Jumping Kids

Kabo Tinyiko Ngcukana, a remarkable young girl, who has been living with a below- knee amputation on her left leg since birth, due to a congenital limb malfunction.

In 2019, her parents sought out assistance from the 

 Prosthetic Fund. That same year, Kabo was fitted with her first quality prosthesis, opening up new possibilities for her future.

Now a Grade 4 student, Kabo navigates well both at home and in her school life with confidence, empowered by her prosthetic equipment

She dreams of playing netball, participate in athletics and aspires to become a teacher. Along her journey, she hopes to inspire other children facing physical challenges, demonstrating that with support and determination, they too can achieve their dreams. 



What is your favourite subject at school and why?

English, because I can understand it and I enjoy learning how to communicate better in the language.

What would you like to pursue as a career one day?

I would like to become a teacher, because I like to teach, and I want to work with children in the school environment.

What types of sport and extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I like netball, but I am still trying to find a team to play for.

What do you hope to try with your new prosthetic sports blade?

I would like to achieve a medal in a running competition.

What is your message to children living with a physical challenge?

It is my goal to always show kindness and to support other children living with a physical disability.

March

Say hello to Bokang! A Grade 4 learner. She was born with a congenital condition that led to a below-knee amputation known as trans tibial on her right leg.

In 2017, she became a beneficiary of the 

 and was fitted with her first lower limb prosthesis, sponsored by the charity.

Initially it was difficult for Bokang to get used to moving around on her prosthesis. However, she was inspired by other kids that are using their prostheses to navigate life at school and at home.

She started running with her prosthetic device and discovered her love for it.

Now, empowered by her prosthetic equipment, Bokang is striving to inspire other children living with physical challenges to never stop trying and to always hold on to their faith.

Mathematics, because it keeps my brain active at all times.

I would like to become an athlete and a medical doctor.

What do you hope to try with your new prosthetic sport blade?

Above all else, I hope to be an inspiration to all living with a disability.

My message to children living with a physical disability is to always believe in yourself, to never stop trying, and to remember to pray

February

Elle, a Grade 8 learner is a true inspiration. Born with a condition affecting her right leg and Scoliosis, she underwent a through-knee amputation at just three years old. In 2018, she became a 

 Prosthetic Fund recipient, receiving her first prosthetic leg.

Despite her challenges, Elle thrives both at home and at school. She is a hardworking student, passionate about learning, and a role model to those around her.

"My favourite subject is Technology because I have a passion for building things."

"I would like to study to become a physiotherapist one day."

What types of sports and extracurricular activities are you involved in?

"My message to other children living with physical challenges is to just keep going and always give your best."

Elle's determination and positive attitude prove that no obstacle is too big to overcome. She continues to inspire others with her resilience, ambition and drive to achieve her goals.

January

Qhubeka Charity

Qhubeka is a Nguni word that means “to progress,” or “to move forward.” The 

 moves people and communities forward with the simple act of assembling and distributing bicycles. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles have the potential to change the lives of the most vulnerable communities in South Africa by helping people get where they need to go.

In South Africa, millions of scholars walk long distances to and from school every day along dusty roads, burdened by the weight of their books. For some, the daily journey on foot takes hours. This test of endurance consumes time, drains energy, and ultimately affects academic performance, leading to high levels of fatigue and alarming dropout rates from Grade 1 through Matric.

By partnering with Qhubeka Charity, The Star Foundation is changing this reality for 50 scholars in the Grade 9 class at Sefutswelo High School in Uitkyk, Northwest. Through a donation of R425,000, each scholar will receive a brand-new bicycle this February, along with spare parts for maintenance and a range of cycling accessories.

Because cycling is 3.5 times faster than walking, The Star Foundation’s bicycle donation will transform the daily commute to school for these learners. The new bicycles will not only reduce travel time and enable on-time arrival at school but will also ensure that scholars have more energy to focus on their studies, leading to better academic performance and greater participation in school activities.

Before receiving their bicycles, all 50 scholars will undergo a comprehensive training program conducted by Qhubeka Charity, through which they will learn how to ride their bicycles, use the accessories and spare parts to maintain them, and to follow the rules of the road. Following this training, each learner will take ownership of their new bicycle in a special distribution ceremony which is set to take place in February 2025.

Qhubeka Charity’s innovative “learn-to-earn” programme is designed to ensure that every bicycle distributed is not just donated as a gift, but as a reward for pledges made and fulfilled by each recipient. In exchange for their bicycles, each learner will sign a contract with commitments to enhance their school attendance and academic performance and to be accountable for the bicycle’s care and maintenance.

The journey doesn’t stop there. Beyond the classroom, Qhubeka Charity goes the extra mile by uplifting the whole community. Each bicycle is assembled locally in a dedicated facility, creating employment opportunities for people in the area where it operates. Additionally, Qhubeka trains local bicycle mechanics, equipping them with bicycle repair and basic business management skills. These mechanics will visit the school regularly to ensure the bicycles remain in use and are kept in peak condition.

As the 2025 school year begins, The Star Foundation is delighted to be empowering the Grade 9 class at Sefutswelo High School, as well as offering valuable skills development and employment opportunities to the local community of Uitkyk. We are excited to see how each bicycle will have its proud new owner pedaling towards a brighter future.

Building Futures

Reach for a Dream

A simple act ignited hope for over 200 children! In December, The Star Foundation and the 

 did just that – bringing joy, hope and Christmas magic to over 200 children battling life-threatening illnesses. We hosted seven Christmas-themed Dream Clubs across 7 provinces in South Africa, creating memories for them and their families.

Launched in 2024, the Dream Club gives children a chance to escape hospital rooms and create extraordinary memories with their families. The initiative connects children on similar treatment journeys, offering them a space to share experiences, build hope and community.

For 36 years, Reach for a Dream has been granting children the courage to believe in a better tomorrow. Research shows that hope plays a crucial role in improving health and resilience and these Dream Clubs provided much-needed comfort and support during the festive season.

Thanks to our R100,000 donation, we helped create unforgettable experiences in seven cities. The children received Dream Club Kits, collected stickers and wrote about their special day. Each celebration featured Christmas crafts, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa Claus, with each child receiving a special gift and cherished photo.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this campaign a success. Together, we are spreading hope – one dream at a time!

Christmas 2024

Muhluri Leano Sbanesihle Langa, a lively toddler from Annadale, Polokwane, is doing well with her first set of prosthetics.

Muhluri was born with fibular hemimelia, a condition where the fibula is missing. At just 2 years old, she underwent a bilateral below-knee amputation on 17 January 2023 and became part of the 

Since getting her prosthetic legs, Muhluri has become an active, joyful girl who loves to run, play and explore with confidence. Early support is crucial for children like Muhluri, helping them grow, develop and enjoy their childhood just like other kids.

What are her favourite activities and why?


Muhluri enjoys playing with a ball and spending time with friends because these activities allow her to express her energy and engage in physical play. Running around is particularly fun for her, as it gives her a sense of freedom and excitement.

What would you like her to do as a career one day? Any ideas yet?


While Muhluri is still young, her love for physical activity and athleticism suggests a potential career path in sports. She could explore various options within the field, such as becoming a professional athlete, a sports coach or a physical therapist.

What types of sports or other extracurricular activities would you like her to be involved in?


Track and field events, such as sprinting, long jump, and javelin throw, would be ideal for Muhluri. These activities align with her interests and can help her develop her physical abilities and coordination. Additionally, other sports like swimming or basketball could also be considered, as they offer opportunities for physical fitness and social interaction.

What do you hope for her try or achieve with her prosthetic equipment?


The primary goal is for Muhluri to gain the ability to walk and run independently. This would significantly enhance her mobility and quality of life, allowing her to participate in various activities without limitations.

What is your message to other parents of children living with a physical challenge?


There is hope and support available for families facing physical challenges. By conducting thorough research and seeking assistance from organizations like Jumping Kids, parents can ensure that their children have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive.

December

Little Dané, at just one-year-old is already showing resilience. Born with a missing lower limb on her right side, a condition that developed before birth. Her parents reached out to Jumping Kids for help and thanks to The Star Foundation, she received her first prosthetic leg.

Since then, Dané has been unstoppable! She is reaching all her toddler milestones, keeping up with her peers and enjoying the fun and excitement of childhood.

Helping children like Dané early makes it easier for them to adjust to prosthetics, so they can focus on playing, learning and growing with confidence.

Dané will continuously receive support through the 

 programme to ensure her prosthetic leg is regularly updated and maintained as she grows.

With the right support, Dané is ready to take on the world – one step at a time!

What are Dane’s favourite activities to participate in as a toddler?

Playing outdoors and swimming. She likes playing with other kids.

What would you like her to become one day? In other words, what is your wish for her future?

We wish for her to be successful and to do whatever makes her happy.

What types of sport &/or extracurricular activities do you wish for her to get involved with in the future?

Athletics, swimming, netball, drama and dance.

What do you hope that she can try or achieve with her prosthetic equipment?

We hope that she will inspire others and that she will be trying things that other people think will be impossible

November

Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare

In celebration of National Children's Day, The Star Foundation hosted a special event for children at The Soshanguve Animal Shelter and EDUcare Centre in Pretoria. We are also proud to have donated towards their shelter's expansion, enabling it to accommodate and educate even more children in the community.

The Soshanguve Animal Shelter and EDUcare Centre is a non-profit organization that plays a vital role in educating the local youth about animal welfare, steering them away from the dangers of the streets. A major function of the EDUcare Centre at the shelter is to provide after-school programmes to the children in the community.

Since its inception in 2023, the organization has welcomed 180 children from the community and provided over 12,000 meals at the centre. As a result of the donation, the shelter can accommodate even more children, providing a safe space and homework assistance.

The organization has also significantly impacted Soshanguve, rescuing over 370 dogs, rehoming 89, feeding 4910 dogs and sterilizing 344.

In a township where knowledge about animal care is limited, the organization’s mission is to teach children the importance of feeding, protecting, and caring for animals.

The Soshanguve Animal Shelter and EDUcare Centre rely on the generosity of donations, sponsorships and volunteers to continue its work. To support their cause or donate, please visit soshanguveanimalshelter.org.za.

National Childrens Day

At just five years old, Anika Koekemoer, had her left leg amputated after undergoing two cycles of chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Thankfully the histology came back showing an excellent response that meant Anika was cancer-free.

In 2021, Anika’s mother reached out to Jumping Kids, an organization dedicated to providing prosthetic solutions to children living with limb differences. Through their support, Anika was fitted with her first sponsored prosthesis, enabling her to regain mobility and independence. Since then, she has never looked back.

With the right prosthetic equipment, Anika leads an active and fulfilling life. She excels academically and has discovered a passion for sports, particularly target shooting and archery. Her dedication to these disciplines has allowed her to showcase her abilities and prove that physical challenges do not define her.

My favourite subject in school is Art because it allows me to share my creativity with my friends.

It is my dream to one day become a doctor or an astronaut so that I can explore space.

I participate in Archery and Target Shooting.

By continuing to use my sports blade to practice my love of archery and target shooting, I hope to inspire other people to live life to the fullest regardless of their disability.

Empowered by my prosthetic equipment I do not feel disabled, I feel normal and I can lead a normal life. I want to be an example of what is possible despite living with a disability.

October

U-Turn

“What if dignity, not just charity, was the key to breaking the cycle of homelessness?”

Homelessness is one of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges, leaving thousands without access to shelter, basic services, or opportunities for change.

At The Star Foundation, we believe that every individual in our society deserves to live a life full of dignity. We’ve partnered with U-Turn Homeless ministries to support their proven Life Change Journey – a four-phase programme that offers individuals living on the streets a pathway out of homelessness and toward employment and independence4.those who live on the street a pathway out of homelessness and towards employment and independence.

Over the last 25 years, U-turn has crafted an innovative skills-based programme to overcome homelessness, designed by a multidisciplinary team of Occupational Therapists, Social workers, homeless support workers, counsellors, trainers and life coaches.

Our partnership focuses on the first two- and most critical – phases of this journey, which U-turn operates out of dedicated ”Homeless Service Centres.” As the point of first contact with homeless individuals, these centres offer a safe space where they can begin their journey off the streets.

The Service Centres are sites where basic services are provided to meet the needs of those who need them most. Food, clothing, and hygiene services are available to clients while professional teams of therapeutic specialists offer group and individual counselling designed to build motivation in homeless clients to make the necessary life and behavioural changes needed to enrol further in homeless recovery support.

The Star Foundation is investing nearly R2 million in 2025 to fund the annual operations of two U-Turn Homeless Service Centres in Cape Town: The

. These centres provide safe, supportive spaces where individuals receive trauma counselling, skills training, and structured support to enable, build, and restore dignity among the most vulnerable in our communities.

Breaking the cycle of homelessness

Community Keepers

Building a Culture of Wellbeing in Schools

For many young learners, each day is a battle against instability and overwhelming challenges, leaving them in a constant state of fear or stress due to experiences such as loss, neglect, and exposure to abuse, violence, or poverty. 

re dedicated to breaking this cycle and providing meaningful mental health support.

In the heart of Bonnievale, there exists a quiet struggle—one that is not seen but deeply felt by the children of seasonal farmworkers. They wake up to hardship, arrive at school with heavy hearts, and return home to an environment where their struggles persist. These learners have no access to mental health care services or resources to assist them in coping with the traumas they are exposed to daily.

When trauma is left unaddressed, it can lead to high-risk behaviours, school dropouts, and an ongoing cycle that is difficult to escape. At The Star Foundation, we believe no child should face these struggles alone. That’s why, in partnership with Community Keepers, we launched a 12-month campaign to support the implementation of psycho-social support services in 11 schools in the Bonnievale region of the Western Cape – reaching 3,377 learners and their caregivers.

s a non-profit organization focused on improving mental health in schools. They provide counselling and life skills programs to create a lasting culture of wellbeing. Through their well-established C.A.R.E. approach - Counselling, Anchoring, Resilience, and Education – learners receive vital on-site support at school. Trained Care Facilitators provide immediate emotional support, while professional Care Practitioners (such as social workers, counsellors and psychologists) offer specialized help for more complex cases.

The Star Foundation is proud to be contributing R500,000 to the implementation of this vital programme in Bonnievale– helping ensure that mental health support becomes a consistent, accessible resource in the lives of the learners who need it most. By providing a safe space and the right tools to ensure wellbeing, the partnership will help children process trauma, heal, and start dreaming again.

 we are restoring hope, nurturing resilience, and igniting a movement for lasting change to enable a brighter, healthier future for thousands of young people.

Mental Health

Save 7

 is back! From 12-31 May 2025, a share of R1 Million in cash, daily, is up for grabs!

As part of 

’s May Money Madness competition, The Star Foundation is proud to partner with 

 – an inspiring initiative founded by Stellenbosch medical students in response to the urgent shortage of organ donors in South Africa.

With over 4,000 South Africans currently awaiting life-saving transplants, Save7 is on a mission to raise awareness and simplify the process of becoming an organ donor. Through media outreach, partnerships, and a powerful voice-based “time capsule” registry, they are creating a future where no life is lost due to a lack of donors. It takes just one minute to register and one donor can save up to seven lives.

Currently, Tygerberg Hospital loses up to 100 viable organs each year due to limited preservation infrastructure. To help bridge this gap, Save7 transformed an unused hospital room into the LifePod – a state-of-the-art donor ICU next to the theatre complex. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of donors and supporters.

While sufficient funds have been raised to build the first LifePod, the journey is far from over.

Together with LottoStar, we are proud to be part of a movement that turns one minute of action into a lifetime of impact.

Here’s how you can enter LottoStar’s May Money Madness competition with Kfm 94.5:

 by answering an easy LottoStar question.

-When Kfm 94.5 calls and you answer the phone, you’ll instantly win R2,500!

 on the specified dates, you could win up to R250,000, four times a day, for you and Save7!

Anticipate three weeks of pure excitement, heart-racing games and life-changing wins! Every week, there are 40 Golden Tickets up for grabs where 1 lucky player will win an instant R1 Million in the grand finale.

Don’t miss out on the action - enter, register and bet now to be part of LottoStar’s May Money Madness competition with Kfm 94.5

Campaigns
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Success Stories

About Us

News

Legal

LottoStar

Contact Us

FAQ

Success Stories

These are the stories of those that have moved us, warmed our hearts and at times left us speechless.

Jumping Kids - March

Jumping Kids - February

Jumping Kids - January

Qhubeka Charity - Building Futures

Reach for a Dream - Christmas 2024

Jumping Kids - December

Jumping Kids - November

Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare - National Childrens Day

Jumping Kids - October

Live Campaigns

Breaking the cycle of homelessness

Raised To Date

Mental Health

Raised To Date

May Money Madness

R50,000 Raised To Date

CampaignsLive CampaignsSuccess Stories

About Us

News

Legal

LottoStar

Contact Us

FAQ

Success Stories

These are the stories of those that have moved us, warmed our hearts and at times left us speechless.

Jumping Kids - March

Jumping Kids - February

Jumping Kids - January

Qhubeka Charity - Building Futures

Reach for a Dream - Christmas 2024

Jumping Kids - December

Jumping Kids - November

Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare - National Childrens Day

Jumping Kids - October

Live Campaigns

Breaking the cycle of homelessness

Raised To Date

Mental Health

Raised To Date

May Money Madness

R50,000 Raised To Date

Campaigns
Live Campaigns
Success Stories