Give What you Can – June 2025

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Give what
you can
June Mailer
2025

As we reach the halfway mark of the year, we’re filled with gratitude for the unwavering support you continue to show the children, teenagers and families we serve. We’re excited to unveil some brand-new merchandise, giving you more ways to get involved and show your support. With Mandela Day around the corner, don’t miss out on how you can make a difference through regional activities and wish list contributions.

From awareness and training highlights to ways you can connect with us and make a lasting impact, everything you need is right here. Let’s keep the momentum going — for hope, for healing, and every child or teenager with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder.

This is Othalive

Othalive is a four-year-old little boy with the mindset and the determination of an adult!

Before being diagnosed with lymphoma, Othalive completed a whole treatment course for TB before being correctly diagnosed with lymphoma in September 2024. Despite his cancer being at stage four when diagnosed, he remains the most hilarious, positive, heartwarming and smartest little boy I’ve ever met.

Many times, he required ICU treatment, but as soon as he woke up, he would ask, “Mama, sizakuya nini e CHOCO?” which means “Mommy, when will we go to CHOC?”. He loves playing at the CHOC House and in the gardens.

After major surgery, Othalive suffered a stroke, which left him unable to speak. Still, he never gave up trying to greet everybody who passed by his bedside, always trying his best to say hello. With therapy from the hospital multi-disciplinary team at PE Provincial Hospital, he can now speak again!

One of the things that keeps him strong is the unwavering hope that his mother constantly shows. Her support, encouragement and her unconditional love give him the strength to keep going. She remains joyful, believing that nothing matters more than Othalive’s well-being.

After going through chemotherapy and surgery, today is the second day of radiation therapy for Othalive. He continues to show incredible strength, and we are all very proud of him. He and his mother remind us that hope truly changes everything.

Ayanda Msomi. House Supervisor CHOC Gqeberha

Celebrating Survivors Day

Seth Kruger, Childhood Cancer Survivor

This Survivors Day, we honour the strength, courage, and hope of those who have been diagnosed with cancer and continue to inspire us all.

Watch this heartfelt tribute from Seth, a survivor, as he shares his message of resilience and solidarity with fellow survivors in our community, a reminder that every story of survival is a story of strength.

Watch Seth’s message of hope here.

Make Every Minute Count This Mandela Day

Give what you can

This Mandela Day, let’s turn 67 minutes into something truly meaningful for children and teens fighting cancer. Whether it’s giving your time, skills, or a thoughtful donation, your contribution can make a lasting difference in their journey of hope and healing.

Every region has its own needs, and we’ve made it easy for you to get involved.

Click here to take a look at our regional wish lists to find a way that you can support CHOC because every act of care counts.

Together, we honour Madiba’s legacy by standing with children and families when they need it most.

From Bethlehem to Bojanala

Growing a Network of Informed Care

During May 2025, we trained 50 Community Healthcare Workers in Bethlehem, Free State. In the same week, we trained Primary Healthcare nurses representing some local Primary Healthcare facilities in the area, as well as a representative from the paediatric ward at Dihlabeng Hospital. Our first step is to train nurses at Primary Healthcare Clinics, then extend that knowledge to Community Healthcare Workers—building capacity from the ground up.

This June, we had the opportunity to train 21 Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) from Bojanala as facilitators within their local organisations. These participants led 15 THP groups across Rustenburg and Marikana, making their reach and influence especially meaningful.

The training focused on two key areas: understanding the Siluan Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer and developing facilitation skills for adults. Equipped with this knowledge, the THPs are now ready to take what they’ve learned back into their communities, helping raise awareness, spark early detection, and strengthen local health support.

As part of our ongoing partnership with the Sibanye Rustenburg Mine Development Trust, we recently trained nurses at the Andrew Saffy Memorial Hospital. The Chief Professional Nurse for Health and Wellness shared how this training will help support not just mine workers and their families, but the wider community that relies on the hospital.

Next up, we’ll be hosting CPD-accredited online training for doctors on 22 August 2025, continuing our commitment to strengthening local healthcare services.

CHOC Community Trainers have also been training in various parts of the country. In Mpumalanga, we reached 201 Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Workers, in Gauteng 142 and KwaZulu-Natal 910.

Be a Childhood Cancer Hero

Make a Real Difference Today!

At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, your monthly contribution brings hope, care, and vital support to children and teens diagnosed with cancer.

Every rand makes a difference:

  • R200/Month sponsors local transport for hospital visits.
  • R300/Month provides a CHOC Carebag for a newly diagnosed young child.
  • R400/Month sponsors a CHOC Carebag for a newly diagnosed teen.
  • R600/Month gives a child or teen and caregiver a safe place to stay during treatment.
  • R650/Month delivers a food parcel to a desperate family in need.

Your generosity helps us keep more than hope alive.

It’s Tax Season!

Did you know that donating to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA isn’t just kind—it’s tax-smart too?

With a Section 18A Certificate, your donations are tax-deductible.
Qualifying donations include:

  • Cash donations
  • Payroll giving
  • Property in kind (e.g., food, medical supplies)

Don’t wait, donate, then complete the 18A request form and email your proof to bdu@choc.org.za.

Help kids and teens diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder AND get tax relief this season!

New Merchandise Now Available!

Our latest CHOC merch has just dropped, and it’s packed with love, purpose, and a touch of magic.
Every purchase helps bring smiles, support, and hope to children and teens diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder!



Click here to visit our online store!

Join us at one of our upcoming events:

    

Our mailing address is:
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation
45 Homestead Road
The Avenues Office Park

Syringa Building
Rivonia
2128

Email:
bdu@choc.org.za

Tel:
086 111 3500


Copyright © 2025, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. All rights reserved.

Please read our Privacy Policy here.

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

AREA: CHOC FREE STATE
POSITION: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR REPORT TO: REGIONAL MANAGER FS
CONTRACT TYPE: PERMANENT
START DATE: 1 August 2025

MAIN PURPOSE:

To coordinate and fulfil the necessary administrative, financial, database and regional support duties that also include support of CHOC programmes and fundraising initiatives where needed. Together with the members of the Free State team, to take CHOC’s work forward by maintaining an effective and well- organised regional office. The incumbent’s job description is not limited to the following.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE:

Administrative Duties:

  • Provide the necessary office administration to ensure a well functional office.
  • Collate documentation and update Salesforce database
  • Check daily all incoming e-mails, to distribute as necessary and take action on those responsible for.
  • Take minutes of staff meetings, and send draft for RM’s approval and distribute when approved in a timely manner
  • Maintain the staff files and register by ensuring that all papers are filed appropriately
  • Calculate monthly savings on donations received and submit to Regional Manager
  • To carry out stock control once a month and update inventory accordingly
  • Ensure electronic equipment are in working condition that includes telephones; printer etc.
  • Accurate stock control is done once a month and a clean audit is kept at all times.

Financial Duties:

  • Undertake the day-to-day financial work
  • Receive all cash donations, issue receipts, and coordinate with relevant staff regarding the thank you letters
  • Receive and record sales revenue, issues receipts and secure safety of revenue
  • Maintain the offices and hospitals petty cash books as per the financial policies and procedures.
  • Obtain necessary quotes according to CHOC procurement policies and procedures for the RM approval;
  • Seek the necessary documents for new supplier take on.
  • To distribute and record the Transport and Bereavement Funds to parent/caregivers (cash disbursements)
  • To prepare the four hospitals and two offices petty cashbooks bi-monthly for the RM to be checked and then submitted to Head Office in a timely manner.
  • Manage the counting of tin monies.
  • Manage the jumble sale
  • Manage office supplies and equipment and undertake stock control and co-ordinate inventories
  • Manage the asset register for yearly submission to head office.
  • Accept, record in-kind donations and upload to Salesforce. Manage the appropriate acknowledgement through Salesforce.
  • Support Programs, Marketing and Awareness Events:
  • Provide assistance with CHOC’s support programs
  • Assist with fundraising and awareness events
  • Assist with uploading of contact information (fundraising and programmes) to Salesforce.
  • Order and upkeep the regional merchandise inventory.

THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST ARE:

  • Qualification: Grade 12 with an administration, finance and office management related qualification.
  • Experience and skills: At least 5 years’ experience in general administration and book keeping preferably in the NGO
  • High computer literacy, particularly in MS Office; and preferably in database systems (CRM),
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential, as well as fluency in English and Afrikaans.
  • Strong administration, organizational and coordination skills.
  • Good with figures and a basic understanding of accounting, financial management and reporting.
  • A valid unendorsed South African driver’s license is essential.

Attributes:

  • A team player who also works well independently
  • A strong work ethic; accuracy; accountability; honesty & integrity; a master at time management; good interpersonal skills; strong alignment with CHOC’s mission and values; radiate professionalism; A highly motivated individual with a willingness to take initiative and responsibility.
  • Salary in the range of R162 000 – R192 000 per annum, CHOC contributes towards a pension fund and medical aid after a successful probationary period.

To apply submit your CV with the names and contact details of at least 3 recent referees as well as the following documentation to reach the HR Coordinator at vacancies@choc.org.za no later than 13th July 2025. Please use FS Coordinator on the subject line.

  • Certified copy of your identity document
  • Certified copy of your driver’s licence
  • Certified copy of your degree certificate
  • Certified copy of your academic record
  • Certified copy of your SACSSP registration certificate

If you have not received a response by 31st July 2025 consider your application unsuccessful.

 SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER

AREA: CHOC GAUTENG SOUTH 
POSITION: SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER (Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital) 
REPORT TO: CHOC PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER CONTRACT TYPE: PERMANENT 
START DATE: 1 August 2025 

MAIN PURPOSE: 

  • To provide a supportive role to the Social Worker to ensure that children and teens diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder and their families benefit from appropriate non-medical resources within and outside the hospital. 

The incumbent’s job description, under the supervision and guidance of the social worker, entails but is not 

limited to the following. 

THE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE: 

New Patient Intake: 

  • Undertake orientation of new patients and their families to the unit and the hospital. 
  • Undertake psychosocial assessment of patients and their families. 

Counselling: 

  • Assist the medical team in the breaking of bad news. 
  • Provide basic counselling and support to children and teens diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. 
  • Support the ward social worker and medical team in preparing the patient and/or parent/family for medical and treatment procedures. 
  • Support the ward social worker with the setting up and running of support groups. 
  • Provide support to the dying child and family under the guidance and supervision of the social worker. 
  • Provide practical bereavement support for families in consultation with the social worker. 

Assessments and Follow-ups: 

  • Undertake follow up enquiries on patient/families’ socio-economic circumstances and in liaison with the social worker ensure that the appropriate assistance is sought. 
  • In consultation with the social worker refer families for admission to the CHOC House when and where appropriate. 
  • Contact families when appointments are rescheduled. 
  • Assess families’ reasons for defaulting on treatment and intervene accordingly. 
  • In consultation with the social worker, ensure that appropriate discharge planning is carried out. 

Additional Service Delivery: 

  • Liaise with Childhood Cancer Network organisations to ensure optimum services are provided to the children and their families. 
  • Be aware and informed of community resources that can benefit the patients and their families. 
  • To develop a resource directory to service the haematology and oncology community in the Gauteng South region. 
  • Provide interpreting services as and when required. 
  • Assess, prepare, and facilitate children who are well enough for the attendance of camps. 

General and Administration: 

  • Administer and record the distribution of care bags to newly diagnosed families. 
  • Administer and record the transport fund and assist families with transport arrangements when necessary. 
  • Administer and record the food voucher/hamper programme and financial bereavement support. 
  • Keep accurate records/reports of psychosocial support services provided. 
  • Complete and submit the monthly STAT report to the PSSM and RM within the first week of the month. 
  • Complete Salesforce data on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and submit accordingly. 

Personal and Professional Growth: 

  • Attend regular supervision with the CHOC social worker. 
  • Attend the monthly Psychosocial Staff Teams Meeting with the PSSM and Chief Social Worker. 
  • Attend twice a year the in-person CHOC Psychosocial Support Staff Team Meeting. 

Ward and Team Meetings: 

  • Attend weekly Ward and Team Meetings as specified by the CHOC social worker. 

Educational Interventions: 

  • Assist the social worker with linking the patient with the Hospital School. 
  • Assist the social worker with the facilitation of the patient’s re-integration into the mainstream school system when needed. 

Support Program: 

  • Assist with the planning and the organising of ward parties for the children throughout the year. 
  • Assist with the planning and the organising of the annual Remembrance Service. 
  • Assist with the planning and organising of the ward birthday programme. 
  • Assist with organising parents for parent support projects/programmes in the ward. Certified copy of your identity document 
  • Certified copy of your driver’s licence 
  • Certified copy of your degree certificate 
  • Certified copy of your academic record 
  • Certified copy of your SACSSP registration certificate 

THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST ARE: 

Qualification: A recognised Social Auxiliary Work Certificate and up to date proof of registration with the S.A. Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). 

Experience: Minimum two or more years’ experience as a qualified social auxiliary worker in the child/youth 

and/or health sector. Having worked in a multi-disciplinary team will be to your advantage. 

Skills and Attributes: Maturity, high stress tolerance, comfortable working in the field of loss, death and dying, ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

Additional Training: Computer literacy (Outlook, MS Office; Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and good administrative skills. 

Language Proficiency: Fluency in English, Zulu, Sotho, and a good understanding of the main African languages spoken in the area. 

Other: A valid unendorsed South African driver’s licence. 

Salary in the range of R174 000 – R198 000 per annum, CHOC contributes towards a pension fund and medical aid after a successful probationary period. 

To apply submit your CV with the names and contact details of at least 3 recent referees as well as the following documentation to reach the HR Coordinator at vacancies@choc.org.za no later than 13th July 2025. Please use GS Social Auxiliary Worker on the subject line. 

If you have not received a response by 31st July 2025 consider your application unsuccessful.