SA Harvest brings smiles to Rahima Moosa Hospital patients

Parents and caregivers of patients at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital were elated to receive buckets of nutritious food on Thursday, 19 December, as part of Daily Maverick and SA Harvest’s festive season donation drive to help families whose children had been hospitalised.

Nokufika Funani, whose child requires an operation to straighten her feet, said the food parcels she received would come in handy. Next to her is SA Harvest’s Zanele Mokolutlo. (Photo: Bheki Simelane)

Nthati Tshalalala was at the hospital for a check-up on Thursday after her baby was admitted to ICU for a week in November.

“We arrived on 31 October for a check-up for my pregnancy. When I was checked, it was discovered that I had high blood pressure. My child was admitted on 6 November in ICU. She was born at seven months and she stayed one week at ICU,” said Tshalalala.

“I’m so happy for the food. I didn’t even have the mealie meal and didn’t know what we would eat. You are a blessing.”

Sandile Sibanda said her baby was born prematurely at six months and weighed 1.8kg.

“I am so happy for the food. This generous gesture ignites hope even as we stay here far away from our parents. I’m elated. My child is strong now and he should be out of the hospital in January 2025,” Sibanda said.

Chantelle van Tonder (30) from Randfontein brought her two-year-old daughter Chanti-lee, who has two holes in her heart. (Photo: Bheki Simelane)

On Thursday, Chantelle Van Tonder, 30, from Randfontein, brought her two-year-old daughter Chanti-lee to the hospital who she says has two holes in her heart.

“She will be going to the Nelson Mandela Hospital for an operation on 6 March 2025 and the operation is expected to take place a week or so after her admission,” Van Tonder said.

Kenelwe Kokwe, 9, was ecstatic to receive books, crayons and puzzles, while she allowed her grandmother to take the food.

Kenelwe Kokwe (9) was ecstatic to receive food and presents. She is receiving therapy to restore her speech. Kenelwe was accompanied by her foster parent, Virginia Ngobeni, from Windsor. (Photo: Bheki Simelane)

“She is receiving therapy to restore her speech,” said Kokwe’s grandmother Virginia Ngobeni, who accompanied Kenelwe from Windsor and thanked Daily Maverick and SA Harvest for their efforts during this expensive holiday period.

Read more: SA Harvest and Daily Maverick unite to deliver hope with nutritional buckets in Gqeberha

Purpose and gratitude

“Delivering buckets of nutrition to the hospital’s paediatric ward is a deeply moving experience for me and the Johannesburg SA Harvest team. It fills us with a profound sense of purpose and gratitude to know that we are supporting the health and recovery of these children,” said Shelly Abbey, SA Harvest National admin manager.

SA Harvest officials are delighted at the work done at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. (Photo: Bheki Simelane)

Some of the Buckets of Nutrition that brought smiles to dozens of patient mothers and children at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital on Thursday. (Photo: Pinky Tshabalala)

“Witnessing the hope and relief on the faces of the families reminds us of why we do what we do. This isn’t just about providing food; it’s about nurturing life, spreading compassion and empowering these kids with the strength to heal and thrive.

“It’s also a heartwarming way for us to end the year, coming together as a team to make a meaningful impact and bring hope to those who need it most,” she added.

“Moments like these inspire and unite us, reaffirming the mission at the core of SA Harvest.”

As of Thursday, Daily Maverick readers had donated R831,835 to the appeal.

How to donate

We still need your help. Like last year, food insecurity remains rife in South Africa and families, already vulnerable due to high food costs, are left more vulnerable when suffering a medical emergency.

At Daily Maverick, we believe in the power of people, not politicians. You can help to give our sick and injured children a fighting chance.

Use this link for donations.

Readers can also use SA Harvest’s bank details to contribute. Please add DM behind your surname as a reference.

Bank details

• Bank: FNB


• Account number: 62693490478


• Branch code: 255955


• Branch name: Randpark Ridge


• Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

For a R500 donation, you can bless a family with a child in hospital with a bucket containing 5kg of super maize, 400g of peanut butter, salt, 2kg of rice, 100g of mutton soya mince, a packet of soup powder, a tin of pilchards, a tin of baked beans, a tin of mixed vegetables, instant maize porridge, heat-and-eat soup, split peas, samp and jam.

You do not have to donate the full R500 — any donation will be welcomed and used to buy buckets of nutrition for this initiative. Please mark your donation with the reference Buckets.

If you would like to send a message of support with your bucket (or donation) please email me at [email protected] with your proof of payment and your message.

Read more about Buckets of Nutrition here. DM