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We are Your Youth Empowerment Champion

Mr Price Foundation has ignited hope for youth since 2005. Proudly founded by Mr Price Group, our mission is to build multiple pathways to economic participation – and transform the untapped potential of South African youth into economic energy.

From classrooms and campuses to workplaces and communities, we collaborate with business, government, funders and civil society to create opportunities that drive lasting impact. By providing young people with demand-led skills, practical experience, entrepreneurial capabilities and access to opportunities, we transform communities and catalyse economic participation.

Empowering Youth. Transforming Communities.

Our Timeline

Making a positive impact since 2005

2005 Mr Price Foundation

2005 – RedCap Foundation formed

The RedCap Foundation’s mission is to inspire tomorrow’s heroes and tackle national challenges in education, health and unemployment; and make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth from low-income communities.

2005 Mr Price Foundation 1

2005 – EduRise Young Heroes Programme created

The Young Heroes programme helps primary school children from low-income communities to develop a healthy and active lifestyle.

2007 – JumpStart Entry Level Retail Programme begins

Introduced in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town (now Retail Frontline Programme).

2009 – Physical education introduced to schools

The foundation signs a Memorandum of Understanding with National Department of Basic Education for physical education (PE) to be part of school curriculums. PE manuals are printed for all nine provinces.

2010 – Ride for RedCap commences

This gruelling 640km charity cycling ride from Johannesburg to Durban was first put in motion by Mr Price Cycle Club members Kelvin du Sart, Craig Jones, Ryan Ambler-Smith and Graham Daniel.

2012 – R3.5 million grant awarded to the foundation

National Treasury awards the foundation a R3.5 million grant for JumpStart to place 3 600 unemployed youth into jobs. The actual job placements are 4,600.

2014 – Rebranded to MRP Foundation

The RedCap Foundation is rebranded to MRP Foundation but retains its heart to inspire tomorrow’s heroes.

2014 Mr Price Foundation

2014 – Comparative analysis of Annual National Assessments

Comparative analysis of ANA performance shows the five foundation-supported schools in KwaDukuza performed better in maths and English First Additional Language (EFAL) than the national and provincial averages.

2016 – Return on investment study

Social return on investment study concluded JumpStart Production Programme generated R6.50 of value for every R1 invested; while JumpStart Pre-Production Programme generated R5 for every R1 invested.

2019 – JumpStart Retail Frontline Programme endorsed by the African Union

This work readiness programme is recognised as ‘good practice’ for skills development and youth employment in Africa by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

2020 – Rebranded to Mr Price Foundation

In April 2020, during Level 5 lockdown, Mr Price Group rebranded from MRP to the original beloved brand name of Mr Price. In line with this, MRP Foundation was rebranded to Mr Price Foundation.

2020 Mr Price Foundation

2020 – HandPicked Programme launched

HandPicked was launched in late 2020 to generate informal economic opportunities and boost agricultural entrepreneurship through agricultural skills development.

2022 – JumpStart Challenge launched

The JumpStart Challenge was created to raise awareness and funding for JumpStart skills development programmes, powered by the Mr Price Foundation.

Our Values

Fuelled by passion

Our passion is driven by compassion for the individual and belief in their potential.

Creating value

We pursue measurable, sustainable outcomes that positively impact lives 

Upholding Partnership

We co-create scalable solutions with businesses, communities, funders and government 

Actionable Humility

We learn, listen and adapt to meet youth where they are 

Our Footprint
Our programmes form a national footprint, primarily benefiting South African youth aged 15 to 34 from historically disadvantaged communities. This age group needs urgent support:
8.8 million youth

not in employment, education or training

1 million youth

exiting school and entering the labour market annually

50% skills mismatch

along with low workforce productivity

Looking forward

A Decade to Deliver on our Goals

Our mission is to empower 500,000 young people to become economically active and productive by 2035, indirectly uplifting 1.5 million lives. Achieving this ambition requires bold partnerships and scaling our impact across five strategic pillars

Our strategic goal is to empower 500,000 youth to become economically active and productive by 2035. Achieving this ambition requires bold partnerships and disciplined execution of our roadmap.

Meet our Team

Octavius Phukubye

Executive Director

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Karen Wells

Head of Programmes and Innovation

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Portia Zondi

Head of Communications and Partnerships

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Duduzile Mathabela

Entrepreneurship Development Programme Manager

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Yurissa Sawers

Skills Development Programme Manager

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Pain Mashingaidze

Education Development Programme Manager

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David Churchman

Financial Manager

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Make a contribution

Join us as we tap into the power of education and skills development to build a more productive future for all our youth.

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