The Kagiso Group was established in May 1985 and remains the oldest and most respected black-led development facilitation agency in South Africa. The organisation was established as a mechanism to channel funds which would promote the struggle as well as uplift and empower communities deprived by the system.
From the beginning, KT adopted a non-sectarian approach, lending support to a wide range of progressive organisations working for change in apartheid South Africa. In some instances, the Trust was responsible for setting up new organisations. Kagiso Trust was not simply a funder – it became a catalyst for new development institutions and initiatives. Support was spread across a range of sectors and projects: rural and urban projects, advice centres, welfare, health and education. Since its inception, KT has disbursed over R1.2 billion. The contributions to, and hands-on involvement in, a wide range of projects have allowed Kagiso Trust to make a real difference to the lives of many thousands of South Africans.