durban-north-news-31-august – Santa Shoebox Project

New Early Childhood Development Centre brings hope to children in rural Northern Cape community

Maruping Village, Northern Cape, 18 May 2026 – In the rural settlement of Maruping Village, approximately 15km from Kuruman near Kathu, a brand-new Early Childhood Development (ECD) building is opening its doors to some of South Africa’s most vulnerable children – offering not only safe classrooms and upskilled teachers, but also dignity, opportunity and hope for the future. The newly completed Reaiteka Pre-School is the result of a powerful partnership between the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) Legacy (the socio-economic development arm of the 20-year-old children’s charity), the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD), Breadline Africa, and Kathu Solar Park. All of these partners are united by a shared belief that every child deserves access to quality early learning opportunities, regardless of where they are born. A safe learning space for 64 children Until recently, many of the 64 learners enrolled at the centre, all aged three to five years, were being taught in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions. While 38 children were accommodated in two prefabricated classrooms funded through the Kathu ECD Project, run by CECD and supported by Kathu Solar Park, another 26 children attended classes in a rusted corrugated iron structure that became unbearably hot in summer and freezing during winter. Kathu Solar Park also funded the building of a toilet block to replace pit latrines in 2024. Now, thanks to R900 000 in additional development funding, the children and teachers of Reaiteka Pre-School will soon have access to a brand new brick and mortar building, and improved learning spaces designed for a safer, more nurturing and stimulating environment during the most critical years of childhood development. “This project is ultimately about restoring dignity, creating opportunity and investing in the future of children who deserve every possible chance to thrive,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. Reaiteka Principal Vivian Kilelo says the centre currently accommodates 64 learners, with three teachers, three teaching assistants, two kitchen workers, and a gardener. “The upgraded ECD centre will make a huge difference because we can now separate the children by age group and teach them in a safe, proper classroom instead of a shack. This means better learning conditions, a more structured learning environment, and more space for each child,” says Kilelo. The impact of collective effort Zelezniak says this kind of impact work requires a collective effort, and this is why SSP Legacy is proud to partner with other credible non-profits to assist under-resourced communities. The Reaiteka project marks the first collaboration between SSP Legacy, CECD, Breadline Africa and the Kathu ECD Project, supported by Kathu Solar Park. Sarah Atmore, ECD Infrastructure Project Manager at CECD, which has been working in the Kuruman-Kathu region for three years, says this upgrade was well-deserved by the Reaiteka centre’s dedicated staff. “This team has always gone above and beyond to offer young children in their community the best quality start in life, despite tough circumstances”. For Warren Povey, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Breadline Africa, the real magic of the project is that “this incredible partnership shows that ubuntu is alive and well in South Africa”. “It’s just special to be involved in this project for the long-term with other committed partners.” Atmore adds that the project team are “people who get things done”. Beyond just infrastructure Atmore says this infrastructure upgrade would also see the existing corrugated iron structures repurposed as an indoor-outdoor activity space for art, water play and messy play. “One of the best things about this project is that the facilities serve multiple purposes, and it’s a space that the staff can be proud of.” Importantly, the project extends beyond just pure infrastructure development. Reaiteka Pre-School is one of 27 ECD centres on the Kathu ECD Project, funded by Kathu Solar Park, where centres receive comprehensive support by CECD in partnership with Africa A+ Schools. As part of this project, Reaiteka Pre-School’s teachers and leadership team are also receiving professional development support, including training in teaching and learning strategies, and leadership and governance support. In addition, the school has received new educational resources, first aid training, fire and health equipment, and assistance with the Department of Basic Education registration processes, achieving conditional registration status. Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, SED Manager at Kathu Solar Park, says: “We are proud to support ECD initiatives, as investing in young children is investing in the future of our communities. This financial assistance reflects our commitment to improving access to quality early learning opportunities, strengthening educational foundations, and creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and communities” Atmore adds: “The staff have taken every opportunity to improve their skills, to improve what they’re able to offer to the children, and so it’s special to create a far safer and a far more conducive environment for early childhood development.” A turning point for the school community For Kilelo, her staff, and the Maruping community, the new building represents a turning point. “Before, we were teaching in a shack with limited space and resources. The main challenges were overcrowding, lack of proper facilities, and difficulty separating the children by age. It made it hard to give each child the attention they needed,” says Kilelo. “We thank our partners for their support. We truly appreciate the work you do for our children… giving them a chance to learn in a proper environment.” Building a legacy of early learning and development The Reaiteka Pre-School forms part of SSP Legacy’s broader mission to create sustainable, long-term impact in vulnerable communities across South Africa. While the organisation is widely known for delivering personalised Santa Shoebox gifts to children each festive season, many people are unaware that its Legacy programme also funds and supports the building and upgrading of remote ECD centres, as well as teacher training and reading corners nationwide. Over the years, SSP Legacy has helped reach more than 180 000 children through these initiatives. Reaiteka is its eighth school Read more…
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Santa Shoebox Project champions child safety this World Hand Hygiene Day

4 May 2026, Cape Town – Handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhoea-related illnesses and about 20% of respiratory infections such as colds and influenza – the two leading causes of mortality for children under the age of five worldwide. That is why the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) in South Africa is joining the global call to action this World Hand Hygiene Day (Tuesday, 5 May), to champion the message that simple hygiene measures can and do ensure child health and dignity. “Every year, more than 75 000 children receive their very own soap and washcloth from the Santa Shoebox Project in South Africa. Over the last 20 years, 1.35 million bars of soap have landed right where they needed to be – in little hands. We do this because it makes a massive positive impact on vulnerable children’s safety, health, dignity and wellbeing,” says Santa Shoebox Project CEO Deb Zelezniak. The simple act of washing hands with soap – especially after going to the toilet or touching any bodily fluids – is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent disease, keep children in school, and improve their wellbeing, dignity, and productivity, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is hosting World Hand Hygiene Day 2026. “The reality is that too many children still can’t access good hygiene, leaving them susceptible to entirely preventable infections. That’s why we’ve made it our mission at the Santa Shoebox Project to include hygiene items in every box that goes to a child, and why we’ve partnered with hygiene brands over the years to ensure that we have good quality hygiene items going into every box,” says Zelezniak. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 1.8 million children under the age of five die each year from preventable diseases attributable to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), including diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections (ARIs). UNICEF, in turn, says handwashing prevents a multitude of diseases, helps prevent antibiotic resistance due to the drug being over-prescribed for these illnesses, and also helps avoid significant financial costs resulting from sickness, loss of productivity and death. In South Africa, where the Santa Shoebox Project has reached more than 1.5 million children over the past 20 years, the need for accessible hygiene education and resources in under-resourced communities remains a top priority. Aligning with the WHO’s 2026 campaign slogan, “Action saves lives”, SSP continues its mission to ensure that every child on its list receives the tools necessary for proper hygiene and that teachers also receive appropriate training. Zelezniak explains the project’s unwavering commitment to including hygiene essentials in every pledge: “For two decades, we have required that every shoebox contains a bar of soap and a washcloth as part of the eight specified items, which also include a toothbrush and toothpaste. To the giver, this may seem like a small gesture, but for a child in an under-resourced rural community, it is a vital tool for health. Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to remove harmful bacteria and stop the spread of infection.” Zelezniak continues: “Our work goes beyond the gift itself. Through our SSP Legacy arm, we have reached over 180 000 children by establishing and upgrading Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. By providing soap and washcloths alongside our teacher training and infrastructure improvements, we are ensuring that ‘safer care starts with clean hands’. We believe that providing these essentials empowers children with the dignity of self-care and the protection they deserve.” Santa Shoebox Project enables people to build decorated gift boxes for children in need in their communities every year, filled with eight essential items and other goodies, as well as a heartfelt personalised note. Each box goes to a specific child, whose name, age, gender and clothing size are known to the donor. Volunteers check the boxes and ensure that every child receives the box pledged to them. This May, the Santa Shoebox Project would like to encourage its donors to start building their boxes, starting with a bar of soap and a washcloth, to spread the cost of building their boxes over a few months. Corporate pledges open on 1 August and individual pledges on 1 September. The boxes will be gathered up for distribution late in October and early in November, area dependent. As SSP celebrates its milestone 20th anniversary in 2026, the organisation invites South Africans to become “Santa’s Helpers” by volunteering or pledging to ensure that 75 000+| more children receive these life-saving essentials this year. To sign up as a volunteer, to make a pledge or to become a brand partner for 2026, please visit https://santashoebox.org.za. About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 20 years, more than 1.35 million Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, and other goodies, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children. From 1 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary children by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged, tracked by QR code, and can include a heartwarming personalised note from the donor to the child. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points or are unable to get to the shops. These shoeboxes are purchased on the Santa Shoebox website, packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as Book Dash books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. Donors can also opt to include Subz Reusable Sanitary Pads in their boxes. SSP Legacy: What many supporters of the Santa Shoebox Project don’t realise is that pledging does not have to end with a simple shoebox – under its Read more…
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Is SA Failing Its Children from Day One? Education Inequality Starts in Early Childhood

The G20 Global Inequality Report reveals a gap in educational opportunity based on wealth. While a child from a wealthy family has a 1-in-2 chance of studying beyond secondary school, that probability plummets for children in poverty. The disparity is even more severe for girls. A boy from a poor family has a 1-in-40 chance of continuing his education, but for a girl from a similar background, the odds are just 1-in-100. This gap in future opportunity has its roots in the earliest years of a child’s life. This issue is particularly acute in South Africa, where foundational learning is compromised. Many Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in rural communities, home to 8.8 million children, are in survival mode. This severely limits their capacity to provide the essential building blocks for future learning and perpetuates a cycle of inequality. For many, this means learning in backyard corrugated iron structures with no indoor plumbing. Teachers are often undertrained and underpaid, and the result is that children progress to formal schooling with limited foundational knowledge, ill-prepared to thrive and at higher risk of dropping out. “While our policies are well-intentioned, the reality on the ground is that thousands of ECD centres are fighting to survive,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. “Quality early childhood development is the most powerful catalyst we have to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. We must focus on creating enabling spaces that improve both learning and wellbeing.” She stresses that the public and corporate South Africa can help create this sustainable change. The Santa Shoebox Project’s Legacy initiative, resourced through contributions and the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes, is used to build and renovate schools, provide vital teacher training, and provide reading corners in these under-resourced ECD Centres. To support this work by purchasing a Virtual Santa Shoebox or to explore corporate partnerships, please visit santashoebox.org.za. About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media: TikTok: @santa.shoebox Facebook: /SantaShoebox X: @SantaShoebox Instagram: /santashoebox YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project X: @SantaShoebox
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The Gift That Gives Back: Five Holiday Activities That Teach Empathy and Beat Boredom

School holidays are approaching with all the subtlety of a sugar-fuelled toddler at 6 AM. Soon, your little ones will be bouncing off the walls, you’ll hear “I’m bored” seventeen times before breakfast, and you’ll be wondering if it’s too early to start counting down to the new school term. Sure, you could let them binge-watch their way through the holidays, but what if there was a way to keep them busy that didn’t involve screens and actually reinforced all those life skills they’ve been learning at school? With thousands of children across the country in need of a little extra kindness this festive season, why not use this time to teach your child the joy of giving? Here are five ways to turn holiday boredom into meaningful memories and life lessons: 1. Screen Time with Soul: Sit down with your child and explore giving opportunities online together. Whether it’s a local toy drive or a children’s charity website, this small, shared action makes giving a conscious choice and establishes a team goal. It’s also a low-stakes introduction to digital literacy and navigating websites with purpose. For older kids, it becomes a valuable lesson in commitment and seeing a project through from its exciting start to its rewarding finish. 2. Choose a Child Like Them: Empathy is built by imagining yourself walking in someone else’s shoes, and this step helps your child do just that. When selecting a recipient, encourage them to connect with someone of the same age and gender. This creates a bridge of understanding, helping your child think, “This is for someone just like me”. It transforms the abstract concept of “a child in need” into a tangible, relatable person, making the act of giving deeply personal. 3. Pay It Forward: Turn a routine shopping trip into a mission with real-world stakes. Give your child a specific budget to purchase items for their chosen cause. Let them be in charge of the calculator and decision-making (with your guidance, of course). This becomes a hands-on lesson in basic mathematics and financial literacy. Your child will learn to make choices, prioritise needs over wants, and understand the value of money. 4. Write from the Heart: In a world of fleeting texts and emojis, a handwritten letter is an act of connection. Encourage your child to share their name, age, hobbies, or simply a warm holiday wish. This is one way of practising handwriting, spelling, and grammar without it feeling like homework. More importantly, it teaches your child how to structure their thoughts and communicate with kindness and clarity that will resonate long after the letter is read. 5. Creativity for a Cause: Transform your dining table into ground zero for creativity, accept that glitter will be found in random places until March, and watch your child turn humble materials into their masterpiece. Pro tip: hide the good scissors, lay down newspaper, and prepare for the kind of concentrated focus you usually only see when they’re trying to avoid bedtime. This is fine motor skills development disguised as fun. “The beautiful thing about teaching kids to give back is that they accidentally become better humans in the process,” notes Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. “They’re learning that happiness isn’t just about getting stuff, it’s about the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing you made someone else’s day a little brighter.” For more information about what to pack and where to drop off, go to santashoebox.org.za About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media: TikTok: @santa.shoebox Facebook: /SantaShoebox X: @SantaShoebox Instagram: /santashoebox YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project X: @SantaShoebox
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Ensure 80,000 South African Children Start School with Dignity

For many South African children, a new school year begins without proper shoes, basic stationery, or even soap. With more than half of South Africa’s 20.9 million children living in poverty, these daily barriers strip away dignity and limit opportunities for healthy development. “In this context, small acts of generosity can make a tangible difference,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO at the Santa Shoebox Project. “In 19 years, the nation has helped us reach more than 1.3 million underprivileged children in South Africa and Namibia with personalised shoeboxes filled with school supplies, toiletries and clothing items – practical necessities many families cannot afford. This year, the goal is to reach another 80,000.” The impact is deeply felt in communities across the country. Busie Thuli of the Sakhisizwe Community Development Centre and Creche shares that the Santa Shoebox Project has brought immense joy to the facility’s 100 children, many of whom are disabled or come from unemployed families. “Since 2019, the annual shoebox distributions have provided a lifeline of essential items and treats during Christmas, filling a critical gap in our community where resources are scarce. Their support has been a beacon of hope, bringing happiness and dignity to our most vulnerable children.” From 1 September, you can make a child’s school year brighter by pledging, packing, and dropping off a Santa Shoebox for a child in your community, or by donating a personalised Virtual Santa Shoebox. “Together, we can uplift and empower children-in-need and ensure they start the 2026 school year ready to learn and thrive,” concludes Zelezniak. For more information about what to pack and where to drop off, go to https://santashoebox.org.za. About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media: TikTok: @santa.shoebox Facebook: /SantaShoebox X: @SantaShoebox Instagram: /santashoebox YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project X: @SantaShoebox
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We Can’t Fix Education While Ignoring the Women Who Hold It Together

Women keep South Africa’s early childhood development (ECD) system running by teaching, feeding and caring for young children, and creating jobs in their communities. Yet half of ECD centres remain unregistered with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). This cuts these women off from subsidies and support, weakening the very foundation of our education system. Deb Zelezniak, CEO at the Santa Shoebox Project, says if we’re serious about fixing education, we have to back the women making early learning possible. She explains that the barriers to registration are both structural and systemic. “Requirements like brick-and-mortar buildings, flushing toilets, and proper kitchens make sense for ECD centres in urban areas, but they present significant challenges to women running informal centres in under-resourced communities, especially those in rural areas. Many practitioners also don’t have DBE-recognised qualifications, even after years of experience.” This Women’s Month, you can help these women strengthen the foundation of education. The Virtual Santa Shoebox generates funds to build centres which meet registration requirements, extending an end-of-year gift for a child into long-term support for the women sustaining early childhood education. Pledge a Virtual Santa Shoebox at https://santashoebox.org.za/virtual-santa-shoebox. About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media: TikTok: @santa.shoebox Facebook: /SantaShoebox X: @SantaShoebox Instagram: /santashoebox YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project Pinterest: /santashoebox
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Mandela Day: Restoring Children’s Dignity Is an Act of Justice, Not Charity

Today, 6 out of 10 South African children live below the poverty line, with many attending school without access to the basics like a toothbrush, soap, or wash cloth. “This doesn’t just affect their physical health in terms of preventable illnesses like gingivitis and skin infections, it also affects their ability to learn,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. Many children report that stigma keeps them from forming friendships or participating in play. Some children avoid interacting with peers out of fear of being judged, while others are actively bullied because of their appearance or health issues. This isolation takes a heavy emotional toll, leaving them feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious. Over time, these feelings chip away at their self-esteem and confidence, often manifesting as behavioural issues in the classroom. The result is a cycle of poor concentration, academic disengagement, and underperformance, a trajectory that denies them the opportunity to reach their full potential. “Consequently, many children stay trapped in a cycle of poverty and marginalisation,” notes Zelezniak. This Mandela Day, the Santa Shoebox Project is drawing attention to this often-overlooked barrier to learning and offering a way for the public to take direct action by pledging Virtual Santa Shoeboxes. Zelezniak explains that with families forced to choose between putting food on the table and buying hygiene products, these essentials often fall by the wayside. “That’s why every Virtual Santa Shoebox donated to a child in need includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washcloth, and an outfit of clothing, because so many children simply go without. These items are just as critical as school supplies in giving children the tools they need to succeed.” As Nelson Mandela reminded us, ‘Poverty is not natural. It is man-made, and it can be overcome by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice’. That justice begins with something as simple and powerful as ensuring a child has the opportunity to show up clean, confident, and ready to learn. When we remove the small but heavy burdens poverty places on children, we give them a chance to reach their potential,” she concludes. About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media: TikTok: @santa.shoebox Facebook: /SantaShoebox X: @SantaShoebox Instagram: /santashoebox YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project Pinterest: /santashoebox
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Youth Month Sparks Urgent Call to Expand ECD Access

As South Africa marks Youth Month under the theme ‘Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation’, a crucial truth demands more attention: the path to economic participation starts long before school, and we may already be failing children before they even enter a classroom. “Over 1.3 million children are currently locked out of early childhood development (ECD) programmes that could break the poverty cycle,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. “South Africa is neglecting its youngest citizens at a critical stage of growth.” While Government’s R10 billion allocation to ECD will raise the subsidy from R17 to R24 per child per day and expand access to an additional 700,000 children, she points out: “The current subsidy amount of R24 per child per day is not enough to cover the full cost of a basic quality ECD programme, which is estimated to be at least R36 per child per day. R24 a day is currently insufficient to deliver quality early learning, nutrition, and care, and will certainly not be able to meet the Department of Basic Education’s goal of universal ECD access by 2030.” “The stakes are high,” explains Zelezniak. “Children who receive quality early education do better at school, are less likely to engage in crime, and are more likely to find meaningful employment. Every Rand invested in ECD returns around R7 in social and economic impact through better school performance, improved social cohesion, reduced inequality, and a more inclusive economy.” “There are measurable differences between children with and without early intervention, and those gaps only grow wider over time. ECD is more than childcare, it’s economic justice and the foundation for a more equitable, prosperous South Africa. Without access to quality ECD, today’s 1.3 million excluded children risk becoming a generation left behind.” About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance.
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ECD Centres: SA’s Most Overlooked Line of Defence in Child Protection

Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres are frequently underestimated as simple drop-off points for working parents. But for the 1.7 million children attending them, these facilities are the first line of defence in protecting their rights. Ahead of National Child Protection Week, which raises awareness around the rights of children, Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project, says, “ECD practitioners are not babysitters. They are trained professionals who safeguard a child’s right to survive, thrive and grow into their full potential. They provide daily nutritious meals – sometimes the only food a child will receive. They create clean, safe spaces where children are protected from harm and have access to basic hygiene. They deliver early learning that lays the foundation for success in school and life.” She stresses that one of their most crucial roles is spotting the warning signs of abuse, neglect, and developmental delay before the damage becomes permanent. “By identifying and supporting children at risk, whether due to trauma, family instability, or undiagnosed health issues, ECD practitioners can trigger early intervention that has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Research shows that this can reverse the effects of deprivation, close developmental gaps, and reduce the need for costly and often hard to access remedial support later in life, ultimately giving children a far better chance to thrive.” Zelezniak adds that ECD practitioners also carry a vital responsibility to educate children about their rights, helping even the youngest learners understand what it means to be treated with dignity, to be safe, and to speak up when something is wrong. “This Child Protection Week, we need to stop viewing ECD centres as mere daycare centres and start recognising them as critical pillars of our child protection system,” she concludes. “It’s in these classrooms, with blocks, crayons, and caring hands, that real, life-saving work is happening.” About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R500 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media:TikTok: @santa.shoeboxFacebook: /SantaShoeboxX: @SantaShoeboxInstagram: /santashoeboxYouTube: The Santa Shoebox ProjectPinterest: /santashoebox
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World Hand Hygiene Day: SA Preschoolers Still Without Water to Wash Their Hands

Too many South African children are unable to wash their hands as only 53% of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres have piped water, electricity, and flushing toilets, while 8% have none at all. This is because, despite a record R210 million government pledge to upgrade these centres over the next two years, basic infrastructure remains severely lacking. As World Hand Hygiene Day approaches on 5 May, Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project, warns that South Africa risks undermining the lifesaving power of handwashing unless urgent steps are taken to ensure access to clean, safe water in early learning spaces. “Children constantly touch surfaces and objects, picking up germs as they go,” she explains. “Without proper hand hygiene, those germs can lead to dangerous illnesses like diarrhoea and respiratory infections – two of the leading causes of death among South Africa’s under-fives. Handwashing with soap can cut diarrhoea rates by up to 40% and respiratory infections by up to 25%.” Beyond health concerns, Zelezniak highlights the deeper developmental consequences: “Research shows that poor water and sanitation infrastructure hinders a child’s cognitive, language, and motor development, with long-term effects on their educational attainment.” While efforts to register and upgrade ECD centres are underway, many facilities remain stuck in a vicious cycle. “Centres that can’t afford the water and sanitation improvements needed for registration are locked out of the very funding that could help them upgrade,” she says. “Instead, they rely on rainwater tanks, boreholes, or public taps- none of which guarantee consistency or safety.” Non-profits like the Santa Shoebox Project are working to renovate centres and promote better hygiene practices, but Zelezniak stresses that systemic change is essential. “This is not just a public health issue, it’s a matter of dignity, education, and the country’s long-term development. Supporting ECD owners to meet registration standards must be a national priority.” About the Santa Shoebox ProjectTraditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size. Each personalised shoebox reaches the very child for whom it was pledged. Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. Components are chosen by the donor on the Santa Shoebox website, the shoeboxes are packed by the Santa Shoebox Team and delivered to children attending far-flung rural facilities. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R450 plus an optional delivery fee of R30. SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. Privately donated funds and surplus funds generated by the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes accrue to the SSP Legacy and are used to bring permanent change to the lives of Santa Shoebox beneficiary children and the impoverished communities in which they live. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125 000 children. Fiduciary information: As a Level One Contributor to B-BBEE, the Santa Shoebox Project earns 100 points on the generic scorecard, and with Section 18A status, is able to provide a tax-deductible receipt in recognition of donations. The Project is an initiative of the JOG Trust (IT2671/2009). The Trust is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO-930031301), a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) and holds a current ICPR in support of 100% SED compliance. Social media:TikTok: @santa.shoeboxFacebook: /SantaShoeboxX: @SantaShoeboxInstagram: /santashoeboxYouTube: The Santa Shoebox ProjectPinterest: /santashoebox
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