The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) has concluded a series of community-based engagements in Limpopo, reaffirming its commitment to improving child well-being and strengthening families economically in South Africa's most vulnerable communities.
These activities formed part of a critical transition and feedback process linked to the Fund's Isondlo Project and its Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (SLP), both designed to tackle the root causes of child deprivation through food security, economic empowerment and community leadership, says the foundation.
The Isondlo Project, implemented in partnership with the Isa Mathivha Foundation and powered by Tiger Brands, was a nine-month food security initiative rolled out in 2023 across nine provinces, reaching 10 000 children under five and their households. In Tshimbupfe Village under Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Limpopo, 500 households benefited. The project directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, ensuring that children have access to good nutrition while enabling families to adopt sustainable practices, adds the foundation.
To cement learnings and accelerate community ownership, the Fund, together with the University of Venda and Isa Mathivha Foundation, hosted a two-day community feedback session on Tuesday, 25 to Wednesday, 26 November. The first day focused on data sharing, impact reflection and recognition of collective effort, while day two brought together over 350 beneficiaries to co-develop future pathways for sustaining nutrition and food resilience beyond donor support, says the foundation.
"The success of Isondlo is not just in the food provided, but in how communities have embraced knowledge, solidarity, and leadership," says Shadi Nyokong, Programme Manager (CSDT), Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
"This feedback session reinforces our commitment to ensuring that communities are not passive beneficiaries but active architects of their own development."
Representing the implementing partner, Pfarelo Mathivha of the Isa Mathivha Foundation adds, "Working with the Fund has demonstrated that meaningful development begins with listening to communities. Isondlo has shown that local solutions, backed by strong partnerships, can make real change."
The gathering also aligns with the Fund's broader Sustainable Livelihoods Project (SLP), introduced to help families build economic resilience and break dependency cycles. As part of this initiative, the Fund hosted an Acknowledgement Event on Wednesday, 27 November at Florence Makona Hall in Thohoyandou to celebrate the achievements of 35 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), comprising 175 members who have displayed exceptional commitment to savings mobilisation, income generation and child protection in their households, says the foundation.
Self-Help Groups showcased products from their income-generating activities and reflected on lessons learned in strengthening community economies. The top three SHGs were awarded trophies for outstanding excellence based on criteria including membership retention, financial discipline, meeting attendance, income growth and impact on children, adds the foundation.
Freddy Mudzielwana, former Agricultural Officer at the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, states, "Our partnership with the Fund and its local implementing partners demonstrates what can be achieved when we prioritise local capacity and food sovereignty. These households are not only feeding their families but contributing to the province's broader agricultural goals."
The event also included the presentation of certificates to active SHG members, recognition of community facilitators and SLP coordinators and acknowledgment of the Far North Community Care organisation for its leadership in implementing the programme on the ground, says the foundation.
These engagements mark a pivotal transition phase, aimed at ensuring sustainability, community ownership and continued mobilisation for child-centered development, adds the foundation.
The Fund extends its gratitude to its partners, traditional leaders, local government and community members who remain vital in ensuring that where there is a will, there is always a way, especially in South Africa's most underserved areas, concludes the foundation.
For more information, visit www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.com. You can also follow the NMCF on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.
*Image courtesy of contributor