In order to support and uplift underprivileged youth in Africa, World Cup-winning Springbok legend Tendai Mtawarira has started The Beast Foundation.

In starting The Beast Foundation, Mtawarira wants to inspire, unite and build communities by empowering young people through sport, education and life skills development.

"Sport transformed my life, helped me achieve things I could never have imagined possible, and aided me in the development of important life skills," said Mtawarira.

"I want to continue my legacy and give young people the same opportunities to thrive on the field and beyond."

Through an annual bootcamp, The Beast Foundation gives talented young people the opportunity to top coaching and skills development.

The Beast Foundation Annual Bootcamp is an all-expenses paid programme which includes training from top global athletes, playing kits and learning material. 

The programme also offers candidates opportunities to travel and get scouted on a national and international level. 

"We give young people the chance to forge their futures and access to an expanded network. This not only allows them to grow but take learnings back to their communities, become champions on the field and in other areas of life," shares Beast.

One of the primary obstacles to youth progressing is having the financial resources to continue with a higher education. The Beast Foundation is partnering with higher education institutions and corporates to provide scholarships for education and link beneficiaries to bursary opportunities.

Teach South Africa, Managing Director, Tham Tham De Verteuil says they are excited to support The Beast Foundation.

"We need more organisations like The Beast Foundation to make a difference in the lives of young people. We need an empowered, educated self-reliant youth who initiate and participate in education development," said De Verteuil.

Tendai Mtawarira is pursuing his MBA through Henley Business School and a growing entrepreneur.

The Beast Foundation has forged a partnership with the business school to offer opportunities to young people and sports players for the development of crucial life skills for success beyond sport.

Mtawarira played 117 Tests for the Springboks - the fifth-most by any prop and is the third-highest capped Springbok of all time behind Victor Matfield (127) and Bryan Habana (124).

- Compiled by Sport24 staff