Welcome to

Sisonke Association of Friends was established by a group of friends in 1981, after one of them had a bereavement in his family. They collected money among themselves and assisted their friend to bury his mother. This gesture cultivated an essence of togetherness among the group, which later resulted into the name and the formation of “Sisonke Association of Friends”.

As early as 2006, Sisonke had started buying into available BEE shares, and that is Sekunjalo (now AEEI), MTN, SASOL, Multichoice and Welkom Yizani. The dividend income received from these shares has sustained Sisonke over the years, and continues to make it possible for its members to pay affordable annual fees compared to other similar formations.

Around 2017, a discussion ensued on ways to further empower and enhance the existing benefits of Sisonke individual members. This resulted into the commercialisation of certain activities of the organisation, leading up to the establishment of SASOF Holdings Company and The Sisonke Enablement Trust as vehicles to facilitate this process.

The Organizational Ethos

Members of Sisonke, irrespective of their diverse interests and activities, are expected to agree to a set of common values by which the Association will be recognized. These values are influenced by the need for the Association to assist in the combating of poverty and inequality, and to strive to improve the lives and circumstances of all South Africans. With this in mind, Sisonke members commit themselves to the following principles:

• Being faithful to the Association; honouring and abiding by its constitution;
• Promoting the unity and wellbeing of those who comprise Sisonke membership;
• Being responsive to the needs and welfare of Sisonke membership
• Respecting the rights, culture, and dignity of all people within the framework of the Bill of Rights, as contained in the South African Constitution; enhancing race and gender equality (adhering to the spirit of Ubuntu).