From our Child Survival, Development and Thriving (CSDT) Programme Team 

1. Background

Breastfeeding buddies is one of the CSDT supported interventions aimed at reducing child mortality by supporting pregnant mothers and their children. The project is implemented in partnership with Thembalethu Community Care Centre (TCCC), based at Springvalley informal settlement in eNkangala district, Emalahleni, in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. The NPO provides health and developmental services to the community of Springvalley, comprising of antenatal care for pregnant women, post- natal care for breastfeeding mothers as well as child health development.
 
The role of the buddy:

• The buddy supports the mother from the time of pregnancy throughout post-natal stage, especially during the first six months after birth
• A buddy is empowered with relevant skills and information because she/he is an important support and someone close to a mother who is always there to guide and assist as and when necessary
• He/she accompany the mother to the facility clinic
• He/she will also attend health information sessions for more information 

 
Who qualifies to be a buddy?

• A buddy is selected by the mother when is still pregnant
• It is a person whom she trusts because she is the one who will be sharing with him/her e.g. personal issues, disclosure etc
• It can be a family member or a community member
• A buddy attends our session with the mother
• A buddy supports the mother when she is from the hospital after giving birth. 

 
2.    Did you know

• Breastfeeding buddies is one of the CSDT supported interventions aimed at reducing child mortality by supporting pregnant mothers and their babies
• The breastfeeding buddy plays a role in negotiating with the family when they interfere with contradictory messages to those received at the health facility or from the community healthcare workers
• CSDT’s breastfeeding buddy encourages breastfeeding mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for six-months
• One of the ideals of the breastfeeding-buddy initiative is for the partner to be actively involved and supportive of the mother

Quote from a buddy: “I love the work I do, and even though I am not paid, I am happy to see them grow so well, and I also learn so much for when I have a baby, I will raise my child the same way”.
 
Mothers who have joined the programme: 

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) and its flagship project, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) will be wrapping up Mandela Month Celebrations and resume the dropping-off of physical donations by the public at the institutions on Saturday, 31 July 2021. 
 
In July, the legacy organisations traditionally mark the birth, life and social contribution of their founder, Mr Nelson Mandela. The month has also become synonymous with altruism, with the public often supporting these institutions with various requests including on-site donations to support their work.
 
Historically, former president, Mr Nelson Mandela, also celebrated his birthday in the presence of children sharing in the celebrations together with staff of the Fund, members of the public, corporates and the philanthropic community. Since his passing in 2013, the Fund has upheld this tradition, honouring Madiba by hosting the Annual Children’s Celebration at its Head Offices in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, and other venues across the country. 
 
However, the Level 4 restrictions together with the recent unrest in the in the country, placed limitations on both the Fund and NMCH’s ability to host events in a similar manner, resulting in an joint announcement on 16 July 2021 to postpone all physical donations. 
 
To end off Mandela Month in a fitting manner, the Fund and NMCH are excited to announce that these activities will now resume under Level 3 Covid-19 protocols. As such, the Fund and Hospital will be hosting donation “drive-throughs” where the public can drop off donations to benefit beneficiaries.
 
CEO of the Fund, Konehali Gugushe says that the Fund is reaching out to the public to request that they donate essential items that will benefit children across the country. “This year our plan is to put together care packages that will be distributed to our various strategic partners nationally. This includes partners working with the Fund in the health, child survival & development, as well as the child safety and protection space. We are therefore providing another opportunity for our supporters to come forward to make this year memorable for our beneficiaries.” 
 
The organisation has also placed various donation boxes at Menlyn Park where visitors at the mall can drop off their donations.
 
Furthermore, the Fund is also calling on the public to join its virtual #MandelaDanceChallenge by dancing to media personality, Proverb’s “Legacy” song and posting this online. “This a way for us to still promote child participation and to encourage families, to have fun together in a light-hearted way and in the spirt of celebration,” says Gugushe. 
 
Interim CEO at NMCH, Dr Nonkululeko Boikhutso, also encouraged the public to support the only dedicated children’s hospital in Gauteng.  “Our patients and families have a wide variety of needs. We are relieved that we can end off the month in this way to encourage the public to support our institution in the spirit of Madiba and giving.” 
 
From April 2021, NMCH had to accommodate approximately 100 patients together with their families and staff from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) following a fire at that facility. While some patients have been moved back to CMJAH, others remain at NMCH. “The intervention was absolutey necessary but as you can imagine, this has added strain on our resources,” says Boikhutso.
 
To drop off donations on Saturday, 31 July 2021, the members of the public are encouraged to contact communications@nmcf.co.za to book a slot and ensure that we have appropriate crowd control provisions. 
 
The public can also make online donations to both organisations through their website portals and support the virtual initatives outlined on these. 
 
For more information on visit on the Fund visit www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.co.za or visit www.nmch.org.za to learn more about NMCH.

The Nelson Mandea Children’s Fund (the Fund) and its flagship project, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) will be postponing any physical donation drop-offs and activities at the institutions this International Mandela Day on Sunday, 18 July 2021. 
 
Given the current restrictions presented by the Covid-19 pandemic including a rise in infections, particularly in Gauteng, as well as the limitations placed by the recent unrest in our country, the Fund and NMCH have taken the decision to place safety first. 
 
Historically, former president Mr Nelson Mandela celebrated his birthday in the presence of children sharing in the celebrations together with staff of the Fund, members of the public, corporates and the philanthropic community. Since his passing in 2013, the Fund has upheld this tradition, honouring Madiba by hosting the Annual Children’s Celebration at its Head Offices in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, and other venues across the country. 
 
CEO of the Fund, Konehali Gugushe says that the Fund has had to adapt the celebrations in the past two years,. “Covid-19 has really forced us to look at other ways of honouring our founder and ensuring that our beneficiaries are not left feeling neglected during this time of celebration, which they have come to expect and really look forward to enjoying with us. As such, we’ve had to be innovative and move those activities we can online to avoid gatherings and curb potential infections.” 
 
This year the Fund in partnership with Takalani Sesame is calling on the public to join its virtual #MandelaDanceChallenge by dancing to media personality, Proverb’s “Legacy” song and posting this online. “This a way for us to still promote child participation and to encourage families, to have fun together in a light-hearted way and in the spirt of celebration.” 
 
The Fund and Takalani Sesame will launch the official video for the challenge on Mandela Day on its digital platforms. 
 
The organisation is also putting together care packages, filled with essential items such as sanitary towels, hygiene products and toys, which will be distributed to its beneficiaries. 
 
The Fund had intended to collect donations in person from the public on Mandela Day, but has postponed this activity to the end of the month. “As we mentioned, safety comes first. We are also aware of the current needs of our beneficficiaries and note how the recent unrest in South Africa have strained supply chains. This has caused a delay in some of our donations reaching us in time. As such, we extending the collections to beyond Mandela Day and will collect all physical donations at our premises towards the end of the month as we continue to watch how this current situation unfold.” 
 
International Mandela Day has also become synonymous with committing 67 minutes towards philanthropic work. The public often respond to this call with various requests including on-site actitvies at NMCH, Madiba’s legacy project and the only dedicated paediatric hospital in Gauteng. 
 
Interim CEO at the hospital, Dr Nonkululeko Boikhutso, echoed the sentiments of the Fund in prioritising safety, thereby halting any physical activities. “The public have really shown us their much valued support in the past by dropping off items at the hospital and supporting our patients and families during this period. As a hospital however, we must promote the message of discouraging social gatherings and adhering to the government imposed Level 4 restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.” 
 
The public can still make online donations to both organisations through their website portals and support the virtual initatives outlined on these. Outside of the dance challenge, the Fund will also be hosting a virtual auction of a bespoke pair of sneakers that have been redesigned from an original pair of Hi-tec sneakers that Madiba wore during his fight for liberation in our country. The auction will go live on Mandela Day (18 July 2021) on https://freedom.hi-tec.co.za/auction/freedom-shared/  at 10:00 [CAT] with the proceeds donated towards supporting the work of the Fund.
 
For more information on visit on the Fund visit www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.co.za or visit www.nmch.org.za to learn more about NMCH

For enquiries please contact: 

“I’m a small girl with big dreams!” – Zamajozi Sithole
Zamajozi Sithole, 28, from Durban, is currently based in Johannesburg, where she works as a Project Officer for the Youth Leadership Programme at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, together with being part of the Mandela Mile Leadership Programme of 2021.  
She believes that young people have major potential and enjoys learning about new cultures and languages. 
“I am a young person who believes in the potential that young people have. I believe that Africa will rise again, and the youth will be at the forefront of that revolution.”
We chatted more to Zamajozi about her take on the youth in South Africa in honour of World Youth Skills Day.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
I am a small girl with big dreams (LOL). On a serious note, I am a young person who believes in the potential that young people have. I believe that Africa will rise again, and the youth will be at the forefront of that revolution. I am passionate about youth-related work, and would love to expand my experience in this field. I love learning about new cultures and languages. In fact, I just enjoy developing myself thus my participation in youth programmes such as Mandela Mile and ACTIVATE. I hold a undergrad degree in psychology, but I hope to become an educational specialist and a UN speaker one day. 
​
What does being a Project Officer entail? 
Being a project officer for an organisation that is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children, and to amplifying their voices, is such an amazing opportunity. I do not take the work we do here lightly. In fact, I use that as my northern star throughout this journey. Knowing that I am here to serve and to represent the millions of young people in this country. 

Is there an event or story you would like to share that has impacted you during your time as a Project Officer? 
In 2019, we went to Mtubatuba to conduct a children’s dialogue about the environmental impact the mining has in the area. It was so encouraging seeing so many children attend the event and to also participate in the programme and have fun. The children were thrilled to finally be “noticed”, and to actually be given a chance to share their thoughts on the issues that affect them. That event reminded me that the children and youth of this country are very aware of the challenges in our society, and they want to be part of the solution. We are not a lazy generation; we are just overlooked and dismissed due to our age. 

What work have you done in your community to assist in improving the livelihood of those in your community? 
I have an NPO called Umthombo weMfundo Foundation. We used to conduct information sessions for grade 9 learners, to help them choose wisely when it comes to subjects for the FET phase. We also use to speak to parents as well, and encourage them to be more involved in their children’s education and to stop expecting the teachers to handle everything. My NPO works mostly with schools in the townships, as I feel that they do not have access to a lot of services such as career guidance. 

What are some of the issues affecting youth and what are your recommendations on combating them?
The high youth unemployment rate is a huge problem here in South Africa. It is more worrisome to note that our government does not really seem to have a plan to address this. I believe that if this issue is addressed than other issues such substance abuse and the involvement of young people in criminal activities etc. will also see a significant decrease. What I think government needs to do to combat this is to continue to fund and support young entrepreneurs through the NYDA, give an incentive to businesses that provide internship or learnership opportunities to young graduates (and these opportunities should be minimum 1 year), and finally the affirmative action or BEE regulations need to be reviewed to include young people. A company should receive tax incentives not only for hiring black people or women or disabled persons, but for hiring young people as well.

Why do you think it is important for us to honour our youth? 
We are the future. I believe that it is important to start investing in young people now. Shape them and nurture them to what you want them to be tomorrow. If our leaders see a bright future for this country, then they need to start working on that future now, and it starts by honouring your youth, and ensuring that they have the right tools and knowledge to succeed and to compete in the wider world. 
 I know it is hard. I know the odds are against us. I know there is too much pressure on us to succeed. I know we have all reached a point where we just felt so tired and wanted to give it all up. But my message for you today, is don’t give up. Keep hustling. Keep believing. Keep fighting for a better tomorrow for yourself and your family. YOU GOT THIS!!!

What is your vision for our Nation’s youth? 
 My vision is for the youth of this nation to be more open minded, to challenge their thinking, to question whatever information is presented to them. To be a generation of critical thinkers, innovators and hard workers. I think that the reason why our leaders think they can do whatever they want with this countries resources (and they do get away with it), is because young people are quiet. When we are the ones that should boycotting and lobbying etc. because if we do not fight for this country, there will be nothing left for us to even live in. 

MTN SA Foundation today unveiled a sculpture to commemorate the pivotal role that South African healthcare workers have played in helping South Africa progress through the COVID-19 pandemic. The artwork has been donated and installed at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in Johannesburg.  
 
“With the prolonged impact COVID-19 pandemic has had on South Africa and on artists and the art world in particular, we decided that now was the right time to embark on a positive project. Through this project, MTN Foundation is enabling South African artists, to get up, get going, and progress through the COVID-19 pandemic” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, MTN SA’s executive for corporate affairs.
 
The project was done in a call for entries, where MTN SA Foundation invited five emerging artists between the ages of 21 and 35, to submit concepts for artworks that use technology as the medium to recognise South African healthcare workers. The selected emerging artists were: 

• Neo Mahlangu 
• Keneilwe Mokoena 
• Tristan Roland 
• Setlamorago Mashilo 
• Alexa Pienaar 

“The judging panel was delighted with Alexa Pienaar’s concept,” says O’Sullivan “so we commissioned Alexa to work with Mohammed Hassan, at Red Apple 3D printing to bring the concept to fruition. All five artists received financial support for their involvement in the project.” 
 
Alexa Pienaar, who recently completed her master’s in Fine Art at the University of Johannesburg proposed an installation called Shift-19 which stretches 3m in length, consists of fifteen 3D printed discs that metaphorically and visually represent that of a disassembled telescope. “COVID-19 has had an impact on how we see the world, on our perspectives, and this comes through in the piece,” says Pienaar.
 
The disassembled pieces of the telescope that hold layers of city skylines (and other significant shapes), construct a large silhouette of a healthcare worker putting on a mask which can only be seen from the front of the installation. This is done in remembrance of the heroic efforts of the healthcare workers during these challenging times as the silhouette signifies bravery. The figure walks towards the viewer in a stance that imitates that of confidence while pulling his/her mask on with their coat flapping behind them – almost how a superhero would do when pulling open their everyday clothes, revealing their superhero outfit underneath, with their cape flapping behind them.
 
The discs assembled around a steel frame are flat cut-outs with landscape imagery in their inner semi-circles and patterns of the virus’s round shapes as textures on their outer platforms. This is accompanied by a smaller telescope through which to, metaphorically, view the larger ‘pieces’ of the telescope and, ultimately, Johannesburg city in the background. But once the viewer looks through the smaller telescope, they discover that it functions as a microscope, revealing the corona virus, the tiny virus that has had such a huge impact.
 
“I’m humbled to have been selected to commemorate health care workers. While we continue to distance ourselves from our families, friends and other relatives, and may feel physically isolated, new avenues of technological exploration and reconnection become possible” said Pienaar. “Shift-19is an interactive installation around which to move and view the separate pieces, as one would shift one’s perspective and view a situation from multiple angles. It, ultimately, serves as a symbol of realisation, adaptation and gratitude” said Pienaar. 
 
The sculpture has been donated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “Not only is the hospital a state-of-the-art specialist paediatric academic and tertiary referral hospital but it also houses a notable art collection,” explains O’Sullivan.
 
“The hospital provides child-centred highest quality medical services to children of Southern Africa, regardless of their social and economic status in a safe, comfortable, healing and yet playful environment for children.” Says Konehali Gugushe CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the founder of NMCH. “NMCH is flagship project of the Fund. We continue to celebrate the incredible work at the institution and the various partners who have joined us on our journey. The 3D artwork piece is set to be placed within the Children’s Garden at the hospital, with a playful and fun theme for children to interact with. It was a natural fit to have the installation of the art piece on NMCH grounds, particularly as we also celebrate Mandela Month.”  
 
The Hospital is currently running a fundraising campaign called #ServeLikeMadiba and Give Like They’re Yours which is a call on the public to support the only dedicated children’s facility in Gauteng including its patients and families. In July, the month of Nelson Mandela’s birthday, MTN SA Foundation aims to drive SA forward and encourage the public to donate through the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund MoMo account at
www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org/mtn-momo/.
 
“Children with health conditions often experience feelings of loneliness and anxiety, a feeling that their lives are defined by their diagnosis”, says Bongi Mautloa-Dhlomo, art curator at the hospital, “and the creative sculpture can be an important part of the healing. We therefore, encourage South Africans to donate to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and help our children heal and grow.” 
 

​A major part of our Children's Celebration is children's participation. 
Due to the current climate, we have had to come up with innovative ways to do this in a fun and inclusive manner.

As such, we have created a #DigitalDanceChallenge to one of our long-time supporters, Media Personality, ProVerb's song 'Legacy'. Our YLP team choreographed the dance.

We urge you to participate in the challenge by dancing, uploading your video on your social media channel of your choice and tagging @NMCF. 

Let us create some joy during #MandelaMonth 

HI-TEC® is proud to announce the launch of the Freedom Shared campaign. With this campaign and the release of the HI-TEC® Freedom 67s sneaker, the London-born heritage brand pays tribute to South Africa’s late president, his long walk to freedom and the legacy he left behind.

​During his 27-year long sacrifice, President Mandela spent much of this time in a modest pair of HI-TEC® tennis shoes. Fighting for freedom, so that one day we may all be free, especially the beloved children of South Africa. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) was founded by President Mandela in 1995. Its mission is to address the challenges the children of South Africa face on a daily basis. “The number one goal and priority of this campaign is raising funds for the NMCF” says Andrea Engelbrecht, Head of Marketing of HI-TEC® South Africa.

A limited release of 67 pairs of the HI-TEC® Freedom Grails 67s have been gifted to freedom  ambassadors to both donate to the NMCF and raise awareness of President Mandela’s legacy and the “Freedom Shared” campaign. A further 1200 pairs of the Tier 1 Freedom 67s will be released, followed by 2000 pairs of the Tier 2 Freedom 67s.

“Mr. Nelson Mandela wanted freedom for all, and with this in mind, we wanted to make this sneaker available to the greater South Africa, so everyone may feel empowered to walk in his shoes. However, staying true to our cause, we have pledged to donate a portion of each pair sold to the NMCF. In addition, Hoorah Digital has pledged R50 000 for a pair of the 67s, so we may also make a small difference.” says Simon Spreckley, Chief Creative Officer of Hoorah Digital Consulting.

HI-TEC® and its ambassadors are welcoming the world to walk with them and to #KeepFreedomShared by supporting the campaign and donating to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund – keeping President Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive: To continue to create freedom for others, including children. In the words of Madiba himself, “The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.”

Register 12 July to enter the HI-TEC® Freedom 67 Auction, on www.hi-tec.co.za. Tier 2 will be released in Archive & Sportscene stores this August. Visit https://hi-tec.co.za/stories for more information.

1: Tell us about yourself
I was born and bred in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. I am a soft-spoken individual who can’t go a day without listening to music, I can’t imagine life without it. I hold a Bachelor of Honours degree In Psychology, from Rhodes University. I am passionate about children and youth related issues, I have been involved in community service since high school and I do not see myself working in environments that do not cater to children. My areas of interest include mental health, as I believe there is so much that is misunderstood around mental health conditions. My wish is for everyone, especially children and youth to have equal access to psychological services.
 
2: What does being a YLP Project Officer mean to you?
The word that comes to me when I think of being a Project Officer at NMCF is purpose. Every day I wake up and I have the privilege to play a role towards creating the change I want to see in our country. The Youth Leadership Programme seeks to amplify the voices of children and youth by giving them a platform to highlight and design solution on societal issues that affect them. Now to be at the forefront of such a mission truly is a huge responsibility but one I have an honour of fulfilling, as I truly believe as youth we need to play an active role when it comes to our development agenda.
 
3: What does your role entail?
The journey started with the Youth Leadership Secretariat internship, our role was to design, develop and implement the Youth Leadership Programme. The first two parts of the plan are complete and now our initiatives are undergoing the implementation stage. It is such an exciting time for us, as we have opened the call out for youth to join the Efeng Bacha initiative and we cannot wait to welcome the new cohort.

But on an everyday bases my role includes engaging stakeholders, internal and external. I am also responsible for planning, administration and coordination of the YLP initiatives.

All of this is possible through collaboration; I have the pleasure of working hand in hand with Zamajozi Sithole. We are always bouncing off ideas and navigating our way in ensuring the Programme runs smoothly. We have the support of the NMCF family and we play our part in changing the way society treats its children and youth.
 
4: Is there an event or story you would like to share that has impacted you during your time as a Project Officer?
It’s difficult to point out a specific event because most days I learn something new. Sometimes I have to leave my comfort zone, but I always come out a better person.  I’m practically and intentionally sharpening my skills, so for me those are some of the rewarding aspects of being a Project Officer. However, what stands on top of the list is when we get to engage with children and fellow youth. Now you see, the fulfilment that comes from these interactions is unmatched. One of the highlights was when we took a trip to Mtubatuba, KZN along the Child Survival and Development team. To host a children’s dialogue and hear the challenges children face due to mining activities in that area. I vividly remember a 14 year old girl singing with her brothers and their song was about the challenges they face in teenage hood such as early pregnancies, peer pressure and lack of access to basic needs. The whole experience was an emphasis that children are aware of the barriers that exist in their surroundings and they just need to be heard. There is a cultural barrier that children don’t know much but they actually do and they find the most creative ways of expressing themselves. I think we can all learn from that.

5: What work have you done in your community to assist in improving the livelihood of those in your community?
I have tried my best to play many roles that can better the lives of the individuals around me. These range from mentorship, tutoring, fundraising drives and ensuring that younger girls do understand they can achieve anything you set your mind to. My life is a testimony of that, I still want to achieve more, but I have been fortunate enough and through hard work to call myself an SSP Alumni, Achieve scholarships and get into Golden Key in university and be part of the Youth Leadership Secretariat. Therefore, with every interaction I hold with my peers in my surroundings, I always try to make sure they feel seen and know there is hope, that our background does not define us.
 
6: What does Youth Day mean to you?
Youth day means taking a moment to pause and reflect, by recognizing the sacrifices and the lives that were lost to an injustice system of apartheid. It means to remember Hector Pieterson,  Hastings Ndlovu and what they stood for, making it possible for us to access education, to have choice in some extent to learn in our language and about our identity. Therefore, the day plays a role of reminding us how far we have come but also gives us an opportunity to think about the journey ahead and the role we are playing in creating our own narrative as this current generation.
 
7: What are some of the issues affecting youth and what are your recommendations on combating them?
The sad reality is that Youth is facing quite a number of challenges, for example, yes we have access to education but there’s still too much structural inequality within the system, we all know the Fees Must Fall movement and the struggles of unemployment, the rate is more than 50%. These challenges are putting up a toll on youth, and these years are where an individual is prone to mental health conditions, therefore it can be challenging to navigate one’s future with these in mind. We do need the government to open up more opportunities for youth, to have more young people in leadership spaces. But individually, I think it is important to put our best foot forward and continue working towards our dreams because they are so valid. As much as there are so many barriers, we cannot lose hope.
 
8: Why do you think it is important for us to honour our youth?
It is important to honour youth to remind them of the important role they play in our country and also to recognize their resilience. To encourage youth to take on leadership, in minor or big spaces. To honour their brilliance, talents and role in shaping a better South Africa.
 
What is your message to your fellow youth?
My message to the my fellow youth is to challenge them to locate their voice and practice the spirit of serving. You find what you are most passionate about and then  pursue it. Not every act of change needs to monumental or publicized. I believe the real heroes are those who help out in their communities, whether it’s helping ugogo (grandmother) down the street with their garden, helping children with reading or collecting your peers to play sport after school as other forms of coping away from substances. I think those acts, which can be viewed as minor, are very important. As they play a role in creating a better tomorrow.
 
9: What is your vision for our Nation’s youth?
To have more access to leadership spaces, to be given a chance to shape our future. Most of us grew up being told to get education. We have access to what our parents didn’t, we have indeed taken advantage of that opportunity and need be given a chance to utilize those skills and education. But until then, I think it is important for each individual to continue working on their self-development journey, so in turn they can empower others.

​“Love and Respect Yourself because Charity Begins at Home”
​
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” – Nelson Mandela

As Youth Day approaches we checked in with our young ambassadors who are part of our Youth Leadership Programme.

1: What does being a youth ambassador mean to you? And what does the role of a ‘A youth ambassador’ entail?
It means being able to put your needs aside to support and represent the young leaders in doing what's right. Being able to identify the difference between good and bad and teach others about the difference between the two. It's more of advocating for everyone's rights and making sure that they're protected.
 
2: Is there an event or story you would like to share that has impacted you during your time as a youth ambassador?
Societal expectations, when you uphold a certain position as an ambassador. There are expectations that people make out of you either in your social world or the corporate world, I learners to maintain the balance between the two worlds but I've made peace that there will never be balance. It's a see-saw, when the other picks, the other drops and the cycle goes on.
 
3: What work have you done in your community to assist in improving the livelihood of those in your community?
 
In 2020, I ran a campaign together with the young leaders in the rural community that I'm from. After Covid-19 hit us, we initiated what we called "Home-based classes". We had 30 learners that we were teaching in their own respective homes, we were targeting grade 4-12 and this ran for 6months. I've run motivational talks in different schools within the borders of Limpopo but sadly I couldn't reach too many schools as a result of a lack of resources.
 
4: What does Youth Day mean to you?
Youth day marks a very respectful day to all South African residence. It carries a lot of history and as we had young leaders who fought against Bantu education at that time.
 
5: What are some of the issues affecting youth and what are your recommendations on combating them?
Sexual relationships, my recommendation is that let there be programmes where these young teens can be taught about relationships and for a moment, let them shy away from practicing what they see in TV soapies because it's different to reality. They need to understand the concept of dating.
 
6: Why do you think it is important for us to honour our youth?
For the sake of simplicity, we have taught our children that honor means “lifting someone up and treating them as special and important.” It's about allowing the other person to go first, encouraging them, empowering them and believing the best in them. This will definitely lead to a proactive youth.
 
7: What is your message to your fellow youth?
Love yourself, respect yourself and remember that before you can pass any love nor respect to the next person. You have to start with yourself, charity indeed begins at home.
 
8: What is your vision for our Nation’s youth?
Nation's Youth is powerful beyond measure and very resourceful, they just need to realize it and use it to change our nation for the better.

In celebration of Freedom Day join us to “Serve Like Madiba And Give Like They’re Yours”. Killarney Mall in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund has joined forces for The Art Is Freedom Expo in hopes to raise funds and donations for its flagship project, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, in Parktown, Johannesburg. The Fund has lent part of its Poster Project collection to the event celebrating Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s life of 95 posters from around the world, honoring his lifelong contribution to humanity. 
 
The event opens on Freedom Day, Tuesday 27 April 2021, which brings influencers and celebs alike to raise awareness and help support this drive, these include Robert Marawa, Nandi Madida, Tshepi Vundla, DJ Tira, Rulani Mokwena, Zizo Tshwete and a performance by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra 
 
On display will also be affordable to collectable art pieces, including pieces from: Shani Krebs, Justin Abelman, Louise Andrews, Ria Singha, Murray McGregor, Tracey Armstrong, Nasina Nash, Ina Millan, Nicky Thomson, Shank, Heidi Lori, Melissa Muller, Geraldine Garcia, Angie Da Silva, Cornelia Wolff, David Rubenstein and many more! 
 
We are pleased to welcome the renowned local sculptor, Anton Smit to the Art Expo! Widely revered for his overwhelming heads and monumental African sculptures, evoking themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory and sublimation, his works grace public and private collections countrywide and internationally. 
 
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Ms Kone Gugushe, says, “This Freedom Day as we support the recovery efforts from the biggest health pandemic in our lifetime, we continue to celebrate struggle icons, such as our founder Mr Nelson Mandela, who dedicated their lives to securing our freedom. For us, this includes promoting and protecting the rights of children including those children in need of specialised healthcare. This event is therefore a crucial activation as part of our fundraising campaign called Serve like Madiba and Give Like They’re Yours, so that we can raise funds for sick children in need.”

The benefits of this collaboration include. 

• Bringing the Nelson Mandela Poster Project to the Killarney Mall Community 
• Raising funds for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital 
• Obtaining donations in the form of toiletries and toys from the in-centre donation boxes 
• The public can also take selfies with their celebrities for R100 to contribute to the fundraising efforts

 
About Killarney Mall
Killarney Mall is one of Johannesburg’s most established shopping centres. Centrally located within in the heart of the prestigious areas of Houghton, Westcliff & The Parks. We have been conveniently Yours for over 45 years. 
 
About The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund: 
 
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) is an advocacy development agency and a leading champion for the general well-being of children, founded in 1995 by the former statesman Mr. Nelson Mandela. To make the life of children a celebration, the Fund is undoubtedly honoured with the task of continuing the legacy of its founder. The key message that goes with carrying out this honoured task is found and embedded in the vision of the Fund, which is: “Changing the way society treats its children and youth.” The Fund believes that children should enjoy the absence of hunger, abuse, exploitation and homelessness. This is underpinned by a clear notion that the eradication of poverty and its systemic causes are the ultimate desired change, rather than amelioration of difficult and unchanging circumstances in which targeted beneficiaries find themselves. It is possible to have a world where children live with dignity, are safe, nurtured and their voices are heard and that the transformation needed to create such a world needs every part of society to play its role.
 
Come and celebrate your inner artist and free your inspiration! In celebration of Freedom Day and proudly South African artworks. There's truly something for everyone! Whether you’re in the market for some collectable pieces or are just a lover of local art, this event is bound to satisfy your innermost creative’s desires! 
 
We thank you for your support and consideration on behalf of our children lets serve like Madiba this Freedom Day.
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