From a soup kitchen to soap production, the story of Maseti Luzipho Foundation is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and a vision that goes beyond personal gain. In the heart of South Africa, a couple’s leap of faith is igniting hope and empowerment for those who need it most. But this isn’t just another charity — it’s a movement led by Ntombomzi and Lungisa Maseti, two entrepreneurs who decided to pour their hearts into uplifting their communities, particularly those who are often overlooked: individuals with disabilities.
A Leap of Faith and the Birth of the Foundation
In 2023, the couple founded the Maseti Luzipho Foundation, a Non-Profit Company dedicated to helping individuals build sustainable futures through entrepreneurship. Rooted in the Maseti family’s belief in empowerment, the foundation offers specialized skills to those facing significant barriers, particularly individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing them with the tools to thrive.
When the couple first decided to step away from their comfortable corporate careers, they were following a calling that was as uncertain as it was promising. “It was not an easy journey,” says Lungisa, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the foundation. “But we knew this was our purpose. We took a leap of faith, and today, we see the impact of our work in the lives we touch.”
The couple’s entrepreneurial spirit runs deep. Lungisa, originally from Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape, was inspired by his parents who were successful business owners. Ntombomzi, from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, had her own entrepreneurial inspirations, which were also shaped by her strong ties to business and a desire to make a difference. Together, they knew they had the drive and passion to establish a foundation that could have a meaningful impact. Their vision? To create a world where individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, are equipped to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs.
One of the foundation’s first major undertakings was its Soap and Detergent Skills Development Training Programme at Isipho Sethu LSEN School in Vosloorus, Gauteng. Recognizing the difficulties faced by intellectually disabled students after graduation, the Maseti Luzipho Foundation sought to fill a critical gap by providing practical skills in soap and detergent manufacturing.
“We believe that true empowerment comes through entrepreneurship. By teaching these skills, we are ensuring that learners have a way to support themselves beyond the school environment,” explains Lungisa.
This program goes beyond simply teaching a trade. It’s a lifeline, a way for these learners to see beyond their limitations and envision a future where they are not defined by their disabilities but empowered by their capabilities. “It’s a form of freedom,” says Lungisa. “It’s about making sure they have the tools and knowledge to go out into the world and create something for themselves.”
A Commitment to Community Upliftment
But the Maseti Luzipho Foundation’s impact doesn’t end with skills training. The couple’s heart for community building has led them to initiate a weekly soup kitchen in partnership with PnP in GoldSpot, Vosloorus. Every Sunday afternoon, over 50 families are fed, ensuring that vulnerable members of the community have access to nutritious meals. It’s a small act that goes a long way, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to social solidarity and care.
“The soup kitchen is a way of showing that we care,” says Lungisa. “It’s about bringing people together and letting them know that they’re not alone.”
The foundation’s work is not only about filling stomachs but also filling minds with the belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can make a difference in their own lives. While they started small, their efforts have grown, as has the vision for what they can accomplish. The couple envisions expanding their skills development programs to other provinces in South Africa, providing more individuals with the resources to create sustainable livelihoods.
“We want to empower more people with disabilities through entrepreneurship,” Lungisa explains. “Our goal is to create an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Success Stories
This vision is not just theoretical. It’s already becoming a reality. Take, for example, Mr. Neo Marishane, a graduate from Isipho Sethu LSEN School who benefitted from the Soap and Detergent Training Programme. Neo, who had once seen his future as uncertain, now runs his own successful business — Neo Detergents, specializing in dishwashing liquid soap in Katlehong township. His story is a beacon of what’s possible when individuals are given the right tools.
“Neo is living proof that people with intellectual disabilities can become successful entrepreneurs,” says Lungisa proudly. “This is what we are fighting for: to make sure these individuals can have the same opportunities as anyone else.”
As the foundation grows, so too do its ambitions. Alongside its current projects, the Maseti Luzipho Foundation is developing several new initiatives. These include expanding their skills programs to include agriculture, with a special focus on crop, animal, and fish farming, as well as hydroponic farming — an area Lungisa is particularly passionate about. They’re also planning health workshops for the elderly to promote healthy aging and well-being. Every project, every step, is about building sustainable futures for those who need it most.
Overcoming Challenges
But with all of this ambition comes the challenge of sustainability. As a self-sustaining NPC, the Maseti Luzipho Foundation operates without government or corporate funding. This means they must rely on the services they provide, sometimes charging fees, even when some community members are unable to afford them.
Yet, despite these challenges, the couple remains focused on their mission. “We are committed to making sure that everyone has access to our solutions, no matter their financial situation,” Lungisa says. “It’s about finding ways to keep going, even when the road isn’t easy.”
And the road has certainly had its obstacles. From navigating the complex regulatory environment to the difficulties of starting a non-profit without external funding, the couple has had to learn and adapt. But they remain unshaken in their purpose. “We’ve learned to be patient, diligent, and adaptable,” Lungisa shares, reflecting on the journey so far. “The struggle has been real, but the results have been worth it.”
Now, as the foundation looks ahead, the call for partnerships is louder than ever. They’re seeking like-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations who want to join them in their mission to create lasting change. “Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need,” says Lungisa. “We invite anyone who shares our vision to partner with us and make a lasting impact.”
The Maseti Luzipho Foundation is more than just a project; it’s a story of resilience, love, and an unbreakable belief in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives. And this is just the beginning.
