From township streets to school libraries, AVBOB’s reach extends far beyond funeral services. Through shared value, it transforms lives—funding dreams, nurturing futures, and proving that business with heart can rewrite personal and community stories.
Christina Matlhaga builds more than skills—she builds careers. Every day, she mentors young learners with no prior experience and helps them become confident, capable professionals. For her, it’s not just about developing AVBOB’s workforce—it’s about growing the nation by investing in individuals who just need one chance to prove themselves.
Nomsa Molepo saw the need for early learning in her community and created Little Angels with limited resources. When AVBOB stepped in, they helped formalise her centre. With their support and Morne Scholtz’s guidance, she now runs a thriving space where children are safe, stimulated and prepared for formal schooling.
Koketso Hlongwane found purpose and growth through AVBOB’s internship programme. Surrounded by mentors and given room to lead, she discovered her potential. Today, she confidently manages high-level events, bringing fresh ideas and energy to every task. Her journey proves how a supportive workplace can transform ambition into a career.
Keikanetswe Maboke used her AVBOB rewards to support her granddaughter Karabo with school essentials. Living on limited means, the benefit gave her breathing room and dignity. For Keikanetswe, it wasn’t just money—it was the ability to care, to provide, and to give her granddaughter the chance to dream bigger.
Dudu Brown Ndlovu creates learning experiences for children who’ve never had books of their own. Through the support of AVBOB and the Trolley Library initiative, she brings literacy, self-worth, and joy into their lives. Every child she teaches reminds her why this work matters—because reading can change everything.
Winnie McHenry turns waste into wonder. With AVBOB’s help, her organisation Upcycle transforms discarded billboards into products that provide skills and income for women and youth. She’s watched unemployed women discover talent in their hands—and pride in their work. For Winnie, creativity is the path to real, lasting change.
AVBOB’s story is one of shared value, purpose, and people. For more than a century, the organisation has stood as a cooperative built on the belief that progress is most meaningful when it is shared. From the lives it touches in local communities to the opportunities it creates within its workforce, AVBOB continues to weave a story of care, empowerment, and transformation across South Africa.
At the heart of this purpose is the 65 Alive benefit, a gesture that gives members tangible value during their lifetime. For many, this benefit becomes a chance to improve their homes, invest in family, or support loved ones. It is more than a payout; it is recognition of loyalty and a reflection of the community-driven spirit that defines AVBOB. Members speak of using their benefit to renovate, to provide for grandchildren, and to live with renewed dignity. It is a small act with a profound human impact, proof that shared value can change lives in visible ways.
Beyond member benefits, AVBOB’s social investment focuses on building brighter futures through education. Through its partnership with the Tomorrow Trust, AVBOB supports holistic learning programmes that reach children from underprivileged communities. These initiatives nurture both academic and emotional well-being, offering learners a chance to thrive in environments where opportunity is often scarce. The donation of over 1,900 Trolley Libraries has brought the joy of reading to schools that once had none, creating spaces where young imaginations can grow. For many children, these libraries are the first step toward a lifelong love of learning and the possibility of a different future.
In its environmental initiatives, AVBOB demonstrates that sustainability and empowerment can go hand in hand. Through its collaboration with Upcycle, the company transforms used advertising materials into useful products, generating employment and skills development for women and youth. Old billboards are turned into school mattresses and corporate gifts, showing that creativity and environmental care can coexist in powerful ways. Each upcycled product carries a story of resourcefulness, community, and hope.
AVBOB’s investment in Early Childhood Development Centres extends this commitment even further. By helping centres become compliant with Department of Basic Education standards, the organisation ensures that more children can access safe, structured learning from an early age. Centres like Little Angels stand as symbols of this progress, run by passionate individuals who, with AVBOB’s support, have turned humble beginnings into thriving learning spaces.
Internally, AVBOB mirrors its social philosophy through a strong culture of growth and mentorship. The company’s learnership and internship programmes give young people from diverse backgrounds a pathway into meaningful careers. Many employees begin their journey as learners and progress into leadership roles, supported by mentors who guide and encourage them along the way. This spirit of development is reflected across the organisation, where every person is empowered to pursue their potential and contribute to something greater than themselves.
AVBOB’s approach to business remains deeply human. Its initiatives are not short-term projects but long-term commitments to uplift individuals, families, and communities. By staying true to its founding principle of shared prosperity, the company continues to demonstrate that business success and social progress are not separate goals but shared outcomes of purpose-driven action.
In every story of a student who learns to read, a family that rebuilds their home, or a young professional who finds their calling, AVBOB’s vision comes to life. It is a legacy built on compassion, community, and continuity — a promise that the value of belonging extends far beyond policy and into the heart of everyday South African lives.