---
title: "Re-Imagine Education: How Dream Holidays Are Powering Real Life Changing for South African Children"
description: Join Steadfast Africa’s charity auction in London or online—luxury safaris fund digital learning and sports programmes for rural South African youth
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2025-06-19T16:29:31.000Z
updated: 2026-02-26T22:04:47.660Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/re-imagine-education-how-dream-holidays-are-powering-real-life-changing-for-south-african-chi
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/o5emzfdxedg.jpg
categories: Philanthropic Minds
content_type: News
region: South Africa
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

The allure of a five-star safari in Kenya or a luxurious stay at Cape Town’s Mount Nelson is tempting enough on its own. But knowing that entering a raffle for such a prize could put a laptop in the hands of a rural South African student or help send a child to school? That turns a simple holiday dream into something far more meaningful.

When boutique travel company Steadfast Africa hosts its annual charity auction on 18 June at The Orangery in Holland Park, London, it’s about more than the £1.5-million worth of prizes on offer. It’s about proving that supporting a worthy cause can be as simple as [planning your next getaway](https://richwoman.co/article/water-at-the-doorstep-how-clean-taps-are-changing-lives-and-nature-in-rural-malawi).

## An Exclusive Event with Global Reach

The Celebrating Africa’s Best event combines the exclusivity of a summer garden party with the accessibility of online participation. Guests can bid on luxury stays at properties like Angama Amboseli in Kenya, the brand new Masiya’s Camp in Greater Kruger, or Sambora Kinigi in Rwanda. For those unable to attend in person, the [online raffle](https://raffall.com/386471/enter-raffle-to-win-steadfast-africas-annual-charity-raffle-prizes-hosted-by-steadfast-africa) opens the opportunity to a global audience, with tickets costing just £5 each.

All proceeds support two organisations making tangible differences in South African communities: the Good Work Foundation and the Kolisi Foundation. These aren’t abstract charities working from a distance – they’re deeply embedded in the communities they serve, with trackable results that Steadfast Africa’s clients often witness firsthand during their travels.

## Digital Learning Campuses Changing Lives

The Good Work Foundation operates [digital learning campuses](https://www.goodworkfoundation.org/) across rural Mpumalanga and the Free State, serving over 10,000 students weekly. These aren’t traditional classrooms but community-powered hubs that bridge the digital divide for young people who would otherwise have no access to computers or internet connectivity.

‘We are passionate about reimagining both education and opportunity for young rural South Africans,’ explains Kate Groch, the foundation’s CEO and founder. ‘Education is, as we know, a powerful tool for change and thanks to our partners and supporters, we can continue doing our good work.’

Gemma Thompson, the foundation’s head of development, has witnessed the change firsthand. ‘When young people are given the opportunity to access education, anything is possible,’ she says. ‘We’ve seen this truth unfold in rural classrooms, computer labs and conversation circles under the trees.’

The impact extends beyond basic literacy. These digital campuses focus on 21st-century skills – digital literacy, English, mathematics and life skills – that prepare young people for employment in sectors like tourism and IT. The foundation has been formally endorsed by the Mpumalanga Department of Education and creates a network around each campus to link learners with local job opportunities.

## Sport and Education Hand in Hand

The [Kolisi Foundation](https://kolisifoundation.org/), established by Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi, takes a different but equally grassroots approach. Their flagship Siyaphakama Zwide Schools Project supports six schools in Kolisi’s hometown, integrating sports development with academic support and life skills training.

Lauren Budde, the foundation’s partnerships manager, describes [fundraising events](https://richwoman.co/article/community-running-events-drive-record-breaking-local-fundraising-success) like Steadfast Africa’s as examples of ‘intentional collaboration – where philanthropy, purpose and experience intersect. This is a celebration of shared values and a powerful reminder of how storytelling, travel and social impact can come together to change lives.’

The foundation’s work includes rugby clinics, facility improvements and food security programmes, all designed to break cycles of poverty through education and sport. Their Red Bull Roots rugby clinic and plans for a state-of-the-art sports complex demonstrate how sport can be a pathway to broader development.

## Where Travel Meets Purpose

Many of Steadfast Africa’s clients discover these projects during their safaris near Kruger National Park. The company frequently arranges visits to Good Work Foundation campuses, where travellers witness the rural digital learning revolution firsthand.

‘This is where the intersection of luxury travel and social impact can achieve great things,’ says Steadfast Africa managing director Nick Sadleir. ‘Ecotourism and non-profit organisations work hand in hand to better the travel environment, with its ripple effects of job creation and social upliftment, across the continent. It’s not just about raising funds for these organisations, but also encouraging guests to engage with projects directly on their travels, and see this work in action.’

The model ensures that tourism benefits flow directly to local people, creating sustainable livelihoods and protecting [local African cultures](https://richwoman.co/article/in-review-happy-africa-day-2020). Travellers seek experiences that contribute meaningfully to local communities rather than simply extracting from them.

## Proven Impact and Growing Momentum

Last year’s event raised R1.2-million for the two foundations, enabling them to broaden their reach in grassroots communities. The funds directly supported digital learning infrastructure, educational resources and sports development programmes.

The process is transparent and direct. Auction proceeds and raffle ticket sales go straight to the foundations, with donors able to track how their contributions translate into laptops, educational materials, facility improvements or sports equipment. This accountability creates a clear link between a successful bid on a luxury holiday and a child’s access to education.

## How to Get Involved

Participation couldn’t be simpler. [Raffle tickets](https://raffall.com/386471/enter-raffle-to-win-steadfast-africas-annual-charity-raffle-prizes-hosted-by-steadfast-africa) cost £5 each and entries close at 12 noon SAST on Friday 4 July. Winners need not be present and remote bidding on auction lots is welcome, making it accessible to supporters worldwide.

For those attending the event, The Orangery provides an appropriately elegant backdrop for what promises to be both a social highlight and a meaningful contribution to [education and sport development](https://richwoman.co/article/giving-back-where-it-matters-how-one-foundation-connects-neighbourhood-roots-to-stem-futures) in South Africa. For those participating remotely, the knowledge that your ticket purchase could fund a semester of digital learning for a rural student provides its own satisfaction.

The prizes themselves read like a wishlist of African luxury travel: stays at One&Only Cape Town, Dulini Anabezi in Zambia, Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Eagle Island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Each represents not just a dream holiday but a chance to [experience the continent](https://richwoman.co/article/pedalling-with-purpose-the-1333-mental-health-bikeathon-across-sri-lanka) while contributing to its future.

Supporting [meaningful causes](https://richwoman.co/article/honouring-martha-stewart-and-dr-dan-belkin-nyc-second-chance-rescue-hosts-5th-annual-rescue-b) doesn’t always require writing large cheques or attending elaborate galas. Sometimes it’s as joyful as imagining yourself watching elephants at a waterhole or sipping wine on Table Mountain – knowing that your dream getaway is helping to send a child to school or put technology in the hands of young people who desperately need it. Planning your next adventure and changing lives go hand in hand.