NEWS
Bambisanani Partnership teams learn and make a difference in South Africa
The 20th anniversary year of the Bambisanani Partnership has seen four groups from St. Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds, Newcastle College and Newcastle Sixth Form College visit South Africa.
Across more than two months, 44 students and 11 staff worked with 29 primary, secondary and special schools, reaching more than 4,400 young people through a range of sport, education, leadership and literacy programmes.
All Bambisanani projects are ‘needs led’, with South African schools and communities involved in their development and delivery. At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief in the power of sport and education to connect young people and enable them to ‘work together and learn together’.
St. Mary’s School, Menston
The partnership began 20 years ago through a collaboration between St. Mary’s School and Mnyakanya School in Nkandla. The relationship between the two schools has continued to grow despite the distance between them, creating opportunities for friendship, international collaboration and reciprocal learning.
This year’s visit to Mnyakanya formed part of special 20th anniversary celebrations organised by members of the Zulu community, reflecting the spirit of Ubuntu (shared humanity ‘I am because we are’) and the unique bond between the two schools.
Students from both countries worked together on the Bambisanani Leadership Through Sport programme, culminating in student-led Sports and Reading Festivals for 120 pupils from Ntolwane Primary School. The St. Mary’s team also delivered its annual Athletics Festival for more than 200 children from 10 local primary schools, as well as a Sports Day at Thembinfundo Special School alongside students from Newcastle College and Newcastle Sixth Form College.
A visit to uMlalazi Day Centre and Creche, run by the Zulufadder Children’s Trust, was another important part of the St. Mary’s programme. The partnership has worked closely with the centre for 20 years, providing students with the opportunity to learn from staff, including Popi Buthelezi, who has dedicated her life to supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS.
St. Mary’s teacher Charlotte Wood said the students had been “a credit to the school and Bambisanani Partnership”, adding that they had developed valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, resilience and communication.
University of Leeds and KZN Cycling
The University of Leeds has been a key member of the Bambisanani Partnership for more than a decade and has played an important role in developing the internationally recognised Bambisanani Cycling programme with KZN Cycling. This programme has seen more than 14,000 young people being taught how to ride and maintain bikes.
Increasing girls’ participation in cycling has become a key priority. During this year’s visit, the team worked closely with girls and women in local communities to better understand the barriers to participation and explore ways to address them.
KZN Cycling appointed Noxolo as a female development officer, coach, mentor and role model, while Dr Poppy Bhengu, a Bambisanani volunteer and researcher from the University of Western Cape, supported engagement with local communities.
Led by Suzzi Garnett, the team delivered 20 cycling clinics across six schools, involving 819 young people. Most notably, girls accounted for 57% of participants during the visit, compared with just 5% in the preceding months.
The partnership will continue to research and develop approaches to improve girls’ participation and retention in cycling. During the visit, the university team and KZN Cycling also received the prestigious International Physical Education and Sport Charity of the Year Award on behalf of the partnership.
Dr Poppy Bhengu said the experience demonstrated the importance of “collaboration, listening and understanding the communities we seek to serve”, particularly when addressing the barriers affecting girls’ participation.
The university team also delivered a successful Sports and Leadership Festival involving three primary schools in Eshowe.
Newcastle College
Newcastle College has been involved in the partnership for several years, with lecturer and Bambisanani trustee Brogan O’Connor leading student groups to South Africa for the past four years.
This year, students and staff spent three weeks working with Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembinfundo Special School and uMlalazi Day Centre and Creche. Through sports coaching, leadership workshops and literacy sessions, they engaged with 846 children.
Brogan described the experience as “transformative for all involved”, while students highlighted the impact of learning from the resilience, positivity and enthusiasm of the young people they met.
Barry Rizza, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College, said it had been particularly rewarding to see students who had never worked together develop into a confident and supportive team, demonstrating leadership, adaptability and professionalism in an unfamiliar environment.
Newcastle Sixth Form College
This year also marked the first South African visit for Newcastle Sixth Form College. Supported by Brogan O’Connor, 12 students and two members of staff, Ashley Knowles and Lyanne Fellows, worked with schools and communities in Eshowe and the Nkandla region.
Using sport, leadership, literacy and education, the group helped create opportunities for young people in both countries to learn from one another.
The team supported sports activities involving an impressive 1,391 South African children, while 12 young people took part in leadership activities, 25 in reading and literacy sessions and around 150 in activities across other areas of the curriculum.
The group worked with Gratton School, Vumanhlamvu Primary School, Thembinfundo Special School and Magqama Secondary School.
For the students, adapting to teaching and coaching in a different environment was a significant part of the experience. Charlie Burgess described the growth in his confidence as he worked with younger children, while Arian Cheikh Daoud highlighted the enthusiasm of the South African pupils and the way sport brought students together.
One of the highlights was a joint Sports Day at Thembinfundo Special School, where students from Newcastle Sixth Form College, Newcastle College and St. Mary’s delivered 10 activities, including javelin, parachute games and boccia. Around 250 students took part before the day ended with singing, dancing and an awards presentation.
The visit also gave the UK teams the opportunity to see the progress of a major Bambisanani project, developed with the local community, which has provided clean water, toilets and showers at the school.
Ashley Knowles reflected on the experience, saying that the enthusiasm of the young people demonstrated the importance of providing genuine opportunities to learn, engage and succeed. She also emphasised that the learning was mutual, with the visiting students returning home having gained new skills, perspectives and relationships.
Celebrating 20 years of partnership
The four visits have demonstrated once again the lasting impact of the Bambisanani Partnership and the opportunities created when schools, colleges, universities and communities work together across international borders.
David Geldart, Founder and Volunteer CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership, praised the students and staff involved, highlighting the commitment of the partner institutions to providing experiences that cannot be replicated in the classroom.
He said the visits help young people from both countries “see the world differently, and indeed their place in it”.
Since 2006 more than 44,500 young people and 62 schools, colleges and universities from both countries have participated in the various Bambisanani programmes and projects. As the partnership enters its third decade, it continues to demonstrate the power of sport, education and international friendship to create opportunities, develop confidence and bring communities together.
Related articles:
St. Mary’s Students Make a Lasting Impact in South Africa (25/09/2026)
Newcastle Sixth Form College students make an impact in South Africa (23/09/2026)
The University of Leeds in South Africa: A year of significant impact and recognition (16/09/2026)
Newcastle College: changing the lives of young people in Newcastle and South Africa (26/06/2026)
St. Mary’s Students Make a Lasting Impact in South Africa
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international recognition for its pioneering work in one of South Africa’s poorest regions. Using sport as a catalyst, the partnership promotes education, health, global citizenship and leadership, creating meaningful opportunities for young people both in the UK and South Africa.
This summer marked one of the multi-award-winning charity’s most ambitious volunteering projects in its 20-year history. Students and staff from St. Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds, Newcastle College and Newcastle Sixth Form recently returned from South Africa, where they worked both independently and collaboratively to extend and develop the work of the partnership.
Vision
‘To use sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in both the UK and South Africa’
Leadership Through Sport
Following eighteen months of preparation, planning and fundraising, sixteen students from St. Mary’s embarked on a life-changing visit to South Africa. Their mission was to deliver a Leadership Through Sport programme to students at Mnyakanya High School, located in the remote and rural Nkandla region of South Africa.
This year’s visit was led by Charlotte Wood, with support from Catherine Chattoe, Amy Marsh and Richard Giles.
The student team comprised:
Emilia Armitage, Juliana Beaumont, Freya Birch, Joseph Black, Ursula Burrows, Matthew Chamberlain, Libby Connor, Eloise Dawson, Esther Dooling, Thomas Eager, Lucia Flatman, Bethany Jackson, Evie Johnson, Annabel McClelland, Mollie Rayner and Alicia Thorning.
The visit began with the group travelling into rural Nkandla, where St. Mary’s students organised and delivered the Bambisanani International Athletics competition involving ten local South African primary schools. The event was a fantastic opportunity for the UK students to develop their leadership and organisational skills while working alongside young people from the local community.
The athletic performances were particularly memorable, with the student leaders amazed by the impressive times and distances achieved by the primary school students, many of whom were running barefoot on challenging and uneven ground.
Empowering Young Leaders
After four intensive days of coaching in tennis, tag rugby and rounders, thirty students from Mnyakanya High School had developed the confidence, skills and leadership experience needed to take on a challenge of their own.
The students successfully organised and hosted a spectacular Sports and Reading Festival for more than 120 children from Ntolwane Primary School. This was a wonderful example of the sustainable impact of the Bambisanani Partnership, with young people passing on their knowledge and skills to others within their community.
The St. Mary’s students also delivered lessons across a range of curriculum areas. Staff and students at Mnyakanya High School took part in engaging lessons in Art, Maths, Biology and Geography, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and shared learning.
Celebrating Achievement
A special presentation ceremony and partnership celebration provided an opportunity to recognise the incredible
achievements of the young people involved. Students from Mnyakanya High School received their well-deserved Leadership Awards, recognising the commitment, confidence and skills they had developed throughout the programme.
Students from both Mnyakanya High School and Ntolwane Primary School were also presented with a series of annual awards, including awards from the John Paul II Foundation for Sport and the Lawrie McCauley Awards for achievements in football and creative writing.
The ceremony was a fitting celebration of the hard work, dedication and achievements of the students and highlighted the lasting impact of the partnership.
A Special Day at Thembimfundo Special School
In collaboration with Newcastle College and Newcastle Sixth Form, the St. Mary’s team also visited Thembimfundo Special School, which supports children with a wide range of disabilities. Together, the volunteers organised a sports day filled with activities including dancing, high jump, boccia, javelin and parachute games.
The experience proved incredibly moving for everyone involved. One student reflected:
“It was moving, rewarding and insightful to see how the children took part, and to see how genuinely happy they were to have us there. A particular success was the parachute activity, where the joy on their faces was incredible, this is a day that I will never forget.”
The day demonstrated the power of sport to bring people together, create joy and provide opportunities for every child to participate.
Creating Magical Memories
The final part of the visit saw the St. Mary’s students volunteering at uMlalazi Day Centre and Crèche, a centre for orphans and vulnerable children run by the Zulufadder Children’s Trust.
This was a particularly magical experience for the group. The students brought stories to life using props and toys, creating memorable and engaging experiences for the children.
Highlights included acting out the popular story Going on a Bear Hunt, read by Catherine Chattoe, followed by a very special Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
The laughter, excitement and enthusiasm shared throughout the day created memories that will undoubtedly stay with the students for many years to come.
Reflections of the students and staff
“The experience has changed me in ways I never expected. It has strengthened my confidence and self-belief, broadened my perspective of the world and given me a greater sense of fulfilment.”
“Our ten days in South Africa were extraordinary – beautiful, joyful, funny and incredibly memorable. Every one of you brought something unique to the experience: kindness, courage, humour, energy, empathy, teamwork and leadership. I watched you face new challenges, overcome fears and grow in confidence, often without even realising it. One of the most remarkable moments was seeing you move from learners, to teachers, to leaders in just a few days. What happened at Mnyakanya wasn’t magic; it was the result of dedication, care, belief and hard work. Thank you for allowing me to share in such a wonderful experience. Keep smiling. Be good. Do good. Be amazing.”
“My time volunteering in South Africa was one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences I have ever had. Working with local schools and communities helped me develop confidence, valuable life skills and meaningful friendships, while experiencing a different culture and making a positive difference.”
“Before the Bambisanani team arrived my greatest fear was to express myself in English, but I’m feeling confident now. I learnt a lot about how to be a good leader. I’m so grateful of the opportunity that I got. I wish to say thanks to Bambisanani Partnership.”
“I can’t believe I have a friend overseas. That makes me feel important, and I was very proud to be awarded as an outstanding young leader. I hope that I will be a good future leader.”
“All the students who participated in the Bambisanani young leadership training are showing a great excitement and self-confidence. They had their first experience in communicating with people from another part of the world. They show a strong willingness to practise what they had been trained for. We as a school have a great confidence and hope to these young people .We hope that their experience in Bambisanani will change their lives forever.””
Developing Leaders for the Future
The visit to South Africa not only built friendships and maintained relationships between the UK and South Africa but it also increased employability skills of the students involved.Students' overall self-assessment increased from 64.8% before the visit to 89.1% afterwards — an improvement of 24.3 percentage points.
The largest reported gains were in leadership (+39 points), initiative (+33 points), communication (+27 points) and teamwork (+25 points). This provides strong evidence that the Bambisanani experience had a positive impact on students' confidence in their transferable skills.
The 2026 Bambisanani visit was a remarkable experience for everyone involved. Through sport, education, leadership and friendship, the students from St. Mary’s were able to make a positive difference while also developing skills and experiences that will remain with them for a lifetime.
The visit once again demonstrated the incredible power of the Bambisanani Partnership to connect communities, develop young leaders and inspire young people to believe that they can make a difference in the world.
Reflecting on the visit, group leader Charlotte Wood said: “In 2018, I was given the opportunity to go on my first Bambisanani visit. Fast forward eight years, three years of COVID when travel was not possible, and I have now completed my seventh visit.
Most people ask me if I get bored of going to the same place or whether it becomes repetitive. My answer is always the same: everyone I have the privilege of working with is unique, and no visit is ever the same.
I am incredibly thankful to have been given the opportunity to make a difference, not only to my own students but to hundreds of young people in South Africa.
The sixteen students who visited South Africa this year not only helped others but also grew as leaders themselves. The skills they developed through leadership, teamwork, resilience and communication will help them to achieve their goals in the future.
They were an absolute privilege to take and were a credit to St. Mary’s School and the Bambisanani Partnership. They truly embedded the values of the partnership throughout their visit.”
Newcastle Sixth Form College students make an impact in South Africa
With the support of Newcastle College, Newcastle Sixth Form College have become the fifth UK Educational institution to become involved in educational visits to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. Students and staff from Newcastle Sixth Form College have recently returned from an unforgettable 18-day visit to KwaZulu-Natal.
The team, comprising 12 students and two members of staff, Ashley Knowles and Lyanne Fellows, travelled to Eshowe and Nkandla region to work alongside local schools and communities. Throughout the visit, the group used sport, leadership, literacy and education to build relationships and create opportunities for young people from Newcastle and South Africa to learn from one another.
A major focus of the visit was using sport as a way of engaging young people. Across the visit, an incredible 1,391 South African children engaged in sports-related activities delivered and supported by the team. Alongside this, 12 young people participated in leadership activities, 25 took part in reading and literacy sessions, and around 150 were involved in activities across other areas of the curriculum.
The team visited and worked alongside several schools during their time in KwaZulu-Natal, including Gratton School, Vumanhlamvu Primary School, Thembinfundo Special School and Magqama Secondary School, with the visit also providing an opportunity to establish a relationship with a new school.
For the Newcastle Sixth Form College students, adapting to coaching and teaching in a completely different environment quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Charlie Burgess said:
“It was a great experience, right from the coaching and working with the children through to taking in everything that South Africa had to offer. I definitely found my feet when it came to teaching the younger children, which was a big surprise for me. It wasn’t something I expected to feel so comfortable doing, but as the trip went on my confidence really grew. Seeing the children enjoying the sessions and getting involved made it even more rewarding, and it’s definitely an experience I’ll remember for a long time.”
For Arian Cheikh Daoud, the enthusiasm and engagement of the South African students particularly stood out:
“I was really taken aback by how engaged the students were and how much they genuinely loved to learn. Seeing how sport could be used to bring everyone together and help the students learn while having fun was something that really stood out to me. Their enthusiasm made every session enjoyable and made the whole experience even more rewarding.”
The welcome the group received from the schools and communities was another lasting memory. Andreea Sandu particularly enjoyed the team’s time at Gratton School:
“I absolutely loved our time at Gratton School and seeing how they approached education in a different country. What stood out to me most was how welcome everyone made us feel. From the moment we arrived, the students embraced us and made us feel like we were part of their school rather than just visitors for the day. It was amazing to see their enthusiasm for learning and how proud they were to share their school with us. The warmth we received from both the students and staff made Gratton one of the most memorable parts of the whole experience for me.”
The team enjoyed a memorable time at Thembinfundo Special School when they joined forces with students and staff from St Mary’s School, Menston, at Thembinfundo Special School. The UK students worked together to deliver a carousel of 10 different activities, including javelin, parachute games and boccia, giving everyone the opportunity to get involved and experience something new.
Over the course of the day, 250 students from Thembinfundo took part in the activities, creating plenty of smiles, laughter and memorable moments for everyone involved. The day came to a fantastic end with singing and dancing, followed by an awards presentation celebrating the achievements and enthusiasm of the students.
Reflecting on the visit, Ashley Knowles from Newcastle Sixth Form College said:
“I loved every moment of this experience, from touching down in South Africa and meeting the rest of our travel team, to the safari and, most importantly, the time we spent in the schools. The welcome we received was incredible, and what struck me immediately was the enthusiasm of the young people we worked with. They simply did not want to stop. Whether they were playing sport, learning something new or working alongside our students, they wanted to be involved in everything we offered. “As an educator, that was incredibly powerful to see. It reinforced something I strongly believe regardless of their background, environment or circumstances, when young people are given genuine opportunities to learn, engage and succeed, they will take them. One of the proudest parts of the experience for me was watching our own Newcastle Sixth Form College students develop over the 18 days. We saw their confidence, communication and coaching skills grow with every school we visited. They had to adapt their sessions, communicate with young people they had never met before and step outside of their comfort zones. Seeing them become increasingly confident in their own ability to lead and teach was something I will be incredibly proud of for a long time. The learning went both ways. Our students travelled to South Africa to contribute, coach and support others, but they have come home having learned an enormous amount themselves. Experiences like this offer something that is very difficult to recreate inside a classroom. They challenge students, broaden their perspective and give them an opportunity to discover skills and qualities in themselves that they perhaps did not realise they had. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the Bambisanani Partnership and to everyone who made us feel so welcome. I know the experiences, relationships and memories we have brought home will stay with both the students and staff for many years. I certainly hope this is only the beginning, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to return, visit the schools again and continue building on the relationships we have made. Across the 18-day visit, the experience gave the 12 Newcastle Sixth Form College students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a completely different culture while developing their confidence, communication, leadership and coaching skills. More importantly, the visit continued the work of the Bambisanani Partnership in creating meaningful and lasting connections between young people in the UK and South Africa. From classrooms and sports fields to singing, dancing and conversations between students, the experience demonstrated the power that sport and education can have in bringing people together, regardless of where they come from.”
The University of Leeds in South Africa: A year of significant impact and recognition
In August 2026 a team of 4 students & 3 staff spent 3 weeks in the Nkandla area delivering a structured programme of cycling, sport & leadership to young people alongside key stakeholders. The student team worked incredibly hard and delivered cycling clinics and engagements building on the efforts of previous years. The students came from a range of disciplines and levels of study and included a first year, a recent graduate and a PhD student. 50% of the students were from an underrepresented background. Through skills auditing throughout the process it was identified that our students developed 10 graduate level skills by an average of 29% and 100% of students agreed that their participation gave them a sense of belonging at the University of Leeds and contributed to them setting their personal ambitions higher.
The delivery of cycling clinics for beginners and improvers remains the primary focus of the visit and in liaison with KZN Cycling, this year’s team concentrated effort on engaging more female pupils. With KZN Cycling officers delivering year-round, engagement of female pupils had been identified as a challenge in the region with less than 5% of participants from January-May 2026 being female. As a collective, stakeholders agreed that we needed to develop an understanding of the causes and barriers before piloting targeted interventions. As a first step, KZN Cycling appointed a new female development officer (Noxolo) to work in the region as a role model for female participants. A Bambisanani volunteer and researcher from the University of Western Cape, Dr Poppy Bhengu also joined the team for a period of 3 days to observe and initiate some discussions with local teachers, pupils and communities. Dr Bhengu was well positioned to explore the challenges as a native researcher speaking fluent Zulu and her initial report will support the determination of next steps. The team were highly successful in not only gathering information and building trust but in translating this into initial female engagement – 57% of pupils we engaged in August were female (467 females vs 352 males across 20 clinics in 6 schools; 4 primary and 2 secondary). The challenge now will be to sustain this interest and retain girls in cycling over time, and KZN Cycling have since identified a plan to utilise ‘girls focus schools’ and the female officer to further explore the challenges and opportunities.
Vision
To use sport & education to inspire, engage and develop young people and communities in both Leeds & South Africa.
Similarly to previous years, the team also delivered a sports & leadership festival for grade 7 pupils in 3 primary schools in the town of Eshowe. This engaged learners in a programme of 3 sports (including rounders – a completely new sport to the South Africans!), classroom sessions and leadership sessions culminating in pupils leading their own games and activities for their peers.
The team were also able to enjoy a celebration alongside KZN Cycling as we recognised recent high profile awards. The University of Leeds recently won a Workforce Development award from BUCS, and the Bambisanani Partnership once again won ‘International Sport & Physical Education Charity of the year’ – an award which was shared with KZN Cycling and the University in recognition of the cycling collaboration.
Summary of feedback from students, schools, pupils & stakeholders:
“Without wanting to overstate the impact of South Africa & Gryphons Abroad on me – it has truly been a worthwhile and important three weeks. It has been an experience that has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I feel I have positively developed as a coach and a person. It has reemphasised to me the importance of art and sport as a common goal.”
“Gryphons Abroad gave me an opportunity to apply and develop academic skills in non-academic settings.”
“My main reflections and takeaways come from the cultural experiences. Rural SA is very different from city SA and you’ll see incredible beauty in the landscapes and behaviours of the children. Seeing them produce happiness from so little made me appreciate my own experiences.”
“We are very proud of this programme. One day I would like to see one of our learners ride in a competition or become a professional. Thank you Bambisanani.”
“The festival has been fantastic and eye opening. I have learnt a lot myself for my own coaching and it’s great for our kids to get a chance to do something active, do something outside, learn about themselves and each other. Within the activities some of the quieter ones have been quite open and it is nice to see that.”
“I want to thank everyone because we are learning to ride a bike. It was very easy and I like to race and show my talent. ”
“The cycling is fun – it teaches you teamwork and no one judges you.”
“We learnt so much this week and we are very thankful for this opportunity. Some of the sports we didn’t even know existed (rounders). I would give it a 10 out of 10, no discussion.”
“We really appreciate Leeds University for taking time and obviously being part of this particular initiative in trying to give a platform for our young people in this province in a code that is historically not for them because of the entry barriers.”
“The aim of the KZN Cycling development programme is to try and change people’s lives for the better. So being able to get the programme going with the Bambisanani Partnership & University of Leeds in Nkandla fits exactly with what we are trying to do.”
Key Objectives and Principles
Plans for 2027 and Next Steps
Student recruitment for 2027 has already started and we have also secured support for next year’s project from both the Footsteps Fund & the Turing scheme. This funding is primarily to support students with the cost of accessing the project and our goal, as always is to recruit 50% of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Financial sustainability remains a priority and discussions with the wider University are ongoing alongside efforts to fundraise at a service level.
With a further 3-year agreement reached between KZN Cycling, ourselves and the Bambisanani Partnership in early 2026, work will now continue to further the engagement and retention of girls in the cycling programme. Next steps are currently in discussion and Dr Bhengu has provided an initial report for consideration. We will proceed with a Theory of Change model of research and development.
Key Facts
We thank our partners for their ongoing support in delivering this project:
The Bambisanani Partnership
KZN Cycling and University of Leeds accept International Award
by Tim Whitfield
DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal Cycling and the University of Leeds on Thursday jointly received an international award on behalf of the UK-based Bambisanani Partnership for their cycling programme in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Accepting the award International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year award on Thursday were (from left) Siphamandla Mbhele, Assistant Project Manager for KZN Cycling; Manqoba Bhengu, the Acting Chief Director for Sport Promotion and Development within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds; and Alec Lenferna, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cycling.
KZN Cycling and Leeds University, working together under the Bambisanani Partnership umbrella, accepted the International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year award on Thursday in Newlands East, Durban, for their work teaching young people how to ride and maintain bikes in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
It was the third time the Bambisanani Partnership – a UK-South Africa charity that uses sport and education to transform lives and strengthen communities – has won the award. The recognition this year is for the joint programme undertaken by KZN Cycling and Leeds University in Nkandla.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK-based charity that began as a collaboration between St. Mary's Catholic School in Yorkshire, England, and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal in 2006. Run entirely by volunteers, the partnership has grown to include more than 60 schools, colleges and universities across the United Kingdom and South Africa, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship.
University of Leeds students and staff, partnering with the Bambisanani Partnership and KZN Cycling, at the cycling clinics.
In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region, where Bambisanani has partnered with KZN Cycling's internationally-recognised development programme to expand cycling opportunities in one of the country's most remote and disadvantaged communities.
KZN Cycling's province-wide initiative has been strongly supported by the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture for many years. The relationship with the Bambisanani Partnership in Nkandla has changed lives through education, practical skills training, and providing children in particular with improved mobility.
Alec Lenferna, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cycling, and Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds accepted the award on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership.
"The aim of the KZN Cycling development programme is to try and change people's lives for the better," said Lenferna after receiving the award. "So being able to get the programme going with the Bambisanani Partnership in Nkandla fits in exactly with what we are trying to do and we can only thank people like them and the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture for the opportunity."
Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds says the project benefits both the communities and the students who work on the project.
KZN Cycling is growing the sport throughout the province with regular clinics, training programmes and development events.
"Working in partnership with KZN Cycling for the last three years has helped bring our cycling project to new levels," said Garnett. "From one school in the Nkandla region we are able to scale that up through the cycling hub to many schools throughout the year. The impact in South Africa is really clear, and the impact on our students and staff from the UK as they engage with the community is helping them develop their skills and their global awareness. We're providing really meaningful experiences for young people in South Africa and the UK."
Manqoba Bhengu, the Acting Chief Director for Sport Promotion and Development within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, expressed his appreciation for the work done by all the partners in the project.
Skills training is a vital component of the training clinics.
"We just want to take time to appreciate the Bambisanani Partnership and kudos to the team working on this partnership in the province, such as KZN Cycling, as well as all of those that are responsible for its implementation in Nkandla," said Bhengu.
"We really appreciate Leeds University for taking time and obviously being part of this particular initiative in trying to give a platform for our young people in this province in a code that is historically not for them because of the entry barriers.
"We are extremely proud as a provincial government that we are able to help give a platform for this type of programme, working with all the stakeholders and ensuring that we build a brighter future for these young kids."
All photos courtesy of Graham Daniel / KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
Twenty Years of Hope: The Bambisanani Partnership's Extraordinary Journey
by Dr. Poppy Bhengu
By any measure, twenty years is an extraordinary achievement. For the Bambisanani Partnership, it represents two decades of changing lives, building friendships across continents, and proving that education, sport and compassion can transform communities.
When the Bambisanani Partnership was established by David Geldart in 2006, its vision was simple yet ambitious: to create opportunities for young people in South Africa and the UK to ‘work together and learn together’ through education, sport and meaningful international partnerships.
Twenty years later, that vision has become a remarkable reality.
Over 40,000 young people, from 60 schools, colleges and universities have benefited from programmes that have provided educational support, leadership development, sporting opportunities and hope for a brighter future. Behind every statistic is a personal story—a child who discovered confidence in the classroom, a young athlete who found purpose on the sports field, a student who became the first in their family to attend university, or a future community leader inspired to give back.
What makes Bambisanani unique is that it has never simply been about providing aid. It has always been about partnership; creating change through collaboration and empowerment not charity alone.
The charity's work has been built on mutual respect, shared learning and genuine friendship between schools and communities in the United Kingdom and South Africa. These relationships have enriched everyone involved, demonstrating that lasting change is created when people work alongside one another rather than for one another.
Education has always been the heartbeat of the charity's mission.
Recognising that education offers one of the most powerful routes out of poverty, Bambisanani has invested in programmes that nurture both academic achievement and personal development. Students have been encouraged not only to dream bigger but also to believe those dreams can become reality.
Alongside education, sport has become one of the Partnership's greatest success stories.
Through a wide variety of sporting experiences young people have learned lessons that extend well beyond winning matches. Teamwork, resilience, discipline, respect and leadership have become life skills that continue to shape futures long after the final whistle.
The annual visits between the United Kingdom and South Africa have become life-changing experiences for everyone involved. Young people return home with new perspectives, lifelong friendships and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Many describe these experiences as among the defining moments of their lives.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Bambisanani's story is the dedication of the people behind it.
Teachers, volunteers, trustees, schools, sponsors and supporters have all contributed countless hours over two decades. Their generosity has enabled the charity not simply to survive but to flourish, adapting to changing circumstances while remaining true to its founding principles.
The greatest tribute, however, belongs to the young people whose lives have been transformed.
Many former participants have become teachers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, coaches and community leaders. They are now inspiring the next generation, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the original projects.
As the Bambisanani Partnership celebrates its twentieth anniversary, it does so with immense pride—but not complacency.
There are still challenges to overcome and many more young lives waiting to be transformed. The need for opportunity, hope and educational support remains as important today as it was twenty years ago.
This anniversary is therefore much more than a celebration of the past.
It is a celebration of every child who found confidence.
Every volunteer who gave their time.
Every supporter who believed in the vision.
Every school that opened its doors.
Every friendship that crossed continents.
And every life that has been changed forever.
Twenty years ago, the Bambisanani Partnership planted seeds of hope.
Today, those seeds have grown into a lasting legacy that continues to inspire communities in South Africa and the United Kingdom alike.
The next chapter promises to be every bit as remarkable as the first.
KZN Cycling and Leeds University Honoured With Joint Award For Transforming Lives
by Tim Whitfield
DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal Cycling and the University of Leeds will next week jointly receive an international award on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership for their work teaching young people how to ride and maintain bikes in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
2026 marks the third time the Bambisanani Partnership – a UK-South Africa charity that uses sport and education to transform lives and strengthen communities – has been named the International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year. The 2026 award is based entirely on the work undertaken by KZN Cycling in partnership with the University of Leeds, in teaching more than 12,000 young people how to ride and maintain bicycles in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK-based charity that began as a collaboration between St. Mary's Catholic School in Yorkshire, England, and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal in 2006 – two schools separated by 9,500 kilometres. Run entirely by volunteers, the partnership has grown to include more than 60 schools, colleges and universities across the United Kingdom and South Africa, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship.
KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region, where Bambisanani has partnered with KZN Cycling's internationally-recognised development programme to expand cycling opportunities in some of the country's most remote and disadvantaged communities.
What began as a province-wide cycling initiative by KZN Cycling supported by the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, now involves The Bambisanani Partnership in Nkandla and has become an internationally recognised programme that is changing lives through practical skills, improved mobility and increased educational opportunities.
KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
Since joining forces, KZN Cycling and the University of Leeds have developed a sustainable programme in Nkandla that has enabled more than 12,000 young people to learn essential cycling and bicycle maintenance skills, while creating pathways into recreation, transport and sport.
The award recognises not only the scale of the programme but also the strength of a unique international collaboration built on the philosophy of Ubuntu – which means "I am because we are" – where organisations work alongside communities to create lasting opportunities rather than dependency.
The partnership's impact extends far beyond cycling. Since its establishment almost 20 years ago, more than 40,000 young people from the United Kingdom and South Africa have participated in Bambisanani programmes spanning leadership, literacy, numeracy, sport and education. More than £1 million has been raised to support these initiatives, with the overwhelming majority directed towards frontline programmes.
On Thursday, August 13, Alec Lenferna, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cycling, and Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds will receive the award on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership in recognition of their organisations' leadership in developing and delivering the cycling programme.
While celebrating the international recognition, the partners are already focused on the next phase of development. A major priority over the coming three years will be increasing girls' participation in cycling in the rural Nkandla region through research, innovation and targeted interventions.
Research highlighted by World Bicycle Relief, demonstrates the powerful impact that bicycle access can have for girls in rural communities. Girls with access to bicycles are more likely to arrive at school on time, less likely to be absent or drop out, and face fewer safety concerns when travelling to and from school. These findings reinforce the partnership's own experiences at Mnyakanya School, where improved access to bicycles has contributed to better school attendance and broader personal development.
To support this next chapter, the partnership has appointed its first female cycling coach in Nkandla, working exclusively with women, while respected researcher Dr Poppy Bhengu will assist with research and programme development aimed at identifying and overcoming barriers that prevent girls from participating in cycling.
As the Bambisanani Partnership approaches its 20th anniversary, the latest international award stands as recognition of what can be achieved when education, sport and international collaboration work hand in hand. For KZN Cycling, the University of Leeds and the Bambisanani Partnership, it is not simply an acknowledgement of past success, but motivation to continue expanding opportunities for thousands more young people across rural KwaZulu-Natal.
The Bambisanani Partnership: Changing Lives Through Sport and Education
Now approaching its 20th Anniversary, the Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK based charity that originated as a collaboration between St. Mary’s Catholic School in Menston, Yorkshire, UK and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006; schools that are 6,000 miles apart. The partnership, which is run entirely by volunteers, uses the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership and has gained international acclaim for its work.
The partnership now involves more than 60 schools and universities in both the UK and South Africa. The University of Leeds and Newcastle College are key members of the partnership. In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region which one of most remote and deprived parts of the country with over 40% unemployment and one of highest Aids/HIV rates in the world. ‘Bambisanani’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘working hand in hand’ which aptly encapsulates the philosophy of the partnership which seeks to provide collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries. Over the past nineteen years more than 40,000 young people from the UK and South Africa (from primary school to university) have participated in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects including ‘Leadership through Sport’, Sports Festivals’ Cycling to Success’, ‘Literacy through Sport’, ‘Numeracy through Sport’ ‘Art through Sport’, ‘Learning through Football’, ‘International Athletics Challenge’ and the joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches.
“The struggle for social and economic justice in South Africa has always owed much to community-to-community links across all boundaries of race, class and nationality. These have brought enduring benefits to all concerned. The Bambisanani Partnership is a shining example of the impact and sustainability of community centred developmental activism over many years and deserves all our thanks, support, and best wishes on its 20th Anniversary!”
The Rt Hon the Lord Boateng CVO formerly Chief Secretary to HM Treasury and British High Commissioner to the RSA (2005-2009)
At the heart of the Bambisanani Partnership is the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – which recognises our shared humanity and the belief that meaningful change is achieved through mutual respect and reciprocal learning. The charity works alongside communities to build capacity, confidence and sustainable opportunities rather than creating dependency. Through its programmes, participants develop leadership skills, strengthen their wellbeing, and gain a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
The partnership has been recognised for its contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to Health and Education and is a founding member of Sport and Sustainability International. The pioneering work of the partnership has been showcased at conferences throughout the world, most notably at the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican and at the International Olympic Academy. Over £1 million has been raised to facilitate its life changing work with 98.5% of all funding received going directly to support frontline projects and programmes. The charity was named Best International Sport and Physical Education Charity 2023, 2024 and 2026.
By bringing together people from different backgrounds, the partnership creates a myriad opportunities and encounters to learn from others, challenge assumptions, and become active global citizens. This approach has transformed the lives of thousands of participants while fostering long-term friendships, educational opportunities and stronger communities.
Bambisanani perspectives:
“Much of our life in the UK has become obsessed with materialism and ‘celebrity’. We have lost touch with things that really matter. My visit to South Africa has given me a much more meaningful perspective on life.”
“We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done.”
“The Bambisanani Partnership has reminded me why I became a teacher.”
“This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
“The Bambisanani Partnership is an outstanding example of Olympism in action.”
“The Bambisanani Partnership represents a truly authentic approach to educating children about health, global citizenship and leadership. This inspirational partnership clearly has the power to change lives for the good and develop long-standing friendships across nations. Many schools and universities around the world would benefit from knowing more about this partnership and adopting similar innovative approaches to genuinely enhancing young people’s lives.”
“South Africa has a history of people from abroad attempting to ‘serve’ the local community. Many of these ‘missions’ flounder because they are designed to engender a feeling of goodwill more for the giver than the recipient. Bambisanani – working hand in hand – works because there is neither giver nor receiver. Two groups from different ends of the planet, each borrowing from the culture of the other, forge relationships through the medium of sport, changing perspectives of both from the experience.”
“Being a member of the Bambisanani Partnership can be transformational for schools and learners - we have seen significant improvements in terms of academic success, attendance, enrolment, behaviour, confidence and self-esteem because of the various Bambisanani programmes. We feel connected to a wider world and involved in something bigger than ourselves. Above all this partnership has given us hope and belief. In this partnership we all play our part; we work together and we learn together in the spirit of Ubuntu. Long live Bambisanani!”
Bambisanani succeeds because it combines the power of sport and education with the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, creating genuine partnerships that deliver sustainable impact, transformative learning and exceptional value for every pound invested. The Bambisanani story is testimony of the power of sport and education to change the lives of individuals and communities.
Althaeá’s books bring smiles and hope
Three years ago, Althaeá Dickinson from York learned that children in rural in South Africa were not participating in World Book Day because they did not have books.
Believing strongly that World Book Day should be for ALL the children of the world the then 8-year-old decided to act and do something about this and became the Bambisanani Partnership’s youngest volunteer collecting 1,091 books for South African children. She went on to aquire a further 1,164 books in 2025 and has this year collected 1,610 books which have recently been delivered to some of the most deprived schools and children in rural KwaZulu-Natal by Bambisanani teams from St. Mary’s School, Menston and Newcastle College who promote literacy during their visits. Recipients of books included Ntolwane Primary School, Vumanhlamvu Primary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Mnyakanya Secondary School and the Zulufadder’s Doremi Crèche and Daycare Centre. Rural KwaZulu-Natal faces huge challenges in terms of adult and child illiteracy and its extensive negative implications. Lack of resources in some schools remains a key issue. Althaeá has now provided 3,865 books which are all helping in a small but significant way to improve the life chances of the children involved.
William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School said, “We have received books from Althaeá for three years now and they have made a huge contribution to education in my school improving reading, writing and listening skills. This builds confidence and helps learners across the curriculum. My learners are amazed that someone so young can organise these books from the UK; Althaeá inspires and empowers them because they know that a young person like them can bring about change and do things for others.”
Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s School commented, “It is difficult to express how important and how valued these books are – we see children so excited by the books that they hug them like teddy bears and ask if they can keep them. Althaeá wites messages in the books which further connects this fantastic project.”
Brogan O’Connor from Newcastle College added “I have seen the impact of these books on both the educators and learners. The children are so keen to learn and love the books. Many adults recognise injustices in the world and would like to do something about them …most never do anything. Althaeá just gets on with it – she is amazing!”
A message to Althaeá from Nick Phillips of the Zulufadder Children’s Trust said
“What an extraordinary young lady you are! We in Zulufadder, Eshowe have been blessed to receive children's books from you in 2024, 2025 and 2026 that have been allocated to our rural creche in uMlalazi that is managed by the equally extraordinary Popi Buthelezi. You have quite rightly identified that possibly the greatest contributor to learning in young people is exposure to books. Especially books that encourage and stimulate the imagination. It is really hard for our rural children to imagine that there is a better life out there if they aim for it, as they know little else but poverty and, certainly, they could never imagine going into a book shop to buy a colourful book. So, you have achieved a number of special things. Happiness and escape into the many stories contained in the books. Exposure to people, places and animals that the children have never encountered before. Instilling a sense of hope, excitement and anticipation, that there are opportunities out there if only they persevere. And so Althaeá, I know you are not looking for thanks, but we do so thank you anyway, as we know how hard you have worked to make this project happen, and you can be sure that you have many fans here in Zululand, South Africa, because of it.”
Althaeá raises money to buy books, but most books are donated to her from Book Shops, other organisations and individuals: she would like to thank everyone that has helped her this year especially Catherine Chattoe; Brogan O’Connor; Kate Sayers; Sue Rix, The Grove Bookshop, Ilkley; Kemps Book Shop, Malton; TGJ Jones, Ilkley; Otley Lions; Rotary Club of Aireborough; Saltaire Primary School; the Sisters of Mercy and the parishioners of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher Church in Burley in Wharfedale.
Literacy should not be a luxury of the privileged few it should be an entitlement for all. The Bambisanani Partnership is grateful to Althaeá for reminding us of this and for doing something about it to make the world a better place. The remarkable 10-year-old has already started collecting books for 2027!
If you can support this fantastic project in any way, please contact the Bambisanani Partnership.
“Literacy could be the ladder out of poverty.”
“Literacy is the bridge from misery to hope.”
“Once you learn to read you will be forever free.”
Related:
8-year-old Althaeá makes a world of difference (24/06/2024)
Althaeá’s books make a real difference in South Africa (06/07/2025)
Newcastle College: changing the lives of young people in Newcastle and South Africa
More than 800 South African children benefited from a life-changing international volunteering programme as Newcastle College students returned from their fourth annual visit to KwaZulu-Natal.
Students and staff from Newcastle College and Newcastle College University Centre have returned from South Africa after spending three weeks volunteering through the Bambisanani Partnership, using the power of sport to inspire young people while developing their own leadership, confidence and employability skills.
The team of 12 students; Cara Meakin, Daniel Barrett, Egor Mihins, Freya Maun, Harry Ainscough, Jonathan Mooney, Kacey Southgate, Katie McAlpine, Lilly Hudspith, Olivia Hollister, Reshna Begum and Sofia Martin, accompanied by Sport Lecturer and Bambisanani Trustee Brogan O'Connor and Enrichment and Development Manager Barry Rizza, travelled for more than 30 hours to Eshowe in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where they delivered sports coaching, leadership workshops and educational activities to children aged between one and 18.
Working across Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembimfundo Special School and Doremi Day Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, the group engaged with 846 children through sport, helping to develop teamwork, communication, confidence and leadership skills.
For many of the Newcastle students, the experience proved just as transformative as the impact they made overseas.
Kacey Southgate, a Level 4 Airline and Airport Management student, said:
"My trip to South Africa was one of the most rewarding, unforgettable and life-changing experiences I have ever had. Although we were there to teach, I feel that I learned just as much from the children through their resilience, positivity and appreciation for every opportunity. The experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and reminded me that making a difference doesn't always require big gestures. Sometimes giving your time, energy and support can have the greatest impact."
Level 3 Sport Coaching and Development student Daniel Barrett added:
"This trip has changed how I see both the world and myself. It has made me appreciate what I have and inspired me to continue helping others wherever I can. I'll always be grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible because it has genuinely changed my life."
One of the most memorable moments came during the team's visit to Doremi Day Care Centre, where they spent time reading with children using books donated through fundraising efforts in the UK, led by 10-year-old Althaeá Dickenson from York. Alongside games, dancing and sports activities, the students also distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste they had collected before travelling and helped many of the children brush their teeth for the first time.
During the second week, the group returned to Ngqamzana Primary School, where they delivered sports sessions to nearly 500 learners across five days. With physical education not part of the school's regular curriculum, the sessions focused on fundamental movement, teamwork, communication and confidence while encouraging children to enjoy being physically active.
Their week concluded with an emotional farewell ceremony featuring traditional songs and dances performed by the learners before Newcastle College students returned the gesture with their own performance.
The programme also brought together volunteers from Newcastle College, Newcastle College Sixth Form and St. Mary's School, Menston, for a sports festival at Thembimfundo Special School. More than 250 learners participated in activities including boccia, javelin, parachute games and team challenges, creating a day filled with laughter, inclusion and celebration.
In the final week, Newcastle College students worked alongside 24 learners at Matholamnyama Secondary School to develop leadership skills before supporting them to organise and deliver their own sports festival for local primary schools.
Alongside the impact in South Africa, the programme delivered measurable benefits for the Newcastle College students themselves. Before and after the visit, participants assessed their confidence across ten key employability skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving and organisation. Every skill area improved by at least 26.5%, with one student reporting an overall increase of 74% in self-perceived employability skills.
Mr Ngeleka, Principal of Matholamnyama Secondary School, said:
"Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and kindness with our learners. The lessons you have taught about leadership, honesty and caring will stay with them long after you return home. I am confident that many of you will go on to become leaders in your schools, communities and countries."
Brogan O'Connor, Sport Lecturer at Newcastle College and Bambisanani Trustee, said:
"This trip is always one of the highlights of the academic year. Every year our students return home with greater confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a much broader perspective of the world. While they make a remarkable difference to the lives of hundreds of young people in South Africa, they are equally transformed by the experience themselves. It represents everything international education should be, and I couldn't be prouder of what this group has achieved."
Barry Rizza, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College, added:
"Watching 12 students who had never worked together before developing into a confident, supportive and high-performing team has been one of the proudest moments of my career. In just a few weeks they demonstrated leadership, adaptability and professionalism in an unfamiliar environment, representing Newcastle College with maturity and compassion. The skills they have gained will stay with them for the rest of their lives, both personally and professionally. This is exactly what enrichment should achieve - taking young people beyond the classroom and helping them realise their full potential."
