Who we are
The foundations
of Topsy
The Topsy Foundation began with the shared vision of Duke Kaufman, Silja Eatock, and Doug Maritz to support children affected by HIV/AIDS in rural South Africa. Drawing on their combined leadership - Silja’s early direction, Duke’s founding vision, and Doug’s strategic backing through Ogilvy & Mather - Topsy grew into a compassionate force for change, offering healthcare, education, and food security to vulnerable communities.
From transforming an abandoned miners’ village into a haven for children, to forming vital partnerships with funders and organisations like Rise Against Hunger, Topsy’s holistic approach continues to uplift lives in Mpumalanga and beyond.
Grounded in resilience and collaboration, Topsy remains dedicated to creating lasting impact and hope - one community at a time.
What we do
Family and community
at the heart
Topsy supports Early Childhood Development in Mpumalanga’s rural communities through a number of key child-centred approaches. Our aim also is to strengthen families and communities: their involvement creates a sense of ownership that supports long-term sustainability.