Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund

Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) is a charitable organization founded by Nelson Mandela

Driven by his love for children and a desire to end their suffering, former President Mandela established the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) in 1995. From 1996 to 1998, NMCF successfully mobilized over R36 million to fund over 780 projects, at an average of R40, 000 per project. Grounded in the legacy of its founder, NMCF initially operated as a grant-making organization promoting a humanit

arian response to the plight of South Africa 's children and youth. The 1995-1999 period was characterised by ad hoc funding strategies that enabled children and families to meet immediate needs, and one-time support for overhead and salary costs for organisations targeting children's issues, with no particular programmatic basis for NMCF's engagement with these organisations. During 1999, NMCF realised that this welfare or handout approach was not sustainable as it did not encourage community involvement nor did it address the array of growing organizational capacity issues. To inform a new approach, NMCF conducted an extensive review of national and regional policies on children and youth; identified several significant policy gaps; evaluated its portfolio of projects and internal procedures; and carefully defined programme intervention areas it would pursue. This review culminated in the launching, in the year 2000, of the Sakha Ikusasa strategy, reflecting a new programme and organizational approach for the period 2000-2005, and establishing NMCF as a funding cm development agency that seeks to change the ways in which society treats its children and youth in order to improve their conditions and lives.

23/06/2026

This Youth Month, we're celebrating young people who are turning learning into leadership.

After participating in the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Legacy Academy in 2023, delivered in partnership with the IEC, Thandolwenkosi Nkosi gained valuable insights into the importance of voting, active citizenship, and the role young people play in shaping South Africa's future.

But she didn't stop there. Inspired by what she learned, Thandolwenkosi started her own initiative to educate high school learners aged 16 to 18 about voting processes and the importance of participating in democracy. Her story is a reminder that when young people are given knowledge, skills, and opportunities, they don't just benefit themselves. They create change for others.

As we celebrate Youth Month and 30 years of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, we are proud to support young leaders who are carrying Madiba's legacy forward and helping the next generation find its voice.

A Limited Edition Ford Wildtrak X carrying Nelson Mandela's signature has found a new home, but its impact will be felt ...
18/06/2026

A Limited Edition Ford Wildtrak X carrying Nelson Mandela's signature has found a new home, but its impact will be felt far beyond the road.

The vehicle was auctioned as part of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund's 30th Anniversary Gala, raising more than R1 million to support programmes that protect, empower, and uplift children across South Africa.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Pradeepto Kumar Biswas, Founder and CEO of Plataforma Asia and Indian Ocean Group, for his generosity and belief in a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Thirty years on, Madiba's legacy continues to inspire people around the world to invest in children and the future they deserve.

Thank you Ford for donating this vehicle and your continued support for our mission.

Today, we celebrate the 84th birthday of former President Thabo Mbeki, a statesman and intellectual, whose contribution ...
18/06/2026

Today, we celebrate the 84th birthday of former President Thabo Mbeki, a statesman and intellectual, whose contribution to South Africa's democracy and development continues to leave a lasting impact.

As we mark 30 years of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, we are especially grateful for his support and reflections at our recent 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, where he challenged us to confront an important question: Are we truly living up to our promise to South Africa's children?

We wish President Mbeki a wonderful birthday and thank him for his continued commitment to building a better future for generations to come.

16/06/2026

As we celebrate 30 years of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and mark Youth Day under the theme "RESET@50 – The Future Calls", we are reminded that the future is shaped by the young people we invest in today.

At our 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, Junior Mayor of Johannesburg Kamohelo Malikane challenged us to think beyond milestones and focus on meaningful change: "May the next 30 years be defined not only by celebration but by measurable transformation in the lives of children across the continent."

Thirty years after Madiba founded the Fund, the future is calling. Together, we must ensure the next generation is ready to answer.

Today, we honour the courage of the young people of 1976, and celebrate the power, potential, and voices of Africa’s chi...
16/06/2026

Today, we honour the courage of the young people of 1976, and celebrate the power, potential, and voices of Africa’s children and youth.

As we mark , we are reminded that young people are not only the future, they are active leaders, changemakers, and contributors today.

For 30 years, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund has worked to ensure children and young people are heard, protected, empowered, and given opportunities to thrive. Because we know that investing in young people today, is investing in the future of Africa.

11/06/2026

Play is more than fun. It is how children learn, grow, connect, and express themselves. ⚽🎨

On the International Day of Play, we celebrate the importance of creating safe spaces where children can explore their creativity, build confidence, and simply enjoy being children.

Every child deserves the freedom and opportunity to play.

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund joins South Africa in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the a...
10/06/2026

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund joins South Africa in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the amaNdebele Kingship.

For four decades, His Majesty served his people with dedication, championing education, cultural preservation, social cohesion, and community development. His leadership touched countless lives and contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities.

As a respected traditional leader and nation-builder, he understood the importance of creating environments where children, families, and communities could thrive.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele nation, and all those affected by this loss.

May his legacy of service, unity, and leadership continue to inspire future generations.

Children’s rights in the digital age are under increasing pressure 🌐 The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund recently partici...
09/06/2026

Children’s rights in the digital age are under increasing pressure 🌐 The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund recently participated in the pre-conference, which brought together researchers, practitioners and advocates to explore children’s rights in the digital environment.

Representing the Fund, Anzio Jacobs presented the abstract "Digital Justice from the Margins: Child-Led Governance, AI Accountability and Digital Inequality in South Africa," highlighting the importance of child participation, digital inclusion and ensuring that children's voices shape the policies and systems that affect their lives.

Thank you to the organisers, speakers and participants who contributed to these important conversations.

📖 The anthology, featuring studies and reflections from the pre-conference, is now available: https://lnkd.in/eiXQb6BU

05/06/2026

What is the one thing you would change to create a better future for South Africa's children?

As we close out , we are spotlighting Amogelang Mashele, President of the Nelson Mandela Children's Parliament, whose address at our 30th Gala Dinner challenged us all to think about the future we are building for the next generation.

Reflecting on the progress made over the past 30 years, Amogelang left the audience with an important question: What will the next 30 years demand from us?

Watch the full speech here: https://youtu.be/UQt-JP76niQ?si=K58lYnkSdARgpkE3

Meet Lebo*, a 17-year-old from Thaba Nchu who recently took part in Boikucho's Men and Boys Dialogue at Noga Post near B...
03/06/2026

Meet Lebo*, a 17-year-old from Thaba Nchu who recently took part in Boikucho's Men and Boys Dialogue at Noga Post near Bloemfontein. The project is supported by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

Growing up in a community where violence, harmful stereotypes, and a lack of positive male role models are common realities, Lebo joined other boys and men in a safe space for honest conversations about masculinity, identity, and belonging.

Through the dialogue, participants reflected on the pressures boys face and explored healthier ways to express themselves, build relationships, and navigate challenges.

These conversations matter. By creating spaces where boys can be heard, supported, and guided, we can help break cycles of violence and build stronger, more hopeful futures for the next generation.

*AI-generated image used to protect the identity of children.

Address

21 Eastwold Way, Cnr Oxford Road
Johannesburg
2196

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
Thursday 08:30 - 17:00
Friday 08:30 - 17:00

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+27112745600

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