Mvula

In a world dominated by urgent headlines and daily chaos, it’s easy to forget that behind uniforms, titles, and duties are real people capable of extraordinary kindness. On the crisp Monday morning of June 2, 2025, a routine moment in Durban transformed into something heartwarming. Metro Officer Zama, a member of Durban Metro Police, unknowingly stepped into the spotlight for the best reason possible, genuine compassion. It all started when Lorraine Marriott and her daughter found themselves stuck on the side of the road. Their car had broken down in a stretch of Durban not known for its friendliness to stranded motorists. Vulnerable and unsure of what to do next,…

Elon Musk’s journey from Pretoria to becoming one of the most influential figures in technology and space exploration is a story of relentless ambition. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has disrupted industries ranging from electric vehicles to private space travel, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. His impact extends far beyond his companies—his innovations have redefined global transportation, communications, and the push for interplanetary colonisation. Yet, despite his global success, Musk’s South African roots played a key role in shaping his outlook. Growing up in Pretoria, he developed a deep interest in science and engineering, which laid the foundation for his later ventures. His story is not just…

As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns across the globe, South Africa has found itself increasingly vulnerable to drought and water scarcity. For rural communities already struggling with access to safe, consistent water sources, these environmental shifts are not distant threats, they are daily realities. Amid this uncertainty, a centuries-old practice is gaining new relevance, rainwater harvesting. Organisations like The Mvula Trust have recognised that resilience starts with local solutions. By equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to harvest rainwater, they are not just improving access, they are empowering self-sufficiency, improving health outcomes, and strengthening climate resilience. In 2025, rainwater harvesting is no longer just a backup plan,…

​Born on December 22, 1979, in Mokwasele village, Modjadji, South Africa, Rali Mampeule’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in real estate is both inspiring and instructive. Starting as a street hawker selling boerewors rolls while pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree through UNISA, Mampeule’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the real estate sector. In 2001, he began his career as an assistant real estate agent at Chas Everitt International Property Group in Bryanston, Johannesburg. By 2004, he acquired a Chas Everitt franchise in Midrand, becoming the first Black real estate top executive in South African history. Mampeule’s commitment to education saw him completing an Advanced Management…

South Africa is home to over 37,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), each with assets exceeding $1 million, and a growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) with fortunes above $30 million. Collectively, they control a significant portion of the country’s private wealth, which is estimated at around $651 billion. While mining and traditional industries have long been the backbone of wealth creation, modern investors are diversifying their portfolios to protect against economic volatility, currency depreciation, and shifting global markets. Investment strategies among South Africa’s wealthy are shaped by the need to balance risk and long-term growth. Equities remain a dominant asset class, with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) providing access to major…

South Africa’s rural areas are often described in terms of their deficits, of infrastructure, employment, and opportunity. Yet behind these narratives lies a quieter story of progress, where meaningful work and community-led development are reshaping futures. Through public employment programmes, rural communities are building skills, confidence, and sustainable livelihoods. The Mvula Trust, whose work in community-based infrastructure development doesn’t just meet basic needs, it empowers people to be the architects of their own transformation. In 2025, as unemployment and inequality remain critical national concerns, such programmes offer more than short-term relief; they represent a long-term vision for inclusive, localised economic growth. Jobs That Build Communities The Expanded Public Works Programme…

In recent years, the global fashion industry has witnessed a significant trend of celebrities launching their own fashion lines, leveraging their personal brands to enter the retail market. This phenomenon is not limited to Hollywood; South African celebrities have also embraced this venture, merging their public personas with entrepreneurial ambitions. One notable example is Bonang Matheba, a prominent South African media personality. In 2008, she collaborated with retailer Legit to introduce her first clothing line, “Just B.” This initial success paved the way for subsequent ventures, including a handbag collection called “Baby Star” and the ongoing lingerie line “Distraction By Bonang” with Woolworths, launched in 2014. Another significant figure is…

Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer, the twin daughters of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, are members of one of Britain’s most distinguished aristocratic families. As nieces of the late Princess Diana, they have grown up in the shadow of royal heritage while forging their own path in the world of fashion, philanthropy, and media. Unlike many of their British aristocratic peers, the twins spent much of their formative years in South Africa, a decision that shaped their personalities, outlook on life, and approach to fame. Cape Town, with its blend of cosmopolitan luxury and natural splendour, became the backdrop for their unique upbringing, offering both privacy and opportunity away…

Patrice Motsepe’s ascent from a modest childhood in Soweto to one of Africa’s most influential business and sports figures is a testament to vision, resilience, and strategic decision-making. As South Africa’s first Black billionaire, he reshaped the mining industry through African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and later extended his influence into football leadership as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His journey is one of calculated ambition, merging corporate success with philanthropy and sports development. Born on 28 January 1962, Motsepe grew up in a business-oriented household. His father, Augustine Motsepe, a chief of the Mmakau community, owned a small but successful retail store that catered to local…

In South Africa’s rural communities, something powerful is happening, not with loud announcements or flashy campaigns, but through the steady construction of dignity. Where pit latrines once stood as symbols of neglect, sustainable sanitation facilities are being built, maintained, and owned by the very people who use them. Organisations like The Mvula Trust have been instrumental in shifting the narrative from donor-led delivery to community-owned infrastructure. While government policy and funding are critical, the key to lasting impact lies in grassroots ownership. In 2025, as South Africa continues to address historic service delivery gaps in water and sanitation, it’s clear that empowering communities is not just a strategic choice, it’s…