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Giving hope and life to vulnerable children in South Africa

Writer's picture: The Good NewspaperThe Good Newspaper

By The Good Newspaper



Impilo is a leading child protection organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of South Africa’s most vulnerable children. With accreditation for both national and inter-country adoptions, Impilo offers a critical lifeline to orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children. The organisation’s mission is simple yet profound; to ensure every child is placed in a safe, loving, and permanent family environment as swiftly as possible, giving them the chance to thrive and build a brighter future.


The name Impilo, which means “to give life” in Zulu, encapsulates the heart of the organisation’s approach. Every child deserves the chance to grow in a nurturing, secure family environment where they can thrive and develop into confident, compassionate individuals, surrounded by love, stability, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.


Impilo’s focus is to support children in need, from birth through to 18 years of age, with particular attention to those under six. At any given time, Impilo cares for approximately 150 children, and a significant portion, up to 19%, being refugees or asylum-seekers who are especially vulnerable.


A Place of Safety and Healing


Impilo operates out of its head office in Fairvale, Johannesburg, where it runs the Mpepu project - an initiative providing temporary safe care for up to 6 children at a time. This well-equipped facility offers a safe space for children to recover from trauma and begin the journey toward long-term stability and family care. The Mpepu project features a beautiful garden and a secure play area, allowing the children to experience the warmth and joy of childhood while receiving the care and support they need.


In addition to the main facility, Impilo has regional offices in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni (Benoni), and Sedibeng. Sedibeng, which opened in 2011, was established in response to an overwhelming need for child protection services in the area. Through nine partnering facilities, Impilo’s safe bed network provides temporary care for 135 additional children across the region.


"The most important thing for any child is to feel loved and secure," says Sue Krawitz, Executive Director of Impilo. "We believe in acting quickly to intervene when a child is at risk, but we also strive to keep children within their families whenever possible. When that’s not feasible, we work diligently to find a safe, permanent home where they can flourish."


Protecting Families and Building Futures


Impilo’s work extends beyond simply providing care - it is committed to strengthening families and communities. The organisation’s goal is to empower parents, particularly vulnerable mothers, to care for their children within their families and communities.


Early intervention is key, and Impilo provides crucial support to prevent family breakdowns by offering services like counselling, therapeutic care, and family-building programmes. When family reunification isn’t possible, the organisation works tirelessly to find alternative families for children who cannot return to their families of origin.



In fact, Impilo has an impressive success rate - 95% of the children it cares for are placed in permanent family homes within two years. This is a result of careful screening, monitoring, and ongoing support. The organisation’s 95% success rate in these placements speaks to the dedication of its staff and the commitment to ensuring children thrive in their new homes.


The Urgent Need for Continued Support


Despite South Africa’s progressive child protection framework, the country still faces significant challenges. Many children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, lack access to early intervention services. Inadequate protection and residential care, especially for unaccompanied refugee children and children with disabilities, remain pressing issues. Impilo is working to address these gaps, but the need for further support is urgent.


The organisation relies on community involvement, partnerships, and generous donations to continue providing essential services. As demand continues to grow, the resources required to support vulnerable children and families also increase. That’s where you can make a difference.


How You Can Help Impilo Give Life


Impilo invites individuals, businesses, and community organisations to join in the mission of protecting vulnerable children in South Africa. By contributing to Impilo’s efforts, you are directly impacting the lives of children who need it the most. Your support helps provide safe homes, education, and opportunities for children to succeed in life.


Ways to Get Involved:

  • Donate: Your financial contribution can help provide life-saving services and ensure that children in Impilo’s care are placed in permanent, loving homes.

  • Volunteer: Impilo offers a range of volunteer opportunities, from administrative support to hands-on work with children. Your time and skills can make a real difference.

  • Raise Awareness: Share Impilo’s mission and encourage others to get involved. The more people who know about Impilo, the greater the impact we can have together.


To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit https://impilo.org.za/, where you can find more information on donating, volunteering, or getting involved. Every contribution - no matter how small - helps Impilo continue its vital work in providing children with the love, protection, and care they deserve.



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