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This piece explores why community investment should go beyond delivering social outcomes to intentionally creating work opportunities for young people. It highlights how embedding youth employment into project delivery can strengthen communities, support families, and help address the country’s youth unemployment crisis.

At Save the Children South Africa, we believe that meaningful change happens when young people are not only beneficiaries of programmes but active partners in shaping solutions. Through our Skills to Succeed and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programmes, of young people were equipped to make informed choices, build their confidence and access opportunities that support their future.

Human Rights Month may have ended, but the values it celebrates, dignity, equality and freedom, must endure every day. These rights, enshrined in our Constitution, are meant to protect everyone. Yet for many children in South Africa, they remain out of reach.

Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) is establishing a pool of qualified and experienced Facilitators, Assessors and Moderators to support the delivery of accredited Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualifications and skills programmes through its QCTO-accredited training initiatives. Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development PractitionerSAQA QUAL IDQUALIFICATION TITLE97542Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development PractitionerSuccessful candidates will be contracted on an as-needed basis to support training, assessment and moderation activities across South Africa.1. Facilitator – ECD Qualifications and Skills ProgrammesPurpose of the RoleThe Facilitator will be responsible for delivering accredited ECD training programmes and supporting learners to acquire the knowledge, skills and workplace competencies required to successfully complete QCTO qualifications and skills programmes.Key ResponsibilitiesFacilitate accredited ECD learning programmes in line with approved curricula and learning materials.Prepare lesson plans, training schedules and learner support activities.Deliver learner-centred, participatory and practical training sessions.Monitor learner attendance, participation and progress.Provide academic support, coaching and mentoring to learners.Maintain accurate learner records and training documentation.Ensure compliance with QCTO, SETA and SCSA quality assurance requirements.Submit training reports and supporting evidence as required.Minimum RequirementsRelevant qualification in Early Childhood Development, Education or related field.Accredited Facilitator qualification.Registration as a constituent Facilitator with the relevant Quality Assurance Partner (where applicable).Minimum 3 years' experience facilitating accredited ECD programmes.Strong understanding of QCTO and occupational qualification requirements.Excellent facilitation, communication and learner support skills.Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.2. Assessor – ECD Qualifications and Skills ProgrammesPurpose of the RoleThe Assessor will be responsible for conducting fair, valid, reliable and consistent assessments of learners enrolled in accredited ECD qualifications and skills programmes in accordance with QCTO assessment requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct formative and summative assessments against qualification requirements.Evaluate learner portfolios of evidence and workplace learning evidence.Provide constructive feedback to learners.Ensure assessment decisions are valid, reliable, fair and consistent.Complete all assessment documentation and records accurately.Identify and address assessment gaps and learner support needs.Participate in assessment standardisation and quality assurance processes.Maintain compliance with QCTO and SCSA quality management systems.Minimum RequirementsRelevant qualification in Early Childhood Development, Education or related field.Registered Assessor qualification.Registration as an Assessor for relevant ECD qualifications or occupational certificates.Minimum 3 years' experience assessing accredited ECD programmes.Sound knowledge of outcomes-based assessment principles and QCTO requirements.Strong report-writing and documentation skills.Ability to work independently and meet quality assurance standards.3. Moderator – ECD Qualifications and Skills ProgrammesPurpose of the RoleThe Moderator will be responsible for ensuring the quality, consistency, fairness and integrity of assessment processes and assessment decisions across accredited ECD qualifications and skills programmes.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct internal moderation of assessment processes and learner evidence.Verify the validity, reliability and consistency of assessment decisions.Review assessor practices and provide recommendations for improvement.Ensure compliance with QCTO quality assurance requirements and organisational policies.Prepare moderation reports and quality assurance documentation.Participate in verification and external quality assurance processes.Support continuous improvement of assessment and moderation systems.Provide guidance and mentorship to assessors where required.Minimum RequirementsRelevant qualification in Early Childhood Development, Education or related field.Registered Moderator qualification.Registration as a Moderator for relevant ECD qualifications or occupational certificates.Minimum 3 years' experience moderating accredited ECD programmes.Strong understanding of QCTO quality assurance, moderation and verification processes.Excellent analytical, report-writing and quality assurance skills.Ability to maintain impartiality and high professional standards.General Requirements for All RolesDemonstrated commitment to children's rights and safeguarding.Understanding of the South African ECD sector, National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and ECD regulatory environment.Experience working with NGOs, community-based organisations and ECD centres will be an advantage.Strong organisational and administrative skills.Ability to travel and work in diverse community settings.Commitment to SCSA's values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.Child SafeguardingSave the Children South Africa has zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation and neglect. Successful candidates will be required to comply with SCSA's Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct and screening requirements, including criminal record and Child Protection Register checks.Location1. Northern Cape, Gasegonyana and Tsantsabane Municipality2. Eastern Cape, Kouga Municipality3. Mpumalanaga, Enhlanzeni District4. Limpopo, Polokwane Municipality

Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) proudly celebrates six remarkable young people from our networks who sat for their matric exams in 2025, and every single one passed, with several earning distinctions. Their academic success is a testament to resilience, determination, and the support of families, communities, and partners who believe in children’s rights.

Become a regular giver and save a child’s life today.

At Save the Children South Africa (SCSA), we are committed to creating a world where every child has the chance to thrive. In 2022, we embarked on a powerful partnership with Clarins to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. Implemented across multiple provinces, including Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Gauteng, our partnership is bringing vital support to vulnerable children across these regions. Child hunger affects millions of children in South Africa, with far-reaching consequences for their health, education, and future prospects.

By Gugu Xaba – African women have long been at the forefront of philanthropy in their communities, exemplifying “love in action” through courage, cultural integrity, and care. At a recent Adɔyɛ Dialogue hosted by Wits University’s Centre for African Philanthropy and Social Investment, we celebrated iconic women leaders – like Dr. Barbara Masekela and Ms. Sibongile Mkhabela – whose legacies light the way. Their example inspires an Adɔyɛ (an Akan word meaning “love in action”) ethos that views philanthropy as an expression of care, solidarity, and service. It was a great honour to join them in conversation and reflect on how African women’s purpose-driven leadership is transforming society.

Virgile Madua KIKAYA is a seasoned public health leader and program manager with more than 20 years of progressively responsible experience in MNCH – FP, HIV/TB, Malaria, NTDs, Global Health Security (GHS) and program management across several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr Kikaya serves currently as Jhpiego Country Director in DRC and its Global Technical Director for GHS. Throughout his career, Dr Kikaya has demonstrated leadership, innovation and program implementation successes in introducing new public health approaches. Dr Kikaya work includes the introduction and expansion of community-based treatments for NTDs and Malaria in pregnancy, of HIV prevention services for males including VMMC and of competency based maternal and neonatal capacity building around day of birth. More recently, Virgile has been focusing on improving countries capacities for International Health Regulations and GHS. Virgile’s work has been published in peer review articles and highlighted in various media. Dr Kikaya passion remains improving locally led public health initiatives and contributing to social development on the continent. Dr Kikaya has collaborated and worked successfully with various donors and UN technical agencies including WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, USAID, US-CDC, the Global Fund, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNITAID and GAVI. Virgile obtained a medical degree from the University of Lubumbashi, DRC, a Master’s in Public Health from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium, and a Master of Science in International Development and Management from Lund University, Sweden. Virgile is a board member of the Global Health Security Network, the convener of the Global Health Security Conference.

Over the past three decades Tanya Abrahamse has participated in, advised on, and led a range of local, national and international initiatives, processes, organisations and institutions in the spheres of environment, natural resource management, biodiversity, tourism, climate change, knowledge management and science and development. She has sat on a number of formal boards and committees in the private and public sector giving her insight into the optimum roles and responsibilities of board members for good governance to build robust organisations and institutions. In the past five years she has been the Chair of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a panel member of the UN Environment International Resources Panel (UN -IRP), an advisory board member of the UN Institute for Advanced Studies (UN-IAS). In South Africa she sat on the Women’s Development Bank (WDBT) advisory board and was a founding member of the Mapungubwe Institute (MISTRA) - a think tank. Previously she sat on the transitional task team to form Future Earth - a global platform of science for society and sustainability, and was a member of the inaugural Science Advisory Board of the UN Secretary General (UNSG -SAB). After her formal education she carried out natural resource management, land use and agricultural projects and research at local levels including in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and on her return to South Africa worked for an environmental NGO that engaged in a number of rural projects. After South Africa’s democracy in 1994 she became chief director in the Presidency on the implementation of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), and later deputy DG in the national environmental department responsible for Resource Use covering biodiversity, heritage, marine and coastal management and tourism. Between 2000 and 2006 she was CEO of the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) and from 2007 and 2017 she led the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) whose mandate included leading the biodiversity information management system, heading the human capital and job creation effort for the green sector and initiating and running the implementing entities for the Global Adaptation Fund (GAF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for South Africa. Now retired from formal employment, she is keen to use her long experience and knowledge to support institutions and organizations that have a mission to overcome the challenges to sustainable development.

Lebohang Storom is a highly accomplished Chartered Accountant with 14 years of experience in strategic finance, corporate finance, and tax strategy. With a Master's in Taxation and an MBA from Duke University, he possesses a strong technical foundation in financial management, taxation, and business administration. Lebohang's expertise encompasses financial system implementation, cost optimization, and financial analysis, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact results, including implementing financial systems on time and within budget, and achieving significant cost reductions of over 75% through meticulous analysis. His technical expertise extends to corporate governance, risk management, and stakeholder relationship management, with notable experience as a Financial Impact Analyst in the complex Steinhoff fraud case. Lebohang's achievements demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic finance capabilities, and a keen ability to drive fiscal responsibility, making him a valuable asset in his role as a board member.

Mxolisi is a social entrepreneur and development strategist with a strong passion for inclusive education, child rights, and community-based innovation. As the Executive Director of Ubuntu Inclusive Centre, he spearheads initiatives providing inclusive early childhood education, accredited skills training, and healthcare services to children with disabilities in under-resourced communities. Additionally, Mxolisi co-founded Gifftid AI, a cutting-edge "AI for Good" platform that leverages data-driven tools to empower SMEs with access to capital, commercial partnerships, and measurable impact. With a solid foundation in finance and monitoring & evaluation, complemented by executive training in social finance, social entrepreneurship, and systemic impact investing from esteemed institutions like Oxford University, GIBS, and UCT Bertha Centre, Mxolisi brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to equity. His expertise positions him to drive innovative solutions and informed decision-making, ultimately advancing the rights and wellbeing of children in South Africa.

Sam currently serves as Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Doctors Without Borders, supporting the overall implementation of philanthropic strategies and activities to garner financial support for MSF’s medical humanitarian action. Driven by a deep-seated passion to fight for justice and empower African women, Sam founded an award-winning social justice and advocacy platform using a mobile legal office and technology to extend access to justice to marginalized women and children. This innovation was recognized by UN Women (Singapore Committee) and the Master Card Foundation’s “Project Inspire”. Her work was also nominated for the Justice Entrepreneurship School, she attended HiiL and won second place at Innovating Justice at The Hague (Peace Palace).Sam was also the Acting Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria. Her role at GIBS included representation in EXCO and MANCO with extensive managerial input over an 11-member team, strategic decision-making, programme design, budget control and stakeholder relationship management; with significant contractual drafting, analysing and monitoring.

Devastating Reality: Another Child's Life allegedly lost to Maternal ViolencePretoria, 15 July 2025- Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) was devastated when the news of Jayden-Lee Meek's death first broke, our hearts were shattered by the loss of a bright and promising 11-year-old life. The thought of such a young boy being brutally taken from his family, friends and community was deeply destressing. Now, with the recent arrest of his mother in connection with his death, we are left grappling with a new wave of horror and grief. The revelation that a parent, someone who should have protected and nurtured him, is implicated in his death is a painful reminder of the darkest attitudes and views of our society.

South Africa has seen a troubling increase in cases of child abuse, including in spaces meant to nurture and protect - such as schools, NGOs, and community programmes. Inadequate reporting mechanisms, limited safeguarding awareness, and weak implementation of policies expose children to ongoing harm. You are invited to attend this practical two-part webinar series empowering organisations to implement child safeguarding policies that protect children across all settings. What to Expect This webinar is designed as a practical and policy-aligned capacity-building tool for stakeholders who interact with or fund child-centred initiatives. It aligns with South Africa’s Children’s Act and emerging global expectations on child safeguarding compliance. Session 1: Foundations of Child Safeguarding Tuesday, 10th June 2025, 14:00 - 15:00Understand the legal and ethical obligations of safeguarding children under South African lawIdentify signs of child abuse, neglect, and exploitationIntroduce practical safeguarding policies and reporting mechanisms Session 2: Practical Steps/Approaches to Strengthening Child Safeguarding Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 14:00 - 15:00Equip participants with tools to create or strengthen child safeguarding policiesHighlight best practices through peer learningEmphasise the role of funders and leadership in driving a safeguarding culture Who should attend?Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)Local NGOs and service providersSchool leadership and teachersDonors and GrantmakersDistrict officials (DBE, DSD, SAPS FCS)Please click here to register for this critical event

South Africa has seen a troubling increase in cases of child abuse, including in spaces meant to nurture and protect - such as schools, NGOs, and community programmes. Inadequate reporting mechanisms, limited safeguarding awareness, and weak implementation of policies expose children to ongoing harm. You are invited to attend this practical two-part webinar series empowering organisations to implement child safeguarding policies that protect children across all settings. What to Expect This webinar is designed as a practical and policy-aligned capacity-building tool for stakeholders who interact with or fund child-centred initiatives. It aligns with South Africa’s Children’s Act and emerging global expectations on child safeguarding compliance. Session 1: Foundations of Child Safeguarding Tuesday, 10th June 2025, 14:00 - 15:00Understand the legal and ethical obligations of safeguarding children under South African lawIdentify signs of child abuse, neglect, and exploitationIntroduce practical safeguarding policies and reporting mechanisms Session 2: Practical Steps/Approaches to Strengthening Child Safeguarding Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 14:00 - 15:00Equip participants with tools to create or strengthen child safeguarding policiesHighlight best practices through peer learningEmphasise the role of funders and leadership in driving a safeguarding culture Who should attend?Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)Local NGOs and service providersSchool leadership and teachersDonors and GrantmakersDistrict officials (DBE, DSD, SAPS FCS)Please click here to register for this critical event