About
We champion education that builds kindness, integrity, and perseverance — the values that shape resilient children, ethical leaders, and caring communities.
The challenges facing South Africa’s education system are well documented; 80% of children reach the age of ten unable to read for meaning in any language or perform basic mathematical tasks.
Yet education must be about more than literacy and numeracy. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and developing their full potential requires a values-based education that nurtures both intellect and character.
Llandudno Primary School, through its small size and strong ethos, is uniquely positioned to nurture self-worth. Its focus on the whole child ensures that learners enter high school with the self-confidence to remain true to their principles, guided by the school’s motto:
Be the best you can be.
The Foundation was created in loving memory of past pupil, Ethan Mattison. Ethan was a kind and gentle soul who cared deeply for people from all walks of life — young and old. He had a natural warmth and compassion that made others feel seen and valued. He was profoundly affected by the poverty and inequality he witnessed around him, and he believed in the power of education to change lives.
Beneficiaries
At least 75% of beneficiaries are Black South Africans, as defined under the B-BBEE framework. Applications are carefully assessed to ensure that support is directed where it can have the greatest impact and tailored to each child’s individual needs.
Ongoing Support
We partner with high schools to help ensure that beneficiaries are able to continue their educational journey beyond primary school. This includes supporting applications for admission and financial assistance and helping families navigate the transition into high school.
100% Direct Impact
Every donation to the Kunye Foundation goes directly towards providing educational assistance to children and families in need. Board members serve on a voluntary basis, and all fundraising, administrative, and operational activities are undertaken at no cost to the Foundation. This means 100% of donor contributions are applied to supporting beneficiaries and expanding access to quality education.
Sustainable Funding
An endowment fund is a long-term investment fund that creates sustainable financial support for future learners. Donations are prudently invested, and returns on the investment are used to provide financial assistance to beneficiaries. For a small school community, this creates a stable, lasting source of funding that does not depend on short-term funding cycles.