South Africa faces a significant challenge with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), a condition that is 100% preventable, yet alarmingly prevalent in this country. Research estimates that South Africa has a national prevalence rate of 11% of FASD, with rates as high as 31% reported in certain localities – the highest recorded rate globally. FASD […]
September is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month Read More »
Many parents will be familiar with the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In South Africa, this saying has a unique meaning, given the special place that many ‘second moms’, often domestic helpers, occupy within households. Women’s Month provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the role that helpers play in
Baby Grace, who was found abandoned among rubble on a building site last year, has laughed for the first time and is starting to crawl after having grommets to help resolve her hearing difficulties. “Grace was named by the Netcare Pretoria East Hospital team who treated her when she was found on a cold and
‘Amazing Grace’ laughs for the first time Read More »
To give cuddles, care and plenty of nourishment… the most natural expectations of a mother are not always possible when her new baby needs hospitalisation, but breastfeeding women have an opportunity to help the newborns of other mothers with vital nutrition. Nyasha Mhuru Rukure is one such parent-in-need. Her baby boy Liam was born last
Breastmilk donation – a priceless gift Read More »
South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, and this is tragically evident in the nutritional status of millions of our children. However, breastfeeding has the power to be an equaliser, ensuring no child is left behind when it comes to optimal health and development. Despite widespread promotion of the many
Advancing equity: Breastfeeding support for all Read More »
It’s the 2024 Paris Olympics and the world is gearing up to watch the elite of the elite undertake their biggest achievements. In South Africa, in the Cupcakes of Hope world, there are two Olympians who are also sweetening the world of children with cancer. In June 2024, Olympian runner Lythe Pillay delivered some of
The sweetest way to help save a child’s life Read More »
This Mandela Month, SA Harvest is calling on all South Africans to join the #BucketsofNutrition Challenge: an initiative designed to provide essential nutrition to families in need across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. This campaign aims to address immediate hunger and provide sustenance that lasts beyond Mandela Day, feeding a family of four for up
Fill a bucket for charity this Mandela Day Read More »
The Run for Rosa Foundation was born as a heartfelt tribute to Rosa Carlyle Mitchell, the late cousin of its founder Stu Rayner. Rosa’s life was cut tragically short on her 21st birthday. Inspired by her memory, Rayner embarked on an extraordinary journey in 2017 – running 10 marathons in just 13 days. This incredible
This year, in the spirit of ubuntu, non-profit Ladles of Love is aiming to break another world record on 18 July: “The largest number of volunteers paying to spend 67 minutes on Mandela Day in service to grow children in need”. It is inviting the public to participate in its biggest fundraising event to date. In one day, Ladles of Love has one
Mandela Day volunteers can do it with Ladles of Love Read More »
As we celebrate World Ocean Day on 8 June, it’s a poignant reminder of the vital role our oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Oceans cover over 70% of our planet’s surface, producing more than half of the world’s oxygen and housing a vast array of biodiversity. Yet, these magnificent ecosystems are under severe
World Ocean Day – protecting our Blue Planet Read More »