top of page

Dineo Baloyi

Lights. shoes & lessons for learners

Dineo Baloyi at work in Sandton, Gauteng © Thom Pierce 2023

They say if you want to get things done, ask a busy person.  


As soon as she got her first job at the age of 21, Dineo Baloyi started to help others, assisting learners in her neighbourhood with admissions and bursary applications. In 2016 she started her own foundation to increase the number of people she could help provide better educational opportunities to in her home town of Hammanskraal. 


Seven years later and Dineo is now working full-time for an Infrastructure Development firm in Sandton, whilst also studying and raising a young child. She is still running the Dineo Foundation which continues to support learners, providing her with a way to make a positive change in the lives of many others. 


“I am a giver, my name means “gifts”. So I just wanted to be that gift to the world”


Although Dineo grew up in a family who were struggling to make ends meet, what they had they gave in abundance, namely their unwavering support and love. Even though they did not always have money for food, books or school uniforms, her dad would be at school every two weeks to monitor her progress. When she studied for her further education he would sit up with her while she worked late into the night. 


It is not a stretch to see where the motivation for The Dineo Foundation comes from, it is clearly inspired by the strength and struggles of her own upbringing. 


The foundation has a few different programs, one of which is the monitoring and support of learners at Rapelego Primary School and Sibongile Community Centre. They are assessed on a quarterly basis and supported by the foundation in any way that will help them to thrive at school. Whether that be in the provision of school shoes, reading glasses, uniforms, food, or extra lessons. 


“I would like to see the foundation providing a support structure and extending its hand to the disadvantaged because I believe that everybody succeeds through support.”


Currently, Dineo is working on The Light For Life project, raising funds to supply matric students with rechargeable lights so that they can study during load shedding. Each light costs R300. If you would like to donate or sponsor a light, email us and we will connect you with Dineo.



CREATED FOR positive activism © 2025

bottom of page