Today, we celebrate National Children’s Day by recognising something that should guide us every day: children have the right to be safe, heard, protected and given the opportunity to thrive.
We are commemorating this month under the theme “Safe to Play. Free to Thrive”, reminding us that creating safe environments for children is a shared responsibility. It means addressing violence, poverty and the barriers that limit children’s opportunities, while making sure their voices are part of the decisions that affect their lives.
Children are already speaking. Our responsibility is to listen, act and make sure their words lead to meaningful change. #NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba #KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
… See MoreSee Less
Today, our team is in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, working with Wellbeing Africa and two Early Childhood Development centres to conduct growth monitoring for 100 children under five.
Growth monitoring is an important early-warning tool. By tracking measures such as weight, height or length and head circumference over time, health workers can identify when a child may not be growing as expected and help families access support early. As part of the activity, nurses from Morhotso Clinic are also providing Vitamin A supplementation and deworming to the children.
The activity forms part of Children’s Month and reflects the importance of early action in supporting children’s health, nutrition and development.
#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba #KhulumaMntwanaSikuzwe
… See MoreSee Less
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
… See MoreSee Less
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
… See MoreSee Less
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
… See MoreSee Less
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
… See MoreSee Less
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
… See MoreSee Less
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
… See MoreSee Less
