It all began on a Tuesday, when two visionaries with a love for their country, Nelson Mandela and Bertie Lubner, met to discuss their shared passion for empowering the children and youth of South Africa. Bertie Lubner, the founder of Afrika Tikkun, believed in the power of kindness and wanted to eradicate poverty by empowering the youth. When Nelson Mandela witnessed the early Tikkun project in Orange Farm in 1996, he was so impressed that he volunteered to become the Patron-in-Chief of Afrika Tikkun.
Bertie Lubner and Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, along with like-minded visionaries Herby Rosenberg, Ann Harris, Arnold Forman, Jack Tworetsky, and Benny Reich, founded Afrika Tikkun with the dream of creating thriving communities in South Africa. They believed that by fostering the socio-economic and educational development of historically disadvantaged youth, they could make a meaningful impact.
As a champion of upliftment through education, Nelson Mandela believed that shaping the history of a country was invaluable. He recognized the importance of grassroots efforts and believed that with successful financial support, Afrika Tikkun could reach the devastated population of South Africa.
Today, Bertie Lubner’s son, Marc Lubner, and the Afrika Tikkun community continue to prioritize youth development as the foundation for meaningful impact. The legacy of Nelson Mandela and the founding fathers of Afrika Tikkun lives on through their commitment to empowering the youth and eradicating poverty in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela’s involvement with Afrika Tikkun inspired Bertie and his team to make a significant impact on the restoration of people and communities in South Africa. With Madiba’s support, Afrika Tikkun expanded its philanthropic efforts across South Africa and abroad, attracting donors and volunteers with the right intentions. Mandela recognized the great commitment and passion that drove Afrika Tikkun’s projects, which demonstrated what could be done with limited resources. He believed that with successful financial support, Afrika Tikkun could reach the devastated population on a grassroots level. Madiba’s words continue to guide and inspire the legacy of Afrika Tikkun, and his spirit remains deeply embedded in the organization’s story of kindness.
