Connect Network

Connect Network Connect Network's 90 member organisations currently reach the lives of over 345 000 women and children at risk in the Greater Cape Town area!

Safety is central to what we are working towards at Connect Network, which is demonstrated in our Safe Communities strat...
08/10/2026

Safety is central to what we are working towards at Connect Network, which is demonstrated in our Safe Communities strategy.

The Family Strengthening Working Group had a powerful morning at HandsandFeet unpacking what safety actually means. What does a safe person, a safe practitioner, a safe organisation and a safe community actually look like?

It was important and insightful to hear from those who are embedded in their own local communities, working towards safety in different ways. Together we can do more.

🌱 CHILD AMBASSADORS DAY | CHILDREN’S VOICES MATTERAs part of our Child Participation Working Group, we recently hosted a...
01/10/2026

🌱 CHILD AMBASSADORS DAY | CHILDREN’S VOICES MATTER

As part of our Child Participation Working Group, we recently hosted a Child Ambassadors Day at Bridges Retreat, Kings Kraal www.bridgeskingskraal.co.za

The working group explores an important question for our affiliates:
💬 What does meaningful child participation look like in our organisations?

We were excited to bring together 42 children and 13 leaders from 9 Connect Network affiliate organisations:
❤️ Beautiful Gate South Africa
❤️ Bridges of Hope International
❤️ Future Sparks
❤️ Future Stars
❤️ Advance Edukos Foundation
❤️ Mfesane
❤️ Just Grace
❤️ MercyAIDS
❤️ HandsandFeet

The day was filled with games, connection, conversation and learning. After an opening game, prayer and welcome, the children took part in group activities before choosing the issue they wanted to explore.

They divided into two groups:
🔹 Poverty
🔹 Drug Use & Gang Violence

Through think-tank sessions, the children had the opportunity to share their ideas, perspectives and experiences around these issues.
For us, child participation is about more than simply asking children what they think. It’s about creating safe spaces where children and young people can speak, be listened to and play a meaningful role in shaping the work that affects them.

A huge thank you to all the children, leaders and organisations who made the day possible. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for young people to speak up, participate and be heard. ❤️

🌱 Children’s voices matter. Youth voices matter.

16/09/2026

STOP KILLING WOMEN. FULL STOP.

This year, our network grew stronger together. Organisations signed up to strengthen how they serve. Facilitators traine...
11/09/2026

This year, our network grew stronger together. Organisations signed up to strengthen how they serve. Facilitators trained to reach thousands more children and families. Communities gathered for prayer, for learning, and for protection.

None of this happens through the efforts of one organisation. It happens because a network chose to work together, and the numbers show what that commitment made possible.

Together we protect. 💙

This is what our training makes possible: equipping the people on the ground with tools that actually change how they sh...
09/09/2026

This is what our training makes possible: equipping the people on the ground with tools that actually change how they show up, for the children, for their families, for the whole community around them.

This is why the network exists. Not one organisation working alone, but a collective investing in the people doing the work so their impact goes further.

Together we protect. 💙

What a morning! 🎉 On 2 September 2026, we gathered for the Connect Network AGM and Celebration, and it was nothing short...
03/09/2026

What a morning! 🎉 On 2 September 2026, we gathered for the Connect Network AGM and Celebration, and it was nothing short of amazing.

With 100 affiliates in the room, representing 50 organisations, we took time to acknowledge the vast input of so many hands and hearts, and to celebrate the incredible achievements of the Network this year. True to who we are, Connect Network affiliates and supporters came together to co-host a collaborative morning that reflected the full breadth of our work.

Dr. Grace Nkomo presented the Annual Report and a look back at the year's activities, and our working group coordinators shared updates on the development of Safe Communities for children, women and families:

🔹 Trauma Informed — Heather McNiel, Anchored Hope
🔹 Family Strengthening — Vaughan Stannard, Beautiful Gate South Africa
🔹 Child Participation — Masi Pezisa and Nasiphi Nkohla, Beautiful Gate and Bridges of Hope
🔹 Men's Work — Brian Koela, Ubukho Bakhe Church

The morning was chaired by our Connect Network Chairperson, Cheryl Anderson, and we were thrilled to welcome 2 new members to our Board!

We also celebrated the hard work of Quality Improvement System graduates! Well done to the many organisations and individuals for their hard work!

It was a wonderful time of gathering, connecting, learning and celebrating, as we stand together to keep building safer communities for the most vulnerable in our midst. 💙

There is something that happens when practitioners gather. Ideas are shared, challenges are carried together, and everyo...
02/09/2026

There is something that happens when practitioners gather. Ideas are shared, challenges are carried together, and everyone goes back to their communities stronger for it.

Central to the work of Connect Network is creating opportunities for collaboration between organisations working to provide safer spaces for women and children. Much of that happens through our working groups.

Some are built around a theme. Some around a place. Each brings together people working on the same issues so that no organisation has to figure things out alone.

The Family Strengthening Working Group. The Youth Focus Working Group. The Men's Working Group. The Child Ambassador and Child Participation Working Group.

Those who coordinate these groups do so alongside their own work, in their own organisations. This is where a lot of the thinking that shapes our work gets done.

🌱 Welcome, September!September is a month that reminds us of growth. As winter gives way to spring, we see new life emer...
01/09/2026

🌱 Welcome, September!

September is a month that reminds us of growth. As winter gives way to spring, we see new life emerging around us. Seeds begin to germinate, gardens become green again, and we are reminded that growth takes time, care and the right conditions.

In the same way, stronger communities grow when people have opportunities, support and the resources they need to thrive.
This September, we’re celebrating the opportunities that come with growth, new beginnings and economic empowerment, with our theme:


A heartfelt thank you to Cape Agricultural Products for sponsoring our September calendar page and supporting the work of Connect Network. 🌿Learn more about their work: www.pruning.co.za

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Living Hope, our Connect affiliate organisation, for their continued dedication to restoring hope and transforming lives through community development. 💚Learn more about their inspiring work: www.livinghope.co.za

September is also a month of celebration as we honour Heritage Day on 24 September, recognising the diverse cultures, stories and traditions that make up our South African identity.

And on this special day, we also celebrate the birthday of our Director, Dr Grace Nkomo. 🎉 We are grateful for her leadership, commitment and dedication to strengthening communities and promoting the wellbeing and protection of children and families.

Here’s to a September of growth, opportunity, heritage and working together to build stronger communities. 🌱

South Africa has a national plan for children.We've been part of it all along.🛡️ Safe Communities - protecting children ...
28/08/2026

South Africa has a national plan for children.

We've been part of it all along.

🛡️ Safe Communities - protecting children from abuse and harm
📚 Quality Education - keeping kids in school, opening doors to opportunity
👩‍👧 Resilient Women - strong mothers, strong families

Three of our core goals. Three of the NSAAC's national priorities. Same work, now with a shared national language behind it.

90+ organisations. One network. Already showing up.

Want to read more - https://dgmt.co.za/dgmt-supports-the-national-strategy.../

Address

PO Box 1005
Somerset West
7129

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:30
Thursday 09:00 - 16:30
Friday 09:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27218529900

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Connect Network posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Connect Network:

Shortcuts

Share

Category