Education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty

East Londoner Tabisa Ngubo has dedicated her career as a corporate social investment manager to empowering communities through socio-economic development initiatives.

The 39-year-old recently achieved a milestone by earning her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Reading’s Henley Business School, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.

With more than 15 years of experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and socio-economic development, she has built a strong career focused on driving positive change.

She currently serves as the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager at Ceramic Industries, a leading manufacturer of tiles and bathware. She is also the founder of the Msimbithi Foundation, which serves the Hamburg community.

“I am responsible for overseeing the company’s socio-economic development initiatives, ensuring that their corporate social responsibility efforts contribute meaningfully to communities in need,” she said.

On the side, Ngubo has a deep passion for supporting sustainable community development, and her leadership in both the corporate and non-profit sectors reflects her dedication to creating lasting change. This led her to start the Msimbithi Foundation, aimed at transforming the lives of children in rural communities in Hamburg several years ago.

“What started as a simple act of kindness has since grown into a fully-fledged foundation focused on empowering children through education, providing school uniforms, books, and crucial skills development,” she said.

This year, the foundation donated more than 90 school uniform packs to learners from Hamburg Primary School and Masivuye Educare Centre, ensuring that more than 90 children can attend school in proper school attire — a fundamental element in boosting self-esteem and academic success.

In 2018, they first launched a school shoe drive, donating to those in need.

The foundation also unveiled a boat-shaped playground jungle gym for Grade R pupils at Hamburg Primary School. The playground, designed to reflect the region’s coastal landscape, provides young children with vital space for play-based learning.

She said this initiative underlines the foundation’s holistic approach to education — one that nurtures the cognitive, social, and physical development of children.

This year’s event also included an Artside Space school arts and culture programme, where pupils showcased their creativity through artwork and recitations, celebrating their heritage and the rich cultural diversity of the region. Winners of the competition received school stationery and art supplies, ensuring that children have the tools they need to continue their educational journey.

Ngubo believes that education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty.

“The foundation’s work is a testament that when we come together as a community, we can make a real difference in the lives of our children. But this is just the beginning — we need every one of us to contribute to this cause, to ensure that every child, no matter where they are from, has access to the tools they need to succeed.”

Since its inception, the foundation has made remarkable strides in addressing the educational needs of rural communities. Its efforts go beyond simply providing uniforms — supporting literacy initiatives, early childhood education, and skills development, with a focus on empowering women and youth.

Key programmes include:

• School Uniform Programme: Providing school uniforms and essential items to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Umsimelelo Wabafundi (Education for Children): Supporting early childhood education, literacy programmes, and teacher-led reading initiatives.
• Adopt-a-High-School Pupil Programme: Offering financial assistance for school fees, uniforms, books, and personal care packs.
• Skills Development: Providing technical skills training and adult education programmes aimed at empowering women and youth, helping them break the cycle of poverty.