The Michael Daniel Bam Foundation, a youth-led non-profit organisation, has released its quarterly report for April to June this year, detailing a period of operational growth, community outreach and strengthened fundraising. It comes at a time of heightened public interest following its eponymous founder’s election as Junior Mayor of Cape Town.
Established when Bam was just 15 years old, now two years later it works to uplift communities, advocate for marginalised voices and create youth-driven, sustainable change. Its stated values of empowerment, connection and justice remain central to its programmes and activities.
Over the past quarter, the foundation reported having reached 6 508 Instagram accounts and directly assisted 165 individuals, primarily through Project Eudaimonia, which provided meals and U-Turn vouchers to people experiencing homelessness.
“This past quarter has affirmed that meaningful change is built through consistency, clarity of purpose and a deep commitment to people,” said Bam.
Financial reporting
The foundation recorded income of R51 596,71, supported by three fundraising events and merchandise sales.
A key development was the launch of the Future Fund, a fixed-deposit account into which 10% of all donations are allocated to ensure stability in the event of fluctuating donor support. The idea was initiated following a consultation with non-profit strategist Salma Seedat.
While the foundation has shown initiative in building reserves and managing costs, including the decision to bring merchandise production in-house , it is still early in its growth, and long-term financial sustainability will depend on consistent donor engagement and increased public support.
In this quarter merchandise branded with the message “Silence Is Not an Option” was introduced. Ten items were sold through the new in-house set-up, and proceeds were reinvested in programming. The use of merchandise for awareness raising and fundraising is common among youth-led organisations, though scaling its impact remains a challenge.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to mark Women’s Day on 9 August with a community walk in Kensington and Factreton, distributing hygiene parcels to at least 50 women. The initiative, part of Project Plýsi, reflects the foundation’s intent to promote dignity and self-care among underserved groups.
A pending application for public-benefit organisation status, submitted in February, could also shape the foundation’s future by allowing it to issue tax certificates and attract institutional donors. However, approval timelines remain uncertain.
Inequality
In his Junior Mayor victory speech Bam said: “Cape Town, we are a city of contrast, but also of courage. A city of history but also of hope. And we, the youth, are not just the future; we are the now.”
The foundation’s progress reflects a broader trend of youth-led civic engagement in South Africa, where younger voices are increasingly seeking platforms to shape policy, address inequality and reimagine leadership. Its approach to transparency, through public reporting, sets a promising standard, particularly in a sector where accountability is critical.
But as the foundation expands it will be expected to demonstrate more structured programme evaluation, impact tracking and governance clarity to meet the expectations that come with public funding and increased visibility.
. The public is encouraged to engage with the foundation’s work through its official site, mdbfoundation.org, or to volunteer send an email to volunteer@mdbfoundation.org.
