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.
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.
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 25–26 November 2025. Day one 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.
“The success of Isondlo is not just in the food provided, but in how communities have embraced knowledge, solidarity, and leadership,” said Ms 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, Ms Pfarelo Mathivha of the Isa Mathivha Foundation added: “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 27 November 2025 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.
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.
Freddy Mudzielwana, former agricultural officer at the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, stated: “Our partnership with the Fund and its local implementing partners demonstrates what can be achieved when we prioritize 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.
These engagements mark a pivotal transition phase, aimed at ensuring sustainability, community ownership, and continued mobilization for child-centered development.
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.
