The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has announced that Rise Against Hunger Africa and the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) will each receive R1 million, following the success of the Fund’s annual Charity Golf Day, which raised more than R3.9 million.
The funds were raised with the support of more than 15 sponsors and partners from across South Africa’s financial services sector, demonstrating the impact that collaboration can have in supporting communities and creating opportunities for young people.
Established in 2024, the GEPF Charity Golf Day has quickly become an annual fixture on the Fund’s calendar. The initiative forms part of the GEPF’s broader Social Responsibility Initiatives (SRI) programme, which brings sponsors and partners together to support causes focused on food security, education and community development.
This year’s beneficiaries will use the support to contribute towards initiatives aimed at changing the trajectory of young people’s lives — from ensuring children have access to nutritious food to providing learners and educators with the tools and support needed to succeed.
From left to right: Sibusiso Xaba, Vincent Anthonyrajah, Brian Nell, Malungelo Zilimbola and Musa Mabesa. Photo supplied.
Supporting food security
Rise Against Hunger Africa has spent the past 15 years addressing food insecurity through nutrition programmes, support for early childhood development centres and sustainable community initiatives.
The organisation’s impact was significant in 2024, when it packed nearly 6.9 million meals, supported more than 70,000 children under the age of six and reached over 134,000 beneficiaries across South Africa.
The R1 million donation will assist the organisation in continuing its work to improve nutrition and support vulnerable communities.
Investing in mathematics education
The second R1 million beneficiary, the South African Mathematics Foundation, works closely with the Department of Basic Education to improve mathematics teaching and learning across the country.
Through teacher development programmes, learner support initiatives and nationally recognised mathematics competitions, the Foundation aims to encourage more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Foundation’s reach was highlighted in 2025 when its South African Mathematics Olympiad reached 87,769 learners across South Africa and six other African countries.
The donation will support programmes focused on teacher development, learner support and mathematics education.
Strong support from financial sector partners
The success of the GEPF Charity Golf Day was made possible through the backing of more than 15 sponsors and partners.
Standard Bank, as Platinum Sponsor, led the support for the initiative, alongside Differential Capital, Mazi Asset Management, Enko Capital Investments, RMB, Public Investment Corporation and Sanlam Investments, among others.
The contributions will support a range of initiatives, including nutrition, early childhood development, teacher support and mathematics education.
The official cheque handover took place on 1 September 2026, with ceremonies held at the Rise Against Hunger Africa head offices south of Johannesburg and the South African Mathematics Foundation head offices in Pretoria CBD.
The donations highlight the GEPF’s commitment to using partnerships and social responsibility initiatives to make a meaningful contribution to communities while investing in the development and future potential of South Africa’s young people.