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Group of Children Playing on Green Grass.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) – established by Madiba in 1995 – marks its 30th anniversary this year as one of South Africa’s most trusted advocates for children and youth.
Evolving from a grant-making entity to a powerful development agency, the Fund’s enduring impact is highlighted by its flagship project: the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
The Fund is also known for its community-driven programmes focused on child safety, health and economic inclusion.
Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo, the NMCF is now strategically planning the next three decades to build a child-rights movement that ensures safety, dignity and opportunity for every child.
‘Children are raised in homes and grow up in communities and you know, learn in schools. We have a huge dependency for those institutions to play their part. So when you look at, for example, the bullying that is currently trending of the young man at Morden, it shows the failure of the systems of home and school to keep children safe. And I think that continues to be our give, our biggest frustration, homes inculcating values in children,’ she says.
🎉 This October, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund turns 30.
For three decades, we’ve worked to make Madiba’s vision real: a world where every child is safe, joyful, and free to dream.#NMCF30Years #ServeLikeMadiba pic.twitter.com/u2s72GzFZF
— Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (@NMCF_SA) October 3, 2025
