About

Our Story

In 2002, Sanne Mirk saw a heartbreaking pattern in her volunteer work in child protection – children in crisis were often returning to unsafe homes. She decided she had to act.
 
With the guidance from Child Protection Unit of SAPS and the Department of Social Development and the donation from the late Barry and Lisa Bouwer of a house, rent-free, in Midrand, Yenzani Children’s Home was born.
 
Yenzani Children’s Home was registered in 2002 and officially opened in 2003. Since then, we’ve grown into a fully recognized non-profit organisation, with our own permanent home, donated by the Lottery, in 2010.

Why Yenzani Exists

South Africa has some of the highest rates of violence against children globally. Each year, more than 54,000 crimes against children are reported — yet experts believe the real number is much higher, as many cases go unreported. Tragically, sexual offences account for about half of these cases, and 30% of victims are under the age of 10. Research from UNICEF reveals that most perpetrators are known to the child, which complicates both reporting and recovery.

At Yenzani, our focus is simple – we create a home where each child can heal, feel safe, be educated and gain a sense of belonging and thrive.

We offer:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Education
  • Trained caregivers to attend to their needs
  • Social worker Services, psychotherapy and medical services
  • A sense of belonging and community
  • Educational support and fun social activities

The goal is healing, not just survival. And every child is treated like ‘family.’

Admissions

We welcome girls and boys aged 5 to 15 and do our best to keep siblings together

Our Legal & Financial Info

We are registered and compliant as the following:
 

Non-Profit-Organisation 020-183-NPO

Public Benefit Organisation – SARS registration 930 006 865

A Child and Youth Care Centre

Section 21 company 2002/011257/08

Meet the Team

Board Members

  • Leone Kontominas (Chairperson)
  • Judy Wright (Treasurer)
  • Bongisisa Sikunyana (Secretary)
  • Cliff Lamberton (Vice Chairperson)
  • Noxolo Ngqoyana (Legal)

Program Manager and Founder:

Sanne Mirk

Caregivers:

  • Jacob Mphiwe
  • Gladys Leballo
  • Connie Mosetla
  • Mpho Poolo

Admin:

Vanessa Hale

Service providers:

  • Doctors – pro bono: Health Worx – Carlswald
  • Social Worker: K Phaswana
  • Auditor: LC Financial Services
  • Bookkeeper: Starburst Accounting

Company Details

Making it Happen Children’s Project t/a YENZANI CHILDREN’S HOME
Non Profit Company # 2002/011257/080

Non-Profit Organisation # 020-183-NPO

Public Benefit Organisation: SARS # 930 006 865
As per Article 30 Section 18A of The Income Tax Act no. 58 of 1962 (as amended), contributions are tax deductible.

Board

Directors: 

Sanne Mirk (Founder)

Leone Kontominas (Chairperson)

Judy Wright (Treasurer)

TEAM

Members

Cliff Lamberton (Marketing)

Bongisisa Sikunyana (Secretary)

Dawid Moreroa (Attorney)

Auditor: Jeremy Garden

Bookkeepers: Starburst Accounting

Probono Legal Advisor: Dawid Moreroa

Prodeo Doctor: Health Worx