Thobani Ndlovu’s commitment to shaping rural South Africa through education and community empowerment

By The Good Newspaper

Thobani Ndlovu is a man driven by purpose. As a visionary leader of the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust (RDET), Thobani is reshaping the educational landscape in rural South Africa, demonstrating that change begins with a single step, and a deep belief in the potential of every individual. Through his visionary leadership, the Trust is transforming the lives of children while also empowering teachers, parents, and entire communities, creating a strong foundation for a more sustainable future.

Thobani’s journey with the Trust is grounded in an understanding that education is far more than what happens inside a classroom. It’s about building an ecosystem of support, one that nurtures not only students but also the people who guide them, inspiring long-term impact that reverberates far beyond the walls of the classroom. “If we want to see children grow, we need to engage with their communities,” Thobani explains. “It’s not just about what happens in the classroom; it’s about building up the entire support system around the child.”

Under his leadership, the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust has created a space where education is intertwined with community development. Thobani’s work focuses on the belief that true transformation can only occur when children, parents, educators, and the entire community come together to create a nurturing environment. This approach enables the Trust to address the root causes of inequality and create sustainable change.

RDET is creating a space where both teachers and students are enabled to reach their full potential. Thobani and his team prioritise the professional and personal development of educators, ensuring they receive the training, resources, and support they need to thrive. By uplifting teachers, the Trust is not only enhancing the quality of education but also cultivating a new generation of educators poised to drive change within their communities.

An example of the Trust’s impact can be found in the story of a teacher who began her journey as a cook at a local daycare. Today, she is an integral part of the RDET team, pursuing her final year in education, mentoring other teachers, and leading the Trust’s Baby Booth programme that provides essential resources to young families.

“Watching her journey has been truly inspiring,” says Thobani. “It’s a testament to the power of opportunity and support. She started in a humble role, and now she is helping others, passing along the knowledge and inspiration she received.”

Through this kind of mentorship and support, RDET is creating a new model of education, one where educators are not only responsible for imparting knowledge but are also provided with the opportunity to grow and thrive in their own personal and professional journeys. Thobani believes that every child has the potential to change the world.

The Royal Drakensberg Education Trust’s initiatives aim to provide children with the tools they need to thrive; both academically and in life. From providing daily porridge at local daycare centres to donating books and fostering a love of reading, Thobani is ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the resources to succeed.

“Our focus is not only on helping children read or perform well in school but on inspiring them to dream,” Thobani says. “We want them to believe that their circumstances don’t have to define their future. Education opens doors, and we want these kids to walk through them with confidence and hope.”

The impact of these efforts is already evident. Some of the children who have gone through the Royal Drakensberg system are now graduating, excelling in their careers, or pursuing their passions. Others are performing in concerts, reaching milestones they once thought unattainable. These stories are a testament to the power of education to transform lives, and Thobani is proud to be part of a journey that’s helping children realise their potential.

Thobani’s work in the Royal Drakensberg is just the beginning. His dream extends beyond the borders of this community, with a vision to replicate the success of RDET’s model across rural South Africa. "The goal is not just to succeed here but to create a blueprint that can be used in other rural communities," Thobani shares. "We want to show that when you get it right in one place, it can inspire change in many others."

The future is about formalising the work already in motion and creating systems that will continue to impact communities for generations to come. By focusing on community development, teacher empowerment, and student success, the Trust aims to build a model that can be replicated in other underserved areas across the country. Thobani is optimistic that by sharing what has worked in the Drakensberg, others will be inspired to take similar steps in their own regions.

“We believe in the power of education to create long-term change, and we are committed to making that vision a reality,” Thobani adds.

Thobani’s final message to supporters is simple: “The most rewarding thing you can do is see the impact of your contribution with your own eyes.” While the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust welcomes donations, Thobani emphasises that the true power of support lies in witnessing firsthand how small acts of kindness can transform lives.

Whether it’s donating books, providing financial assistance, or volunteering time, every act of support helps ensure that children receive the education and care they deserve. For those who want to see the change they are making, Thobani invites them to visit the community and witness the profound impact of their contributions.

"Whether it’s sending a few books or knitting a warm sweater for a child, your actions make a difference. Come and see the smiles on the children’s faces, the joy in the classrooms, and the success stories that are unfolding every day," says Thobani.

In a world that is often focused on immediate returns, Thobani’s message is clear: the true impact of education and community development is not always immediate - but the rewards are profound and lasting. With continued support, the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust is set to change the lives of many more children, families, and educators, one step at a time.