The Teddy Bear Foundation South Africa

28/08/2026

TBF staff received training on First Aid at our offices today in Parktown, Johannesburg (28 August) presented by Tarryn Palczewski, a rapid response first aid trainer and assisted by Eric Singo.

The training focus was on CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) for children, an emergency life saving procedure performed when a child's breathing or heartbeat has stopped, plus other critical child related incidents.

28/08/2026

TBF Krugersdorp branch collaborated with the Department of Justice in Magaliesburg and Munsivielle to commemorate Women’s Month on the 26th and 27th of August.

27/08/2026

Citizen News 27 August 2026

“The digital world is now part of a child’s real world,” says Dr Shaheda Omar of the Teddy Bear Foundation. “Harm that begins behind a screen can have very real psychological, s*xual, social and even physical consequences.”

That distinction matters in a case involving a child. The Malmesbury matter has been linked to concerns about the online network known as 764, a decentralised and predatory online milieu associated internationally with grooming, coercion and the circulation of violent or exploitative material.

A child in the dock for being linked to s*xual exploitation network shows that the risks of the internet are lurking in plain sight - experts

26/08/2026

Guest speaker Prof Simon Hackett from the UK pictured with Patrick Zulu (Teddy Bear Foundation's Diversion Program Manager) and Dr Omar at the Jelly Beanz hosted Child Trauma Conference in Cape Town (26 Aug)

26/08/2026

Teddy Bear Foundation Director Dr Shaheda Omar pictured with Yvette Du Toit (Jelly Beanz Foundation) on day 1 following her presentation at the 15th Annual Child Trauma Conference being held during 26-27 August 2026 in Cape Town.

This event will focus on Harmful S*xual Behaviours in Children: From Hurting to Healing and will provide meaningful conversations, practical tools, evidence-informed insights, and opportunities for connection and collaboration. (www.jellybeanz.org.za)

25/08/2026

A New Journey Begins! We are excited to welcome a new Child Pregnant Learner Support Group.

This group creates a safe and supportive space where young mothers can connect, share their experiences, learn from one another and grow together. Through meaningful discussions and fun activities, we’ll explore topics such as self-confidence, decision-making, relationships, parenting, emotional well-being and future goals.

25/08/2026

Heal a child with every swipe. Support TEDDY BEAR CLINIC Every Time You Shop at Woolworths

MyDifference is Woolworths’ new loyalty and giving programme that combines the previous MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet and WRewards programmes into one experience. When you shop at Woolworths and scan your MyDifference card (via the Woolies app), Woolworths donates a portion of your spend to causes you choose.

By selecting TEDDY BEAR CLINIC (T/A Teddy Bear Foundation) as your cause, your everyday shopping helps us continue creating opportunities through skills development, education, and community upliftment.

How does it work?

STEP 1 Download the Woolies app
STEP 2 Join MyDifference (it’s completely free)
STEP 3 Open the Loyalty Hub
STEP 4 Tap My Causes
STEP 5 Select Choose My Own
STEP 6 Search for TEDDY BEAR CLINIC
STEP 7 Select TEDDY BEAR CLINIC as your cause

Scan your MyDifference card every time you shop at Woolworths.

*Video credit: Tadiwa Tine

25/08/2026

Only 10% of educators have been cleared to work with children.

The Citizen News, 25 August 2026

According to a court settlement won in favour of Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) in July, an NGO that advocates against child abuse, DBE, and provincial education departments (PEDs) have until 31 March 2027 to complete the vetting process.

As of 12 May 2026, 51 000 of approximately 500 000 educators had been vetted against the National Register for S*x Offenders (NRSO), up from 40 000 previously. This, according to the DBE’s presentation during the basic education portfolio committee meeting.

Only 10% of educators have been cleared to work with children.

25/08/2026

Our GBVF Team attended a Women’s Month Panel Discussion on Women’s Economic Empowerment and GBVF Prevention, hosted by GCIS (Government Communication and Information System) at the University of Johannesburg on 24 August 2026.

Discussions highlighted the link between women’s economic empowerment and GBVF prevention, including the impact of economic dependence, financial abuse, gender inequality and limited opportunities on women’s safety and choices.

24/08/2026

“There must be accountability for any harm allegedly caused, and ultimately, we need to ask the bigger child protection question: how did a 16-year-old become so deeply involved in such a harmful digital environment without the adults?” - Dr Shaheda Omar, Director, Teddy Bear Foundation
Eyewitness News

The Teddy Bear Foundation's comments come after a 16-year-old boy from Paarl was arrested earlier this week after being linked to an international child s*xual abuse network.