Tucked away in Parktown, Johannesburg, the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital (NMCH) is more than a medical facility; it's a home away from home—a bright, welcoming, and child-friendly sanctuary. It's a place where hope and healing thrive.
Designed to embody Nelson Mandela's vision of quality and care. The hospital is a specialist hospital that welcomes paediatric patients and their families with warm reception areas, family lounges, gardens, and playful spaces that spark joy amid a medical emergency.
As the country celebrates Mandela Month, under the theme "It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity", My Gauteng visited the hospital, which shines as a beacon of hope. It delivers world-class, specialised care for marginalised communities, embodying Madiba's belief.
Hospital CEO Dr. Nonkululeko Boikhutso said: "Our hospital's ethos is that no child will be turned away because of their inability to pay. Our hospital caters to children from all backgrounds.
"In terms of just addressing that inequality that existed in access to healthcare, that's what we are trying to bridge as an institution, and as much as it functions as a not-for-profit organisation. It's a partnership with government, civil society, and the private sector to bridge access to all children in the country."
Boikhutso said the hospital is funded through a government tertiary grant and provides specialised tertiary services but doesn't offer primary healthcare. Patients must be referred from all levels of government hospitals.
These include tertiary hospitals and regional hospitals across the country. Gauteng accounts for approximately 90% of the patients admitted to the hospital.
"This goes a long way in addressing the inequality that existed and gives access to healthcare, that's what we're trying to bridge as an institution."
Boikhuso added that during this year's Mandela Month, the hospital would assist in reducing the backlog in paediatric surgeries at Gauteng hospitals through a week-long surgical marathon.
Mandela Day is critical for the hospital, and "we are excited to participate in the idea of making an impact and making a difference in somebody else's life.
"We are looking forward, and we are encouraging you to get involved in the area where you are because, unless we can do it ourselves, no one else can do it for us."
International Nelson Mandela Day is commemorated annually on 18 July, calling for people to devote 67 minutes of their time to positively impacting communities and the lives of others," the doctor added. 
During a tour of the hospital, My Gauteng met with Sweetness Mpenyane, a volunteer at the hospital, who also emphasised the importance of volunteering.