NEWS
The Bambisanani Partnership Annual Awards 2025
The Bambisanani Partnership Annual Awards are always a cause for great anticipation and excitement. This year 17 awards were presented across four schools in South Africa.
At Mnyakanya High School 8 Awards were presented to students by the Bambisanani team, Miss Charlotte Wood and Mr Patrick Rogozinski from St. Mary’s School, Menston and Matt and Chloe Crooks, Trustees of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation during this summer’s visit to South Africa by student volunteers:
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport Sportswoman of the Year Award: Phumzile Nala
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport: Sportsman of the Year Award: Lwandile Zuma
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport: True Spirit Award was presented: Nomvelo Zondi
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport: Helping Others Achieve their Potential: Mxolisi Hlongwa
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Lwazi Mchunu
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Fundiswa Magwaza
Sibonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding Leadership: Sfundo Myeza
Thembile Ndlovu was presented with the Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience. Thembile is in her final year of school and was presented with the award because despite losing both her parents and having no one to support her financially, Thembile has constantly attended school and worked relentlessly on her studies to hopefully achieve her dream of a career in pharmaceuticals.
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport Sportswoman of the Year Award: Phumzile Nala
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport: Sportsman of the Year Award: Lwandile Zuma
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport: True Spirit Award was presented: Nomvelo Zondi
The John Paul II Foundation for Sport: Helping Others Achieve their Potential: Mxolisi Hlongwa
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Lwazi Mchunu
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Fundiswa Magwaza
Sibonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding Leadership: Sfundo Myeza
Thembile Ndlovu was presented with the Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience
Awards were also presented at Ntolwane Primary School which has been involved with the partnership from the onset:
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Ayanda Ndlovu
Sportsman of the Year Award: Sibani Biyela
Sports Leader of the Year Award: Anele Zuma
Three special awards were presented to students at Thembimfundo Special School. These awards were presented at the school in memory of former St. Mary’s teacher, Matt Harvey, who loved his time volunteering in South Africa. Matt made a real impression on the staff and students at Thembimfundo, his annual awards are perfect as they remind the Thembimfundo community and the Bambisanani team of the joy and fun we all shared as a result of Mr Harvey’s leadership. Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at St. Mary’s presented the awards.
The Matt Harvey Award for Sportswoman of the Year was presented to Amanda Manqele
The Matt Harvey Award for Sportsman of the Year was presented to Manqoba Xulu
The Matt Harvey Award for Sports Leader of the Year was presented to Aphelele Zulu
At Vumanhlamvu Primary School three annual awards were presented in memory of former St. Mary’s student and great Bambisanani supporter Jordan Sinnott.
Jordan Sinnott Sportswomen of the Year: Sinothando Maduna
Jordan Sinnott Sports Leader of the Year: Mthembu Ayabonga
Jordan Sinnott Sportsman of the Year: Simphilele Ngonyama
Sinothando said "I feel like a world champion to hold the Jordan Sinnott award and l am very happy to win it this year. l want to play for world big netball teams one day so this award encourages me to work hard on netball. I always listened to what the coach says and play according to her instructions and follow the rules. I do the same in the class."
Simphilele added "I don’t have the words to express how l feel to be presented with the Jordan Sinnott award, an overseas award is something great to me. l worked hard for this award from the beginning of the year. I also played in the Matt Crook (Jordan Sinnott's friend) Soccer Tournament and won a Barcelona soccer jersey.”
Sports Leader Mthembu "I am very happy to be a winner of this beautiful Jordan Sinnott award this year. I played with confidence and dedicated myself to each game we play. I am also disciplined on the field and encourages my teammates to do the same. I want to present my school in other soccer tournaments. I was so happy to play in the Matt Crooks Soccer Tournament."
Vumanhlamvu School Award winners
Mrs Chattoe concluded, “The presentations of our special awards is always a favourite part of our work. The presentations are about remembering people, honouring their lives as well as celebrating young people’s success. We especially remember Laurie, Sbonelo, Heather, Matt and Jordan and love how their memory lives on and shines a light on the thoroughly deserving recipients of the awards.
Work of the Bambisanani Partnership highlighted in prestigious business publication
It is a great honour for the Bambisanani Partnership to have been recently featured in one of the world’s most prestigious business and society publications – the Trialogue Business and Society Handbook 2025.
The Trialogue ‘Business in Society Handbook’ is the leading business publication in South Africa, providing reliable data and thought leadership that contributes to a deepened understanding of, and impact in, development. The Handbook responds to the increasingly holistic role of business in society, encapsulating but not bound by the concept of Corporate Social Investment (CSI).
The Trialogue Business in Society Handbook 2025 edition centres on the theme ‘The power of measurement’ in a dynamic landscape where accountability and effectiveness are paramount, the Handbook explores the critical role of monitoring and impact measurement in enhancing corporate social investment and responsible business practices in South Africa. It also reflects a strong research focus, presenting not only findings of extensive primary research with companies and nonprofit organisations, but also a round-up of relevant local and global research on development and responsible business.
The sustained positive impact of the Bambisanani Partnership for over 19 years has created considerable worldwide interest in its philosophy and methodologies. Dr Fiona Zerbst from Trialogue has worked closely with Bambisanani Founder and CEO, David Geldart over the last year to learn more about what makes the partnership’s approach to Monitoring and Evaluation so effective.
Please see link here to Bambisanani related extracts from the 2025 Handbook
“I want to tell you how invaluable I find the research conducted for the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook. Every year I gain new insights. Its truly an insightful, useful publication.” Angela Abrahams, Executive Head, Vodacom Foundation
To obtain a Free downloadable version of this outstanding Handbook please follow this link:
https://trialogue.co.za/businessinsocietyhandbook/
Special Christmas messages shared between Bambisanani Founding Schools
There is a very special connection between St. Mary’s School, Menston in the UK and Mnyakanya School from South Africa. For the past 19 years the two schools have pioneered ways of ‘working together and learning together’ for the benefit of both communities that have gained international acclaim.
Please see the messages and videos below that highlight this very special relationship. The St. Mary’s video message is read by Chris Jose who visited South Africa this year and the Mnyakanya message is read by Bayanda Gcaba who visited Leeds last year.
Dear Friends at St. Mary’s Menston,
Warm greetings from the sun-kissed playgrounds of Mnyakanya High School in Kwa Zulu Natal.
This Christmas, we want to thank you for the countless moments of shared learning, laughter and cultural exchange that have brightened our classrooms school over the past 20 years. From shared art projects that side by side have decorated our school and community with Leeds’ iconic skyline and South African sunrises, to the spirited sports and music that we have shared that remind us how small our world truly is when curiosity leads the way.
May the holiday season bring you peace, comfort and a touch of South African sunshine to warm the chilly December evenings. We hope the festive lights twinkle as brightly as the stars and that every bite of mince pie is accompanied by the sweet taste of our shared memories.
Here's to another 20 years of friendship, discovery and crossing oceans.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a 2026 that is filled with success, health and countless reasons to smile.
Warm regards
The Mnyakanya community
Kwa Zulu Natal
South Africa
Dear friends.
As this wonderful time of year approaches once again our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you, your families and the whole school community and that of Thembimfundo Special School.
We give thanks for the 20 years of partnership, fellowship, learning and shared faith that we have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy with a united resolve to move into the new year with even more enthusiasm and determination.
May the Holy Family watch over this family and shower you with many blessings.
Happy Advent. Happy Christmas. Happy New Year.
With love from all at St Mary’s, Menston.
Faith in the Bambisanani Partnership
It is 19 years ago since David Geldart proposed an ambitious partnership ‘of mutual benefit and shared responsibility’ between St. Mary’s School. Menston and Mnyakanya School from one of the most challenging regions of KwaZul-Natal in South Africa.
Using the power of sport and education this pioneering collaborative known as The Bambisanani Partnership (Bambisanani being the Zulu word meaning ‘working hand’) has grown to now include more than 60 schools, colleges and universities in both countries. Since 2006 no less than 34,000 young people have engaged in the partnerships various projects and programmes. The Bambisanani story with its remarkable impact has been highlighted at international conferences throughout the world including at the Sport for All Summit at the Vatican and in Greece for the International Olympic Association. The very special relationship between St. Mary’s and Mnyakanya remains at the heart of partnership.
Margaret Hattersley, Headteacher from St. Mary’s and the Bambisanani Partnership, Vice Chair said:
Margaret Hattersley
‘The Bambisanani Partnership sits at the heart of life at St Mary’s, Menston and has done over the last 19 years. Our school’s Mission recognises that the journey towards human flourishing, self-discovery and personal growth takes time and exposure to unique opportunities to draw out our many God-given gifts and talents. Since the formation of the Bambisanani Partnership, so many St Mary’s students and staff have travelled to South Africa as part of the partnership which has contributed to this sense of common mission and purpose. The experiences and international connections have enabled our young people to see the world beyond our school grounds, strengthen their leadership skills, and shape them as an individual so they can contribute to the common good of society and the beauty of the world. The friendships forged, ‘working hand in hand’, have inspired our young people at St Mary’s and in South Africa in so many different ways. For some it has inspired their future career choices, for others it has created lasting friendships across nations and for others it has sparked a charitable initiative. Whatever the personal or community impact, the partnership is deeply valued and cherished by us all as it changes lives for the better and reminds us that we are all in communion with each other whatever our background or personal story. At St Mary’s, we often reflect on the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. The Bambisanani Partnership truly does enable this to happen through the power of sport and human connectivity.’
Dr. Poppy Bhengu
Dr. Poppy Bhengu, Bambisanani Volunteer from South Africa added:
One of the most beautiful outcomes of this partnership is the way it brings to life the principle of Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” While South Africans often speak of Ubuntu, this partnership shows it in action. It is humbling to witness schools in the UK rally behind South African children, not only by providing resources, but by standing in solidarity with them. Their actions reflect Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
Our faith teaches us that love is not merely a spoken word; it is demonstrated through compassion, generosity, and action. The Bambisanani Partnership embodies this truth. It shows our children, and our communities, that we are not forgotten, that God’s love can be seen and felt through the kindness of others. It reassures us that while we may not always understand God’s plan, He often uses people, even from across oceans, to bring healing, encouragement, and light.
In the small acts of kindness, in the shared games on dusty fields, in the heartfelt moments of connection between strangers, the message is clear: God lives, God cares, and we are all His instruments. The Bambisanani Partnership, for us, is not only a partnership between nations, but also a partnership grounded in the spirit of Christ, where love is made visible.”
With its 20th anniversary nearing, this small charity’s team of over 80 volunteers is dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people from both countries to collaborate and learn together in the ubuntu spirit of solidarity and shared humanity. The charity brings together people of different nations, background, colour, and creed, they all bring belief and faith through actions in a shared mission to make the world a better place. This powerful and harmonious collective is making a real difference in the most challenging of circumstances.
Bambisanani Partnership praised in the National Assembly of the South African Parliament
In a recent speech in the National Assembly of the South African Parliament MP, Mr WM Thring recognised and praised the work of the Bambisanani Partnership’s pioneering Cycling initiative and wider impact of the charity.
“…that the House notes the pioneering collaboration between the Bambisanani Partnership, KZN Cycling, University of Leeds and the KZN Department of Education has reached an extraordinary milestone in teaching its 10,000th young person how to ride and maintain a bicycle …teachers and community leaders have praised the programme for empowering children and congratulates the Bambisanani Partnership on this venture that has empowered entire communities and acknowledges that the collaboration between St. Mary’s School in Menston, near Leeds and Mnyakanya School in KZN has now grown into an internationally recognised model of partnership and development that the ACDP and this House must applaud and encourage so that it is rolled out throughout the nation…”
For further information about the Bambisanani Cycling Partnership also see:
Pioneering Initiative Empowers 10,000 Young People Through Cycling (10/10/2025)
Partnership with KZN Cycling goes from strength to strength (28/04/2025)
The University of Leeds in South Africa: Exceptional work from a remarkable team (16/09/2025)
Partnership welcomes new Trustee
The Bambisanani Partnership has recently appointed Peter Iliff as a new Trustee to help run the charity.
Peter Iliff
With a rich career in leadership across both healthcare and commercial settings, Peter brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for using sport, education and leadership as tools for positive change. He is currently on a secondment programme funded by NHS England, developing an apprenticeship pathway for established clinicians to enhance their knowledge and improve the level of care provided for NHS patients.
As a qualified orthotist, Peter has held senior roles in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong track record in managing programmes that foster partnership and optimise team performance. His expertise spans business planning, governance oversight and marketing across the UK. In addition, Peter has many years of experience coaching and developing young players within grassroots sport. He is deeply committed to making a difference in communities through learning, collaboration and empowerment.
Peter said, “I’m honoured to join the Bambisanani Partnership and look forward to working alongside its dedicated volunteers, partner schools and students in the UK and South Africa. I’m inspired by the way the partnership uses sport to nurture leadership, teamwork and educational opportunities. I’m excited to contribute my experience and energy to help the organisation deepen its impact and explore new opportunities, so that the number of young people involved, in both the UK and KZN, continues to increase.”
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the charity added: ”We are absolutely delighted to welcome Peter to the team. Organisations tend to be either going forward or going backwards. Peter has a proven track record of impact and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm that will help us push on to achieve even more in the future, not least to deliver our most ambitious programme to date in 2026.”
Run entirely by volunteers the Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning charity that has gained international acclaim for its work using the power of sport and education to connect young people in the UK and South Africa. Over the past 19 years, the partnership has engaged more than 34,000 young people and 60 educational institutions from both countries in its various projects and programmes.
Peter will join the existing Board of Trustees of David Geldart, Barbara Pounder, Darren Beardsley, Brogan O’Connor, Margaret Hattersley and Richard Giles.
Three memorable Bambisanani Partnership volunteering visits to South Africa in 2025
This year has seen 35 students and 10 members of staff, from St. Mary’s School, Menston; The University of Leeds and Newcastle College volunteer in South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. Over a three-month period, they delivered a range of needs led Bambisanani projects and programmes to 3,679 young people in 32 different schools including 7 schools that were completely new to the initiative. With the objective to: ‘To use sport & education to inspire, engage and develop young people and communities in both countries’ the visits have been a remarkable success in terms of both purpose and impact.
Each visit brought different strengths, fresh ideas and measurable impact to local schools and community projects, while giving both UK and South African students volunteers a hands-on, experience of cross-cultural learning.
St. Mary’s School: festival-style athletics and community learning
St. Mary’s returned to the Nkandla region with a group of student leaders and staff who organised the Bambisanani Schools’ International Athletics Challenge and community sports festivals. The St. Mary’s team led athletics events for multiple local primary schools, delivering coaching, officiating and leadership opportunities that engaged hundreds of young South African pupils. Beyond sport, the group ran literacy and early-years activities—visiting daycare centres and supporting reading sessions— bringing classroom skills into the community and reinforcing the Partnership’s “learning through sport” ethos. The visit was described as purposeful and hugely motivating for both visitors and hosts.
University of Leeds: cycling, girls’ programmes and award-winning delivery
The University of Leeds volunteer team built on several years of collaboration, focusing this year on cycling development and targeted programmes for girls. Their work linked into the Partnership’s emerging cycling hub initiatives — coaching local cycling sessions, supporting skill-building and discussing sustainability for future hubs — while also delivering leadership training and school-based sport sessions. The Leeds team’s impact was also recognised back home: their work with Bambisanani and the student volunteering programme (Gryphons Abroad) has been singled out in university awards and Partnership praise, underlining the quality and longevity of the Leeds–Bambisanani link.
Newcastle (Newcastle College): three weeks of sustained support and skills exchange
A group of students and staff from Newcastle completed a three-week placement in rural KwaZulu-Natal, part of their annual volunteering programme with the Partnership. Their visit combined sports coaching, classroom support and community outreach — from running inclusive coaching sessions and sports festivals to supporting literacy activities and mentoring local student leaders. Newcastle’s programme emphasised sustained presence: three weeks allowed relationships to develop, practical skills to be embedded, and local partners to co-design sessions that met immediate needs while planning for longer-term follow-up. The college reported that students returned inspired, better equipped for future careers and committed to ongoing fundraising and support.
“I have nothing but praise and admiration for the remarkable staff and students from St. Mary’s, University of Leeds, Newcastle College and all our partners in South Africa. Our needs led programmes in South Africa are making a real difference in the communities in which we work. Young people from both countries are working together and learning together in the most meaningful way. This is extremely difficult and challenging work but our team continues to respond providing the most powerful educational opportunities. Their commitment and enthusiasm know no bounds as all three institutions are now well underway in planning their 2026 visits to South Africa which will mark the 20th Anniversary of the partnership.”
Related articles:
Teacher will complete 26 Triathlons to fund Bambisanani Sport and Art Project
This year David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher at St. Joseph’s Pudsey, is undertaking a sponsored triathlon challenge that involves completing a triathlon every fortnight - 26 in total
David Farmer
The triathlons will be gym based and will range from a half triathlon to full Olympic triathlon. This will involve a 750m swim up to 1500m, a 20k cycle ride up to 40k and a 5k run up to a 10k run.
To date he has completed 13 triathlons including a full Olympic distance triathlon, which took 4 hours to complete.
All the proceeds will go to fund an art project linking young people in the UK and South Africa, which will focus on the concept of Ubuntu – which means humanity and brotherhood (I am because you are). The children will complete art pieces and then have their works exhibited celebrating Ubuntu through sport. The funding raised will pay for resources and artists to assist children to ensure there are no barriers to the children taking part.
If you wish to donate please use the following details here
For further information please contact David Farmer: d.farmer@stjosphspudsey.org
Pioneering Initiative Empowers 10,000 Young People Through Cycling
A pioneering collaboration between the Bambisanani Partnership, KZN Cycling, University of Leeds and the KZN Department of Education has reached an extraordinary milestone: teaching its 10,000th young person how to ride and maintain a bicycle. This remarkable achievement highlights the power of education, sport, and international cooperation to change lives.
In rural South Africa, access to reliable transport can be a daily challenge for young people striving to attend school, take part in community activities or seize new opportunities. Recognising this, the Bambisanani Partnership introduced its cycling initiative to equip learners with both the skill and confidence to ride, as well as the knowledge to maintain and repair their own bicycles.
Initiated by the University of Leeds and working closely with the KZN Department of Education, the programme has quickly become one of the most impactful elements of the partnership’s work. For many learners, this is their very first experience of cycling – a simple yet transformative skill that opens doors to independence, improved mobility and even future employment opportunities. Beyond the practical benefits, the initiative has also inspired teamwork, resilience, and leadership among young people.
Teachers and community leaders have praised the programme for bringing joy, freedom, and empowerment to children who might otherwise face daily struggles to travel long distances on foot. The cycling lessons are more than just physical activity; they are lessons in perseverance and problem-solving, as students also learn how to fix punctures, adjust brakes, and care for their bikes responsibly.
Beyond the basic teaching programme some youngsters have also progressed to participating in competitive events with the opportunity to access Province wide High-Performance Pathways for talented cyclists.
The milestone of 10,000 participants is a testament to the long-term vision of the Bambisanani Partnership, which for nearly two decades has used sport, leadership, and learning as a force for good. What began as a collaboration between St. Mary’s School, Menston, in the UK and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal has now grown into an internationally recognised model of partnership and development.
As one participant put it: “When I learned to ride a bike, I felt free. Now I can get to school quicker, help my family, and teach others what I know.”
David Geldart Volunteer CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership, said:
“Reaching 10,000 young people is a landmark achievement for our cycling programme. This initiative is about so much more than learning to ride; it is about giving young people independence, confidence, and the ability to shape their own futures. Huge thanks must go to all the partner organisations and individuals who are making this important programme possible.”
Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling added, “Our aim is to try and change people’s lives on a daily basis, whether this be by teaching someone how to ride a bike and thereby allow them to travel easier and further, or to just boost their confidence and give them a sense of belief in their abilities or to teach them to affect repairs and thereby give them a potential job skill that may allow them to feed their families down the line… Whatever it is, the more people there are in a programme allows for additional impact, and it is very evident that 10,000+ people means we are all going to be helping and impact positively many more people more often. It’s been a fantastic partnership thus far, and we look forward to the next 10,000.”
Local educators have also praised the scheme’s impact. One teacher from Mnyakanya High School commented:
“For many of our learners, a bicycle is life-changing. It helps them get to school faster, participate in activities, and even support their families. This programme has truly empowered our community.”
The success of the cycling initiative reflects the Bambisanani Partnership’s belief that small steps can create lasting change. By providing young people with skills for life, the programme ensures that the wheels of opportunity keep turning for generations to come.
As the organisation looks to the future, the focus will remain on providing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
Related articles:
Golf Tournament in memory of Bambisanani hero raises funds for Cancer Research
The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament remembers a remarkable man who whilst a teacher at St. Mary’s School, Menston played an important role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership – a unique charity that uses the power of sport to change lives of some of the poorest children in South Africa. The Eleventh Annual Tournament was held at East Morton Golf Club, as it always is, and raised £850 for Cancer Research UK. Over the past eleven years this event has now raised over £13,150 for the charity.
Team photo
As has happened before with this event, the weather completely defied a terrible forecast and the day was a tremendous success, marked with wonderful camaraderie, great fun, superb hospitality and some outstanding golf. 28 people played in the 18-hole Stableford tournament with many others making generous donations and providing prizes.
Joseph Geldart
The winner of the 2025 Martin Green Memorial Trophy was former St. Mary’s student and Bambisanani supporter Joseph Geldart with a very impressive 43 Stableford points. It was a great day for Joe as he also won the Longest Drive competition. Runner up in the tournament was Sam Bennett with 38 points and in third place was Damian McGrath with 36 points. The Straightest Drive competition was won by Simon Eagles and the Nearest the Pin competition was won by Simon Bennett. The Putting prize went to Andy Doherty for a remarkable third year in a row. The awards this year were presented by Alex Smickersgill.
Tournament Champion, Joe Geldart said, “It’s a real honour to be part of this day, let alone win something. Martin was my teacher and a great friend of my dad’s – it’s fantastic to remember him in this way and raise money for Cancer Research.”
Sam Bennett
The event was organised by former friends and colleagues of Martin; Alex Smickersgill, Catherine Chattoe, Michelle Hefferon and David Geldart. David said, “Massive thanks to everyone that played and supported the event in any way. We are indebted to Fred Heaton, Danny Halligan, Paul Rhodes for making it such a great occasion. Special thanks to all the organisations and individuals that provided an absolutely outstanding array prizes and refreshments. Thank you of course to St. Mary’s School and all the team East Morton Golf Club who always go the extra mile to ensure that this tournament is a tremendous success and celebration. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition which will be our 12th Anniversary event and edging towards a target of raising £15,000 for Cancer Research UK.”
The tournament incurs costs of around £200 and for next year we would like to find a sponsor for this amount so that more money can go to support Cancer Research UK – if you can help in any way please contact Alex Smickersgill alex.smickersgill@gmail.com or David Geldart d.geldart@bambisananipartnership.org
www.bambisananipartnership.org
