Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a South African youth development NGO with over 25 years of experience and a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, dedicated to supporting students in higher education through a holistic, wraparound model of care. We provide financial aid, mentorship, psychosocial support, and skills development to help young people navigate tertiary life and transition successfully into the world of work. At CRET, we believe no student should walk their higher education journey alone. We provide more than funding, we offer a supportive community and a sense of family for students who often face academic, emotional, and financial pressures simultaneously. Our work is made possible through strong partnerships with funders, institutions, and stakeholders who share our commitment to youth empowerment and equitable access to opportunity. Together, we are building a pipeline of capable, confident graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.

What We Do

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Youth Supported

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Tertiary Students Funded

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Skills Development Participants

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Eye Tests Conducted

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Spectacles Provided

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Youth With Driving Training

Empowering potential, not just performance

MEET OUR ALUMNI

Every Book Bought Funds A Student's Driver's Licence

CRET Bookstore

Empowering potential, not just performance

For 25 years, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) has been transforming lives through education. Unlike conventional bursary programmes, CRET invests in the potential of youth often overlooked, offering holistic, direct support that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

News And Updates

Recent Blog

Hear from young people whose lives have been transformed through CRET’s holistic support and mentorship.

Alumni Testimonials

PARTNERS

MEET THE PARTNERS