Our Story – Working Together, Learning Together

Last updated: 02/07/2026

The Bambisanani Partnership began in 2006 as an innovative collaboration between schools in the United Kingdom and South Africa, founded through a British Council and Youth Sport Trust initiative. The partnership originally linked St. Mary’s High School in Leeds with Mnyakanya High School, located in one of the most disadvantaged rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Since then, the relationship has grown deep roots in both schools, inspiring young people across a wide range of subjects through shared learning experiences.

The word “Bambisanani,” which means “working hand in hand” in Zulu, perfectly expresses the spirit and vision of the partnership. Sport is used as a powerful tool to drive education, health awareness, leadership, and global citizenship. This approach enables students from very different backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together.

Over time, the partnership expanded to include prominent institutions like the University of Leeds and Newcastle College, who, along with St. Mary’s School, regularly send students to South Africa to broaden and enrich the work being done. Central to the partnership’s philosophy is the creation of genuine reciprocal (two-way) learning, where both countries share knowledge, ideas, and inspiration in equal measure.

Over the past 20 years, more than 40,000 students from the UK and South Africa have taken part in various Bambisanani projects. These include leadership development through sport, cycling initiatives teaching bike riding and maintenance, sports festivals, and creative programmes that link literacy, numeracy, and the arts to physical activity. The partnership also delivers professional training for physical education teachers and coaches, further strengthening educational capacity in both countries.

Beyond educational and sporting activities, the charity has also supported practical community needs – such as bringing clean water and sanitation to schools, establishing computer facilities, providing university bursaries, and even rebuilding homes following wildfires.

Despite facing challenging circumstances, the partnership has not only endured but flourished, gaining multiple awards and international recognition. It now involves numerous schools and universities, continually growing its impact and reach.

All Bambisanani projects are driven by local needs and involve local communities at every stage of development and delivery. The work of the partnership is not about charity it is about meaningful collaborations and empowerment. South African businessman and entrepreneur Logan Govender notes:

“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.”

The Bambisanani story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of sport. It reminds educators of why they chose their profession and inspires young people by showing how sport can unite communities, break down barriers, and create hope where there was once despair.

Photo: Sports Festival at Mnyakanya High School

Photo: The road to Mnyakanya High School

Reflecting on the partnership, John Rolfe MBE of the British Council notes,

“This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”

Dr Jo Harris of Loughborough University adds,

“The Bambisanani Partnership is an authentic example of educating children about health, global citizenship, and leadership — a win-win for students in the UK and South Africa, with lasting benefits and friendships.”

Photo: Playing football in 2006 taken by David Geldart when he first visited Nkandla

Students themselves reflect on how the experience changed their perspectives and lives:

“My visit to South Africa gave me a more meaningful perspective on what really matters in life.”

— UK student

“We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done.”

— South African student

The words of Nelson Mandela echo throughout the partnership’s ethos:

“Sport has the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sport can create hope where there was once only despair. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination. Sport speaks to people in a language they can understand.”

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Photo: Pupils from both schools working together

The Bambisanani Partnership remains committed to its founding values—working hand in hand, learning side by side, and changing lives through the enduring power of partnership, sport, and education.

Please also see our highly acclaimed books, Bambisanani in Numbers and Bambisanani Articles.