Nkomazi Parent Indaba Creates Space for Parents to Lead Change

When parents and caregivers are supported, young children thrive. This is what sits at the heart of the Parent Indaba in Nkomazi, a community-driven space created to bring parents together, strengthen their voices, and build safer, more nurturing environments for their young children.

Hosted by DO MORE, the Parent Indaba responds to real challenges faced by families participating in DO MORE FOUNDATION-supported parenting programmes, including the National Department of Social Development (DSD) and UNICEF Parenting Programme, Read & Play at Home, and EAT LOVE PLAY TALK (ELPT). It brought together 74 parents, alongside key local stakeholders from the Department of Health, SAPS and SASSA.

The gathering created an opportunity for parents, practitioners, and local stakeholders working in and around Nkomazi to connect, learn and reflect together.

Why the Parent Indaba matters

The Parent Indaba was established to address some of the challenges that parents face in Nkomazi:

• Limited parental involvement in early childhood development, often linked to time, resources and/or confidence.
• Ongoing concerns around child safety, violence and protection.
• A lack of access to coordinated support services for families.
• Socio-economic pressures that place additional strain on parents and caregivers.

By creating a shared space for conversation and learning, the Indaba aimed to strengthen parents’ ability to support their children while building stronger links between families and local services.

Sharing openly and learning together

One of the strongest moments of the day in Nkomazi came during the interactive group discussions. Parents openly shared personal challenges, brainstormed solutions, and reflected on how they can actively contribute to their children’s growth and safety. These conversations highlighted just how powerful it can be when parents are given space to learn from one another.

The Indaba also included a practical parenting activity facilitated by DO MORE's partner organisations Penreach and Ntataise Lowveld. From storytelling and songs to making toys from everyday materials, parents were shown simple, low-cost ways to support early learning at home.

A parent from the Read & Play at Home programme shared how she now understands that early learning does not require expensive materials. She committed to reading with her child every evening.

What success will look like

As the Parent Indaba model continues to grow, success will be measured not just by attendance, but by lasting change. This includes:

• Increased parental and caregiver engagement in children’s early learning and development.
• Stronger collaboration between families, organisations, and local stakeholders.
• Improved child safety and protection within communities.
• Better early learning outcomes for young children.
• A sustained culture of safe and supportive parenting spaces.