The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund kicked off their walk-in Parktown and ended with their celebrations at Johannesburg Zoo

15 July marked the 28th Annual Nelson Mandela Children’s Celebration.

July 27, 2023

Asanda Matlhare 2 minutes read

Ariel Manziviyi gives his best moves on stage. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund together with Nedbank Affinity affiliated programme hosted their annual walk which began in Parktown and ended at the Johannesburg Zoo on July 15.

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund CEO, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo addresses children. Photo: Asanda Matlhare — The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund CEO, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo addresses children. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Every year, Nelson Mandela celebrated his birthday with his children. In 2022 the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund launched the Children’s Fun Walk as part of the Children’s Fund’s annual children’s celebration.

The fund’s CEO, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo said the walk was a tradition started by Mandela.

Paula Silingina attempts to throw a ball into a hole with Jazereel Japtha-Sululu's help. Photo: Asanda Matlhare — Paula Silingina attempts to throw a ball into a hole with Jazereel Japtha-Sululu’s help. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

“This event was always significant in the calendar of the Children’s Fund. It is a day when Mandela set aside to spend a day with children leading up to his birthday. He created a safe environment for children to be themselves and play, it is one of the things that as we continue his legacy we continue doing.”

The walk is a build-up activity to July 18 – the day famously known as International Mandela Day which was the former President’s birthday.

Nyakallo Mahlaba dances on stage. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Facts about the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund:

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund is an advocacy and social developmental agency founded by former president, Nelson Mandela in 1995.
In line with its vision to Change the Way Society Treats its children and youth, the Fund’s mission is to give voice and dignity to the African child by building a rights-based movement.
The organisation’s strategic programmes include Child Safety and Protection, Child Survival, Development, and Thriving, Sustainable Livelihoods, Youth Leadership, and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg.

Kabo Motswana, Isikelele Mpoto and Tendani Nethomboni are happy to be Nelson Mandela Children Fund volunteers. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Facts about the Nedbank Children’s Affinity:

The Nedbank Children’s Affinity Programme is one of four multi-award-winning programmes, the other programmes include the Green Affinity, the Arts Affinity and the Sport Affinity.
The purpose of the Nedbank Children’s Affinity program is designed to address the social and economic challenges faced by children in South Africa.
It aims to make a positive and sustainable impact on their lives by partnering with reputable organizations and implementing effective projects.
Since its inception in 1990 the affinity programme donated more than R516 million in support of needy, vulnerable and orphaned children; the arts, culture and heritage; sport development.
The bank also donated nearly R128 million to support the children of South Africa through the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund since its inception in 2005