Ntokozo Rwapuluza

Ntokozo Rwapuluza is a Zulu youth, currently enrolled at  Nelson Mandela University, working toward a bachelors degree in marketing.

Khaymandi Foundation sponsored Ntokozo through high school from 2014 – 2018.

Born in Soweto (Johannesburg), Ntokozo was raised by his single mother and grandmother. Ntokozo has no recollection of ever meeting his father. In 2004, when he was four, Ntokozo’s mother relocated to Knysna to seek employment and join her sister. Her son was left in the care of his grandmother in Soweto until they joined Ntokozo’s mother in Knysna in 2006.

When he was ready to start grade 2, Ntokozo was so small compared to his classmates that the school insisted he repeat grade 1. Given his academic performance, the school soon felt compelled to reverse their decision and just two months later Ntokozo was promoted to grade 2.

In 2013, Ntokozo was selected by his grade 8 teachers to join a youth mentorship group for boys. The Bulele Group is an initiative of a Canadian couple, Jim Jamer & Janet Biggar, who mentor and tutor disadvantaged youth in the Knysna township. Grade 8 to 12 boys acquire life skills, analytical & critical thinking abilities, an appreciation of the need to serve as positive role models, and academic tutoring and support.

Because of Ntokozo’s potential, Jim Jamer recommended that Khayamandi Foundation sponsor him at Oakhill School, a private high school in Knysna.  Ntokozo, a determined and upstanding young man, thrived throughout his high school career.