The Mamelodi Initiative

Empowering students in Mamelodi, South Africa through education, mentorship, and opportunities.

Executive Summary

In 2024, The Mamelodi Initiative delivered its core programmes (Road to Finals, Summer Jam, and Winter Jam) to over 950 learners across Grades 8–12, focusing primarily on academically at-risk learners. Despite data system limitations, the organisation maintained consistent programme presence at partner schools and during school holidays.

Significant organisational transitions occurred, including leadership appointments and staffing changes. While these affected operations short-term, they strengthened institutional capacity through clearer role definition and improved financial oversight. Manual monitoring systems revealed critical gaps in data collection and learner tracking, informing improvements for subsequent programme cycles.

The organisation closed the year financially stable with an operating surplus and minimal liabilities. 2024 served as a foundational year of consolidation, positioning MI for more structured and sustainable programme delivery ahead.

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Programme Highlights

Overall Impact

  • Total Learners Served: Over 950 learners across Grades 8–12
  • Core Programmes Delivered: Summer Jam, Road to Finals, Winter Jam
  • Target Population: Academically at-risk learners, with Grade 11 forming the largest cohort
  • Financial Position: Stable, with operating surplus maintained

Summer Jam 2024

  • Focus: School holiday intervention to reduce learning loss during the January break
  • Subjects: Mathematics and English revision with foundational skills emphasis
  • Structure: Intensive daily sessions with volunteer-led tutoring and group activities
  • Key Learning: Highlighted need for standardised M&E framework and consistent attendance tracking

Road to Finals (RTF) 2024

  • Learners Supported: Approximately 250 learners across Grades 8–12
  • Partner Schools: Vukani Mawethu Secondary School and Lehlabile Secondary School
  • Academic Focus: Mathematics, Math Literacy, and core subjects aligned to CAPS curriculum
  • Delivery Model: School-term academic support targeting learners in lower performance bands
  • Key Challenge: Manual data collection and inconsistent attendance tracking systems

Winter Jam 2024

  • Total Learners: 262 learners from over 40 schools
  • Duration: Three weeks (June 18 – July 5, 2024)
  • New Venue: First programme at Tsako Thabo Secondary School in seven years
  • Grade Distribution:
    • Grade 11: 106 learners (largest cohort)
    • Grade 10: 57 learners
    • Grade 9: 56 learners
    • Grade 8: 34 learners
    • Grade 12: 9 learners
  • Gender Balance: 121 female, 110 male, 31 undisclosed
  • Volunteers: 36–64 daily, with 54 attending official training
  • Academic Results: Grade 9 showed clear improvement in both English and Mathematics; Grade 11 showed modest Mathematics improvement
  • Community Support: Strong partnership with Tsako Thabo Secondary School, including daily teacher support and security coordination

Organisational Development

Leadership Appointments

  • Programme Director: Thato Mafokoane formally appointed January 2024 (following probation from August 2023)
  • Operations and Finance Director: New appointment bringing formal governance and sustainability expertise (MPhil in Sustainable Development)

Personnel Transitions

  • Departure of two long-standing programme administration interns
  • Exit of previous Operations Director Godwin Ndabandaba
  • Fundraising Director role responsibilities absorbed by Board of Directors’ Development Committee
  • Impact: Short-term capacity reduction; long-term focus on succession planning and reduced individual dependency

Financial Overview

Income and Sustainability

  • Total Donation Income: R1,258,262 (down 25% from R1,675,830 in 2023)
  • Net Surplus: R45,475 despite reduced income
  • Finance Income: R1,649 from interest on cash balances
  • Total Revenue: R1,259,911

Expenditure Management

  • Total Expenditure: R1,214,436 (down from R1,403,886 in 2023)
  • Administrative Expenses: R30,271 (reduced from R69,286 in 2023)
  • Operating Expenses: R1,184,165
    • Salaries and wages: R706,869
    • Volunteer costs: R282,305
    • Consulting fees: R48,808
    • Stationery and supplies: R37,035

Financial Position

  • Total Assets: R493,160 (all current assets)
  • Cash and Cash Equivalents: R424,160 (up from R378,238 in 2023)
  • Accumulated Surplus: R492,421 (increased from R446,946 in 2023)
  • Liabilities: Minimal, maintaining strong financial stability
  • Audit Status: Independently audited; confirmed going concern

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Key Gaps Identified

  • Manual data collection systems requiring standardisation
  • Inconsistent learner attendance tracking across programmes
  • Limited baseline and outcome assessment frameworks
  • Need for reliable data systems to measure academic impact quantitatively

Improvements Underway

  • Structured M&E frameworks being developed for future cycles
  • Enhanced assessment methodologies for measuring learner progress
  • Improved data consolidation and learner tracking systems
  • Clearer volunteer role allocation and training protocols

Looking Forward

2024 was characterised by consolidation rather than expansion, with a clear focus on:

  • Building more robust data systems and assessment frameworks
  • Strengthening institutional capacity through improved governance
  • Maintaining programme continuity during leadership transitions
  • Preserving financial stability while adapting to reduced funding

The lessons learned during 2024 have directly informed programme redesigns, enhanced school engagement strategies, and improved operational systems that will underpin MI’s work in 2025 and beyond. With greater self-awareness, improved leadership structures, and a clear commitment to measurable impact, the organisation enters the next phase positioned for more structured, accountable, and sustainable programme delivery.

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