Dlalanathi: play with us

Dlalanathi: play with us We do this by strengthening the community response to taking

To bring hope and healing to bereaved children, their care-givers, families and other caring community members using play for communication and healing in communities affected by death and loss. Our overall aim is to strengthen circles of support around families affected by death, loss and poverty in a context of HIV and AIDS; to help families strengthen their everyday support to children in their

care. Given the great numbers of children and families we have to work in strategically creative ways to increase reach and support. By joining partners who already work within communities, and in children’s lives, we build on what exists and optimize the use of available resources. We work intensively in communities in and around Pietermaritzburg to achieve the following objectives:

Objective 1: Create awareness in the greater community regarding the needs of bereaved children and build relationships within the community to implement 2.5 –year process

Objective 2: Train community members who have passion for children to meet the emotional needs of these children and mentor and supervise them in direct practice in their work with children

Objective 3: Provide support play groups for bereaved children especially those affected by HIV/AIDS and provide support play groups for caregivers in these children’s lives. Objective 4: Mobilize and mentor sustainable independent community response to children and families affected by loss.

Ecosystem of Care! At Dlalanathi, we believe that children and young people grow and flourish when they are surrounded b...
19/06/2026

Ecosystem of Care!

At Dlalanathi, we believe that children and young people grow and flourish when they are surrounded by caring relationships, supportive families, strong communities, and responsive services.

Our work strengthens the ecosystems of care that promote protection, wellbeing, participation, and development. From supporting caregivers and families to empowering young people, strengthening community-led responses, building partnerships, and influencing systems, we work alongside communities to create environments where children and young people can feel safe, valued, connected, and supported.

Together, we are building stronger communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.





Youth Day!Today we honour the courage, resilience, and voices of the young people who helped shape South Africa’s future...
16/06/2026

Youth Day!

Today we honour the courage, resilience, and voices of the young people who helped shape South Africa’s future.

We believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment where they are heard, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.

As we commemorate Youth Day, let us continue working together to strengthen families, protect children, and create communities where young people can thrive and become confident leaders of tomorrow.

The future belongs to our youth. Let’s invest in them, listen to them, and walk alongside them every step of the way.

Happy Youth Day, South Africa!

12/06/2026

A HUGE THANK YOU to Ember for generously sponsoring the Dlalanathi team-building day at Tala Game Reserve!

Our team had the opportunity to step away from our daily routines, connect with one another, and enjoy a truly memorable experience in a beautiful natural setting. We visited the African Raptor Centre, where we were inspired by the incredible birds of prey and learned more about their unique characteristics and conservation.

The day continued with a game drive through the reserve, followed by a relaxing picnic lunch and cake surrounded by nature. It was a wonderful opportunity for our team to recharge, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the important work we do together.

Experiences like these remind us of the value of connection, collaboration, and taking time to appreciate one another. We are incredibly grateful to Ember for making this special day possible.

Thank you for investing in our team and for supporting the people who work each day to help children and families thrive.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAYToday, we celebrate the power of play and the joy it brings to every child’s life.At Dlalanathi...
11/06/2026

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY

Today, we celebrate the power of play and the joy it brings to every child’s life.

At Dlalanathi, our name carries a special meaning: “Play with us.” It is an invitation to connect, learn, heal, grow, and belong through the simple yet powerful act of play.

Play is more than fun—it is how children explore the world, build confidence, develop relationships, express emotions, and discover their potential. Through play, children find their voices, strengthen their resilience, and create memories that shape their futures.

On this International Day of Play, we are reminded that every child deserves the time, space, and opportunity to play safely and freely. Together, let us celebrate the laughter, imagination, curiosity, and connection that play brings to children, families, and communities.

Because when we say Dlalanathi, we are saying: Come play with us, learn with us, grow with us, and dream with us.

Child Protection Month – In Action! Dlalanathi was honoured to be invited to participate in a Child Protection event org...
05/06/2026

Child Protection Month – In Action!

Dlalanathi was honoured to be invited to participate in a Child Protection event organised by the Ward 11 Councillor in Mpophomeni and hosted at Grace Chapel ECD Centre.

The event brought together a range of stakeholders committed to the wellbeing and protection of children, including the Department of Social Development, SAPS, FAMSA, parents, community members, and other local organisations.

As part of the programme, the Dlalanathi team facilitated a fun and engaging play session with the children, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and joy. Play is a powerful tool that helps children develop confidence, build relationships, and express themselves in safe and healthy ways.

A heartfelt thank you to the organisers and all stakeholders who continue to work together to create safer, nurturing environments where every child can thrive.

Children understand deeply the importance of play. And they know where they feel safe and where and when they do not fee...
04/05/2026

Children understand deeply the importance of play. And they know where they feel safe and where and when they do not feel safe.

As we enter Phatheni, a new community outside of Richmond, we are eager to listen to children’s voices. We want to hear what play looks like in their everyday lives and how they experience what is safe and what is not safe in their environments.

Hearing directly from children is critical. Their insights will guide how we support caregivers and community members to create a world that is more playful, more protective, and more responsive to children’s needs.






30/04/2026

Children can play anywhere and anytime.

How many of us have heard adults say, “Don’t play ball in the house”? Yet here, an inspiring ECD practitioner chose to follow the excitement and curiosity of her learners, allowing them to play ball right in the classroom.

This is what love, kindness, and child‑centred practice look like. By honouring children’s joy and natural desire to play, she created a space where learning feels safe, fun, and meaningful.







dlalanathi Youth team members Lungelo Maphalala and Siya Mnguni took part in the International Youth Network (IYN) Train...
27/04/2026

dlalanathi Youth team members Lungelo Maphalala and Siya Mnguni took part in the International Youth Network (IYN) Training alongside 11 participants from other partner organisations.

The training introduced new delegates to the IYN, clarified roles and responsibilities, and initiated planning for the Youth Summit Conference scheduled for June. Delegates explored the meaning of advocacy, key issues affecting young people, and formed a committee to work collaboratively on the upcoming summit.

Both Lungelo and Siya walked away with a deeper understanding of advocacy as a process that requires patience and determination. Participants also highlighted pressing youth issues such as teenage pregnancy, gender‑based violence, and the need for youth‑friendly services.






Thobile Sekhela (far left), Strategic Partner Manager in the dlalanathi Team, shares what stands out when training Commu...
23/04/2026

Thobile Sekhela (far left), Strategic Partner Manager in the dlalanathi Team, shares what stands out when training Community Health Care Workers in Ibhayi Lengane:

“CHWs often don't realise the unique contribution they bring to their communities.
Ibhayi Lengane is seen as an 'add on' to existing services already supporting pregnant moms, but the change in how they build relationship with mom makes a significant impact on her mental health and her ability to care for her baby. These skills built confidence and a sense of value, as the good work they are doing becomes visible”.






During March 2026, the dlalanathi team hosted an Ibhayi‑Lengane Play4Communication training with Community Health Worker...
21/04/2026

During March 2026, the dlalanathi team hosted an Ibhayi‑Lengane Play4Communication training with Community Health Workers at Phatheni Clinic.

This first training focused on sensitising CHWs to the importance of play in early childhood development and the importance of supporting pregnant moms in the 1st 1000 days. Participants engaged hands‑on through play and doll‑making, many sharing that it was their first time doing creative work together.

What stood out was the joy and openness of the group. CHWs shared how they continued the learning at home by playing with their children and grandchildren, strengthening connection through play.






Address

191 Burger Street
Pietermaritsburg

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27333453729

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