A phenomenal R2.5 million (£108,000) was raised in a single evening to support the South African community initiatives of the Kolisi Foundation and the Good Work Foundation.
Hosted at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden on June 16, Steadfast Africa’s fifth annual fundraising gala brought together an influential international community to back the non-profits, with the final total expected to climb even higher as an online auction and raffle remain live until July 8.
The fifth such occasion, the event has grown in size and stature to become a fixture on the London calendar, once again bringing together supporters, partners, philanthropists and changemakers for an evening dedicated to creating meaningful impact. The event reflected Steadfast Africa’s continued commitment to supporting organisations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve.
This year’s fundraising efforts continued to support the two exceptional organisations Steadfast Africa has partnered with since the event’s inception, both recognised for their innovative and community-driven approaches to addressing inequality and creating opportunity.
A highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated fundraising auction, which featured an impressive collection of luxury hospitality and travel experiences generously donated by partners and supporters.
Guests enthusiastically bid on exclusive safari lodge stays, luxury travel escapes, premium wine farm experiences and tailored hospitality itineraries from some of Southern Africa’s most sought-after destinations. The evening combined celebration, connection and generosity, while directly supporting impactful community initiatives.
Kolisi Foundation co-founder Siya Kolisi said of the initiative: “I am not a self-made man. I am here because people invested in me. They saw something in me, opened doors for me, and gave me opportunities I could never have created on my own. Today, through the Kolisi Foundation, we want to do the same for others. Partnerships like this one with Steadfast Africa and the Good Work Foundation remind us that lasting change is never the work of one person or one organisation. It is built by people who choose to invest in the potential of others.”
The Kolisi Foundation, co-founded by double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, is dedicated to tackling some of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges through partnerships, advocacy and targeted community programmes.
Guided by the values of dignity, hope and unity, the foundation focuses on food security, education and sport, gender-based violence awareness, and youth empowerment. Through initiatives that strengthen vulnerable communities and create pathways to opportunity, the Kolisi Foundation continues to inspire meaningful action and collaboration across South Africa.
Similarly, the Good Work Foundation is committed to impact through community coming together – and bridging the digital divide in rural communities through education and skills development. Operating digital learning campuses in underserved areas of South Africa, the foundation equips children, young adults and local entrepreneurs with critical digital literacy and future-ready skills.
Its programmes focus on educational access, teacher development, vocational training and technology-driven learning opportunities that empower rural communities to participate meaningfully in the modern economy. Steadfast Africa’s partnership with the Good Work Foundation reflects a shared belief in the power of education and innovation.
Commenting on the impact of the partnership, Good Work Foundation CEO Kate Groch said: “Good Work Foundation is able to serve the communities we work in and do the work we do because of the support of our partners; they are an integral part of our Pink family. This was again shown at the amazing Steadfast event held in London. Thank you from myself and the entire GWF family. Thank you to everyone who organised, attended, donated and made the event so successful. We are grateful for our partnership with Steadfast and how it continues to grow. Together we will continue to do Good Work and reimagine education and opportunity for young rural South Africans.”
Steadfast Africa extends its sincere gratitude to every guest who attended and contributed to the success of the evening. The generosity shown through bidding, donations and participation demonstrated the power of collective action and the shared commitment of the Steadfast community to creating meaningful change.
Special thanks are also extended to the many prize donors, hospitality partners and supporters whose extraordinary contributions made the fundraising auction and raffle possible.
While the London event has now concluded, supporters from around the world can still take part in the fundraising efforts through the online raffle and silent auction. Both remain open until 8 July, giving individuals everywhere the opportunity to support these important causes, bid on exceptional experiences, and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
Tickets for the prize draw and access to the silent auction are available online, ensuring that anyone, anywhere in the world, can continue to be part of the impact.
