Did you know Roger Federer has a real connection to South Africa? His mom, Lynette, was born there, which gives him a special tie to the country. You can see it in how much he supports the Springboks – remember him cheering them on with Siya Kolisi at the 2019 Rugby World Cup final? It’s not just casual support either; he actually has dual Swiss and South African citizenship! And it goes beyond sports, too. Back in 2003, the same year he won his first Wimbledon, he started the Roger Federer Foundation. The Swiss maestro is now contemplating the impact of those years.
This week, he was hanging out with Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi in South Africa, where his foundation does amazing work getting kids into and keeping them in schools. When someone asked why South Africa, Federer said it was a “natural fit” because his mom is from a suburb in Johannesburg.
Federer’s foundation has been crushing it since 2010 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. They’re really focusing on making the jump from pre-school (Grade R) to Grade 1 smoother for kids. Apparently, way fewer kids go to preschool than Grade 1 in that area. Federer put it perfectly:
“In Switzerland, education is a given, but in many parts of Africa, it’s a privilege. I felt education was a lovely way to get into philanthropy, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved over the years.” Seriously, what a guy!
Notably, a World Bank report was released which revealed that they’re facing a “learning crisis” because kids aren’t learning enough about how developed the country is, plus the government’s cutting funding for schools! Furthermore, projections estimate an influx of approximately 1.2 million additional children into the South African school system by 2030. That means they’ll need to build a crazy 20,000 new classrooms and hire 25,000 teachers!
Roger Federer, alongside Kolisi, was impressed by the community’s dedication to their children’s welfare and emphasized teamwork. “I think we all have the power to help one another… that I think is the key for success,” he said. Now he’s urging business leaders to support his foundation, stressing kids need “passionate and knowledgeable teachers…and they need them by 2030,” plus the basics like playgrounds and books.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, alongside Federer, shared a bit about his own story. He talked about growing up in a township in South Africa and how much the support from his community meant to him as a kid. “Growing up in South Africa, I learned ubuntu at a very young age. We were helped by the community, and those values have stayed with me,” Kolisi said.
While this is certainly a positive move, it’s just one of many ways Roger has used his platform and fame in recent years. Since retiring, Federer has juggled endorsements, investments (like NotCo), and his On Running shoe line, nearing billionaire status. He’s remained deeply committed to his foundation, raising over $50 million and recently traveling to Lesotho to support education for African children, while also enjoying family time and coaching his kids in tennis. Some moments have even moved him to tears!
Federer reveals a heartfelt memory from his visit to Ethiopia
In February 2010, shortly after clinching his fourth Australian Open title, Federer traveled to Ethiopia to visit a school funded by his foundation. There, he interacted with the children, played table tennis with a teenage student, and enjoyed a traditional lunch of injera. Reflecting on the experience, he recalled how the children welcomed him with an emotional song that moved him to tears.
“When I arrived at the school and all of the children were singing, it was very emotional. They sang, ‘Roger, our Father’ to me. I didn’t really understand it at the beginning, but I still had tears in my eyes,” he said.
Federer humorously noted that he hadn’t anticipated such a heartfelt welcome during his first visit to Ethiopia. “It’s my first time here, so I didn’t expect this. I always think I should have been to a country before people know me. I forget about the television,” he added.
His dedication to philanthropy through the Roger Federer Foundation continues to make a significant impact on children’s lives in Africa and Switzerland, showcasing his commitment to giving back.
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