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Philani

Since 1979, Philani has been addressing maternal and child health challenges in underserved areas around Cape Town through sustainable, community-driven health solutions. We believe that giving women access to knowledge, employment and quality healthcare is the key to building thriving communities.

At the heart of our work is the Mentor Mother Programme, which celebrates the strength and potential of women as the foundation of healthier communities. This peer-driven approach not only connects women and children to essential healthcare and social services but also offers the emotional support needed to navigate life’s challenges. Together, we’re building healthier families and stronger, more connected communities—starting from the very first stages of life.

 

Over 200 Mentor Mothers make more than 20,000 home visits each month, empowering their communities.

Over 800 children are enrolled in our Educare programme, receiving growth monitoring and 2 nutritious meals daily.

Philani’s Mentor Mother Model is transforming lives worldwide, adopted by organizations across the globe.

Please see the video below for a more in depth look at our work.

What people say

She’s my everything: mum, sister. I feel like I could cry on her shoulder, every time that I have a problem I go to her and we talk, she has always been there for me. I am this mother now who has this lovely boy, and he is healthy because of her.

Thandeka Nyezi
HIV positive client

You may not be able to measure some of the success of our programme because how do you measure hope? Because what our Mentor Mothers do every day is inspire women in the community to get people to think back and have hope that things will change.

Nokwanele Mbewu
Philani Senior Programme Manager

Unemployment, poverty, poor housing and lack of basic services cause malnutrition and poor health in communities. Women and children are most vulnerable.

Dr Ingrid le Roux
Medical Director

If you get the first 1000 days (including gestation) right your impact over the life course of a child is much easier; you get it wrong and you’re playing catch up.

Professor Mark Tomlinson
University of Stellenbosch

I am well known now and respected in the community. I never say no to any request for help. I am proud when I see how a child grows and a mother regains her hope.

Philani Mentor Mother