It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our belovedMpho Ingrid Maila.  She leaves behind the joy of her heart and her greatest blessing, her son Thuto, Her Mother Rose, brothers Tebogo & Thapelo and her little sister Naledi.

Mpho started her schooling years at Gorogang Primary School and moved on to Laban Motlhabi Comprehensive School where she completed her matric. As an enthusiastic student she participated in various leadership programmes and public speaking events. It was at an event hosted by Youth Connection where she gave a speech that lead her to being selected to be part of The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund youth board called Efeng Bacha.

After completing high school, she remained committed to community and youth development work by working as a ground-breaker for Love Life in 2010 whilst being active within Efeng Bacha. In 2007 Mpho took part in the Violence in Schools Seminar, in 2011 she participated in the Othandweni Children’s home book drive, the Reclaiming our Dignity through Reading Seminar and also in the 2011 Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament. 

She was part of the 100 young people that give back to their communities and was ordained alumni during the Centenary celebration of the late Former President Nelson Mandela in 2018 by The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund at the 2018 Nelson Mandela Youth Summit. 
Her love for community development was deeply rooted as she joined an organisation called New Image Rover Crew as a child care-worker in 2014 until March of 2019. 
​
As untimely as her passing was to us all, it is her existence in our lives that we are grateful of more. It is her humbleness and her fighting spirit we will remember the most. It is her infectious laugh and smile that will be embedded in our hearts forever. She was here and although she’s gone, it’s the memories that she shared with us, her family, relatives and friends that will be treasured forever. 

It has come to the attention of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund), that there is a false campaign soliciting donations on behalf of the Fund. The method of solicitation utilises various communication platforms such as phone calls, SMS and/or WhatsApp text messages. 
Please be aware that the syndicate associated with this scam will request money from unsuspecting citizens by inviting them to apply for cellphone contracts through PEP stores. In addition, there will be a follow up request through a text message to deposit money into a dedicated account that falsely links to the Fund in a form of a donation. 
The Fund has not partnered with PEP stores or any cellular network providers in a fundraising campaign. This method of engaging stakeholders and soliciting donations is false and not in line with the Fund's values. We ask the public to be vigilant and not to fall victim of this vicious scam. 
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Sibongile Mkhabela 
​CEO, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund

BY DONNA M. OWENS

​Former President Barack Obama, Hollywood celebs, youth and advocates from around the world gathered in the nation’s capital recently to celebrate the life and continuing legacy of Nelson Mandela. 
Oscar-nominated actress Alfre Woodard was the host of a glittery gala on Saturday evening at the Smithsonian’s National Museum for African American History and Culture, which wrapped events commemorating the 100th anniversary of Mandela’s birth, and the 25th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections following the end of apartheid. 
The festivities culminated a year-long U.S. campaign promoting the ongoing work of Mandela’s four legacy foundations: Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and Mandela Rhodes Foundation. 
In his welcoming remarks, museum founding director Lonnie G. Bunch, III told the multiracial crowd that “America and South Africa are connected by our shared histories of struggle and the force of our visionaries, who drew inspiration and strength from one another.”
That solidarity was evident when Obama, whose late father hailed from the African nation of Kenya, took the stage for a conversation with Graça Machel, the Mozambique-born activist/educator who was married to Mandela from 1998 until his death in 2013. Their dialogue was moderated by Lesley Williams, CEO of a social innovation project in Johannesburg and an African leader with the Obama Foundation, which aims to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their communities for the better in the U.S. and abroad.
As the trio discussed everything from leadership to equality for women, the 44th president of the United States weighed in on the current state of the world.
“There is always a struggle between hope and fear, between the world as it is and how we’d like it to be. And during times of tumult and disruption, whether it’s technological, economic, information, migration, the danger of us resorting to fear to organize ourselves, falling back on tribe, race, ethnicity, sectarian lines, that always becomes strong.”
“The good news,” Obama added, “is that fear is typically the province of the old, and hope is the province of the young. There are occasional exceptions, like [Mandela] who stayed young at heart throughout life, never succumbed to cynicism, and always believed in the possibility of human connection, mutual understanding, rational thought, all of which could contribute to a society that works for everyone.”
Mandela’s journey from a rural village to ANC freedom fighter, to decades in prison, and eventually the first Black president of South Africa, has inspired people around the world. “Madiba” (as he is sometimes called to denote a sign of respect) intended for his legacy organizations to be “independent but interlinked, each charged with giving expression to a specific aspect of human development,” said organizers. Each represents three distinct yet connected pillars of his goals: advancing democracy, human rights, justice, and social cohesion; promoting the safety of children and helping youth realize their human potential; and developing exceptional leadership capacity throughout Africa and beyond. 
“Our organizations represent distinct yet connected pillars of Madiba’s vision,” said Dr. Mandisa Maholwana from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “Together, we can all support our shared goals of advancing equality, social justice, and the wellbeing of children.”
“The Mandela 100 USA initiative marks the first time all four of Madiba’s legacy organizations have come together around a campaign,” noted Shaun Johnson, Executive Director of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. “We are unified in our purpose to jointly advance Mandela’s vision and create sustainable long-term impact.”
The museum gala capped off two days of forums, film screenings and related activities that kicked off last Friday. 
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce/U.S.-Africa Business Center and Mandela 100 USA hosted a discussion, “Live the Legacy: Mandela and Doing Business in South Africa” around Mandela’s vision of inclusive economic growth and investment opportunities in South Africa. Besides Machel, guests included former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and leading business executives.
That same day, Marriott International hosted a luncheon at the historic Mayflower hotel in D.C. featuring music and performances that championed inclusion, equality, peace, and human rights around the globe. Former BET Chair/CEO Debra Lee delivered opening remarks, followed by a keynote address from Machel and a luncheon emceed by actress, Uzo Adubo.
Mandela 100 USA and the Urban Alliance later hosted a screening of the 1996 Oscar-nominated documentary `Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation,’ for local D.C. public high school students.
During the event at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, actor Atandwa Kani from the film Black Panthergreeted the students, who are part of the Urban Alliance’s paid internship, job skills training, and mentoring program for underserved youth. That was followed by an introduction of the documentary by its director, Jo Menell, which shows Mandela in his early years and follows his fight for justice, the atrocities of apartheid, and his rise as a South African statesman.
During the museum gala, Kani again shared his talents by delivering excerpts from Mandela’s letters to his family from prison, while Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman recited Maya Angelou’s poem, “Your Day is Done.” Rev. Canon Nontombi Naomi Tutu, the daughter of South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu, blessed the international dinner prepared by chef Katlego Mlambo, and lively music filled the air. There were performances by the Dave Matthews Band, as well as Sibongile Khumalo, Vusi Mahlasela, Morris Goldberg and Ojoyo.
The weekend was one of joy, remembrance, pride and purpose, said attendees.
“Madiba committed his life to realizing his dream of equality and fairness for all,” said Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. “We look forward to connecting with the global community to reflect on the progress we’ve made toward achieving his vision and forging a positive path forward.”
Bongi Mkhabela, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, called the gathering of American and global Mandela admirers an “honor.” “Our centenary year celebration will help us continue to make his dreams for the future a reality.”

See original article here

It is with the greatest pride that the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) and the Nelson
Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust (the Hospital Trust) announce and congratulate Chief
Executive Officer, Ms Sibongile Mkhabela, on her achievement of an honorary doctorate
conferred by the Nelson Mandela University (NMU).

Ms Mkhabela stands with four remarkable South Africans who were honoured by the university
during a ceremony held on 5 April 2019, namely, cleric and civil servant Reverend Frank
Chikane; businesswoman and president of the African Farmers Association of South Africa
(Afasa) Dr Vuyo Mahlati and specialist family physician and Independent Practitioners
Association (IPA) Foundation chairman Professor Morgan Chetty. A social activist among the 11 student leaders arrested in connection with the 1976 student uprisings, Ms Mkhabela was recognised for her life’s work and contribution to advancing social justice.

Ms Mkhabela has been among South Africa’s own champions, leading policy and practice
related to children and the advancement of their rights, serving the first democratically elected government as Director in the Office of then-Deputy President Mbeki. In this role, Ms Mkhabela was responsible for programming with specific reference to civil society-government partnerships as well as overseeing the implementation of The UN Children’s Charter. At the helm of Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Fund) and Nelson Mandela Children’s
Hospital Trust (Trust), Mkhabela focuses her efforts on building independent and self-
sustaining African institutions, working cohesively to put the rights and their wellbeing of
children first.

NMU honoured Ms Mkhabela for her role, amongst others, in leading policy development in
South Africa and the establishment of a dedicated children’s hospital in South Africa through
one of the largest capital campaigns to be driven by civil society in the country.

A dream of former president Mr Nelson Mandela, and only the second dedicated hospital for
children in the region, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is a flagship project of the Fund
and serves as specialised paediatric facility aimed at improving the quality of paediatric care,
research and training in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ms Mkhabela is also the recipient of The National Order of Luthuli (Silver), awarded by the
President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, in recognition of her fight against
apartheid and advocacy for children and African societies.

An honour of this level serves as recognition of the journey, advocacy impact and calibre of
leadership of both the Fund and the Hospital Trust, further profiling our organisations and
encouraging our supporters across the globe.

We therefore congratulate Ms Mkhabela on this achievement and due acclamation.
_________________________________________________________________________
Jointly Issued by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust

http://video.mandela.ac.za/html5/player.php?vidid=grad2019-session03

The Graça Machel Trust, (GMT), the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, (NMCF) and the Foundation for Community Development (FDC) are greatly concerned about the unfolding effects of Cyclone Idai across parts of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The increasing death toll and numbers of women and children uncounted for is extremely worrisome. The devastation has left communities homeless, unsafe, without food, emergency healthcare and other essential services. 

This magnitude of the disaster is immense for the three affected countries to handle alone. In situations where natural disasters adversely impact on human life, the vulnerability of children and women is heightened most. So far, the cyclone has claimed thousands of lives in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and over 7,000,000 people have been directly affected in the whole region. We therefore jointly rally behind an intensified call to action to save lives and meet the immediate needs of affected communities! 

Under the leadership of Mrs. Graça Machel, GMT, NMCF and FDC have joined forces to mobilize resources to contribute to the emergency relief effort as well as the rebuilding of the lives of children, women, communities that have been devastated by Cyclone Idai. We make a special appeal to the local, regional and international partners to contribute to our efforts in cash
​or in kind.

Donations can be done through the following channels: 

Account Name: Graca Machel Trust 
Bank Address: Standard Bank Place, 1st Floor, Corner 10th & Rivonia Road, 
Johannesburg 2128, South Africa. 
Account Number: 223662542 
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ 
Branch Code: 051001

OR 

Account Name: FDC Cyclone Idai 
Standard Bank- MZN (Local Currency Account): 1184233071088 
NIB: 000301180423307108821 
Swift Code: SBICMZMX 
Account Name: FDC Cyclone Idai 
​Standard Bank - USD: 1184233071096 
NIB: 000301180423307109694 
Swift Code: SBICMZMX

For further information on how you can help, please contact the following:

Hernani Sevene 
Foundation for Community Development 
Phone: + 258 84 301 3199 
E-mail: hsevene@fdc.org.mz 

Richard Montsho 
Graça Machel Trust 
Phone: +27 83 340 8976 
E-mail: RichardM@gracamacheltrust.org 

Eunice Motsepa 
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund 
​Phone: + 27 (0)11 274 5600 
E-mail: eunicem@nmcf.co.za 

To arrange for drop please contact: 
Gwadamirai Majange 
Graça Machel Trust 
Phone: +27 66 486 5178 
E-mail: GwadamiraiM@gracamacheltrust.org 

Drop Off Address 
Nelson Mandela Foundation 
107 Central St, Houghton Estate 
Johannesburg, 2198 
South Africa. 

About the Partners 
The Graça Machel Trust (GMT) is a Pan-African organization which advocates for the rights and dignity of women and children; focused on child health and nutrition, education--especially girls’ education, women’s economic and leadership advancement, as well as good governance 
The FDC is a civil organization with no party affiliation, which aims to bring together forces from all sectors of society to achieve an ideal of development, democracy and social justice. FDC aims to empower communities to overcome poverty and advocate for social justice, and it targets women, the youth and children as primary subjects of change and development. 
The vision of Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) is to change the way society treats its children and the youth with the following focus areas: Child Survival and Development, Child Safety and Protection, and Youth Leadership. 

Kindly note that the list of the required priority list and services is attached to this statement as Annexure One. The bank details is also attached to this statement as Annexure Two. 

We thank you in advance for your donation and support!

Annexure One: List of priority items for the affected communities 
- Dignity packs for women and girls (sanitary pads, toothpaste & toothbrushes) 
- Children’s Diapers 
- Children’s Toys and books 
- Blankets 
- Clothing 
- Food stuffs; non-perishable 
- Detergents 
- Mosquito nets 
- Family tents 
- Kitchen utensils 
- Water tanks 
- Chlorine 
- Mobile toilets 
- Reconstruction materials (cement, zinc sheets, iron bars, wood, nails masons kits, carpentry kits, etc) 


List of Services for Affected Communities 
- Psychosocial Support for Children 
- Trauma counselling for affected 
- Non - Formal Education interventions 
- Child Friendly corners and spaces 

From 2011 to 2013 the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) and the Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities came together to create a platform where children could raise their issues. This platform was then known as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament. When the ministry was dissolved, the Fund together with the National Department of Social Development and Save the Children South Africa collaborated and continued with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament (NMCP). 
Each year, children representatives from all provincial districts attend the children’s parliament, where they elect their peers to become ambassadors to serve for a year and represent their respective provinces. In addition to this, the ambassadors elect a speaker and a president that will preside over the proceedings. Over the years’ children have presented their declaration to government and leaders of civil society on issues that affect them with little response to their concerns. As a result, the provincial ambassadors, speakers, presidents and Efeng Bacha (the Fund’s advisory committee which is made up of children & you), have come together to develop the 1st South African Children Manifesto. 
The manifesto is a call to all political parties, government at all levels, private sector, Chapter 9 institutions, labour movements, State Owned enterprises and Broader Civil Society Organisations to engage, adopt, commit and implement the priorities of the South African Children’s Manifesto. 
The Children’s Manifesto is a response to the President’s call in his 2019 SONA that stated “Our programmes must be measured, first and foremost, by the impact they have on our children. Though they constitute a third of our population, though they hold within their hands the future of our nation, the voice of our children is seldom heard.” 
They cannot vote, they do not set policy, and are therefore easily ignored. Yet their interests must be placed at the forefront of our policies as future leaders of this country. 
The children will present to political parties and government issues pertaining the four pillars of section 28 of the South African Constitution, UNCRC, ACRWC, international, regional and domestic legislative instruments 
- Child Protection 
- Child Development 
- Child Survival 
- Child Participation 

Guest Speakers Include: 
Angie Makwetla: Human Rights Commissioner 
Sibongile Mkhabela: CEO – Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund 
​Theo van Westhuizen – 2017 Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament President 
Venue: Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (Seminar Room) 
6 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 
Date: 16 March 2019 
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 
Media Enquiries:
Tsietsi Lakajoe
Mobile: 079 109 4093
Office: +27 (0)11 274 5624
Email: TsietsiL@nmcf.co.za

Kagiso Bonoko
Mobile: 079 768 8070
Office: +27 (0)11 274 5624
Email: KagisoB@nmcf.co.za

​The theme for the 2019 Children’s Manifesto is “Investing in South African Children”.  The goal of the manifesto is to hold Political Parties, Chapter 9 Institutions and Government accountable to the needs and wellbeing of South African children. In addition to ensure that the manifestos of different political parties respond to the wellbeing of South African children. The manifesto will also channel the issues of children into parliament and the different portfolio committees.