It’s in your hands now
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“As our beloved Madiba said: ‘Education is the key that opens doors’. Never stop learning!” says Dr Moloi Motsepe.
Wits alumni Mr Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe established the Joburg-based Motsepe Foundation in 1999. This philanthropic organisation supports educational, social, healthcare, women and youth empowerment and faith-based projects in South Africa and Africa.
Mr Motsepe, business and mining entrepreneur, has an LLB from Wits (1988). Dr Moloi Motsepe, business entrepreneur, medical doctor and women’s empowerment champion, has an MBBCh (1987). In January 2013 they became the first African signatories to the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world’s wealthiest to pledge a substantial part of their wealth to philanthropy in their lifetime.
They are strong advocates that “knowledge is power” and their generous support to Wits students over the years is motivated by the call to collective action by Nelson Mandela, who, on the eve of his retirement from active politics, said: “It’s in your hands now”. “As our beloved Madiba said: ‘Education is the key that opens doors’. Never stop learning!” says Dr Moloi Motsepe.
As part of their giving to Wits, the Motsepe Foundation has funded many bursaries for Wits students to assist them in furthering their education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine. Of these students, about 55% are women.
Dr Moloi Motsepe is a powerful role model for young women. Her dream is “to see women in Africa freed of the invisible chains that are holding them back. I dream of a continent where women have achieved full economic emancipation and reach their full potential.”