News
HKA colleagues mark Mandela Day by supporting children at New Jerusalem Children’s Home
Colleagues from HKA’s South Africa office in Johannesburg marked Mandela Day on 27 July 2026 by spending time with children at New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand.
Founded in 2000, New Jerusalem Children’s Home provides holistic care and support to disadvantaged children from birth to 18 years old. The organisation offers both residential care and educational facilities focused on early childhood development.
“At HKA, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunities and shaping brighter futures. Mandela Day reminds us that making a meaningful difference goes beyond meeting immediate needs; it is also about empowering young people with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to thrive. We are proud to have partnered with New Jerusalem Children’s Home and to have contributed to both the educational and personal development of these children,” said John Hughes, Partner, Head of Africa, International.
In honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy and his belief in the transformative power of education, the team centred this year’s initiative on Education. HKA donated 24 stationery packs to the children and facilitated interactive discussions on mental health awareness and the impact of bullying.
The programme began with an introduction to HKA by Tshiamo Nkomo, Consultant, followed by an icebreaker session led by Neliswa Tilese, Consultant, to help the children feel comfortable and engaged. The educational session was presented by Mbalenhle Koapeng, Consultant, who spoke about bullying, encouraging the children to share their experiences and ask questions. The children participated enthusiastically, demonstrating a strong understanding of the topic and contributing thoughtfully to the discussion.
The event concluded with a final icebreaker activity, after which the children expressed their appreciation through songs and messages of gratitude to the HKA team.
“As we support disadvantaged children through providing essential educational resources, it is important to recognise that they also face challenges relating to mental health and wellbeing. Equipping young people with skills to manage stress, emotions and difficult situations is an essential part of their development, and we were pleased to engage with them on these important topics,” commented Linda Bikitsha, Managing Consultant.
Through this initiative, HKA colleagues combined practical support with meaningful engagement, helping to reinforce the spirit of Mandela Day and contributing to the wellbeing and education of children in the local community.
