Free the Mind.
Free the Land.

In Nthabalala/Kanana Village, the Chief and Tribal Council allocated land for a Community Development Centre. Men's Forums were also established and represented UMTAPO at a Provincial Men's Parliament in Polokwane — a first for the organisation at that level.

Convened the 1st National Conference on Violence in South Africa: "Stop the Killing?"

First organisation to conduct adult literacy classes at the hostels in Umlazi township, KZN.

Convened the 1st National Literacy Conference in South Africa and became the 1st SA organisation accepted into the African Association for Literacy and Adult Education (AALAE).

Hosted the Assistant Secretary General of the OAU at a Conference on the Black Family, leading to the establishment of UMTAPO's African Peace Education Programme.

Became one of the founding organisations of CIVICUS — the world alliance for citizen participation.

Hosted the CIVICUS Africa Secretariat.

Became the Southern Africa focal point for the Hague Appeal for Peace. Implemented an innovative African Peace Education Programme, later becoming the PHARE Programme.

PHARE programme and Peace Clubs in Schools officially adopted by the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

Initiated global collaboration for peace and social activism with focal points in Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Kenya, and South Africa. Developed a unique Model for Child Participation.

With funding from the Embassy of Finland, launched a national Democracy, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption training programme for university students — becoming a unique intervention on the continent, with signed MOUs with UKZN, University of Johannesburg (CERT), and University of Fort Hare (Oliver Tambo UNESCO Chair).

The UMTAPO Student Movement (USM) was formally named and adopted a clear values-based identity — cutting across political and ideological lines to build an ethical nation. Student branches active at universities across KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo.

Funded by the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation, UMTAPO expanded its BWEF project to KZN and Limpopo — running Leadership Camps, Community Dialogues across 6 locations, and Citizenship Education training for 132+ participants. The Nthabalala Tribal Authority allocated land for a Community Development Centre. UMTAPO also mourned the passing of Professor Bennie Khoapa, beloved founding patron and long-serving board chairperson.

• Government Departments (Social Development, Education, Agriculture)
• Local Municipalities
• Tribal Leadership
• Chapter 9 Institutions
• Other NGOs

• University of KwaZulu-Natal MOU
• University of Johannesburg — CERT MOU
• University of Fort Hare — Oliver Tambo UNESCO Chair MOU
• Durban University of Technology MOU
• University of Western Cape
• Stellenbosch University — Anti-Corruption Centre
• University of Venda — Institute for Rural Development
• Steve Biko Foundation
• Dept. of Education Safe Schools Programme

• International Peace Bureau
• International Council for Adult Education
• UN Convention Against Corruption Coalition
• Rotterdam Anti-Discrimination Action Council (RADAR)
• Artillery Youth, Belfast – Northern Ireland
• University of Nairobi
• Peace Unit Programme, Kenya

The Grandmother's Dream

In KwaNyuswa, an uMazisize self-help group began with 13 members — a mix of grandmothers and young women. Within months, members extended homes, paid outstanding school fees, and one woman started a sweet business making party packs. This proved that transformation is not about massive grants — it is about trust, cohesion, and belief that communities hold the solutions to their own challenges.

The Blanket Moment

When blankets were donated for children in need at Ukukhanya Kwe-Afrika Primary School, some learners identified to receive them chose instead to give their blankets to classmates who needed them more. For many, it was the first time they would have had a blanket of their own. Their selfless act was ubuntu made real — philosophy becoming lived reality.

Sisonke's Journey

Sisonke Dyonta joined UMTAPO's Peace Club at Thembelihle High School in Khayelitsha, then led the USM at the University of Western Cape as chairperson for two consecutive years. She credits USM with the values and skills — ethical leadership, discipline, respect — that set her apart in job applications after graduation. "UMTAPO doesn't only teach you where you come from, it inspires you to draw your own path in life."

Visit UMTAPO's YouTube channel for the full archive of lectures, dialogues, and community programmes.

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