Tshikululu provides social investment strategy development and implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation services, for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF).

FREF is an empowerment trust, was established as part of a BEE transaction and is funded through dividends. Together with the FirstRand Foundation, FREF has adopted a strategy known as Systemic Social Investment (SSI), which aims to contribute to a strengthened economy and better South African by making catalytic investments in education and skills development. A broad range of activities are supported across the education continuum, from early childhood development (ECD) to basic education to tertiary education to life and work. In general, FREF supports activities in basic education, as well as life and work.