In 2022, the PPS Foundation significantly influenced numerous lives throughout South Africa as we steadfastly worked towards building a brighter tomorrow for our youth. During the year, the PPS Foundation made influential strides in accomplishing its goals as universities regained a sense of normalcy.

The PPS Foundation embarked on a successful journey throughout the year, visiting 19 campuses at 11 universities to reinforce its presence and initiatives. These roadshows were strategically designed to raise awareness among institutions and students about the PPS Foundation’s identity and our array of opportunities. By actively fostering connections and spreading awareness, we aimed to create a lasting impact and empower individuals with knowledge and resources to unlock their full potential.

During these visits, we had the honour of conducting bursary handovers to students as a tangible example of our commitment to supporting their educational aspirations and donation handovers for the approved university support initiatives. In addition, we highlighted the PPS Foundation’s significant outcomes and opportunities for collaboration with universities on various initiatives, providing a comprehensive overview of the PPS Foundation’s impactful work. We fostered a sense of partnership and shared commitment toward creating a brighter future for all through these engaging discussions, showcasing the breadth of our efforts.

PPS is different from other financial services companies because its benefits are tailored exclusively for graduate professionals.

Nereshen Pillay

Regional Manager for PPS Life Broker Services (CPT - coastal)

The partnership between PPS Group and the PPS Foundation has been mutually beneficial for years. Life Broker Services and the PPS Graduate team, helped strengthen connections with strategic partners on campuses nationwide. Through initiatives such as the PPS Bursary Programme, the University Support Programme, the Graduate Internship Development Programme (GIDP) and the LEAP Work-readiness Programme, PPS has actively promoted the Foundation’s initiatives, benefiting intermediaries, students and different campuses.

The LEAP Work-readiness Programme has provided purposeful training initiatives engaging students across various faculties and equipping them with valuable skills. The PPS Bursary Programme has transformed the lives of numerous students, granting them access to the education they might not have been able to afford, unlocking their potential and helping them achieve their goals. By supporting universities, the University Support Programme has fostered closer relationships with academic and administrative staff, strengthening ties with institutions and benefitted universities and students facing financial challenges. The GIDP has given hope and career opportunities to many deserving students.

PPS is different from other financial services companies because its benefits are tailored exclusively for graduate professionals. It is a critical part of our growth strategy to build and maintain the opportunity to promote the PPS brand to all final-year students. By demonstrating our commitment to the institutions and improving students’ lives through financial assistance, financial literacy training and career prospects, PPS is received and accepted at all levels of the universities.

Collaborating closely with the PPS Foundation allows PPS to extend its presence across all universities, expanding its influence and footprint. The partnership showcases the significant value PPS brings to educational institutions and students, to important stakeholders, creating new opportunities for PPS across campuses nationwide.

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Professionals (CTP)

PPS Advisory Services and Enablement (ASE) runs an initiative called Cultivating Tomorrow’s Professionals (CTP). This initiative encompasses two schools in Cape Town and six in Johannesburg, prioritising three key interventions: mathematics classes, experiential learning and corporate exposure. The programme, launched by one of the PPS executives, spans a transformative 12-month journey and was designed to support grade 11 students transitioning into matriculation. These top learners were invited to attend workshops held at the PPS headquarters every third Saturday of the month, where they were given supplementary mathematics lessons, learnt about emotional intelligence (EQ) and presentation skills, among many other valuable skills. The PPS graduates also assisted some learners with their bursary and university applications. In September 2022, 70 learners successfully completed this programme and in October, 80 new learners embarked on this empowering path. The far-reaching impact of this programme offers learners a remarkable opportunity to pursue tertiary education and ultimately achieve economic independence.

PPS Foundation and Group: Calitzdorp Cycle Challenge

The PPS Foundation, along with other organisations such as Alex Forbes, 91, PPS and AVBOB united their efforts to contribute to this exciting event. Five dedicated cyclists were sponsored to partake in the cycle challenge. In addition, PPS generously contributed R200 000 towards providing bicycles for students who previously had to undertake daily walks of 10 km to 15 km to attend school. This transformative act of support greatly eased their commuting hardships and profoundly impacted their academic performance. Moreover, the PPS Foundation extended its support by sponsoring three university students who previously attended Calitzdorp High School with laptops, providing them with essential tools for their academic journey. Their collective efforts have paved the way for improved educational outcomes and brighter futures for these deserving students.

PPS introduced the Healthy Weigh Challenge - an initiative that serves to foster a culture of healthy living among PPS employees and members by primarily focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and regular exercise. As of 2022, participants are required to donate R250 to take part in the challenge, which directly contributes to the Foundation’s endeavours. While this is not a direct Foundation initiative, it is important to note that it is an excellent avenue to engage our membership base and encourage wholesome well-being among PPS members and employees.

In 2022, we received 423 registrations for the challenge and were able to sponsor one deserving bursary holder. The donors/registrants also benefitted by receiving a Section 18A tax certificate. This outcome demonstrates the positive impact of the challenge, not only in promoting healthy living but also highlights its profound contribution to education and skills development.

In December 2022, a celebratory prize-giving ceremony marked the culmination of the Healthy Weigh Challenge, where 30 exceptional individuals emerged as winners.

These deserving recipients were chosen based on their remarkable progress in improving their health and overall well-being. Winners were invited to share their personal journeys and experience with the challenge, playing a pivotal role in promoting the initiative to inspire and motivate others.

Through the Healthy Weigh Challenge, we reinforce the notion that every act of giving, no matter how modest, has the power to catalyse positive change and shape a brighter future for those in need. We encourage all our members and supporters to contribute to worthy causes and initiatives like this. Even the smallest contributions possess the potential to create a significant and lasting difference.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated members and employees who participated in the initiative. Through your efforts, we continue to drive positive change and create a better future for all.