How We Help
In 2019, we officially launched the ATLAS All Schools Programme in South Africa, sparking a powerful movement to combat crime, inequality, and discrimination while building resilience, integrity, and the potential for young people to thrive both in their education and in their lives. This initiative is far more than just education; it’s about empowering youth to rise above adversity and become pillars of strength and hope within their communities.
Today, this vision has grown into comprehensive programmes at Ocean View High School and Masiphumelele High School, creating safe spaces where young people can excel academically and personally. But we didn’t stop there. Our reach now extends across four additional initiatives throughout South Africa, Eswatini, and Kenya. These include the innovative Atlas DigiBus in Langa, which provides mobile digital education opportunities to underserved communities, and support for the Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute (GWRI), which has become a cornerstone of our mission to empower young women facing adversity.
By weaving the transformative power of rugby with education, we help participants break down barriers, challenge harmful stereotypes, and build futures rich with opportunity. Rugby’s values—teamwork, discipline, and respect—are the foundation for our efforts to inspire change and create lasting impact.
Our dedicated team, alongside our committed rugby champions, works tirelessly to support children across South Africa and southern Africa in their education, health, employment, and overall well-being. Together, through the unifying spirit of rugby, we are not only transforming individual lives but also creating a ripple effect of change that is building a more just, equitable, and hopeful future for all.
“We need to empower the children beyond our rugby fields, we need to create children who will become great social leaders, with a capacity to uplift others. Children that will enshrine the human values that are shared by rugby; the values of respect, tolerance, integrity and empathy.We have an opportunity of creating a new Gang (using the words of negativity into positive). I have seen it happen, I believe it can and will happen”
Our Work
South Africa, Atlas DigiBus
The innovative project is transforming education for children in Langa, Cape Town. The Atlas Digibus is equipped with laptops and technology, helping the children transition between mother tongue and english.
South Africa, Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute
Atlas partners with Gauteng Womens Rugby Institute (GWRI) to provide safe accommodation, food and hygiene products for young female rugby players who need it most. Women here are given the chance to study and train, developing opportunities to reach their potential and prepare for a career.
South Africa, Ocean View and Masiphumelele High School
Run as part of The Atlas South Africa region, the Ocean View and Masiphumelele High School programmes are using rugby and mentoring sessions to help the children tackle the drug and alcohol problems plaguing their communities.
Our News
Atlas South Africa is rapidly gaining recognition for its exceptional connections and impactful events that bring communities together and create lasting change. From hosting world-class rugby mentorship sessions with global icons to delivering innovative educational programs like the Atlas DigiBus, our events are designed to inspire, empower, and uplift. Each initiative reflects our commitment to making a difference through collaboration, passion, and the unifying spirit of rugby.
Don’t miss out—explore our latest events and see how we’re shaping brighter futures across Africa!
HRH The Prince of Wales Visits The Atlas Foundation South Africa
HRH The Prince of Wales has visited one of the projects run by The Atlas Foundation South Africa to spend time with some of the country’s most vulnerable children. Atlas South Africa’s work has accomplished a level of recognition we could only have ever have dreamed it to reach.
The Prince of Wales Visits Atlas SA
The iconic New Zealand All Blacks work alongside The Atlas Foundation South Africa
In a remarkable show of hope, compassion, and resilience, the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team participated in two coaching clinics with Atlas Foundation South Africa to bring support and encouragement to some of the country’s most vulnerable children in Cape Town and Johannesburg. This innovative collaboration demonstrates the powerful role that sport can play in transforming lives.
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Who Supports Us
It goes without saying that big ideas require collective support—many hands working together. Our incredible rugby champions, dedicated trustees, hardworking employees, and generous sponsors play a vital role in helping Atlas South Africa achieve its mission to reach and positively impact young people across Africa. We sincerely thank them for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in making a difference.
The Atlas South Africa Team
Jason Leonard OBE
Atlas SA Trustee
Former England prop, appeared for England 114 times plus 5 times for the British and Irish Lions, and won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was President of the RFU in 2015 and hosted the Rugby World Cup in England. As well as having a busy and successful corporate career, he is a prolific supporter of charities and has raised over £2M through his annual dinners for a number of rugby, youth and health charities. Jason founded Atlas and remains Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
John Le Roux
Atlas SA Trustee
John grew up in Rondebosch and matriculated at Rondebosch High School. He did a BCom Hons at UCT and became a CA. He played lots of enjoyable rugby at UCT from 1965 – 1971 and played for False Bay Rugby Club thereafter.
He also played for Western Province and Gazelles. John still has rugby involvement with UCT, Rondebosch High School, Masiphumelele Rugby Club and Atlas Foundation.
He was also a founding director in 1980 of Personal Trust (Pty) Ltd, a small financial and investment services company, where he still works and is currently a Director and Chairman.
Sue Anderson
Atlas SA Trustee
Atlas South Africa is led by Sue Anderson, who is instrumental in placing the spotlight firmly on the Foundation and spearheading fundraising initiatives with the SA rugby-loving and business community. Sue is well versed to direct the collaborative power that stems from the exceptional rugby ‘brotherhood’ of giving back, mentorship and friendship. She is active on the ground in the communities and is relentless in the fight to uplift the lives of children in great need.
Jason Morris
Atlas SA Trustee
A qualified attorney, Jason Morris brings extensive experience in litigation, mediation, and arbitration, particularly in the insurance sector. He also serves as Co-Vice President of the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa and has contributed to initiatives with the Winnie Mabaso Foundation. With a strong background in leadership, governance, and community engagement, Jason’s expertise will be a valuable asset to Atlas SA as we continue to support young children in need.
Our Rugby Champions
Our projects in South Africa thrive thanks to an incredible global network of Rugby Champions who bring hope, inspiration, and hands-on support to the children and young people we serve. From working directly with our projects to rallying vital funds through fundraisers, these Champions are the driving force behind our mission to transform lives. With their passion and commitment, they’re empowering the next generation of young boys and girls through the dynamic culture and unstoppable spirit of rugby.
A Special Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors
Our sponsors share the values of friendship, education and health that The Atlas Foundation strives to implement in every community. Thank you all for your continued support.
How you can help Atlas South Africa
If you would like to show your support and help us in our mission to improve thousands of children’s access to quality education and rugby coaching through our projects in South Africa, please get in touch with Sue Anderson by emailing sue@theatlascharity.org.
There are several ways you can get involved and make a direct impact on disadvantaged children in South Africa. See the ways you can help here.
To make help children in South Africa today, donate here.
Contact Atlas South Africa
For more information on Atlas South Africa, please email Sue Anderson, Director and Executive of Atlas South Africa.
The Atlas Foundation SA is a PBO registered organisation and Section 18A. Certificates are issued for donations to projects.