Clifford Leon Smith was born on the 29th of September 1928 in Johannesburg, South Africa to Magdalene du Preez and Henry Gesant Jacobs. As a baby, he suffered from polio and did not walk until he was four years old. As a young man, he was a talented sprinter, who played soccer, tennis, and golf. He was a member of the Red Cross and a keen scholar who was accused of being lazy when he wanted to continue his education after completing standard eight. His membership in the Red Cross would ultimately inspire him to pursue a career as a medical doctor.

Through the sacrifice and efforts of his family, Clifford Leon Smith began his long and arduous journey to completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Overcoming adversity under an apartheid government, he completed his first year at the University of Fort Hare before being allowed to transfer to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). During this time of enforced racial, social, and economic segregation where laws were enacted which defined a person's race, where they could live and spend their free time, how and where they could travel and work, and crucially limited by a separate inferior system of education for Blacks – Clifford Leon Smith was the first coloured doctor to graduate at Wits University from the then Transvaal province. Dr. Clifford Leon Smith would later become the first non-white Assistant District Surgeon in Johannesburg.

Dr. Smith’s professional life was dedicated to serving the health care needs of others and specialized as a Paediatrician, General Practitioner, and District Surgeon. In a career spanning 48 years, he worked at the Donald Fraser Hospital in Sibasa, Limpopo; Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg; various hospitals across Lesotho as the District Surgeon for the British High Commissioner; and the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto before opening his own practice in Newclare, Johannesburg.

Gifted in diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Smith was also a compassionate doctor. He had strong interpersonal skills and took a special interest in the lives of his patients, empathetic to their plight under an apartheid government. He would later dedicate his life to the upliftment and development of the communities in which he served.



Dr. Smith was first elected as a member of the South Western Management Committee of Johannesburg City Council on 29 November 1967 and served as the representative for Coronationville until 25 November 1969. He was re-elected in 1969 and 1971 and served until his resignation in 1972. On 31 October 1984, he was re-elected. On 26 October 1988, he was again re-elected and represented Ward 13 (Coronationville). Dr. Smith served as Chairman of the South Western Management Committee from November 1989 to March 1990. As a member of the South Western Management Committee, he served on the Grants-in-Aid Committee. During his term in office, he was an active and concerned Councillor who maintained a close relationship with the ratepayers in his ward. On 29 September 1994, Dr. Smith was presented with a Testimonial by the Members of the South Western Management Committee, in recognition of the excellent service rendered by him to the South Western Management Committee and the residents of Johannesburg.

Dr. Clifford Leon Smith passed away from cancer on the 2nd of February 2008, and his wife Yvonne passed away on the 8th of June 2015. They are survived by 8 children, 23 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.

When you speak to family, past patients and students, or colleagues of Dr. Clifford Leon Smith, you hear about a rare combination of diagnostic genius, compassion, and strength. His dedication to his family, patients, and community was tireless and unequivocal. This personal strength of will is the legacy and the ongoing aspirations of the Dr. CL Smith Foundation.

At the Dr CL Smith Foundation, our mission is to empower individuals from all walks of life. We believe that everyone possesses unique talents and potential waiting to be unlocked. Through a multidimensional approach that combines art, technology, community, and data, we provide the tools, knowledge, and opportunities for personal growth and self-efficacy. Our initiatives focus on nurturing skills, fostering self-confidence, and igniting a sense of agency within individuals, ultimately empowering them to thrive in their communities.

In addition to empowering individuals, we are deeply committed to uplifting communities. We recognise that positive change begins at the grassroots level. By fostering inclusive spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and creative expression, we aim to elevate the overall well-being and cohesion of communities. Our programs address pressing societal challenges, promote social justice, and encourage community members to become active agents of change. Through a combination of education initiatives, art exhibitions, workshops, and advocacy, we uplift communities, creating a ripple effect of positivity and transformation.

Ultimately, our work is about transforming lives. We believe in the power of creativity, compassion, and social responsibility to bring about meaningful and lasting change. Our holistic approach leads to profound transformations in individuals and communities alike. Whether it's through personal growth, healing, empowerment, or the challenge of societal norms, we are dedicated to making a positive impact today and shaping a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. The Dr. CL Smith Foundation is not just an organisation; it's a force for positive social change, inspiring individuals, uplifting communities, and transforming lives for the better.

At the Dr. CL Smith Foundation, our approach to creating positive social change is as unique as it is effective. We believe in the power of synergy, bringing together five pillars - technology, data, art, community, and strategic partnerships with government, civil society, and corporates - to drive transformative impact.

We leverage cutting-edge technology to amplify our reach and impact. Our digital platforms provide accessible resources, educational tools, and a hub for collaboration. Whether through our Community of Practice platform or innovative applications, we harness technology to democratise access to knowledge and opportunities.

Data is at the heart of informed decision-making. We collect and analyse data to gain insights into societal challenges, track progress, and refine our strategies. By harnessing data, we ensure our initiatives are evidence-based and adaptable to evolving needs.

Art transcends boundaries and connects people on a profound level. We integrate the arts into our programs, allowing individuals to express themselves creatively. Art heals, empowers, and communicates complex emotions and ideas, fostering personal growth and empathy within communities.

Communities are the driving force behind lasting change. We actively engage with local and global communities, fostering safe spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives. Our community-driven approach ensures that our initiatives are contextually relevant and driven by the voices of those we serve.

We believe that collaboration is key to addressing complex societal challenges. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and corporates, we pool resources, expertise, and networks to amplify our impact. Together, we work towards common goals, creating a collective force for positive change.

By uniting technology, data, art, community, and strategic partnerships, we forge a holistic path toward positive social change. Together, these pillars and collaborations form the foundation of our mission to empower individuals, uplift communities, and transform lives. Join us on this journey, where innovation meets compassion, and where collective action leads to a brighter and more inclusive future.

We recognise the critical importance of the first 1000 days of a child's life in shaping their future. Our specialised programs in this phase focus on early childhood development (ECD), ensuring that infants and toddlers receive the nurturing care and stimulation they need to thrive. Our primary beneficiaries are caregivers, who receive guidance and support to provide the best care, while infants and toddlers are our secondary beneficiaries.

Our commitment to ECD extends beyond infancy. We design and implement projects for 3- to 5-year-old children, with a core focus on foundational literacy and numeracy. Through play-based learning and nurturing environments, we prepare children to be school-ready. Here, practitioners and caregivers are our primary beneficiaries, as they receive training and resources to facilitate ECD, while children and parents are our secondary beneficiaries.

The foundation phase of education is where children build the fundamental skills that set the stage for lifelong learning. We specialize in foundational literacy and numeracy programs that ensure students develop strong academic foundations. Teachers are our primary beneficiaries, receiving specialised training, while students and parents benefit from improved educational outcomes.

At the primary school level, we continue to emphasize foundational literacy and numeracy while also introducing students to the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Our STEM initiatives inspire young minds to explore and innovate. Teachers are equipped with STEM education resources, making them our primary beneficiaries, while students and parents benefit from enriched learning experiences.

As students progress to high school, we remain dedicated to their growth and development. Our specialised programs include coding and robotics, and cloud awareness, equipping youth with essential 21st-century skills and preparing them for future careers in technology. Teachers are our primary beneficiaries, receiving training and resources, while students and parents benefit from enhanced educational opportunities.

We are passionate about promoting girl education. Through targeted initiatives, we ensure that girls have equal access to quality education and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Educators are our primary beneficiaries, receiving guidance on creating inclusive learning environments, while girls and their parents benefit from increased access and support.

Our commitment to youth development extends to fostering personal growth, positive behavior change, and empowerment among young individuals. Teachers and mentors are our primary beneficiaries, receiving training in youth development. Youth themselves, as well as their parents, benefit from improved skills, leadership, and opportunities.

We actively address the issue of gender-based violence through art, education, and advocacy. By using creative expression and safe spaces for dialogue, we empower survivors and advocate for meaningful change. Caregivers, teachers, and community leaders are our primary beneficiaries, receiving tools to support survivors, while survivors and their families benefit from empowerment and advocacy efforts.

At the Dr. CL Smith Foundation, we recognise the interconnected roles of teachers, caregivers, learners, parents, and key stakeholders in the education ecosystem. Through our programs, we empower educators and caregivers, leading to positive outcomes for students and families alike.

At the Dr CL Smith Foundation, we offer a diverse range of tailored solutions and services designed to empower individuals, uplift communities, and transform lives. Our comprehensive approach addresses critical societal challenges through innovative programs, cutting-edge technology, data-driven insights, artistic expression, and community collaboration. Explore our array of solutions and services below:

Our ECD solutions encompass a holistic approach to nurturing infants and toddlers during the vital 0-1000 days and preparing preschoolers for a successful transition to formal education. We provide caregivers with guidance and support, equipping them to create nurturing environments, while young children benefit from engaging ECD programs.

In the foundational phase of education, we specialise in enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills among students. Our solutions empower teachers with specialised training and resources, leading to improved academic outcomes for primary school learners.

Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education initiatives inspire young minds and cultivate a passion for innovation. We equip educators with cutting-edge STEM resources, fostering curiosity and critical thinking in students.

In the digital age, coding and robotics skills are essential. Our solutions provide high school teachers with the tools and training needed to introduce coding and robotics into the classroom, preparing students for future careers in technology.

We are committed to breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality in education. Our solutions include targeted initiatives that empower girls with equal access to quality education and support networks.

Our youth development services focus on equipping young individuals with essential life skills, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development, ensuring they become positive contributors to society.

Through creative expression, education, and advocacy, we address GBV by providing solutions and services that empower survivors and equip caregivers, educators, and community leaders with the tools to support those affected.

We actively engage with local and global communities, fostering safe spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives. Our community-driven approach ensures that our solutions are contextually relevant and driven by the voices of those we serve.

We harness the power of data to inform our strategies, track progress, and refine our programs. Our data-driven insights enable evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that our solutions are effective and adaptable to evolving needs.

Our digital platforms and applications provide accessible resources, educational tools, and a hub for collaboration. We leverage technology to democratize access to knowledge and opportunities, making our solutions accessible to all.

At the Dr. CL Smith Foundation, our solutions and services are founded on innovation, compassion, and a commitment to positive social change. Join us in creating a brighter and more inclusive future through our diverse range of programs and initiatives.

Our Community of Practice platform, zibuza.net, is a vibrant mosaic of primary benefactors – teachers, secondary benefactors – learners, and a diverse array of stakeholders, including parents, government bodies, businesses, education agencies, universities, unions, CSIs, NGOs, and professionals. Together, we form a tapestry of expertise, innovation, and collaboration.

Zibuza means “we ask” in isiZulu and our mission is to promote equitable education, particularly in underprivileged communities. Its impact is reflected in our numerous achievements, partnerships, and commitment to enhancing educational quality and accessibility.

At the Dr. CL Smith Foundation, we believe in nurturing the seeds of knowledge from the very beginning. That's why we're proud to introduce Isithombo, meaning “seedling” in isiXhosa. It’s our initiative dedicated to Early Childhood Development where our mission is clear: prepare 3- to 5-year-old children for school readiness, with a playful and age-appropriate focus on home language and early numeracy. But we don't stop there, isithombo provides comprehensive support, training, and valuable resources to parents, practitioners, and ECD administrators. Together, we're sowing the seeds of a brighter future for our children.

Join us as we build a foundation of lifelong learning, one isithombo at a time!

Welcome to the future of libraries, today! We’ve partnered with Qualibooks Groups who have pioneered a new era in education. Their kibooks.online platform opens doors for learners, parents, and educators, offering seamless access to a treasure trove of eLibrary resources. What's groundbreaking? You can explore over 2,500 storybooks for ages 3-15 years, across multiple learning categories, anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Plus, they're breaking language barriers by providing content in all eleven South African languages.

Unleash your child’s imagination! Sponsored access to the kibooks.online library is available via zibuza.net.

Every child deserves to fall in love with the joy of reading! That is why we partnered with Hollard, QualiBooks, and LITASA to give away six mobile libraries with nearly 250 books each to schools or community development centres in need. Through these partnerships and with a focus on foundation phase learners (approximately from grades 1 to 4), our Love to Read competition aims to help cultivate a culture and love of reading in South Africa by equipping six schools or community development centres in need with a mobile wheelie library each containing nearly 250 books.

Competition entries ran from 27th March 2023 to 27th April 2023 and 6 lucky winners from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal got to choose 250 books from over 6,000 titles, in a language of their choice.

Financial Inclusion, Consumer Protection, Financial Education. They are essential to the growth and development of our Nation.

To achieve its policy objectives and education mandate, National Treasury and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) established the National Consumer Financial Education Committee (NCFEC). The objective of the NCFEC is to foster coordination and consistency across various consumer financial education initiatives with other stakeholders. The project is called Money Smart Week South Africa.

At Dr CL Smith Foundation, we are dedicated to fostering financial empowerment in South Africa through our partnership with Money Smart Week (MSW) since 2018. MSW is a nationwide campaign promoting financial education and literacy, aligning perfectly with our mission. We actively support this initiative by hosting workshops, providing resources, and advocating for financial literacy. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that financial literacy is the foundation of personal financial well-being and economic empowerment.

Little People Pre-School And Community Development

During apartheid, a group of four ladies established an early childhood development centre after recognising the need in our community for young children to have a good foundation for future learning before commencing formal education. They started off in a church hall in Coronationville in 1985 offering a half-day service that catered for 40 children between the ages of 3 and 6. Their dream was to build premises that would be more conducive for young people to learn, grow, and develop.

This dream was eventually realised when acquiring property in Riverlea Ext. 2 after raising funds, obtaining a loan, and receiving sponsorship. Construction of the building began in 1990 and they were finally able to move in in 1995. The history of ‘Little People’ has a rich tapestry, woven by the many adversities they’ve had to endure over the years. In 1993, the church ceiling collapsed and they had to move to St. Joseph’s Home in Sophiatown. St. Joseph’s Home assisted with accommodation and transportation as a goodwill gesture for the preschool having sponsored several children from their orphanage. In 1994, they relocated to the Coronationville Recreation Centre, and in September of that year, the centre was petrol-bombed during a community demonstration. Once again they were forced to move, this time to the old Catholic church across the road. Little People celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2023 and provides a full-day service that can cater to 110 young children between the ages of 2 and 6, with a staff complement that has provided 16 full-time employment opportunities.

As far as excellence goes, the preschool was acknowledged in 2013 for best practice, adhering to the ethos of the Batho Pele principles within Public Service by the Gauteng Provincial Government. Batho Pele is a South African political initiative that was first introduced by the Mandela Administration in 1997 to stand for the better delivery of goods and services to the public.

Interactive Simulations for Science and Math

In our efforts to promote and make STEM education more accessible, the Dr. CL Smith Foundation is really proud and excited to partner with PhET Interactive Simulations at the University of Colorado Boulder. This partnership was made possible through a sponsorship by Mastercard Foundation and gives our zibuza.net members access to 90 interactive Math and Science simulations.

Continuous Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) - Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations Specialisation

This specialisation offers educators a 45-hour professional development opportunity. The course is hosted on Coursera where teachers can learn about PhET Interactive Simulations’ free resources and pedagogies to teach mathematics and science. The facilitated workshop is helpful both to those who have used PhET for some time as well as to those who have never used PhET simulations before. During the specialisation, participants get the chance to connect with the PhET team, share their experiences with other participants, and earn 30 CPTD points, as well as a digital certificate from PhET certifying professional development hours.

Coding and Robotics for Teachers. Joyful and creative learning experiences in action.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers two opportunities to qualified teachers, namely Creative Coding for Teachers, and a Short Learning Programme (SLP): Creative Coding and Robotics for Teachers. Participants learn to code creatively (using the programming language Scratch) and develop competencies for a changing world, including computational thinking and creativity.

The university utilises zibuza.net as a Community of Practice where faculty and participants can interact and share learnings through weekly reflections.

South Africa has a substantial youth unemployment problem with many young people facing significant barriers to making a successful transition from school into employment or further education and training. A mismatch between the supply and demand of skills, institutionalised inequality, spatial challenges, and a whole host of complexities contribute to this persistent and growing youth unemployment issue.

Government, civil society, and even the private sector are aggressively working to address this challenge. While there is a clear need for a collective effort to address the youth unemployment crisis, many interventions remain siloed with little meaningful collaboration between organisations.

Yubuntu is a community of practice platform that was established to support the Youth Development Sector by facilitating collaboration between the many youth organisations that are working tirelessly to support youth across South Africa.

Annual Book and Art Fair

The Dr. C.L. Smith Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg, proudly organized its third consecutive annual book fair in 2022. Since 2019, our mission has been to offer young learners from underprivileged communities access to essential reading materials.

In 2022, we were fortunate to receive co-funding from Hollard, which allowed us to enhance our event significantly. Beyond the wealth of reading materials, we incorporated elements of art and technology to ignite the imagination of children, exposing them to a world of creativity and cutting-edge AR/VR experiences.

Our proven track record:

• 4x book fairs delivered.
  
• 10x new children's book created (ECD and Grade 1)
  
• 5000x books distributed.
  
• Isithombo storybooks are approved for the Gauteng Department of Education: Library Services.
  

Discovery Series 1 introduces little people to the concept of identifying themselves as human beings as they ​begin to discover their place in the world

Who am I? introduces little people to the concept of identifying themselves as human beings as they begin to discover their place in the world.

How people grow introduces little people to the concept of understanding holistic growth and development that are necessary for a healthy body and mind.

What people need to grow introduces little people to the concept of understanding the necessary requirements for healthy growth and development of the body and mind.

Getting ready for big school introduces little people to the concept of skills development, activities, and lessons children need to learn to get ready for big school.

Your rights and needs introduce little people to the concept of understanding the difference between human rights and needs.

Discovery Series 2 introduces children to the concept of responsibility, routines, and activities from everyday ​life.

I love going to school introduces children to the concept of responsibility, routines and activities at school.

Growing up introduces children to the concept of the different stages of growth and development that human beings need to go through during the human life cycle

Healthy living introduces children to the concept of developing good habits by encouraging them to eat nutritious food, exercise, have enough rest, and drink sufficient clean water.

Vulnerable children introduce learners to the concept of different situations which expose children to physical and emotional trauma.

Off to a good start introduces children to the concept of care, protection, and support.

The impact we are aiming to create:

• Increase book ownership amongst young readers.
• Develop a culture and love towards reading.
• Literacy development.
• Promote and support local authors of children's storybooks.

Access to training, teaching and learning resources, and support is hugely valuable for early learning practitioners and caregivers. It will ultimately improve the quality of early learning programmes, which in turn, will benefit young children receiving the programmes. Innovation Edge invested in Zibuza because we wanted to prove that if we use data and community management skills to curate activities and resources, we may be able to empower early learning stakeholders to enrich and unlock opportunities in the ECD sector.

Hollard’s Love to Read literacy program was initiated to promote engagement with young South African learners in developing their skill and habit of regular reading with comprehension. Dr. CL Smith Foundation, along with partners, led several initiatives including a national campaign to give away six mobile libraries with nearly 250 books each to schools or community development centres in need, 12 months of access to the KiBooks e-library, and our annual Book and Art Fair that took place at Little People Preschool and Community Development.

We have been a proud beneficiary of the City of Johannesburg Grants In-Aid fund, since 2019, hosting local book fairs and producing 10 reading books and associated learning materials in the process, reaching and impacting 5,000 children from under-resourced communities. Dr. Clifford Leon Smith was first elected as a member of the South Western Management Committee of Johannesburg City Council on 29 November 1967 and served as the representative for Coronationville until 25 November 1969. He was re-elected in 1969 and 1971 and served until his resignation in 1972. On 31 October 1984, he was re-elected. On 26 October 1988, he was again re-elected and represented Ward 13 (Coronationville). Dr Smith served as Chairman of the South Western Management Committee from November 1989 to March 1990. As a member of the South Western Management Committee, he served on the Grants-in-Aid Committee. During his term in office, he was an active and concerned Councillor who maintained a close relationship with the ratepayers in his ward. On 29 September 1994, Dr Smith was presented with a Testimonial by the Members of the South Western Management Committee, in recognition of the excellent service rendered by him to the South Western Management Committee and the residents of Johannesburg. As a Foundation, we are proud to continue the work and legacy of Dr Smith through our partnership with the City of Johannesburg.

The FNB Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab™ (SEIL), delivered by Fetola, supports the growth and investment potential of businesses that are tackling pressing social, environmental, and economic issues in South Africa. The FNB 10X-e Accelerator Programme, delivered by Edge Growth Accelerate, aims to increase the SME scale-up success rate by driving critical management behavior changes to promote job creation and to unlock further and improved capital, talent, and support. The 10X-e focuses on gazelles: SMEs with significant potential for growth. They typically have a large prospective market, an innovative product, and impressive leadership. Zibuza.net has had the privilege of being a part of both programs to support our growth and impact.

The Dr CL Smith Foundation was one of 12 companies selected after an Africa-wide Request for Proposals where innovators were invited to submit proposals that either enhanced and increased accessibility and affordability of professional development for in-service teachers, which also minimized their out-of-classroom time; or created and delivered enriched learning content that improves quality, relevance, and accessibility to both in-school and out-of-school secondary school learners.

From an incredible 2,900 world-changing ideas to 15 amazing winners, the Dr CL Smith Foundation was awarded a grand challenge award for our innovative idea to transform teaching or school leadership to better prepare children with the 21st-century skills they need to succeed in the future.

The focus of Enterprise and Supplier Development programs is to further develop entrepreneurs and promote economic growth. Zibuza.net was been a Media24 beneficiary in 2020 and 2022.

Telkom Foundation was the headline sponsor of our zibuza.net platform for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. Their generous sponsorship enabled us to procure professionally developed Mathematic lesson plans, diagnostics, and tests for Grades 10, 11, and 12.

Investec CSI was the catalytic sponsor of our zibuza.net platform for the period 5 August 2014 to 27 January 2016. The sponsorship enabled us to build our first prototype.

Global Grand Challenge Awardee 2018

Reinventing Teaching and School Leadership: Preparing Youth with the 21st Century Skills Needed for a Knowledge Economy

Preparing youth across the world to thrive in the future knowledge economy is a daunting challenge, but one that must be and can be solved. The future is being defined by disruptive technologies. Therefore, disruptive approaches need to be applied to the education system.

The only constant is that teachers and school leaders will remain to be the drivers of learning and therefore must be central to this change. Incremental improvement will not be enough. From an incredible 2,900 world-changing ideas to 15 amazing winners, the Dr. CL Smith Foundation was awarded a grand challenge award for our innovative idea to transform teaching or school leadership to better prepare children with the 21st-century skills they need to succeed in the future.

This challenge was launched as a collaboration between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Misk Foundation; grants awarded under this challenge are funded and managed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellow 2020

Twelve African EdTech Companies Named as First Fellows at Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT

The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. The Foundation’s work is guided by its mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion for people living in poverty. One of the largest foundations in the world, it works almost exclusively in Africa.

The Dr CL Smith Foundation was one of 12 companies selected after an Africa-wide Request for Proposals where innovators were invited to submit proposals that either enhanced and increased accessibility and affordability of professional development for in-service teachers, which also minimized their out-of-classroom time; or created and delivered enriched learning content that improves quality, relevance, and accessibility to both in-school and out-of-school secondary school learners.

Shelley O’Carroll Early Literacy Inaugural Award Winner 2022

The Shelley O’Carroll Early Literacy Award is awarded to an individual, project, organisation, unit/centre, or team whose research and/or practice has contributed to the understanding of how the literacy of young South African children can be developed and supported. The award was handed over to the winner, Adele Mooi from the Dr CL Smith Foundation by Mammuso Makhanya (Wordworks Director) at the 2022 LITASA Conference.

The focus of the award is on under-resourced children or population groups, under-resourced, underrepresented language groups, and/or non-traditional spaces for literacy. The spirit of the award acknowledges the excellent but largely unrecognised work researchers and practitioners are doing in the early literacy space, as well as broadening the base of people, and organisations known to be working in this field.

In the developmental and social sectors of South Africa, associations play a crucial role in bringing together organisations, professionals, and community stakeholders who share common goals and objectives. Associations are invaluable for their ability to advocate for policies that promote societal well-being and development, ensuring that the unique needs and challenges of South African communities are addressed. They serve as hubs for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, enabling the exchange of effective strategies and solutions to advance social and developmental goals. Associations also exert influence on policy formulation, working to align government policies with the diverse needs of South African communities. They uphold ethical standards, promote professionalism, and strive to create an inclusive, equitable, and socially responsible society. In South Africa's journey towards sustainable development and social progress, associations are pivotal contributors to positive societal change.

The Dr. CL Smith Foundation is proud to be a member of the following associations:

As an association of education non-profit organisations, the National Association of Social Change Entities in Education (NASCEE) is working towards maximising the contribution of NPOs towards the national development goals related to education.

The Literacy Association of South Africa envisions a society in which everyone is literate and able to reach their full potential. LITASA brings together individuals and organisations to grow a strong literacy community. We do this by creating open platforms to share, inform, and empower all those working towards a literate society.

The National Early Childhood Development Alliance (NECDA) is an ECD focused network, comprising ECD Resource and Training Organisations and Sector Experts, located throughout South Africa. Member organisations and experts are united in their objective to provide capacity building, high quality training and resources to the ECD Sector to build a better future for children. NECDA currently represents and serves 120 member organisations and individuals across nine provinces of South Africa. NECDA was formed in 2005 in response to a need to capacitate the ECD sector.

Partnerships and collaborations hold immense significance in addressing challenges within South Africa's developmental and social sectors. These collaborations bring together the expertise, resources, and collective efforts of various organisations, stakeholders, and communities, creating a synergistic approach to tackling complex issues. They foster a sharing of knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions, leading to more efficient and effective problem-solving. Partnerships also allow for the pooling of resources, both local and global, which can be particularly vital in addressing issues of poverty, healthcare, education, and economic development. By working together, organisations can navigate the intricacies of diverse communities and contexts, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and contextually relevant. In a country as diverse as South Africa, collaborative efforts are essential for creating sustainable, inclusive, and equitable solutions that drive positive change in the developmental and social sectors, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society as a whole.

The Dr. CL Smith Foundation is proud to partner with the following organisations:

Google for Nonprofits is a program that gives eligible organisations free access to premium Google products. Through the program, Google has empowered us to increase our internal productivity through their Workspace offering. They’ve also connected us with new supporters through Ad Grants, where since 2016 we have generated 5.17 million impressions and 1.41 million clicks at a value of $430,000 (R8.3 million at the current exchange rate, October 2023).

Microsoft Tech for Social Impact provides grants and discounts for eligible nonprofit organisations to drive relevant, affordable, and innovative cloud solutions to help tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Through the program, Microsoft has given us access to industry-leading technology solutions to further our mission impact. Zibuza.net and Yubuntu.org are both hosted on Azure. Microsoft 365 is the productivity cloud that enables us to pursue our passion and deliver our impact with apps like Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.

Our partnership with Qualibooks, a respected publisher and distributor since 1992, brings accessible, high-quality school materials to South Africa. They provide diverse, age-appropriate books in multiple languages, fostering literacy skills and supporting various subjects. As our chosen literacy partner, Qualibooks shares our commitment to improving education and building a brighter future.