Our Vision
To create a resilient, self-sustaining society rooted in compassion, equity, and holistic human development — where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
ROOTED IN UBUNTU · EST. SOUTH AFRICA
Thapelo Manaswe Foundation
“A life not lived for others is not a life.”— Mother Teresa
We drive real transformation and community upliftment through a helping people help themselves model — grounded in dignity, research, and cross-sector collaboration.
SINCE INCEPTION
Ubuntu in Action
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Real transformation, rooted in Ubuntu.
The Thapelo Manaswe Foundation is a South African non-profit dedicated to community upliftment through a “helping people help themselves” model. Our work is grounded in Ubuntu — the philosophy of shared prosperity and interconnectedness — and delivered through integrated, evidence-informed programs that restore dignity and unlock opportunity.
Our Mission
To uplift marginalized communities through integrated socio-economic, health, educational, and spiritual empowerment initiatives — guided by integrity, research-driven planning, and cross-sector collaboration.
LEADERSHIP
Meet the Leadership
The executive team steering the Foundation's vision and impact.
John Manaswe
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Founder and leader of MLJ Holdings, a 100% black-owned, diversified group of companies with a strong footprint across construction, transport, technology, food, property, medical supplies, and financial services. An electrical technician by profession, John began his entrepreneurial journey in 2004, drawing mentorship from established groups such as SFC, Sephaku Holdings, and Nghulu Holdings. He has served as a youth coordinator at NAFCOC, sat on multiple boards, and remains deeply committed to mentorship, youth empowerment, and the growth of emerging entrepreneurs in South Africa. He is currently pursuing an MBA through GIBS (Gordon Institute of Business Science) and had been a shareholder for Xerox North-West.
Kholofelo Seloane
Director of Operations
Born and raised in Limpopo, Kholofelo brings over 15 years of experience in financial services and a deep passion for education, community upliftment, and sustainable development. With expertise in strategic thinking, financial management, and risk assessment, she is committed to empowering underserved communities through knowledge, innovation, and responsible leadership. Her vision is to create lasting social impact by investing in people and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Monailane Phaahla
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Cultivating institutional partnerships, stakeholder dialogues, and resource mobilization across sectors.
John Manaswe
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Founder and leader of MLJ Holdings, a 100% black-owned, diversified group of companies with a strong footprint across construction, transport, technology, food, property, medical supplies, and financial services. An electrical technician by profession, John began his entrepreneurial journey in 2004, drawing mentorship from established groups such as SFC, Sephaku Holdings, and Nghulu Holdings. He has served as a youth coordinator at NAFCOC, sat on multiple boards, and remains deeply committed to mentorship, youth empowerment, and the growth of emerging entrepreneurs in South Africa. He is currently pursuing an MBA through GIBS (Gordon Institute of Business Science) and had been a shareholder for Xerox North-West.
Kholofelo Seloane
Director of Operations
Born and raised in Limpopo, Kholofelo brings over 15 years of experience in financial services and a deep passion for education, community upliftment, and sustainable development. With expertise in strategic thinking, financial management, and risk assessment, she is committed to empowering underserved communities through knowledge, innovation, and responsible leadership. Her vision is to create lasting social impact by investing in people and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Monailane Phaahla
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Cultivating institutional partnerships, stakeholder dialogues, and resource mobilization across sectors.
FOUR PILLARS IN HARMONY
Our Core Principles
The values that hold every program together.
TMF
Humility
Serving communities with deep respect, active listening, and a grounded commitment to grassroots realities.
Integrity
Operating with total transparency, accountability, and ethical resilience during both calm and challenging times.
Empathy
Placing human dignity and compassion at the center of every program and intervention.
Collaboration
Fostering strategic alliances between governments, businesses, academic institutions, and local groups to maximize impact.
SCOPE OF WORK
Operational Sectors
Ten interconnected sectors where we invest, partner, and deliver impact.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
How we turn intent into lasting impact.
Our implementation model is built on three interlocking pillars — a disciplined framework that ensures every rand, every partnership, and every program compounds into durable community change.
- 01
The “Teach a Man to AcademicCapIcon” Approach
Every intervention is designed to transfer skills, agency, and ownership — moving beneficiaries from dependence to self-reliance.
- 02
Cross-Sector Partnership Model
We convene government, business, academia, and community groups into coalitions that pool resources and multiply reach.
- 03
Evidence-Based & Research-Informed
Programs are shaped by data, on-the-ground insight, and continuous learning — so impact is measurable and repeatable.
LATEST FROM THE FIELD
News & Impact Stories
JOIN US
Upcoming Events
Workshops, training days, and public engagement sessions — everyone welcome.
More events published monthly — subscribe below.
GET IN TOUCH
Volunteer. Donate. Partner.
Every meaningful movement starts with a conversation. Reach out — we'll respond within two business days.
Email
info@tmcmanaswefoundation.org.za
PhoneIcon
082 621 8424
Head Office
Unit 49, Sildale Park Cnr Asetileen &, Conveyor Rd, Silvertondale, 0184