human rights Day Reflecting the progress made since the beginning of democracy serves as a reminder to South Africans to promote unity and equality.

Premier Soccer League and Orlando Pirates Chairperson, Dr Irwin Khoza has played this role by fulfilling the right to education for hundreds of children whose parents died in the line of duty for the South African National Defense Force (SANDF).

21 March is an important day on the South African calendar. It is a day to, among other things, promote a culture of respect, equality and human dignity. In doing so, citizens strengthen the fight against discrimination and inequality and remind each other of the need to continue addressing socio-economic issues, racism and gender-based violence (GBV).

On this day, citizens take time out to reflect on their rights and responsibilities. One such civilian is Dr. Irwin Khoza: “Since being appointed Honorary Colonel in 2009, I have learned that wearing the uniform is not about the position; it is about the importance of the profession.”

He says that today whether it is beautiful sport or charity, the goal is the same. Even the joy of scoring cannot match the power of lifting a child out of despair through education. He added, “Investing in education is the only way to secure our future.”

For Khoza, education is the cornerstone and key that can unlock everything. He plays his role by contributing well to the SANDF Education Trust. The trust pays the fees of those whose parents died while serving the country.

“You are not just paying school fees, you are nurturing the doctors, engineers and generals of the future. I am proud to share the impact of the Education Trust, supporting a total of 741 beneficiaries since its inception. To our recipient graduates, you are the embodiment of resilience. Continue to fly the flag of the Trust with pride. The success of this mission depends on public-private partnerships,” says PSL Chairman Irwin Khoza.

His contribution to the SANDF Education Trust has helped transform many lives.

“My name is Sinovuyo Maphutha, daughter of the late Corporal Sikhambuzo Maphutha. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the SANDF Trust and Colonel Dr. Irwin Khoza for investing in my education. Through your generosity, I was able to complete my journey from high school to tertiary studies, eventually graduating from law school. I now await my admission as an advocate of the High Court of South Africa Am,” says Maphutha.

“I am Dr. Mohadi Maake, one of the beneficiaries of the SANDF Trust Fund. I am the descendant of Maake, who died in the DRC in 2004. I was fortunate to be funded through high school, and I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2021. I am currently working as a medical officer. We are here to recognize Colonel Dr. Irwin Khoza for the contributions he made towards the fund Have come to honor and express our gratitude,” says. Make.

“My name is Nomfundiso Sobantu, daughter of the late Lulamile Sobantu who died in a plane crash in 2012. I stand here as a beneficiary of the trust fund. I am a graduate, qualified in the travel and tourism sector. Today, my sisters and I are graduates because of this initiative. We also have a younger brother who is in his third year because of this fund. When my father passed away, he was seven years old Was,” says Sobantu.

Khoja was honored by the SANDF at a private function for his contribution to the upliftment of the society.

He says, “I want to thank General Mafwanya for this honor in my lifetime. I have never been honored like this before; it is emotional for me and I have no words. God bless you.”

The private sector has also been invited to donate to the good cause.

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