Dlalanathi: play with us

19/10/2026

Peace begins with us. In our homes. In our communities. In how we care for one another.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, we celebrate an extraordinary woman from our own KwaZulu-Natal, Justice Navanethem Pillay, who has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.Growing up in Durban during apartheid, Navi Pillay went on to dedicate her life to standing up for human rights, justice and the dignity of people whose voices were not being heard.
Her achievement reminds us that peace is built through courage, compassion and living bravely.
At dlalanathi, we believe that peace also begins in the small, everyday moments of our lives.
When we care for our own mental health, we become better able to care for others. When we listen to a child, comfort someone who is struggling, respond with kindness rather than anger, or create a space where someone feels safe, valued and heard, we are contributing to a more peaceful world.
We may not all receive a Nobel Peace Prize, but each of us has the power to make our homes, relationships and communities safer and more caring places.
This World Mental Health Day, we invite you to take one small action for peace.
Take a moment to care for your own wellbeing.
Reach out to someone who may be struggling.
Listen without judgement.
Help a child feel safe, loved and heard.
Choose kindness, even when things are difficult.
Peace is something we can practise, together, every day.
dlalanathi – Play Changing the World

08/10/2026

THREE DAYS OF PLAY, CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY IN PHATHENI 🌱

From 30 September to 2 October, children came together for the Phatheni Holiday Programme, where one generous household provided a safe and welcoming space for three days of play, connection and fun.

The children took part in indoor and outdoor games, group activities and interactive sessions, creating opportunities to play, explore, build relationships and simply enjoy being together.

Newly trained caregivers in Phatheni also participated alongside the children, bringing their energy, support and care into the activities and helping to create a space where everyone could connect and have fun.

Creating opportunities for children and caregivers to connect through play is one of the ways we strengthen the everyday relationships that help children feel safe, supported and seen.

Because connection builds protection.

30/09/2026

It is our symbol of solidarity with women and girls across South Africa who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.
Our work at dlalanathi was born out of grief as a result of HIV/AIDs and so our compassion in this moment is immense. We chose to walk with children and families through death and loss, using play to open safe spaces for healing.

We know grief is a process, not a moment, and that no one should carry it alone.

We mourn the lives lost, stand with those affected, and continue to believe in communities where everyone is safe, protected and valued.
Find your safe people. Find your safe spaces. Healing happens together.

24/09/2026

CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE THAT CONNECTS US ❤️

Heritage is found in the stories we share, the traditions we carry, the languages we speak, the places we call home, and the people who shape who we are.

At dlalanathi, we celebrate the beautiful diversity of our communities and the many things that make each of us unique — while remembering that connection, belonging and care are something we all share.

TODAY, WE CELEBRATE WHERE WE COME FROM, WHO WE ARE, AND THE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES WHO WILL CARRY OUR STORIES FORWARD.

Happy Heritage Day from all of us at dlalanathi! 🇿🇦

22/09/2026

🌈 CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR CHILDREN THIS HOLIDAY!

Recently, dlalanathi spent two days in the community of Phatheni, working with a group of 14 community participants during a Holiday Programme training.

Through practical activities, creativity, play and connection, participants explored how to create holiday spaces where children can feel safe, cared for, included and supported.

A Holiday Programme is so much more than keeping children busy during the school holidays. It creates opportunities for children to play, learn, connect, participate and receive care and protection in a safe and supportive environment.

We are excited to train inspiring women and men in Phatheni who bring their skills, creativity, time, relationships and commitment to creating safe, caring and meaningful experiences for children in their community. 🌱

When communities come together around children, something powerful happens.

18/09/2026

PLAY CHANGING THE WORLD! 🌍

What if changing the world could start with something as simple as play?

At dlalanathi, we believe that play is far more than fun — it is a powerful tool for connection, learning, healing and development. Through play, children explore their world, build relationships, express themselves, develop confidence and learn that they are seen, heard and valued. ❤️

When caregivers make time to play, they are doing so much more than keeping a child entertained. They are building a stronger relationship, creating opportunities for communication and helping children develop the foundations they need to thrive.

And the beautiful thing about play? You don’t need expensive toys or complicated activities. A cardboard box, a song, a ball, a story, a game of peek-a-boo or simply getting down on the floor and joining a child in their world can make a difference.

Because when we invest in play, we invest in children.
When we strengthen relationships, we strengthen communities.
And when communities care, protect and nurture their children, we create the possibility of a different future. 🌱

Play with a child. Connect with a child. Change a world.

14/09/2026

🌱 LEARNING, LISTENING & GROWING

One of our Dlalanathi team members, Nontobeko MaKhumalo Mpungose, recently had the opportunity to attend an inspiring conference hosted by Jelly Beanz, bringing together professionals who are passionate about strengthening the way we understand, support and protect children.

The conference was filled with meaningful insights from experienced speakers, including Prof Simon Hackett, Luke Lamprecht, Dr Shaheda and Dr Joan van Niekerk, among many others.

A key learning was the Hackett Awareness Response Tool (HART) and the importance of being curious about a child’s behaviour before responding. Behaviour communicates something — and understanding the context behind it can change the way we support a child.

We were also reminded of the powerful role that music, therapy and connection can play in healing and wellbeing. 🎶🐾

Another important message was the need to include the boy child in conversations around child protection. Boys need to be heard, supported, guided and provided with safe spaces to express themselves too. Protecting children means creating systems of care that recognise and respond to the needs of all children.

The conversations around AI and social media were equally thought-provoking. The world children are growing up in is constantly changing, and as professionals, we have a responsibility to keep learning so that we can better understand their experiences and respond meaningfully.

At Dlalanathi, we believe that connection builds protection. Opportunities like these allow us to reflect, grow our knowledge and bring new learning back into our communities and our work.

Because how we respond to children matters.

Be curious. Understand the context. Protect without labelling. Keep learning. ❤️

11/09/2026

THE CTAOP SWIDLER SUMMIT

A beautiful gathering of partners and staff who make up the CTAOP family.

Our 6th Annual Swidler Summit, hosted by the Charlize Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), gave us the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day work, pause, connect and be nurtured in a beautiful environment alongside fellow partners.

For Dlalanathi, this gathering is a meaningful reflection of the trust-based relationship we share with CTAOP. For the past 13 years, CTAOP has supported and funded our work, enabling us to deepen our learning and practice as we work to strengthen relationships between children, young people and their caregivers in communities impacted by trauma and loss.

The Summit also gave us space to reflect and remember. Together, we each contributed a piece to a collective artwork in memory of the late Dr Paul Cromhout, Director of the Small Projects Foundation. Paul modelled warmth, compassion and immense courage in the way he served others.

Hamba kahle, Paul.
Your absence was deeply felt, and your legacy continues to inspire.

We are grateful for spaces like these — spaces that remind us that connection builds protection, and that we are stronger when we walk this journey together. ❤️

Thank you, CTAOP, for continuing to journey alongside us.

08/09/2026