Written by Darryn Kenned Diana Nkiwane (RF2025) selected to perform with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra at the 146th JSO Senior Concerto Festival At just 14 years old, Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust’s Diana Nkiwane has already reached an extraordinary milestone in her musical journey. Diana has been selected, alongside fellow Jeppe Girls vocalist Lunathi Jubane (17), to perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu from his Requiem with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra (JSO

In South Africa, more than 60% of young people aged 15–24 are unemployed and more than 40% between the ages of 25 to 34. Education remains one of the most powerful pathways to employment and economic mobility, yet access to quality education is still determined largely by circumstance rather than potential. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. While many learners pass Matric each year, only a fraction will enter university, and between 35% to 60% of those who do, will dr

Tanique Fekete, Charity Nwaokpo, Hafsa Dawood, Buhle Msimango and Claire Zengenene At the heart of every opportunity lies the potential to inspire curiosity, ignite ambition and unlock talent. This month, a group of our scholarship recipients stepped into a world many young people only dream of accessing — the fast-paced, innovative environment of Investec headquarters in Sandton — for the “Developing Tech Talent” programme, an immersive experience designed to expose learners

Esther’s story is one of quiet determination and extraordinary promise. At Park Senior Primary, she was already someone others looked up to—serving as a library monitor, detention monitor, and prefect. She carried responsibility with grace, while also finding joy on the sports field, where she excelled in high jump and netball. By the end of Grade 7, her hard work and spirit were unmistakable: she was named Dux Scholar and Sportswoman of the Year. But behind these achievement

by Humayra Akhalwaya (RF2014) My journey is one that has come full circle in the most unexpected and meaningful way. It began in 2013, at the end of my Grade 7 year, when I was awarded the Ruth First Memorial Scholarship. At the time, I understood it as an incredible opportunity, one that would support me through high school, but I could not yet grasp the depth of its impact. What I did know, even then, was that I was no longer walking the path ahead alone. There was a networ

As we approach the end of the 2025/26 tax year, both organisations and individuals have a meaningful opportunity to maximise impact while benefiting from tax efficiency. A contribution to the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust qualifies for a Section 18A tax certificate and allows for a deduction of up to 10% of taxable income. The Trust awards full high school scholarships to academically talented young women from under-resourced communities, providing not only access to qualit

Achieving eight distinctions in Matric is a moment worth celebrating — and a powerful reflection of commitment, courage and countless hours of hard work. In this Q&A, we meet Sabrina Sheng, who has turned determination into outstanding results and is now stepping confidently into her next chapter, pursuing actuarial science and the dreams she has worked so hard to realise. Congratulations on your phenomenal achievements in 2025 Sabrina, which one means the most to you? The

At the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust, we believe that education is far more than academic achievement alone. It is about nurturing confident, resilient, socially aware young women who step boldly into their futures. Our mentorship programme — combining adult mentorship with peer mentorship — stands at the centre of this commitment. The Power of Mentorship While strong academic support is essential, we know that true transformation requires holistic growth . Our mentorship p

Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust Donor–Learner Breakfast | 2 October 2025 The Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust recently hosted a heartwarming Donor–Learner Breakfast — a morning dedicated to gratitude, reflection, and connection. This special event brought together donors, mentors, trustees, and Ruth First recipients in celebration of the transformative power of education. Alice Moyo (Moshal Program), Tadiswanashe Chiriseri (RF2025), Mankotseng Nane (GetGo Fund), Sierra Mudangw

This term, Jeppe Girls had the privilege of welcoming back Zenadene Lazarus — a Ruth First recipient, mentor, and shining example of...

It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we bid farewell to our Vice-Chairperson, Christina Notununu, as she enters a well-earned...

This month, in our "Spotlight on our Alumna" we are excited to share that our musically talented Lamees Matwadia (RF2018) has been...

This month we say a fond farewell to Lauren Dicks and welcome Christine Tamukedde to the team. Lauren Dicks (centre) along with Carolyn...

In this edition of our newsletter we share a heartwarming outreach initiative —where Ruth First Trust girls and Theo Jackson Scholarship...

Every year, as we welcome new scholarship recipients and celebrate the achievements of our alumnae, we’re reminded of a fundamental...

Mission Admission 2026 is Underway Every year, we embark on a journey to find and support exceptional young learners who have the...

When I hear Alicia Keys’ song, “This Girl is on Fire” playing on the radio, Sierra Mudangwe (RF2021) immediately comes to my mind....

Alexandra Okoye after being inducted as Head Girl 2025. It is with great pride that we introduce Alexandra Okoye as the Head Girl of...

The enduring legacies of Ruth First, in whose memory this Trust was formed, and Justice Albie Sachs, Patron of the Trust, were honoured...

We were absolutely delighted to have a chance to reconnect with Vanessa Ndiangang (RF2016), in August, at our Alumnae High Tea get...

We are excited to bring you another edition in our series highlighting the journeys and achievements of our alumnae... My name is...

Dear Friends of the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust, The Annual Function this year was an afternoon we never wanted to end! It was a day...

Please join us for this spectacular occasion on 18 September! Due to limited seating our event is RSVP only, so please contact Lauren...

We are thrilled to announce that one of our exceptional Grade 11 Ruthies, Lilian Chikusa, along with her partner, Precious Chezi, has won...