In the context of trauma and loss our mission is to create unique, playful, healing processes for children, youth, families and community stakeholders to restore relationships for positive action.
Originally known as the Rob Smetherham Bereavement Service for Children, our organisation remains committed to providing resources for coping with grief and loss, while emphasising the importance of play and encouraging child-caregiver relationships.
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 battling brain cancer each played a role. Through their experiences, a shared vision emerged to support children facing death and cope with loss.
The collaboration between Rob and Liesl led to the establishment of the Bereavement Service on World AIDS Day in 2000, in memory of Rob. Our organisation’s journey has been guided by the initial mission to support bereaved children, inspired by Rob’s legacy of creativity, hope, and faith.
As Dlalanathi evolved, a new name was chosen to reflect our dedication to children’s well-being and the power of play. With careful consideration, we chose Dlalanathi, meaning “play with us”, “play and be well,” signifying our mission to bring hope and healing to children impacted by loss through the joy of play.
