AKANI SIMBINE

Akani Simbine, an athlete, businessman and humanitarian is the Co-Founder and President of the Akani Simbine Foundation. He was born and raised in Tembisa, a vibrant township on the east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Growing up in a close-knit family with hardworking parents, he witnessed the sacrifices they made to provide for him and his sisters. While there were challenges at home, Akani was surrounded by love and the values of perseverance and dedication that his parents embodied every day.

From a young age Akani, like many boys, was naturally drawn to sports. His mother, recognizing his potential and wanting to keep him safe from negative influences, encouraged him to pursue his athletic interests wholeheartedly. That early support proved to be truly invaluable.

As he began to excel on the track, it became clear that he was blessed with a God-given talent, one that would take him beyond the borders of South Africa.

 

By the age of 19, Akani was competing internationally, racing against some of the world’s greatest sprinters. Fast forward to today – with a career marked by national records and international accolades, he is South Africa’s fastest man and one of Africa’s premier sprinters.

Despite the demands and pressures of his career, he has remained grounded, never letting fame or success change his heart. Known for his kindness and generosity, Akani has made it his mission to use his gifts to inspire and uplift others. He is not only a role model in sports but a figure of hope and positivity for those who look up to him, especially in his home country. His journey is a testament to the power of prayer, talent, hard work, and a good heart.

TERISA SIMBINE

Terisa was born in South Africa but grew up in Switzerland, as her mother wanted to provide her and her siblings with a better life and education. Raised by a single mother, she faced her share of struggles and challenges, but was fortunate enough to never fear for her safety. Her upbringing instilled in Terisa a strong sense of resilience and independence and nurtured a deep interest in the medical and healthcare fields. This led her to pursue a nursing degree, allowing her to turn her passion for helping others into a career. 

As someone who was very often misunderstood growing up, she feels a special connection to children who may be misunderstood too or overlooked.  

With her first-hand experience of what it feels like to be an outsider, Terisa’s passion for supporting kids who are labelled as ‘troubled’ or ‘difficult’ developed, as she believes they often need guidance, understanding and the right opportunities to thrive.  

Now she is a praying wife and mother herself and has returned to South Africa to raise her own children. Terisa is committed to not letting our communities down, striving to give kids the same safety, love, and opportunities her mother worked so hard to provide for her. Terisa believes in building a future where all children, no matter their background, can grow, learn, and succeed without being held back by labels or circumstances.  

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