The Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation was established in August 2010 with far reaching ambitions. The foundation is the living embodiment of First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Madam Bongi Ngema-Zuma’s passion to create awareness about diabetes. It is a fulfilment of her vision that no person should die because of lack of awareness about diabetes. In the broader social context, the foundation seeks to drive the empowerment of women and children, rural development, education and health programmes which are primarily central to diabetes and associated diseases.

The foundation’s main thrust and emphasis is knowledge sharing and awareness about diabetes, education and other interventions that demonstrably change for the better the lives of the affected people. The Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation is foremost driven by the need to effect positive change in our society. It is fundamentally guided by a passion to create an environment where there is ready sharing of information, an increased level of awareness about diabetes, its treatment, management and care.

For Madam Ngema-Zuma, the story of her late mother, Prisca Ngema, who was diagnosed and lived with diabetes for nearly three decades before she passed on, is one of deep inspiration. It cajoled her to determine that, given South Africa’s almost silent communication around diabetes, she will raise her hand and lead from the front. Hence the formation of the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation, which will be the vehicle she uses to gather all relevant stakeholders around the gigantic task of educating the nation on diabetes.

The Vision

To see a South Africa where diabetes ceases to be a killer due to lack of awareness.

The Mission

To support and help people take control of diabetes.

The Values

• Driving sustainable educational initiatives to increase awareness on diabetes
• Commitment to serve with integrity
• Responsibility, accountability and transparency in all our conduct

Objectives

The Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation’s objectives are to:

• Increase awareness about diabetes, risk factors, preventative and management measures.
• Collaboration and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders involved in diabetes.
• Mobilise resources to fight diabetes.
• Empower rural, urban and vulnerable communities.
• Support and empower people to take ownership of their health through knowledge sharing, counseling, education and other interventions.