On 10 October 2024, in celebration of World Mental Health Day, we proudly launched the Reimagining Themba project – South Africa’s first-ever child mental health awareness campaign held in a township. Using art as a medium, the initiative set out to challenge stigma and spark vital conversations around mental well-being.

The project name, Themba – meaning hope in Zulu – reflects the essential qualities children need to thrive.

A Celebration of Strength and Individuality

Renowned South African artist Mikhailia Petersen created striking analogue portraits of twelve young mentees from the Little Lions Child Coaching programme. Each portrait highlighted the unique strengths these children identified in themselves, offering a moving visual narrative that celebrated individuality, resilience, and courage.

A Community at the Centre

The launch was marked by a special installation at Guga S’thebe – the vibrant community centre recently visited by the Dutch King and Queen. In addition, Petersen’s portraits lined 2.5km of Langa’s main road for one month, transforming public space into an inspiring open-air gallery that brought the message of hope and mental health to the heart of the community.

Global Support, Local Impact

Earlier in 2024, Little Lions received support from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, strengthening its mission to empower children in under-resourced communities. Through its programmes, Little Lions builds mental resilience and nurtures future leaders – showing that hope and healing begin at the community level.

About the Artist: Mikhailia Petersen

Working exclusively with analogue film, Petersen focuses on portraiture as a medium of truth and celebration. Her work seeks to reframe how POC and LGBTQIA+ individuals are portrayed, shifting from narratives of hardship to those of strength and beauty.

In 2024, Petersen presented work from Reimagining Themba at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair in Johannesburg, curated by RESERVOIR. The stand was awarded the Lexus Best Stand Award, further recognising the power of her storytelling through photography.

The Launch of South Africa’s First Child Mental Health Awareness Initiative in a Township: “Reimagining Themba”

“Reimagining Themba” showcases the work of renowned South African artist Mikhailia Petersen and features incredible portraits of twelve young mentees from the Little Lions Child Coaching
programme.

Each mentee was beautifully captured, showcasing the strongest qualities they have identified within themselves, offering a powerful visual narrative that celebrates strength and individuality.

The launch event will also include a special installation at Guga S’thebe, the local community center recently visited by the Dutch King and Queen, further amplifying the mental health conversation in the community. Additionally, the photographs will be displayed along a 2.5km stretch of Langa’s main road for one month, making this a visually inspiring and impactful event.

Little Lions, which received funding and support from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation earlier this year, is dedicated to addressing youth mental health and well-being in under-resourced communities. The programme helps children build mental resilience and nurtures them to become future leaders.

ABOUT MIKHAILA PETERSEN

Little Lions Child Coaching proudly presents our annual Mental Health Campaign Fun Run, taking place in the heart of Khayelitsha.

This Fun Run is part of our Mental Health awareness campaign “the Little Kings”, in honour of World Mental Health Day. The Fun Run’s route takes us past the pictures of 12 Little Kings, children that have been part of our mental health programme. The pictures are a testament to their inner qualities, highlighting different talents through powerful imagery.

This event goes beyond fitness. It is about community, connection, and creating real awareness around mental health. By joining us, you are helping to break the stigma and spark important conversations that matter.

Whether you are a runner, a mental health advocate, or simply someone who believes in the power of togetherness, this is your chance to make a difference. The day will be filled with energy, mental health awareness, and community spirit, all in support of a cause that impacts us all.

This run is organised in collaboration with the Khayelitsha Athletics Club

Please note that you can also sponsor up to 3 runners for this event, look out for the donations page.

Let’s run for awareness. Let’s run for mental health. Let’s run together.

Join us for the Little Lions Loop – Run for Resilience, a 5km fun run and walk that brings people together through movement, connection and care, in support of children’s mental well-being in under-resourced communities.

The Loop is about more than running. When we move together, we create space for conversation, community and support. By taking part, you’re helping us work towards our R50 000 fundraising goal, which supports free mental health programmes for children who may otherwise never have access to consistent emotional wellbeing support.

The event is open to everyone and suitable for all fitness levels. It’s not about speed or distance, but about showing up, moving together and standing alongside children who need support. Friends, family and colleagues are all welcome.

Event details

Date: Monday, 09 February 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Lions Head Parking, Cape Town
Distance: 5km
Format: Walk or run at a social pace

Registration

Registration is required and takes place via an external Google RSVP form.

When you click to book this event, you will be redirected to a Google Form to complete your registration. After submitting the form, you’ll receive event updates and reminders by email.

Participation in the Little Lions Loop is free.

Donations

Donations are encouraged but optional.
Our goal is to raise R50 000 in support of children’s mental health programmes delivered in under-resourced communities.

Donation options and impact examples are shared within the registration form, with payment available via Stripe and SnapScan.

Event merchandise

Limited Little Lions Loop merchandise is available.

Merchandise details and SnapScan payment links are provided within the registration form. Proceeds support the work of Little Lions and contribute towards the R50 000 fundraising goal.

Partnership opportunities

We welcome partners who would like to support the Little Lions Loop through sponsorship, merchandise, services or on-the-day involvement.

For partnership enquiries, please contact Nomfundo at [email protected]

Can’t attend but would still like to support?

If you’re unable to join us on the day but would still like to support the Little Lions Loop, you’re very welcome to do so.

You can support the event by:

• Making a donation towards our R50 000 fundraising goal

• Purchasing Little Lions Loop merchandise

Donate via Stripe : https://donate.stripe.com/5kQ8wQ4AY0xycpQ3G76c003
Donate via SnapScan : https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/02YF1PPM

Purchase merchandise via SnapScan (Prices exclude courier):

• LL Water Bottles: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/KtSAm_4b
• LL Loop Caps: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/IQrYdZ-h

All contributions support free children’s mental health programmes delivered in under-resourced communities.

THEMBA: THE LITTLE LION THAT LOST HIS MANE
Written by: Amy Melhuish
Directed & adapted by: Thandolwethu Mzembe Language: IsiXhosa
Age restriction: 6+
Venue: Pam Golding Theatre

Themba is about a little lion that lost his mane. He goes on an extraordinary journey to find the mane.

Performances: Saturday 14 March 13:00 | Monday 16 March 10:00 | Tuesday 17 March 13:00 |
Friday 20 March 11:30

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The Little Lions Loop: Amsterdam Edition brought supporters together in Vondelpark for a 5KM community run in support of children’s mental wellbeing in South Africa and Kenya.

The event created a shared moment of movement, connection and purpose, while raising awareness and support for Little Lions’ community rooted mental wellbeing programmes.

Hosted in Amsterdam, the run formed part of Little Lions’ growing international community of supporters and reflected the continued commitment to building resilience, strengthening connection and supporting children through accessible, community based initiatives.