“We should all have the freedom to be fully human” – Desmond Tutu 1979
Almost forty years after this quote, and more than twenty years into our democracy, the majority of South Africans are still struggling for freedom. Whereas we are politically free, we have not managed to create social and economic equality required for all South Africans to be fully human. Our work at the Alternative Prosperity Foundation is to empower leaders in different walks of live to help guide us towards this freedom. We have a lot of work left, but in South Africa we have tenacious and good spirited people willing to take up this challenge. Leaders that can live and lead when it comes to unlocking the potential in diversity. Agents of transformation. Our dream is to lend them a hand, to equip them, connect them and support them. – AP Foundation Annual Report 2018.
Who we are
The Alternative Prosperity Foundation (APF) is a South African non-profit company and Broad-Based Ownership Scheme committed to fostering leadership, inclusivity, and socio-economic transformation. Established in 2015, APF aims to empower youth leaders, women, and fiduciaries to become catalysts for meaningful change in their communities.
APF stands as a mature and trusted organisation, leveraging partnerships and innovative approaches to make measurable long-term impacts. Through our work, we bridge the gap between potential and opportunity so that no one is left behind.
What we do
Our primary functions are as follows:
- Funding existing programmes that bring about meaningful change and develop future leaders.
- Working with proven leaders from these organisations to specifically develop and support their ability to be diversity leaders.
- Acting as an investor in enterprises that are doing impactful work aimed at addressing social and economic challenges in South Africa. We are invested in:
The Old Mutual ESD fund, which invests in black-owned businesses in the financial sector and beyond.
Our Programmes
At the heart of our mission is the belief that leadership and inclusivity are the cornerstones of transformation. Our programmes focus on these key areas:
Youth Empowerment
We equip youth to drive transformative agendas in their communities and contexts while facilitating access to opportunities that enhance their holistic growth, entrepreneurial ability and employability.
Women’s Empowerment
We seek to address systemic barriers to leadership by providing tailored support to young women.
Fiduciary Empowerment
Through partnership with Atleha-edu, we build the capacity of retirement fund trustees, shop stewards, and fiduciary leaders to navigate financial and governance challenges.
Our Team
We focus strongly on the power of partnership, and therefore operate with a lean operational team. We have a dedicated programme manager, but no permanent staff, opting instead to leverage the resources of the Alternative Prosperity Group to maintain a cost-effective, high-impact model.
Directors
The Alternative Prosperity Foundation also has a highly-experienced and diverse Board of Directors specialising in empowerment, sustainability, and finance.
Nichole Solomons
Independent Director at Alternative Prosperity Foundation (Chairperson from December 2023), Global Lead, Business & Human Rights Accelerator, United Nations Global Compact.
Lwazi Mankahla
Independent Director at Alternative Prosperity Foundation (Appointed December 2023), Head of the Distell Development Trust.
Rudolph Fourie
Executive Director at Alternative Prosperity Holdings and Director on the Old Mutual ESD Fund and ESG specialist.
Erosha Govender
Chief Executive Officer of Diversifi (part of the Alternative Prosperity Group) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and B-BBEE specialist.
Our Impact
Incorporated in 2015, APF has a proven track record of impact which is both wide-reaching, and deeply transforming.
Youth & Women Empowerment
Fiduciary Empowerment
Testimonials
“I learnt that mental health is a very important aspect of our lives, and that we need to be intentional about caring for ourselves. We cannot ignore or be in denial about the challenges we face and hope that they will disappear on their own.” Virtual Diversity, Living and Leadership Workshop
“I gained a huge amount of confidence in the last couple of months. I think the mentoring is superb; that is a very big plus as well. During our sessions, she broadened my horizons, managed my expectations, and increased my confidence. She has encouraged and supported me in my daily work. It is really empowering and helpful to have an experienced Mentor who does not have any agenda on my career, ambitions, or choices.”
“I now want to get out of debt.”
