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, has recently learned that it has obtained a remarkable 93.6% pass rate in the annual 2024 Matriculation (Matric) Examinations; the best ever results in the school’s history.
The year-on-year improvement at the school has been phenomenal – in 2016 only 16.4% of students passed. By 2017 this had risen to 58.5%, in 2020 to 72%, 2021 to 86% and in 2023 to 90.1%. There is little wonder that this remote rural school is gaining attention nationally.
110 students sat the national Matric exams. No less than 60 learners obtained a Bachelors Pass, which is the entry requirement to go to university, 30 learners obtained a Diploma Pass which is the entry requirement for Technical Colleges and 13 learners obtained the Higher Certificates which can provide access to Technical Colleges. 16 students obtained Distinctions in 2 or more subjects with Sisekelo Shandu gaining Distinctions in five different subject areas.
The Department of Education has invited Mnyakanya teachers to a series of celebration events that are scheduled in different parts of King Cetshwayo District Municipalities. 7 educators at the school gained a 100% pass rate in their subject area: TW Ndlanzi (Tourism), NC Nxumalo (Agriculture Science, TN Mkkhize (English Language), SV Ngubane (Geography), N Mngomezulu (History), NZ Zuma (Zulu Language) and Z Langa (Life Orientation).
The parents of Mnyakanya students came to school in great numbers to express their gratitude and excitement about the good results of their children.
Nokwanda Hlongwa's father was the first to arrive at school on the day when the results were released. He was overwhelmed with emotions at his daughter’s success and said:
“The words seem to be not enough to express my feelings of joy and how much I appreciate the work that has been done by Mnyakanya teachers for my daughter. I knew that my daughter's health condition needed a special care and parents’ support all the time. As her parents we did not expect such an incredible result! I wish to thank all Mnyakanya teachers and the principal for acting as my daughter's parents when I was miles away from her. I'm so proud that the Universities have not hesitated to accept her because of her good Matric results."
Nokwanda's father explained why he decided to choose Mnyakanya High School for his daughter even though the school was 180 miles (300 kilometres) away from their home. He said:
"I heard a group of women talking about a school called Mnyakanya in Nkandla which produces quality results, while I was in a bank queue in my local area. I was so interested. Because I didn't know the place or the school, I moved closer to them to get more information. They told me about many extra-curricular activities in this school. From there I started to look for the location and I'm happy that I have witnessed all that they said for myself."
Mnyakanya High School is bringing back hope to many parents of KZN about their children who find it difficult to achieve at school and others who have given up schooling and turned to substance abuse because of losing hope in life. The communities of the surrounding areas have negotiated with the Taxi owners to transport their children to Mnyakanya High School because the bus transport provided by the Government become overloaded. Parents have to pay for the taxis.
Mnyakanya High School enrolled 110 learners for matric exams in 2024. This was a huge number for the school with limited classrooms, teachers and furniture and resources. Learners had to be taught in overcrowded classrooms, with teachers providing additional lessons in the evenings and weekends.
It is not surprising that Mnyakanya High School is in demand and has admitted over 250 new learners in 2025 bringing total enrolment to 1050 students.
School Principal, Mr SV Ngubane, expressed his sincere thanks to all the educators and learners at Mnyakanya for their dedication and hard work saying:
“What we have achieved needs to be fully appreciated. But we need to continue working hard to achieve more in future, so that all learners will achieve what will make them change their family situation for better.”
The Department of Education Ward Manager Ms Priscilia Guliwe passed her words of praise and gratitude to all at the school. Encouraging teachers and students to continue their hard work, she said:
“I’m so proud to mention that Mnyakanya High School has become a talk of the nation, because of all the good news about what is happening in the school. In every corner you will hear good comments from people about Mnyakanya.”
Mnyakanya School together with St. Mary’s School, Menston (UK) are the founding schools of the Bambisanani Partnership and have worked closely together for the benefit of students in both schools for the past 18 years. Mnyakanya is now a very popular school not only for its outstanding examination results but for its sports activities, cultural activities, and international links and educational opportunities through the Bambisanani Partnership. The addition of Computer Literacy as a subject in the school curriculum by the Bambisanani Partnership and Rotary International has been a key factor in increased academic achievement at the school.
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership added, “Mnyakanya School is a school that has been ‘turned around’. In the most difficult of circumstances, it has been transformed through excellent leadership. The teachers and students deserve the utmost praise and congratulations for their outstanding work. Many students travel great distances to attend the school, many routinely walk 2 hours to and from school each day because they want an education. Relatively few resources and class sizes of 60 plus are the norm. There is a shortage of teachers at the school and those that are there go the extra mile continually for their students by working additional hours before school, after school, weekends and holidays! The young people and their educators are an inspiration and students and teachers from other parts of the world have much to learn from their commitment, determination and resilience. This success is achieved against all the odds and is thoroughly deserved. There is no compliancy here, they are focussed on even greater success next year. The Bambisanani Partnership is honoured to be working with such a school and to have made a small contribution to its success. I shudder to think what this school, its educators and its learners would achieve if they had the resources that schools, educators and learners in more affluent parts of the world sometimes take for granted.”