As the city bid farewell to 2025, the Johannesburg Children’s Home (JCH) has taken a moment to reflect on a year of challenges, achievements, and hope. In a heartfelt message to the community, managing director Sipho Mdluli expressed gratitude for the generosity that has sustained the home for nearly 134 years.

“2025 has been a challenging year,” Mdluli said. “Economic pressures across the country have impacted disposable incomes, and unfortunately, this has translated into underfunding for the NGO sector. We have witnessed the closure of several child and youth care centres, and homes for the aged and frail, due to financial constraints.”

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Yet despite these difficulties, JCH has not only persevered but also innovated. Community support, combined with the dedication of staff, has enabled the organisation to implement income-generating initiatives that benefit the children in their care.

Among these efforts is a vegetable garden supplying over 180 meals daily, a Thrift shop in Norwood supported by donations, and renting out the hall for workshops and social activities.

The year also brought memorable achievements that have left a lasting impact on the children and the wider community.

A collaborative Thrift market with Vinyl and Vintage helped raise funds to ensure every child has a joyful holiday season, even if they cannot go home to their families. The Ford Global Ford Cares Campaign contributed a mesh cover for the food garden, safeguarding the crops and providing nutritious food for the children.

The Home’s Skills Centre continues to empower children through practical learning, offering carpentry and vocational training as part of the Siya Sebenza programme. This initiative equips older children with the tools and confidence to build a successful future.

Meanwhile, the Jumble Junction shop provides affordable preloved clothing and household items to the community, and the Funda Ngo Thando Early Childhood Development Centre has welcomed a consistent number of preschool-aged children, with plans to expand its capacity in the year ahead.

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Looking forward to 2026, the home is planning exciting new initiatives to support its income-generating programmes, alongside an urgent project to build a dedicated Grade R classroom.

This classroom will provide a safe and nurturing environment for young learners, helping them build a strong educational foundation as they prepare for primary school.

Mdluli concluded his message with thanks to the Rosebank Killarney Gazette and the people of Johannesburg for amplifying the home’s programmes and campaigns, emphasising that every act of support, no matter the size, makes a difference.

With resilience, innovation, and the backing of a compassionate community, JCH is ready to step into 2026 with hope, ambition, and the enduring goal of giving every child the opportunity to thrive.

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