"Play is a child's language. Through this process, we learn to listen,
understand, and support them better."
Play with us OUR STORY – Workshop participant
Equipping caregivers with the knowledge and confidence
to guide children towards wholeness.
Strengthening &
Guiding Parents
OUR PROGRAMMES
Guiding, supporting and empowering today’s youth
towards a bright future.
Youth in Action PLAY A PART IN THEIR STORY
Parenting Support for Early Childhood Development to Achieve Transformation Policy brief DOWNLOAD POLICY BRIEF

"Play is a child's language. Through this process, we learn to listen, understand, and support them better."
Play with us OUR STORY – Workshop participant
"Play is a child's language. Through this process, we learn to listen, understand, and support them better."
Strengthening &
Guiding Parents
OUR PROGRAMMES
Guiding, supporting and empowering
today’s youth
towards a bright future.
Youth in Action PLAY A PART IN THEIR STORY
Parenting Support for Early Childhood Development to Achieve Transformation
Policy Brief DOWNLOAD POLICY BRIEF
26
years of
Life-changing Work
26
years of
Life-changing Work
About Us

Who We Are

Dlalanathi is a non-profit organisation based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. We focus on providing psychosocial support for children through play by training and supporting caregivers.

Our approach aligns with Nelson Mandela’s belief that

“Children are the most vulnerable citizens in
any society and the greatest of our treasures.”

“Children are the most vulnerable citizens in any society and the greatest of our treasures.”

Through our work, we recognise the value of both children and
their caregivers, empowering them to be pillars of support in their
homes, families, and communities.

Through our work, we recognise the value of both children and their caregivers, empowering them to be pillars of support in their homes, families, and communities.

1657
YOUTH LIVES REACHED
113
CHWs trained reaching out to 309 pregnant moms
321
parents participate in parenting groups
722
children experience increased child protection through weekly programmes

As of 2025

WORKING FOR CHANGE

Meet Our Dedicated
& Passionate Team

The Dlalanathi Team
A HOPE FOR RESTORATION

Our Story

Dlalanathi was born from a personal journey of grief, dedicated to helping children and families navigate loss.

Nearly 25 years ago, in a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, three stories came together to shape Dlalanathi. A young boy from a local children’s home, a caring social worker named Liesl Jewitt, and a farmer named Rob Smetherham, who was battling brain cancer at the time, each played a role. From their experiences, a shared vision emerged to support children facing death and to cope with loss.

Hope Starts Here

Join Dlalanathi as a donor and help build brighter futures