The first UNESCO World Conference on Science was held in 1999 in Hungary- Budapest. The World Science Forum (WSF) became a follow up of this initial gathering by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences since 2003. The WSF has played a prominent role in bringing leaders of the world of science and policy together on a biennial basis to discuss the roles, responsibilities and challenges of science. It also presents issues of common interest to the scientific community and the public.
 
In 2011, WSF partner organisations agreed that the Forum should alternate between Budapest, Hungary and another host country. For the first time the Forum was hosted by Brazil in 2013 and then by Jordan in 2017. In 2022, the WSF is for the first time hosted on the African Continent. As the host country, South Africa intends to make the event truly African, inspired by the values of Ubuntu, which promotes the social nature of humanity. The WSF in South Africa is inclusive, as the voices of those often ignored will be heard in debates responsive to the challenges of the developing countries. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Fund)  brings the voices of children and youth as well as its implementing partners across South Africa and its thought leadership on youths and children in Africa and globally. Through its exhibition and messaging, the Fund upholds the fact that children and youth need to be given the voice and dignity that they deserve.  The Fund will interact and share its work with scientists, policy-makers, industry, science communicators, funders and embassies among other members of society to build strategic partnerships on behalf of children and youth.
 
In these unprecedented times that are marked by global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and persistent poverty the intersectionality and transdisciplinary science is expected to make a critical contribution to create a equal, fair and just world. Hosted in the country by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) the WSF theme of Science for Social Justice resonates with the vision of the Fund, which is about changing the way society treats its children and youth. The expectation is that the plenary, thematic sessions, the side event, the debates and the exhibitions at the WSF 2022 will critically interrogate the role of science in ensuring that resources, opportunities and privileges in society are accessible to all (including children and youth) and distributed in a fair manner.
 
The Fund expects that WSF 2022 openly discuss how the production and application of new knowledge challenges inequality, unemployment and poverty as it affects children and youth more than it does the adult population. The status of the WSF positions it to consider the role that science plays in advancing social justice.  The values of social justice like transparency and inclusivity should also transform the nature of the scientific enterprise and the scientists themselves so that they are not laboratory and boardroom practitioners but are more responsive to the needs of society. The Fund works with implementing partners at grassroots level where there are innovations that have not been harvested for societal usage. Research integrity as well as ethics in collecting data from communities and later reporting to them is very critical to the work of the Fund. Local level knowledge and advocacy material that has been obtained from the grassroots should find itself in the science advice, science communication and science diplomacy spaces.

International cooperation is also crucial in the work of the Fund, which is a global child advocacy, and development organisation that would like to see the advancement of the cause of science for social justice and its response to societal challenges. The Fund advocates that children and youth issues should be national, African and global agendas for which science, technology and innovation take the centre stage. To that extent, the civil society organisation from the developing countries should take a greater interest in participating in global science.
 

hold time. I also noticed that if my baby gets his breast milk then he gets much calmer than before. Breast milk is saves me money because  I only get a Sassa grant for my 3 children and all 3 children of mine are healthy and still growing strong thanks to breast milk."

during the day so that I can attend to other duties in the house. Whenever he wakes up from his sleep I feed him immediately so that he’s less cranky during the day. I love my baby and he is growing very well and I would recommend breast milk to any teenage mother."

me to buy every week. So with my second pregnancy. I went to my local clinic to seek help on breastfeeding, and the Sister started with the basic . She said that the moment  the baby is born I must put the baby directly against my skin and the baby must seek out my nipple and latch on to it and you will not feel pain at all. So when my baby was born I did exactly what the sister said and I never stop giving my baby breast milk. I’m happy and satisfy  that I don’t need to go and buy formula milk because my baby is healthy and gaining weight every day because breast milk have all the nutrition in it for my baby’s growth."

This Women’s Month, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) will participate in the Imbumba Foundation’s “Trek4Mandela”. It is a 10-day expedition summiting Mount Kilimanjaro - in Tanzania, to raise awareness about menstrual challenges facing the girl child.
 
“The Superwoman Club” comprises various women from different organisations who will climb Kilimanjaro from 03 August in the lead up to reach the peak on 09 of August, also known as Women’s Day in South Africa, to fight ‘period poverty’ which results in girls missing school due to a lack of sanitary towels.
 
Chief Business Engagement Officer at the Fund, Ms Nomthi Mnisi, who will represent the Fund, says that the organisation is adopting the slogan of, “Climbing Mountains so vulnerable children do not have to.”
 
This follows the organisation’s theme for its Annual Children’s Celebration, held in July 2022, which culminated in a fun walk at the Johannesburg Zoo under the theme of, “Walking the extra mile so vulnerable children do not have to.”
 
Mnisi says, “This is an ambitious and self-less task that we are undertaking. In summiting Kilimanjaro, we hope to raise the profile of children and place their needs on the highest peak in Africa as a statement on their behalf, to say that their needs can no longer be ignored.”
 
Interim CEO of the Fund, Dr Stanley Maphosa, says that this initiative serves as a continuation of the Fund’s 27th anniversary celebrations as well as its ongoing campaign known as #ServeLikeMandela. “This is a call to our supporters and the public to walk in Mandela’s footsteps and be of service to our society, particularly our children, whom he loved so much. We are extremely proud that Ms Mnisi is leading the way in this regard.”
 
Dr Maphosa also wished former CEO of Fund, Ms Konehali Gugushe, a speedy recovery after she broke her ankle in training. Ms Gugushe was set to join the Superwomen’s trek, as a patron of the Fund, before the injury which took place on a hiking trail on 23 July 2022. “We know that Ms Gugushe is still an ardent supporter of this cause, and we hope that she will recover soon and continue to help us spread awareness around this initiative.”
 
According to Mnisi, not everyone has to climb a mountain to show their support. “Nothing is more motivating than knowing that while you may be climbing alone in extreme conditions, you have supporters who are nudging you on back home. We hope that the rest of the country and globe will show their support from their various corners in the world by simply donating towards our cause, spreading the word, and helping us to reach that extra mile in the work that we do as the Fund.”
 
The Fund hopes to raise R300 000 through this initiative and the public are encouraged donate funds, of any amount, that will go towards preventing period poverty and supporting the work of the Fund across various facets of children’s lives. This includes healthcare, poverty alleviation, youth leadership, and child safety.
 
The organisation will keep the public posted on its progress as well as other initiatives aimed at highlighting women and girls’ issues during the course of August.
 
For more details visit https://www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.com/trek4mandela.html

The Board of Trustees at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) would like to announce the resignation of the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Konehali Gugushe.  Gugushe served as CEO from 01 March 2020 and handed in her resignation, which was accepted by the board, in May 2022. She will serve her last day on 31 June 2022.

Gugushe will hand over her duties to Interim CEO, Dr Stanley Maphosa, who will act in this capacity from 01 July 2022, until a replacement can be found.

While saddened by the resignation, the Board would like to extend its gratitude to Gugushe who in the past year, developed a new five-year (2022 – 2026) strategy for the Fund, which brought depth to the organisation’s strategic framework including the integration of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in the Fund’s key programme areas.

Gugushe was also integral in overseeing the organisation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, mitigating its impact on vulnerable communities, as well as advancing the Fund’s advocacy efforts through thought-leadership and lobbying for positive change in legislation affecting the lives of children in our country.

Chairperson of the Fund’s Board, Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, confirmed that Gugushe will return to her corporate social investment roots.  “Ms Gugushe remains a champion of children and we are certain that as she embarks on a new chapter in her professional career, she will remain a staunch advocate of our cause.”

Mokgoro says that the Board has placed its confidence Maphosa, to lead the organisation through this brief period of transition. Maphosa previously served as the Chief Programmes Director at the Fund. “Dr Maphosa is well-placed to ensure continuity of the Fund’s work after playing a critical role overseeing all the strategic areas of the organisation since his appointment in xxx 2021. With his vast experience in the NGO sector as well as his passion for promotion of children’s rights, we have no doubt that he will take our cause forward until a replacement is found in due time.”

Maphosa says, “I have learnt a lot from my time working closely with our former CEO in the development of our new strategy and I look forward to the next month when we will once again work closely to ensure a smooth handover of her duties.”
Maphosa will lead the organisation’s 27-year birthday celebrations and the Fund’s Annual Children’s celebrations in July. The Fund will provide more details in the next month around these activities where donors, partners, beneficiaries of the Fund will be encouraged to celebrate this milestone.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) is a social development agency founded by former president, Mr Nelson Mandela in 1995. In line with its vision to Change the Way Society Treats its Children and youth, the Fund’s mission is to give voice and dignity to the African child by building a rights-based movement. The organisation’s strategic programmes include, Child Safety and Protection, Child Survival Development and Thriving, Sustainable Livelihoods, Youth Leadership and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg.
For more information contact:
Nomthi Mnisi
Chief Business Engagement Officer
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
nomthi@nmcf.co.za
OR
Ayabulela Poro
Manager: Communications and Marketing
ayabulelap@nmcf.co.za
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Telephone: 011 274 5600

On Saturday, 16 July 2022, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) will launch the Children’s Fun Walk as part of the Fund’s 27th Annual Children’s Celebration.
 
The Annual Children’s Celebration is a tradition of the Fund, started by its founder, former president, Mr Nelson Mandela, who celebrated his birthday on 18 July with children, during and post his presidency. The day is now famously known as International Mandela Day.
 
Interim CEO of the Fund, Dr Stanley Maphosa, says “Madiba loved children and wanted to ensure that as a society, we could take a moment to bring joy to their lives and celebrate them so they can feel appreciated in spite of the many challenges that they face in our country.”
 
After two years of disruptions due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fund could not host mass celebrations and is cautiously approaching this year’s event with a similar approach but some aplomb. Maphosa continues, “We thought launching a Children’s Fun Walk would be a great way to get our beneficiaries, in particular children and youth, as well as our stakeholders and donors, to come out again and have fun in public spaces following two years of confinement as a result of the pandemic.”
 
The theme of the event is, “Walking the extra mile so vulnerable children do not have to.” The route will include a 5-kilometre fun walk within the zoo to allow our stakeholders to experience the significance of walking for a good cause.
 
In addition to the great achievements of the Fund’s existence, its flagship project, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) celebrates five years of existence as the only dedicated children’s hospital in Gauteng. Maphosa says, “This is a key milestone for both organisations and we wanted to commemorate this anniversary as part of the work of the Fund and NMCH”.
 
To limit numbers, it has been decided to make this a closed event which will involve stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Fund. However, the organisation still encourages the public to get involved in other ways. “We use this event annually to respond to the needs of vulnerable children. The public can get involved by visiting our website and contributing in various ways by becoming ambassadors of the event and spreading the word or helping us raise in-kind and cash donations which form part of our wish-list (https://www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.com/ ). These will then be distributed to our various implementing partners in need across South Africa,” concludes Maphosa.
 
Nedbank has been a key partner of the Fund since its inception and will once again support the organisation as the underwriting sponsor of the event. Mr Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank says, “supporting such an initiative really makes a difference in the well-being of children in South Africa. For the public to join such a  worthy cause, all they need to do is, simply bank and invest with Nedbank by opening and funding a Nedbank Children’s Affinity linked savings or investment account,  and we will donate the earnings to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund on their behalf, at no cost.”
 
The Fund will continue celebrations throughout the month of July as part of its campaign for the public to #ServeLikeMandela. The organisation says that this is a call for everyone to “Walk a Mile” in Mandela’s shoes and follow in his example of being of service to others during International Mandela Month and beyond.
____________________________________________________________

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) is a social development agency founded by former president, Mr Nelson Mandela in 1995. In line with its vision to Change the Way Society Treats its Children and youth, the Fund’s mission is to give voice and dignity to the African child by building a rights-based movement. The organisation’s strategic programmes include, Child Safety and Protection, Child Survival Development and Thriving, Sustainable Livelihoods, Youth Leadership and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg.
For more information contact:
 
Nomthi Mnisi
Chief Business Engagement Officer
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
nomthi@nmcf.co.za
 
OR
 
Ayabulela Poro
Manager: Communications and Marketing
ayabulelap@nmcf.co.za   
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Telephone: 011 274 5600
____________________

• All schools should strive to be more ethnically, religiously and racially diverse. Racism and discrimination has no place at school, and should be dealt with sternly.
• As the youth we urge the government to assist in building communities which are child and youth centered. - Tshegofatso Metsing

• We call for the government to address the high youth unemployment issue, and to work with the youth to find relevant solutions. - Isani Nephawe

 

• We demand that there are frequent checks on municipal budgets and how they are spent, for accountability purposes. 
• We demand more severe consequences on those found guilty of committing sexual violence against women and children. - Donald Mkhwanazi
  

• The government should introduce computer literacy as a subject starting from primary school.
  
• Sanitary towels must be freely available in public institutes such as schools, libraries, community halls, clinics etc. - Nthabiseng Litabe
  

• We recommend capacity building interventions to equip students and unemployed graduates for job applications.
• We request an acknowledgement of the hefty expense of job searching and welcome financial solutions to solve this issue. - Nthabiseng Mabetlela
  

By Dr Stanley Maphosa

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) is presenting a message of support  as part of the closing ceremony for the 2022 Child Protection Week (CPW) that is being held on the 05 June 2022 in King Cetshwayo District Kwa-Zulu Natal, under the theme “Let us All Protect children during COVID-19 and Beyond. The closing ceremony is held in Nhlabane, a rural community outside Richard’s Bay. The focus of Child Protection Week this year from the government point of view was targeting provinces and district with the highest number of children who were pregnant. The official opening ceremony for this campaign week was held in in OR Tambo District, Ingquza Hill, Lusikisiki Eastern Cape on the 29 May 2022. Prior to the opening and closing ceremony, roundtable discussions were held at the OR Tambo District and Zululand District to assess level of interventions and programmes that are currently being provided by various stakeholders who are both government and non-government organisations to address teenage pregnancy.

The Statistics South Africa report, recorded that 34 587 teenagers gave birth in 2020. This is a cause for concern for the Fund, its partners and likeminded organisations in South Africa. This requires a concerted effort by all key stakeholders in government and non-government sector including children, parents, caregivers, families and community at large to address the issues of teenage pregnancies. The unacceptably high levels of teenage pregnancy in South Africa manifests as the infringement on the rights of the girl child as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and other legislations, policies and guidelines. In addition to that, teenage pregnancies pose health risks for the mothers, their babies, their families as well as the communities. Teenage mothers are more susceptible to medical, social and emotional problems, in comparison to their adult mothers counterparts. The high rates of teen pregnancy also affect the communities and society's welfare as they increase the rate of school dropout, decrease graduation rates, and increase unemployment rate. The prevention programmes addressing the problem of teenage pregnancies would most amongst others, contribute to promotion and protection of the rights of the girl child, ensuring gender equity, reduce school dropout and curb the poverty cycle. 

During the Child Protection Week commemoration the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund joined the National Department of Social Development and the Provincial Department of Social Development in Kwa Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape, the University of Zululand, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Implementing Partners in the entire nine province and other strategic partners.

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. The Fund strives to change the way society treats its children and youth. This long-term vision captures the central role society plays in shaping children’s lives.

NMCF’s Child Safety and Protection Programme aims to create protective environments that prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, and violence against children in households, and schools, and other spaces, including digital, where they live, learn and play. Furthermore, the Programmes also seeks to improve access to rights and safe, protective care for children (all persons under the age of 18) in South Africa.

Despite the comprehensive legislative framework promoting children’s rights and aiming to prevent child abuse and neglect, recently reported increases in child murders, attempted murders, and kidnappings, coupled with poverty-induced vulnerabilities, indicate that child safety and protection programming is critical to ENSURING South Africa’s children develop and thrive.

As a country South Africa commemorates, National Child Protection Week annually, to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). This year the week timelines are from 29th May to 05th June 2022.

The current NMCF Strategic Objectives:
SO1: Empower families and communities to adequately care (healthcare, safety, nutrition, education, economic position, basic services) for their children and youth.
SO2: Create platforms to amplify the voices of children and youths
SO3: Address and influence government shortfalls in relation to children and youth (advocacy and lobbying
SO4: Create a collaborative environment to amplify the impact of NMCF on children and youth through strategic partnerships

Children’s Sessions at The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital

Engaging with the children aligns with strategic objective – Create platforms to amplify the voices of children and youths. The Child Safety and Protection Unit is convening sessions with children, to be able to meaningfully take part and express their perspectives on being safe and protected. These insights will inform our interventions, and strengthen future communication being more representative of children’s views and experiences. The children who are also patients of NMCH represent as fairly under-represented, often excluded sub-population of children; those living with and managing serious illness.

23By the Child Safety & Protection team

“Our Children are Our Greatest Treasure they are Our Future. Those who Abuse Them Tear at the Fabric of Our Society and Weaken our Nation”.  - Nelson Mandela

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) strives to Change the Way Society Treats its Children and Youth. The Fund’s mission is to be an African Rights Based Movement recognising the dignity and wellbeing of children. The National Child Protection Week is observed in the country to raise awareness of the rights of children as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and articulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
 
The Fund’s commitment to promoting safe environments for children, families and communities is a responsibility mandated by the founder Mr Mandela. He believed that the Fund can help build a society where children can be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and any form of violence. To the Fund, Child Protection Week goes beyond the days of observation. It is the day to day efforts to create protective environments that prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and violence against children in households, schools and other spaces where they play, live and learn. In order to enable all children from birth 0 to 23 the ability to be safe, develop and thrive in their livelihoods.
 
Despite the efforts, commitments and promises made through the international, regional and domestic instruments. Children continue to suffer violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation every day, making them the most vulnerable members of our society. It is in the collaborations, influence, knowledge and attitudes to do better. To enable those responsible, communities and families to have better capacity of care for the well-being of children. 
 
It is against this backdrop that the Fund calls upon all civil society organisations, governments, businesses, parents, and duty bearers to fulfil children’s rights including those to protection. The call for protection depends on a global movement in which everybody understands and respects their duties to children, but also acts upon them to fulfil this reality.

Ahead of Child Protection Week, which runs from 29 May to 5 June, South Africa’s largest volunteering platform forgood.co.za is calling on South Africans to donate toiletries, toys, and games to child-focused causes. To simplify the donation process, the platform has launched a dedicated online campaign that connects locals to a selected non-profit organisation (NPO) in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban – giving everyone an opportunity to improve the lives of children in need.

“Lots of South Africans want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start. That’s where we come in. With this campaign, we’re making it easy and convenient for locals in the three locations to make donations for Child Protection Week. We’ve already vetted the causes on your behalf and set up the drop-off points – all you need to do is show up with your donations in hand,” says Romy Heldsinger, CEO at forgood.

As part of their Child Protection Week campaign, forgood has selected three verified causes. If you are looking to donate, you can visit the platform and select a cause based on where you live, or the location closest to you. You will be asked to indicate what you are donating, as well as the date and time you intend to drop off the items.

“We specifically chose education-focused non-profits for this campaign because they have a significant reach in terms of the number of children they can assist. Additionally, we recognise the importance of learning from an early age when it comes to setting children up for success later on in life,” says Heldsinger.

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital are working with Forgood to assist in collecting donations. You can visit the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital reception to drop off donations to assist in this initiative.

For more information contact Agnes Kambira on Agnesk@nmcf.co.za