University of Cape Town: Foundation to keep ‘giant of education’s’ legacy alive

The family of the late Professor Weli Mazamisa, who lectured theology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 1987 to 2010, has ensured that his legacy of inspiring hope and fighting for the education of every African child will live on through the Weli Mazamisa Foundation.

The launch of the foundation took place at UCT’s Upper Campus Residence on Friday, 26 August 2022, bringing family, friends and colleagues together to celebrate Professor Mazamisa’s legend and legacy. Mazamisa, who was also a reverend in the Dutch Reformed Church of Africa, passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer.

“UCT is a very special location for our foundation,” said Mazamisa’s eldest granddaughter, Ande Mazamisa, in her opening address. “It was here that my grandfather mentored and educated so many people who have gone on to make successes of their lives.”

With the foundation still being in its infancy, the managing team is still in the process of establishing the mechanisms they will use to support education, said CEO Tswang Letlape.



“We hope to contribute to changing the lives of young girls and boys, especially from disadvantaged communities.”

“The idea is to support young people from disadvantaged communities through high school and into university,” he said.

“We hope to contribute to changing the lives of young girls and boys, especially from disadvantaged communities, helping them to combat or eradicate poverty and reducing the levels of illiteracy in our country.”

It is this influence and impact on the lives of young people that the newly established foundation aims to celebrate and uphold.