ABOUT US: EMPOWERING
COMMUNITIES, BUILDING FUTURES:
DISCOVER RHIZA HOLDINGS
Rhiza Holdings stands as a beacon of hope and progress, committed to driving sustainable development and holistic change across South Africa’s vulnerable townships. Founded as culmination of four visionary organisations, we are dedicated to tackling the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
With a rich history of philanthropy and community-driven initiatives, Rhiza Holdings is more than just a conglomerate. We are a catalyst for enduring transformation, empowering individuals and communities to thrive through innovative solutions and unwavering support.
Explore our journey, discover our purpose, and join us in reshaping the future of South Africa, one community at a time.
OUR VALUES, OUR PURPOSE:
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
At Rhiza, our values guide everything we do. From sustainable impact to lifelong learning, innovation, dignity, and respect, our core values shape our approach to community development and social entrepreneurship. Our purpose is clear: to significantly reduce extreme poverty and economic inequality through financially viable socio-economic interventions and innovative solutions.
Join us in our mission to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
RHIZA HISTORY
Rhiza Babuyile was created in South Africa in 2011 between the merger of the Dutch Rhiza Foundation (2010) and the South African Babuyile Community Development Trust Foundation (2005). Together they wanted to build a more just and equal South Africa! The driving force behind this foundation is Alef Meulenberg. After making several trips to poor countries, the enormous inequality in South Africa affected him so much that he decided to take action and founded the foundation. Rhiza Babuyile stands for impact equality, sustainability, local involvement!
ABOUT OUR DIVISIONS: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH INNOVATION
Rhiza Holdings is a dynamic portfolio of initiatives and enterprises dedicated to driving innovation and
entrepreneurship in South Africa’s townships. From education to economic empowerment, each division within Rhiza Holdings plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of individuals and communities.
FOCUS AREAS
Rhiza Africa embodies a commitment to community empowerment and sustainable growth. Through flagship initiatives like Rhiza Babuyile and Rhiza Rwanda, we focus on five core areas: education, healthcare, skills development, entrepreneurship, and community well-being. Our aim is to nurture thriving communities and cultivate opportunities for every individual to flourish.
ABOUT THEM
Rhiza Africa is more than an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to restoring hope and building brighter futures. Since 2005, Rhiza Babuyile has been at the forefront of community development, providing essential skills and resources to uplift lives across South Africa. With a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and social impact, Rhiza Africa continues to redefine what’s possible in township development.
FOCUS AREAS
Rhiza Ventures is a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa’s townships. From Tabula Rasa’s educational initiatives to Township Fleva’s economic empowerment programs, our diverse portfolio focuses on fostering growth and opportunity. Through SeedConnect, Mpathy, and Munching Mongoose, we empower individuals to realize their full potential and drive positive change in their communities.
ABOUT THEM
Rhiza Ventures is committed to unlocking the untapped potential of South Africa’s townships. With a suite of dynamic initiatives and social enterprises, we empower individuals to build thriving businesses, create sustainable livelihoods, and unlock new opportunities for growth. At Rhiza Ventures, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive lasting change and transform communities.
FOCUS AREAS
Rhiza International is dedicated to expanding our impact beyond South Africa’s borders. From the UK to the US to the Netherlands, our global initiatives focus on driving sustainable development, fostering innovation, and empowering communities worldwide. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, we strive to create positive change on a global scale.
ABOUT THEM
Rhiza International is a testament to the power of global collaboration and shared purpose. With a presence in key regions around the world, we leverage local expertise and global insights to address pressing social and economic challenges. From education to healthcare to environmental sustainability, Rhiza International is committed to building a brighter future for all.
OUR TEAM
ALEF MEULENBERG
Executive Chairman
GODFREY KATSANDE
CEO
JOOST MEULENBERG
COO
RASHUPING MORAKE
Special Projects
LINDA DUNKLEY
Head of Finance
GUGULETHU MABENA
R&D and M&E Manager
NTUTUZELO QEQE
Fundraising Manager
FORTUNATE MASVINGE
HR Manager
ROBBERT POPKEN
Co-Marketing Manager
AT RHIZA HOLDINGS, OUR TEAM IS THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR ORGANISATION. COMPRISED OF PASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS DEDICATED TO DRIVING CHANGE, WE COME TOGETHER WITH A SHARED MISSION: TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES, UPLIFT LIVES, AND CREATE LASTING IMPACT
Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. From community organisers and social entrepreneurs to business leaders and innovators, we are united by a common goal: to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Driven by a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to excellence, our team works tirelessly to develop and implement innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s through education, entrepreneurship, or community development, we are steadfast in our dedication to creating positive change.Together, we strive to build a brighter future for all, one community at a time. Join us on our journey as we continue to make a meaningful impact and drive sustainable change in South Africa and beyond.
METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY: THE RHIZA CYCLE:
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES,
TRANSFORMING LIVES.
At Rhiza, our methodology is grounded in the belief that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level. Through the Rhiza Cycle, we empower communities, transform lives, and create pathways to prosperity. From education and skills development to entrepreneurship and reinvestment, each phase of the Rhiza Cycle is designed to unlock human potential and drive lasting impact. Explore our holistic approach to community development and join us in building a brighter future for all.
METHODOLOGY: MARKET
CREATING INNOVATIONS
Our ideas offer a new and more effective approach as it is based on principles that are proven to lead to impact and financially viable solutions. The main principle applied for both ideas described above is called market creating innovation, which essentially means that innovations are used in order to create markets that did not exist before. The following diagram show’s how market creating innovations increase the size of the market by making products/ services simpler and more affordable
BE THE CHANGE: SUPPORT US,
TRANSFORM LIVES
Rhiza Holdings relies on the generosity and support of individuals like you to continue our vital work in South Africa’s townships. Your donation enables us to provide essential resources, education, and opportunities to those who need it most. Together, we can build stronger
communities, empower individuals, and create lasting change.
Donate today and be a part of the solution. Your contribution makes a difference.
