Contact information: phone: 27.11.403.0310; e-mail: oamponsah@sbf.org.za;

Organization: The Steve Biko Foundation, created in 1998.

Organization’s biography: The vision of the Steve Biko Foundation is to be the premier independent promoter of the values Steve Biko lived and died for: restoring people to their true humanity. In pursuit of this ideal, the foundation promotes developing history, culture, identity and values, all issues that speak to the soul of a nation. Accordingly, the foundation facilitates programs at both the grassroots and national levels in the areas of public dialogue; leadership development; and research, policy and publications. Focusing on the relationship between identity, agency and social change, the foundation’s programs address arts and culture, education, community health, sports and economic development. 

Mott grants through 2009: Five grants totaling $485,000 since 2002. 

What the Steve Biko Foundation is doing during the World Cup: Aside from cheering on Bafana-Bafana, the foundation hosted the conference, 2010 Beyond the Rhetoric: Opportunities for Youth & Local Communities. It convened 120 youth leaders from community-based organizations to discuss the opportunities resulting from the World Cup. Featured speakers included Danny Jordaan, CEO of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2010 World Cup games. The gathering also highlighted media, heritage, tourism and sports opportunities that communities could pursue during the World Cup and beyond.

My most meaningful place in South Africa: It has to be Ginsberg. Located in the Eastern Cape, Ginsberg Township is the home not only of Steve Biko, but it also has nurtured the talent and abilities of leaders such as Tenjiwe Mtinso, now a South African ambassador; Malusi Mpumlwana, a bishop within the Ethiopian Episcopal Church; Griffiths Mxenge, an assassinated human rights activist; and many others. A small and very humble community, Ginsberg’s history speaks to the greatness that lies within each of us waiting to be developed.

Organization contact info: 

23 Jorissen Street
Braamfontein Centre
Johannesburg, South Africa

Phone: 27.11.403.0310
E-mail: admin@sbf.org.za
Web site: www.sbf.org.za