Kaross, the Foundation, and the Nkuna Story

This is a story about connection – between the Kaross Foundation, Karosswerkers, Groep 91 Uitvoer, and the Nkuna family, and the role we all play in shaping a livelihood in the N’wamitwa area.

As a reminder, the Kaross Foundation NPC was established as a collaborative effort between Groep 91 Uitvoer (Pty) Ltd – a producer and exporter of citrus and macadamia nuts – and Karosswerkers (Pty) Ltd – a textile manufacturer. Both companies are the main funders of the NPC.

Rather than simply “giving back,” the Kaross Foundation emerged to contribute in a sustainable way to the social and economic resilience of communities connected to both Kaross and Groep 91 Uitvoer. After years of development, we are proud of our holistic approach to the educational journey of a child – from Early Childhood Development, through Primary School, until Secondary School.

Meet the Nkuna Family

Recently, we had the privilege of visiting Herold Nkuna and his mother, Trecia, at their home in N’wamitwa. Herold is one of four children raised by his single mother.

Herold, originally from Msiphane Village, now works for the Kaross Foundation at Manyunyu Primary School, where he assists learners using the Computer Aided Math and English Instruction (CAMI) program. Remarkably, he once sat in the very same classrooms where he now helps others learn.

After matriculating in 2018 at Mark Shope Secondary School, Herold was unable to pursue tertiary studies. Before joining the Foundation, he worked as a receptionist. Today, in his role at the school, he helps children navigate the Cami software and capture their progress. Since starting this position, he says he’s developed stronger time-management skills and now takes initiative without needing constant supervision.

He still faces many of the challenges common in rural areas – especially financial ones – but something is changing. Through the influence of people who have invested in him, and the collaboration of businesses that have chosen to work together within the community, new possibilities are starting to come into view – including a dream to become an electrical engineer.

His mother, Trecia, works for Kaross, contributing from home to the intricate hand-embroidered items that Kaross is known for. She joined Kaross last year and like many of the Kaross embroiderers, balances her craft with caring for her household and, in her case, looking after three young children during the day. Her quiet commitment is the kind of unseen work that helps sustain a much wider circle of impact.

During our visit, we shared with Trecia how her work is directly connected to the opportunity Herold now has through the Kaross Foundation. 

Herold gently said, “I think she’s starting to realise how important her work is.” It was a grounded moment. 

Herold and Trecia’s journey is not a straight line. It is a story of work, trust, education, and opportunity. It shows how real change comes through connection – and through small, consistent acts done right.

This is the kind of impact that Groep 91 Uitvoer, Kaross, and the Kaross Foundation are committed to: thoughtful, sustainable, and deeply human.