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The Barloworld Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit organisation that seeks to ignite individual self-belief and unleash community resilience.

Day One in Bahia opened with colour, rhythm and co

Day One in Bahia opened with colour, rhythm and courage.
Under the theme Navigating the Storm. Charting our Course Through the Polycrisis, artivists from across the world gathered to imagine new ways of moving through complexity with creativity as our guide.
The programme overflowed with possibility. sessions unfolded, each exploring how art, culture and story can lead us toward connection and renewal. From visionary discussions to living installations, every space reminded us that imagination remains our oldest form of resistance.
Here in Bahia, we felt Siyakhwezela meeting its Brazilian twin, Reacender Juntos. Both mean to rekindle the fire together, to hold hope as a shared act.
Through conversation and collaboration, that fire burned bright.
bwef — igniting hope. empowering change.
#GlobalArtivism #Artivism2025 #Siyakhwezela #ReacenderJuntos #WeListenWeNurtureWeAmplify #AfricaToBahia #StorytellingForChange

We are not just observing; we are participating in

We are not just observing; we are participating in a powerful movement to reclaim narrative power.
At BWEF, this gathering is more than an event—it’s a foundation for justice and dignity.
We support Afrotellers because they spark community wisdom and fuel collective action.

When generations connect, we awaken the Ember Within.
As isiZulu teaches: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.”
Together, we rise. Together, we build.

Let’s carry this fire beyond these three days.#afrotellers2025 #ourstoriesourvoicesourpower #siyakhwezela #shiftingpower #afrikatellsback #collectiveaction

We are getting closer and closer and the excitemen

We are getting closer and closer and the excitement for the 2026 Artivism Conference excitement is tangible.

Registration is open for the Second Global Artivism Convening! From November 3–5 in Salvador, Bahia, join 800+ artists, cultural workers, and movement leaders from 60 countries for three powerful days of art, music, workshops, and strategy—just days before the UN Climate Conference (COP30).

BWEF is proud to be a part of this amazing effort!

Partner Spotlight: Buhle Madlala of the National C

Partner Spotlight: Buhle Madlala of the National Cycling Academy’s Forum (NCAF) didn’t wait for permission to transform South African cycling. She saw a gap - a lack of development in township and rural areas - and she pushed the Federation to answer the call. Today, NCAF is an organisation to be reckoned with, dedicated to creating real opportunities for amateur cyclists. Success? For Buhle, it’s about being a national force and being taken seriously as a critical voice for change. Check out her powerful story and hear how they are driving a new chapter for the sport. #CyclingDevelopment #Siyakhwezela #NCAF #Inspiration #Activism #ChangingTheGame

While Heritage Month may be over, the work of hono

While Heritage Month may be over, the work of honouring our heritage is year-round.

Our history isn’t just a month of remembrance—it’s the foundation we build on every single day. We celebrate our roots through our actions, our innovations and the community we uplift.
At the Cradle of Humankind, we were reminded that our heritage marks the beginning of the human story. Standing on this historic soil grounds our mission.
Through storytelling, the lessons of our past are carried forward from one generation to the next.

Let’s keep honouring our story. 365 days a year. Siyakhwezela!

#BWEF #CradleOfHumankind #Storytelling #Heritage
#HeritageAllYear #Siyakhwezela

Yesterday we joined the community of Noordgesig fo

Yesterday we joined the community of Noordgesig for the unveiling of the Noordgesig History Site. A day filled with music, history and celebration of heritage. Proud to witness this moment that preserves our stories for future generations.

#siyakhwezela #heritageday #noordgesig

This Heritage Day, we honour the roots that ground

This Heritage Day, we honour the roots that ground us and the diversity that defines us. At BWEF, we celebrate the strength of our shared history and the power of our stories. #siyakhwezela #heritageday

We rise stronger when we come together. Meet Buhle

We rise stronger when we come together. Meet Buhle Madlala, founder of the National Cycling Academies Forum (NCAF) — a movement transforming grassroots cycling in our communities.
From township trails to national tracks, NCAF is opening doors for young riders and driving real change through advocacy and unity.
Watch how Buhle and the NCAF family are pedaling towards a future of visibility, opportunity, and empowerment.
Siyakhwezela!

#NCAF #Siyakhwezela #CyclingForChange #WomensMonthAndBeyond #GrassrootsPower #BuhleMadlala

“Farming the future, remembering the past.” Ph

“Farming the future, remembering the past.”
Pheladi Chiloane of African Agricultural Solutions is cultivating more than cassava—she’s cultivating legacy. By reclaiming indigenous knowledge, especially that held by women, and transforming cassava into high-value products, she honours ancestral wisdom, uplifts her community, and nurtures the land. Her journey is a story of resilience, rooted in intergenerational memory and on track to flourish as a visionary entrepreneur shaping a sustainable future. Want to learn more? Head to our page for the full story and to see how this incredible initiative is changing lives. #siyakhwezela #farming #womenempowerment

https://youtu.be/S-p6tq9J4gI?si=kzMECHsEbdsdQATp

Siyakhwezela- Rekindling the flames of our Herita

Siyakhwezela- Rekindling the flames of our Heritage
This Heritage Month, the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and stories that shape us and make South Africa truly unique. 🇿🇦

Our heritage is a flame passed down from generation to generation, a source of wisdom, pride, and resilience that lights our way forward.

Let’s honour our roots, embrace our diversity, and empower those who follow.

#BWEF #HeritageMonth #OurStoriesOurStrength #ProudlySouthAfrican

This Woman’s Month, we’re celebrating women wh

This Woman’s Month, we’re celebrating women who ignite change.
Meet Pauline Pontsho Mankge, a true changemaker who proves that the most powerful leaders aren’t waiting for permission. Through her work with Youth in Action Against Poverty and Unemployment (YAAU), she’s providing practical, hands-on solutions that are transforming lives and building community resilience. Her simple question, “What can I do?”, is an antidote to apathy and a powerful call to action for us all. It’s time to celebrate leaders like Pontsho who are building a better future, one family and one community at a time. We are honoured to feature her story as part of our #SheIgnites series.
#WomensMonth #Leadership #CommunityDevelopment #SocialImpact #Grassroots #ChangeMakers #Inspiration
#Siyakhwezela

“Realeboga, Hammanskraal! Thank you for welcomi

“Realeboga, Hammanskraal!
Thank you for welcoming us into your circle of warmth and wisdom.
At this fireside, we didn’t just share stories — we ignited hope, trust and the spirit of Siyakhwezela — where we walk together, uplift together and believe together.
The journey continues, and you are the heartbeat of the change WE are building. #siyakhwezela #hammanskraal

A woman’s wisdom is a tapestry woven by the hand

A woman’s wisdom is a tapestry woven by the hands of her ancestors, passed down through generations to empower the future. Happy Women’s Month #womenempowerment #womensmonth #womansday #siyakhwezela #bwef @sthembile_ngcobo

Happy Women’s Day! “Until the lion tells its

Happy Women’s Day!

“Until the lion tells its story, the hunter will always be the hero.”

From our ‘She Ignites’ series, Executive Director of the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation, Miss Sibongile Mkhabela, calls on women to release their voices, tell their stories, and direct the path for the next generation.

Let’s not just say “Happy Women’s Day,” but “Viva Women’s Day!” as the struggle for women continues. #siyakhwezela #happywomensday #bwef

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the hands that

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the hands that feed our nation. Introducing our “Women in Farming” series, where we’ll be showcasing the inspiring work of female leaders on the land. Join us as we shine a light on their strength, resilience and incredible contributions to our communities. Stay tuned for their stories! #siyakhwezela #womensmonth #womeninfarming #flamesofchange #rekindleherflame

When your own embers are ignited, there’s a prof

When your own embers are ignited, there’s a profound responsibility to spark that flame in others. 🔥 Mlungisi Mlungwana perfectly encapsulates this philosophy, highlighting how the @BWEF mentorship program is designed to create a space where knowledge and opportunity converge, empowering individuals to apply their skills and build a better future.

It’s about more than just teaching; it’s about igniting the potential within. See how we’re making an impact together! Watch the full video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouBC67e5T9c

#BWEF #Mentorship #IgnitePotential #CommunityImpact #SouthAfrica #MluArtxBWEF #PlayYourPart

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s call for servi

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s call for service, BWEF is proud to attend Soweto Night Out today! This incredible social enterprise, born from FunkItImWalking NPC, transforms community safety into economic prosperity through night walking tours in Soweto.

Join us and witness firsthand how a community takes charge of its own safety and builds a more prosperous future. This Mandela Day, see what’s possible when safety and economic growth unite! Siyakhwezela! @funkitimwalking #siyakhwezela #nelsonmandeladay

A huge congratulations to Go Green Go Clean and Ub

A huge congratulations to Go Green Go Clean and UbuntuCDU Urban Farm Urban Farming Community Inc on their incredibly successful FIRST MARKET DAY, held on Saturday, June 21st, 2025! The Barloworld Empowerment Foundation (BWEF) couldn’t be prouder to partner with such inspiring and determined change-makers. Witnessing their dedication, it’s clear the future truly looks green!

We were absolutely delighted to share in the harvest. It’s nothing short of incredible to see the full journey from seed to vibrant greens and these delicious vegetables from their garden certainly brought us immense joy.

Big ups to everyone who rolled with us on June 16t

Big ups to everyone who rolled with us on June 16th for the Kasi Ride in Mamelodi! 🚴‍♀️💨 BWEF was hyped to celebrate our awesome partners, @ncaf_sa and see all you legends show up and show out for an epic day of cycling, good vibes and pure energy.

Seriously, you guys brought the fire! 🔥 Your passion for cycling and coming together as a community made the Kasi Ride unforgettable. Let’s keep that momentum going, inspiring each other to stay active and connected.

#KasiRide2024 #Mamelodi #NCAF #BWEFPartners #YouthCycling #CommunityVibes #StayActive #siyakhwezela

Did you know cassava, a remarkably drought-toleran

Did you know cassava, a remarkably drought-tolerant crop, was once a ‘famine reserve’ in Southern Africa? We’re exploring how Pheladi Chiloane from Bushbuckridge is reviving this ‘long lost’ crop, turning it into a key part of a thriving sustainable economy! Her work is inspiring, bringing back inherent resilience and diversifying the food system, making her an ember of hope on Bushbuckridge. Stay tuned this week for more of her story 🙌🏽 #bwef #siyakhwezela #sustainability #cassava

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