Over the past 18 years, what began as a fortuitous meeting between two strangers has grown into an internationally-recognized model for development. Their impact is made possible by trusting those closest to the problem to create the solution. In partnership with the Bertha Foundation, they have created a world-class staff development initiative. Today, 95% of the team at the Ubuntu Campus in Port Elizabeth, South Africa comes from the community they serve. These staff members are leaders in their community, driving the vision of one of the most innovative organizations on the continent.
Separated by race, nationality, and age, Jacob Lief and Malizole “Banks” Gwaxula were brought together by something far more powerful––the spirit of ubuntu, roughly translated as ‘I am because you are'. Their unexpectedly profound journey has inspired a new, bold thinking about breaking the cycle of poverty.
