IRFF UK recently spoke with five bright young students from the Slovo Study Group—an initiative that provides both moral and financial support to help young people in Joe Slovo township complete their education and pursue their dreams.
The students follow the South African CAPS curriculum through online schooling, offering them a chance to succeed despite difficult circumstances. The opportunity has been life-changing.
Ibanathi Buqa
Ibanathi is studying Business and History and aims to pursue Human Resource Management or Education.
"Many kids my age are involved with drugs or gangs, but this program helped me develop positive habits," Ibanathi says.
Determined to set an example for his siblings, he remains focused: "There will be struggles — potholes in the road, hills to climb — but everything happens for the greater good."
Committed to success, he vows, "I’ll keep working hard, making sure your (IRFF UK's) investment in us turns into something meaningful."
Thoko Madikane
Thoko is upgrading English HL, Business Studies, and History, with plans to study law.
Thoko's passion for justice stems from firsthand experiences. "There’s a lot of crime where I live — that pushed me toward wanting to make a difference " she explains.
She hopes to help victims of gender-based violence, stating, "I want to serve justice for free, especially for children and women in South Africa." Determined to right the wrongs, Thoko says, "I want to help, support, and make a change."
Iphelele Baxana
Iphelele is passionate about helping others and hopes to study Physiotherapy or Applied Geology. He enjoys writing screenplays as a hobby.
Joining the study group gave Iphelele direction. "It kept me away from trouble and motivated me to read," he says. While soccer is a big part of his life, he sees physiotherapy as a way to stay involved in sports while making a meaningful impact.
Before, Iphelele lacked direction, but: "Now I have a clearer picture of where I want to be in five years." Inspired by his hardworking sister, he said he now values purpose over short-term thinking.
Ayabonga Mkuhlu
Ayabonga dreams of a career in Human Resource Management while developing his writing skills, exploring theatre, acting and scriptwriting.
"The Slovo Study Group has made a big difference in my life," Ayabonga says. "I saw it as an opportunity — something I’d never had before — so I took it with both hands and stayed grateful for it."
Though societal pressure encourages conventional careers, he remains committed to his creative ambitions. "My parents wouldn’t let me go to art school unless I studied graphics" for financial stability.
Ayabonga now sees teaching as a way to balance his passion with stability, quietly working on his writing while focusing on education.
Iminathi Kose
Iminathi is studying Business and History and has long aspired to be a teacher and contribute to the education system.
Frustrated with the poor level of teaching, Iminathi would often say to himself: "I could teach this better than my teachers."
Growing up in the rough Joe Slovo township near Port Elizabeth, he found solace in the Slovo Study Group, calling its members his closest friends.
Iminathi hopes to become the kind of educator he once wished for: "I wouldn’t say I can change the country — that’s a huge task — but I can make a difference in my area."
Looks Like a Hopeful Road Ahead!
These students are determined and resilient. They are pursuing their education and planning careers with support from IRFF UK and the Slovo Study Group. Furthermore, they have the mindset to uplift their communities.
We are overjoyed to prove that, with perseverance and encouragement, success is possible — no matter the obstacles.
If you would like to sponsor the youth, as always 100% of your donation will go directly to the cause.
Support IRFF UK today by following us on LinkedIn here and receive even more news and updates!
At IRFF UK, our work goes beyond education and study groups — we're committed to creating lasting impact in communities across the globe. Learn more about our ongoing projects, including our efforts as a charity for Africa and our initiatives as a period poverty charity, both aimed at empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development.
If you are in the UK, consider sending a bank transfer so every last penny goes to IRFF UK:I
nternational Relief Friendship Foundation
Account number: 96497645
Sort Code: 60-05-29
