It began in Edendale Hospital, when a group called Thandanani visited neglected and orphaned children living there and tried to find ways to give them a better life. Twenty years on, Thandanani, which means "to love one another", has developed into one of KwaZulu-Natal's most important organisations working with orphaned and vulnerable children.

These were the words used by Matthew le Cordeur in his article "Model child care organisation celebrates 20 years of success" published on The Witness newspaper

Words like these affirm the good work Thandanani has been doing in the communities for the past 20 years. However as Thandanani we acknowledge that we have never done it alone and we will never do it alone. Various people who have played a significant role in the organisation were acknowledged and awarded with certificate of appreciation. 

These people are:

Founding Members

• Dr Neil McKerrow
• Prof. Philippe Denis
• Penny & Rob Haswell
• Margie Pretorius 

First Director

• Linda Aadnesgaard

First Volunteer & Childcare Worker

• Agnes Mkhize
• Barbara Khoza
• Jilleth Moyo

• Bheki Dladla - First Development Facilitator
• Zanele Maseko - First Coordinator in Richmond

Outstanding Supporters:

• Veronica Tooke
• Larry Tooke
• Monica Malunga
• The Hodgkins Family
• Rosalie Clarke
• Yvonne Spain
• Bheki Zulu
• Bongi Zengele

Crazy Contributor:

• Duncan Andrew