As a schoolboy Gordon faced financial constraints that prevented him from studying science. Nonetheless, his determination led him to study accounting part-time while working. In 1953, he qualified as an accountant and subsequently founded Liberty Life, a life insurance company that grew to become one of South Africa’s greatest success stories. Liberty Life gained control over prominent entities like the Standard Bank Group, the Guardian National Insurance Company, South African Breweries, the Premier Group, and other major companies.
The Donald Gordon Foundation
was created in 1971 which makes us one of the oldest and largest philanthropic foundations
in South Africa.
We recognize and value the vibrancy that a multitude of
Non-Governmental Organisations bring to Civil Society, and how important it is for people to be able to impact positively on their own lives, and those of their family, friends, neighbours and community.
Nevertheless, our approach is to prefer larger initiatives to address social needs that will make a lasting impact. We highlight here three of our ‘flagship’ projects: The Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (DGMC) which has made a major contribution to health and wellbeing; The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) whose role in the education of leaders in business and education is vital and The Chevra Kadisha, which cares for Gauteng’s Jewish Community ‘from cradle to grave.’
The Donald Gordon Foundation, PO BOX 87353 Houghton 2041
c/o Stonehage Fleming,St James’s Square,St. James’s, London SWIY 4JU
© Donald Gordon Foundation, 2024. All Rights Reserved.