MATINYANA FUND

About the Matinyana Fund

In 1999 Vuyo Raymond Matinyana started a student bursary fund for youth from his township Nemato. Due to poverty, many youth don't have money to go to university and don't get a chance to escape poverty. With his bursary fund, talented youth got a chance to study and make a better future for themselves, their families, the community and the country.

In 2001 Raymond passed away and the fund was renamed after him. The Matinyana Fund was based in the Netherlands, where most of the donors were based. Nemato Change a Life ran the South African office of the Matinyana Fund.

All funding came from private donations. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed over the years.

Our students — the impact of your support

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Matinyana Fund helped many young people from Nemato Township achieve their dreams through education. Here are some of their stories:

Siyamthanda Mahabeni

"Growing up with a single parent was never easy. The situation at home kept me motivated to be focused even more. In 2015 I heard about Matinyana Fund. I applied and was accepted. That was the best thing that has ever happened to me — not having to stress about fees and money for groceries is the best feeling ever as a student. I am grateful and truly appreciate the support. I graduated my diploma and am now studying towards a BTech."

Antonia Nobebe

"Through your assistance, I was the first person in my family to get tertiary education and the first university graduate. In 2012 you made it possible for me to own my first laptop — the first computer in the entire family. Today I am a member of the prestigious Golden Key Honours Society, another first for my family. I work for a global company. My life is just beginning and you can be proud to say you were part of it."

Phumlani Tyabazayo

"For five years I waited in the township for a chance to study. When the Matinyana Fund gave me the chance, I took it with both hands. I studied law, did not fail a single subject, and got more than 15 distinctions. Even before finishing, I got a job at a lawyers office. Just a few years later, I started working as a prosecutor."

Luzamo Sandlana

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Matinyana Fund bursary scheme. The bursary assisted me in completing a BA Degree at UWC and a Post-Graduate Journalism Diploma at Rhodes. I am currently working as a Media Liaison Officer in Pretoria. Without the Matinyana Fund I cannot even imagine where I would be."

Sizwe Mjacu

"He completed his Masters Degree in Public Administration at Fort Hare University. Two years in a row he received awards as the best student. He is now employed by our local Ndlambe Municipality in charge of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), guiding plans to improve the economy and living conditions of its citizens."

Noluvo Mbabela

"She completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Rhodes University. Despite the unexpected passing of her father during tests and exam period, she persevered. She has assumed responsibilities as sub-warden and volunteered mentoring at a children's home and at a Matric school."

Noluthando Nakani

"Noluthando graduated in Nature Conservation at NMMU and has been given a contract with Petro SA Nature Reserve as an environmental education intern. During her study she received support from the Matinyana Bursary Fund."

Sylvanus Welcome

"He studied at Rhodes and North West Universities achieving degrees in social sciences, law, and MBA. He has been appointed Institutional Advancement Director and head of the alumni unit at Walter Sisulu University — perfectly suited to help curb student loan burdens from his own lived experience."

These students are just a few examples of the lives changed through the Matinyana Fund. Each one represents a family lifted out of poverty and a community inspired.

Continue Raymond's legacy

We see Nemato Change a Life as the continuation of the work that Raymond started. If you would like to support youth education in Nemato Township, please consider donating to Nemato Change a Life.

Contact us for more information about the legacy of the Matinyana Fund or to share your memories of Raymond's work.