Matla A Bana Receives Bags of Blessings to Bring Comfort to Young Survivors

Photo Credit: Matla A Bana via Facebook

A heartfelt donation of handmade comfort items from the Dutch Reformed Church of Bloubergstrand is helping Matla A Bana bring warmth, dignity and reassurance to vulnerable children during some of their most difficult moments.

Gauteng, South Africa (30 August 2026) – Matla A Bana’s invaluable work to shield and protect children from abuse recently received heartwarming support from members of the Dutch Reformed Church of Bloubergstrand, who donated bags filled with handmade blessings.

This week, the child protection charity received beautifully knitted beanies, jerseys, headbands, bags, worry worms, a tiny sensory friend for a child when they report abuse, sanitary towel pouches and teddies from the church.

A voice against child abuse, Matla A Bana works tirelessly to reduce the secondary trauma children face when reporting abuse by improving South Africa’s reporting system through victim support, specialised professional training, community education, and recognition of those protecting children.

These handmade comfort items and essentials can make a meaningful difference to child victims who may have left a troubled home situation with little to nothing, helping them feel seen and supported during one of the toughest times in their young lives.

The team said the donated teddies would add a soothing touch to the Comfort Packs they provide to child victims of sexual abuse, offering a small source of comfort at a deeply difficult moment.

Through child-friendly reporting facilities, specialised training, victim support and prevention programmes, Matla A Bana works alongside SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority and communities to create lasting systemic change.

The organisation also welcomed retired state prosecutor Ronel De Jager, to whom they handed over a donation of Worry Worms, beanies and other knitted goodies for child victims.

For 24 years, Matla A Bana has been a voice for children who cannot always speak for themselves. What began as Monique Strydom’s God-given calling has grown into a journey of service, protection, purpose and hope. Over that time, the charity’s projects have reached more than 100,000 children, a success Matla A Bana says belongs to everyone who has walked the journey with them.

“It is a combined success, made possible by the incredible people who have walked this journey with us: our trustees, volunteers, donors, partners, supporters and the officers of the law we have had the privilege of working alongside for so many years,” Matla A Bana said.
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“Together, we have faced many challenges. There have been difficult days, obstacles and moments when the road ahead seemed uncertain. But there have also been countless blessings, extraordinary partnerships, lives touched and miracles along the way.”

As Matla A Bana celebrates 24 years of being a voice for children, serving, protecting and standing in the gap, the organisation gives thanks for every person and organisation who has walked this journey with them.