Khoza champions education on Human Rights Day – SABC News

Human Rights Day serves as a reminder to South Africans to promote unity and equality while reflecting on the progress made since the dawn of democracy.
Premier Soccer League and Orlando Pirates Chairperson, Dr Irvin Khoza, has embraced this role by fulfilling the right to education for hundreds of children whose parents died in the line of duty for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Socio economic rights and service delivery are central to communities’ human rights and, addressing these issues by authorities will enable people to enjoy their human rights. This is the view of academics at the North West University, in Mahikeng. pic.twitter.com/HpZNCX9AVz
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 20, 2026

March 21st is a significant day on the South African calendar. It’s a day to promote, among other things, a culture of respect, equality, and human dignity. In doing so, the citizens strengthen the fight against discrimination and inequality and remind each other of the need to continue addressing socio-economic issues, racism, and gender-based violence (GBV).
On this day, citizens take time to reflect on their rights and responsibilities. One such citizen is Dr Irvin Khoza: “Since being appointed Honorary Colonel in 2009, I’ve learned that wearing the uniform is not about rank; it’s about the weight of the calling.”
He says that today, whether through the beautiful game or philanthropy, the goal remains the same. Even the joy of scoring cannot match the power of lifting a child out of hopelessness through education.  “Investing in education is the only way to secure our future,” he adds.
For Khoza, education is the cornerstone and key that can unlock it all. He plays his part by contributing handsomely to the SANDF Education Trust. The Trust pays the fees for those whose parents passed away while serving the nation.
“You are not just paying school fees, you are nurturing future doctors, engineers, and generals. I’m proud to share the impact of the Education Trust, with a total of 741 beneficiaries supported since its inception. To our recipient graduates, you are the embodiment of resilience. Continue to fly the flag of the Trust with pride. The success of this mission hinges on public-private partnership.,” says PSL Chairperson, Irvin Khoza.
His contribution to the SANDF Education Trust has gone a long way in changing lives.
“My name is Sinovuyo Mafutha, daughter of the late Corporal Sikhumbuzo Mafutha. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the SANDF Trust and Colonel Dr Irvin Khoza for investing in my education. Through your generosity, I was able to complete my journey from high school to tertiary studies, ultimately graduating from law school. I am now awaiting my admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa.,” says Mafutha.
“I am Dr Mohadi Maake, also one of the beneficiaries of the SANDF Trust Fund. I am the child of Maake, who passed away in 2004 in the DRC. I had the privilege of being funded through high school, and I graduated in 2021 from the University of the Witwatersrand. I am currently working as a medical officer. We are here to honour Colonel Dr Irvin Khoza for the contributions he has made towards the Fund and to express our gratitude,” says Maake.
“My name is Nomfundiso Sobantu, daughter of the late Lulamile Sobantu, who passed away in a plane crash in 2012. I stand here as a beneficiary of the Trust Fund. I am a graduate, qualified in the travel and tourism field. Today, my sisters and I are graduates because of this initiative. We also have a younger brother who is in his third year because of this fund. When my father passed away, he was seven years old,” says Sobantu.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY | Lindiwe Zulu, a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, says South Africa ranks among the top countries in upholding human rights. pic.twitter.com/GGVTEFp1ED
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 20, 2026

Khoza was honoured by the SANDF at a private function for his contribution to uplifting society.
“I would like to thank General Maphwanya for this honour in my lifetime. I have never been honoured like this; it is emotional for me, and I am lost for words. May God bless you,” he says.
The private sector has also been invited to donate to the good cause.
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