Hope is a powerful force. It can pull someone forward at their time of need and provide a reason for being. In South Africa the gift of hope is paramount.

No life, not a single one, has gone untouched by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. According to UNAIDS and UNICEF there are currently 3.2 million orphans in our country. Considering the rapid increase in the number of orphans over the past 7 years due to HIV/AIDS it is not unreasonable to predict a total of over 5 million orphans by 2015, unless there is drastic intervention. The result is large numbers of vulnerable children left in the care of grandparents or fending for themselves in child-headed households.

A place of Hope exists. In 2003, visionary leader Danie van den Heever, a retired Durban businessman, established a haven for hope near Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal. Realising the need for positive action he drove the process to form an inspirational organisation entitled ‘Focus on iThemba’, the isiZulu word for ‘hope’.

iThemba is a non-profit, public benefit (18a) organisation restoring hope in people’s lives. The core pillars that lead and drive the organisation are:

• iThemba Homes
• iThemba Academy
• iThemba Campus
• iThemba Community
• iThemba Vision Africa
• iThemba USA
• iThemba Friends and Donors

With generous support from donors, volunteers and key individuals across the globe, iThemba has grown from strength to strength. The future is clear, as each person whose life is touched carries the message of hope forward.

Vision, Mission & Goals