The Future of our People is in our hands
Support our youngest and oldest for a brighter future
Community-based, women-led
In IsiXhosa, Ikamva Labantu means “the future of our people”.
For over 60 years, we have supported young children, adults, and elders within Cape Town’s most vulnerable township communities, whom we believe are inseparable from the future of South Africa. Learn more about Ikamva Labantu and what we do…
Where we started
“I saw hope and wanted to be a part of that hope.”
Helen Lieberman was just a 21-year-old speech therapist when she ventured into Langa, looking for a young patient who was prematurely discharged after oral surgery. It was 1963, and during apartheid.
Helen met local women, Mamas and Gogos, supporting their community despite poverty and challenging circumstances. It lit a flame in her heart; she joined hands with these remarkable women.
Over the next 60 years, Helen and the founding women established innovative, community-led solutions that changed the lives of thousands. They set up disability care, AIDS orphan foster homes, homeless shelters, schools, elderly care, micro-enterprises, food security, and youth life skills initiatives.
Their story reminds us that everyone has a role to play in building a brighter future for Cape Town, South Africa, and our world.
In 1992, Ikamva Labantu (meaning “The Future of the People”) was formalised as a non-profit, public benefit organisation.
Where we are now
Today, we have refined our focus on three core development programmes: “Early Childhood Development” (ECD), “Child, Youth and parenting”, and “Older Person Programme” that support our youngest and oldest for a stronger future.
Early Childhood Development
We pioneered experiential training for ECD principals and practitioners, as a scalable way to grow quality preschools in communities that need them most. This has given over 21 500 children a foundation to fulfill their future potential.
534 Principals and Teachers
... graduated from our experiential ECD training programme between 2017 and 2023
Child, Youth and Parenting
We provide children with safe, nurturing afterschool care through our Afternoon Angel clubs. Youth can discover their purpose through sports and leadership at the clubs. While parents can access workshops to build stronger families.
1 890 School-aged children
... access safety, nurturing and nutritious meals at our Afternoon Angels Clubs
Older Persons
Our 17 community-led Senior Clubs provide township elders with dignity, improved health, and the potential to earn extra income. While our innovative "Umelwane" project (meaning "Friendly Neighbour") provides community-based rehabilitation care for immobile, frail elders.
1 940 Older People
... access better health and community through Senior Clubs and home-based elderly care
Empowering communities bound by generational poverty requires collaboration
How does an organisation empower thousands living in generational poverty across vast areas? Here’s how…
Build strong foundations
during key developmental stages
Locate change-makers
working with vulnerable groups,
enhancing their impact via direct support resources
Create support networks
by bringing change makers together, sharing knowledge and solving problems in unison
Train & employ
community-based workers who come from the communities they serve
Real Stories from Real People
How you can help
Over 90% of our staff live in the communities we serve - every cent stretches further! This means you can make a real difference.
Help build a better future — give children a strong start and help elders live in health and companionship. Every cent counts, monthly or once-off.
Make your next birthday extraordinary — ask friends to donate toward someone’s future instead of giving gifts. You can still have cake!
Your legacy shapes the future. Leaving a gift in your Will costs nothing now but helps the youngest and oldest in our townships for generations to come.
For Corporate Partners
Our Brand Partners and Corporate Investors are helping build South Africa’s future. We co-create meaningful, high-impact initiatives — from team-building days to corporate gifts.
As a Level 1 B-BBEE partner and registered PBO, we issue Section 18A Tax Certificates. You can also support us through our registered sister charities in the USA, UK, or Netherlands.