An Ode to our Arch Above

In 1985, KT began its development work to help promote the struggle against apartheid. 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu co-founded the Trust along with other stalwarts like Dr Beyers Naudè, Reverend Frank Chikane, Dr Max Coleman, Dr Alan Boesak, Dr Abe Nkomo, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, and Eric Molobi, and took on the arduous task of trying to persuade the European Union to impose sanctions on South Africa’s apartheid government.

In 1985, the EU agreed to impose partial sanctions on South Africa, and also decided, through its Special Programme for the victims of apartheid, to support projects that promoted non-racialism and capacity development among those disadvantaged by apartheid.

They indicated that they wanted to allocate development funds using three channels, namely; South African Council of Churches (SACC), the South African Catholic Bishops Conference, and a third secular channel.

The third secular channel gave birth to KT on the 10th of July 1986. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as others associated with the Trust, were harassed and some detained because of their involvement.

"As an organisation we strive to influence society in very real terms through programmes that emphasise the importance of education in overcoming poverty. The Arch whole-heartedly threw his weight behind our programmes. He knew that only empowered communities can enjoy the real fruits of freedom, a state of being he fought for all his life. It was his selfless involvement that inspired the Trust to honour him in 2015,." says Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust.

Watch our #OdeToArch video:

In keeping with the ideal of sustainable funding of development work, KT formed Kagiso Trust Investment with the blessings and strict guidance from the Arch, which has now evolved into KTH.

Paballo Makosholo, CEO of KTH, commented: “The contribution the Arch made to our group is immeasurable. His vision and foresight has helped us to evolve into the organisation we are today. Now with significant interests across a variety of sectors, we commit to ensuring that his legacy lives on.”

What started as an awareness and fundraising vessel has grown into an institution servicing social economic development, and is also involved in commercial services.

The Trust group of companies would like to thank Archbishop Desmond Tutu for his selfless work and dedication to a better South Africa, and for teaching us that we can build businesses that create a better life for all.

Kagiso Media (KM) was established in 1997 by Kagiso Trust Investments. Kagiso Media is a successful black controlled and managed company, wholly owned by KTH. KM's interests include controlling investments in East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM, Mediamark, Urban Brew Studios, Juta, and Future Managers.