30 Years of Impact
We launched Children’s Month 2026 in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD), under the theme “Safe to Play. Free to Thrive.”
The launch brought together children, government and civil society partners to reflect on what it takes to protect children’s rights and create environments where every child can feel safe, participate and thrive.
But listening to children must go beyond giving them a platform. Their views and experiences need to shape the decisions we make and the action we take.
In this video, Theletsane Paballo, one of the young people representing children, shares her thoughts on what it means to be safe and free.
As Karl Müller, NMCF’s Chief Programmes Officer, writes in his latest opinion piece, “Children are speaking. The question is whether South Africa is prepared to act.”
Read more: www.mediaupdate.co.za/publicity/163002/children-are-speaking-the-test-of-childrens-month-is-wheth…
#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba #KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
It’s Children’s Month, and there are simple ways to show your support for children while doing your shopping at Menlyn Park.
Visit the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund kiosk to browse our range of NMCF and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital merchandise. Every purchase helps support work that changes the way society treats its children.
You can also drop off donations of toys, clothes, toiletries and other essentials for children who need them.
Find us near Checkers at New World Entrance 7. Stop by, browse and speak to our team about how you can get involved.
#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba #KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
Today’s Children’s Month Launch reinforced a clear message: children must have a say in the decisions that shape their lives.
Through children’s reflections and engagements with government and civil society, the call was clear, to turn commitments into action that protects children’s rights and strengthens their wellbeing.
As we close today’s launch, our work continues. Throughout November, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund will engage communities and partners to advocate for children’s rights, strengthen efforts to end violence against children, and address poverty that limits their opportunities to thrive.
Thank you to the children, partners and participants who helped set the tone for the month. Let us keep listening and act on what children tell us.
Safe to Play. Free to Thrive. Every day.
#ChildrensMonth
#NMCF30Years
#ServeLikeMadiba #Legacy2.0KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
Children’s voices are at the centre of today’s Children’s Month launch.
Young people are sharing reflections from the Africa Children’s Summit, the C20, the Bogotá interministerial commitments and bringing children’s priorities and experiences into conversations about their rights and wellbeing.
Children should not simply be consulted. Their views must help shape the decisions that affect them.
#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba
#Legacy2.0 KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
Children’s Month is a reminder that protecting children’s rights cannot stop when an event ends.
Throughout November, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund will be engaging with communities through activities focused on children’s health, sport and recreation, and household stability. These efforts recognise that children’s safety and wellbeing are shaped by the support they receive at home and the opportunities available in their communities.
As Karl Muller reminded us today, children must be able to speak up and see that their words make a difference.
Safe to play. Free to thrive. Every day.
#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba #Legacy2.0KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
Today, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD), Save the Children South Africa, Hold My Hand launches Children’s Month 2026 under the theme “Safe to Play. Free to Thrive.”
Bringing together children, government and civil society partners, the launch reaffirms a shared commitment to protecting children’s rights and creating safe, inclusive environments where every child can play, grow and be heard.
Throughout November, NMCF and its partners will highlight the importance of child protection, early childhood development, safe spaces and stronger action to support children’s wellbeing.
#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba #Legacy2.0 #KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved and free from fear. Today, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund joined FirstRand and fellow implementing partners at the Move It for GBVF activation, standing together against gender-based violence and femicide.
As an implementing partner of FirstRand, we welcomed the opportunity to share our work and highlight why children’s safety must be part of every conversation about ending GBVF.
When violence enters a home or community, children are affected too. Preventing it means listening to children, strengthening families and challenging harmful attitudes.
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand. Let’s carry today’s commitment forward through everyday actions that protect children and build safer communities.
#MoveItForGBVF #NMCF30 #ServeLikeMadiba #KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
