Transform a child's day with just one small act of kindness
Example of one of the submissions: “I am so much looking forward to visiting Gogo’s house, where Baba always pushes us on the swings,” said Khwezi.
Image: Supplied
As South Africa gears up for the frenetic festive season, a poignant new national initiative is urging citizens to pause the rush and embrace a simple, yet profound mission: to commit to just one small act of care that can make a child or teenager feel loved, safe, and truly seen.
The "Just One Thing" competition, launched by the campaign group Hold My Hand (HMH), is a nationwide call for storytelling that shifts the focus from grand, abstract change to the powerful impact of everyday moments. This isn't about expensive gifts or elaborate trips; it's about the five minutes taken to read a bedtime story, the walk to school shared, the simple act of cooking a meal together, or prioritising a child’s safety amid a busy schedule.
The competition arrives as a timely celebration during November's Children’s Month, highlighting the invaluable role that consistent, everyday connection plays in a young person’s life.
The power of the everyday story
From 21st to 30th November 2025, residents across South Africa are invited to share a single, real-life moment, plan, or festive tradition involving a child or teen in their life. The entry formats are designed to be accessible and creative:
Audio/Voice Note with an accompanying image (30 seconds to 2 minutes).
Short Video Clip (30 seconds to 2 minutes).
Photo with a maximum 50-word caption.
Drawing or Artwork submitted as a clear photo with a caption.
Short Story, Message, Letter, or Poem (maximum 500 words).
All entries are submitted via a simple WhatsApp message to 0600 411 111.
Lebo Motshegoa, Communications Content Lead for Hold My Hand, stressed the importance of these small gestures. "We often talk about 'big change' for children, but in real life, it always starts with small, everyday actions," she explained. "'Just One Thing' is about shining a light on those moments. The five minutes you take to listen, walk, play, or comfort. When people share these stories, they remind us all that we each have the power to show up for the children and teens around us."
Caring is possible, even when life is hard
The competition offers generous incentives for participation. Airtime spot prizes of R500 will be allocated in random draws throughout the ten-day period. Crucially, five top entries judged to best capture heart, clarity, and creativity will each secure a cash prize of R5,000.
The judging panel will seek out entries that feel honest and authentic, whether they are submitted by a parent, grandparent, older sibling, teacher, neighbour, or any other caregiver figure.
Mesuli Kama, Network Mobiliser for the campaign, provided a powerful context for the initiative. "Children are not only shaped by big policies and big budgets. They are shaped by what happens in their homes, schools, and streets, every single day," he stated. "When people share the small ways they choose to be there for a child, even when money is tight or life is stressful, it sends a powerful message: care is possible, and it matters."
The "Just One Thing" campaign forms a core element of the wider Hold My Hand initiative, which champions the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC). By placing intergenerational connection and real-life experiences at the forefront, the campaign seeks to mobilise families, communities, civil society, business, and government to build a South Africa where every child can grow up healthy, safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential.
Will you choose your "just one thing" this festive season? Share your story by 30th November via WhatsApp on 0600 411 111.