On a radiant September morning in Pretoria, more than 140 delegates gathered for the inaugural Hamba Nawe Paediatric Palliative Care Conference. Organised by the remarkable Hambe Nawe team in collaboration with the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the two-day event embodied the spirit of its name – Hambe Nawe, meaning ‘walk with you’ in isiXhosa and isiZulu – reflecting the organisation’s vital role in supporting children and families. Guided by the theme ‘Start where you are’, the conference sparked rich dialogue and meaningful engagement.
Inspired by nurse training sessions led by Hambe Nawe, the team conceived and flawlessly delivered the event in record time, equipping delegates with practical insights and opportunities to strengthen networks. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as a diverse group of delegates – including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, social workers, teachers, counsellors, caregivers, and family support organisations – came together, challenged to reflect on how they might begin anew in their own practice.
Following Dr. Büchner’s heartfelt welcome, the conference opened with a moving musical performance by three young musicians. The profound lyrics, written by Vera Van Dalen, resonated deeply with the audience. Dr. Julia Ambler, Clinical Director of Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, then moderated the first panel discussion. Using the theme ‘Start where you are’ as a springboard, the panel reflected on their journeys in paediatric palliative care, exploring both global progress and its practical impact on children and families. A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of teamwork, attentive listening, and collaboration, identified as essential elements that set PPC apart.
After the morning tea break, Bonni Suckling and Melissa Williams-Platt led a thought-provoking session on communication skills. Delegates had the rare opportunity to learn invaluable lessons from the experiences of two bereaved mothers, whose personal stories brought a deeply human dimension to this vital aspect of palliative care. Dr. Julia Ambler then addressed another cornerstone of children’s palliative care in her presentation on Pain and Symptom Management, offering clear guidance on assessing and managing symptoms such as dyspnoea, agitation, nausea, secretions, pain, and constipation. She underscored the importance of teamwork, listening, treating the child rather than the diagnosis, and making the most of available resources. Dr. Ambler reminded delegates that ‘starting where you are’ is not a justification for low standards, but a practical strategy for moving towards better care.
The panel discussion on Quality of Life, Rehabilitation, and Living Well, moderated by Alex Daniels from ICPCN, brought together a distinguished group of professionals who explored how rehabilitation, education, communication, family support, and community connections enable children to grow, participate, and thrive—adding richness and meaning to their daily lives. Delegates found it especially valuable to hear real-life stories and discover practical approaches to making this vision a reality.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Thandeka Ngcana – South Africa’s first paediatric neuro-oncologist and an ordained priest- led a dynamic discussion on Cultural and Ethical perspectives. In a nation rich with cultural diversity and complexity, the topic resonated strongly, and delegates embraced the chance to broaden their understanding. Dr. Thandeka shared her belief that ‘We all experience God differently. We all experience life differently. If we can accept each other as we are, without trying to change one another, the world- and healthcare-will be a better place.
Tracy Rawlins, Education and Training Manager at PatchSA, delivered an engaging session on Perinatal Palliative Care, presenting this specialised approach as a mindset rooted in respect for natural life. The model emphasises holistic support provided by an interdisciplinary team, extending seamlessly across the continuum of care—from diagnosis through pregnancy, birth, and beyond—accompanying families wherever their journey unfolds.
Bonni Suckling, founder of Rainbow and Smiles encouraged participating in the sunset Run/ Walk for a Reason for 5km- this was a perfect end to a perfect day. What made it even more meaningful was that that evening we all ran/ walked in support of Jabu – a little girl currently receiving treatment for osteosarcoma.
The second day opened with the inspiring Sensei Moses Sebopa from the Kids Kicking Cancer SA program, who guided a gentle meditation. Through this practice, he offered a glimpse into his remarkable work with children, empowering them to embrace ‘Power, Peace, and Purpose. Luyanda, a bereaved mother, shared her journey with Hambe Nawe, highlighting the lifeline the team offered. She described how her entire family was supported through the compassion of a team who looked beyond her child’s diagnosis, her appreciation of the unexpected, thoughtful care packages, providing her refuge and ‘mothering the mother’. She expressed deep gratitude for the powerful message she received from the team: ‘We see you, we are thinking of you, and you are not alone.’” In an intimate conversation, Bonni Suckling and Tracy Rawlins explored the realities of supporting families through grief and bereavement. The speakers shared their personal journey through grief and bereavement, highlighting their unique experiences, which included a decade of long, complicated grief.
After the tea break, Annemarie Oberholzer, the CEO of Hospivision, shared her experiences in an interesting session on spiritual care, meaning, and hope. She emphasised the importance of assessing spiritual needs, exploring the concept of God, sources of strength, hope, and faith practice. Vera van Dalen, a bereaved mother and founder of CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge shared some practical ways of communicating intricate spiritual concepts with humour and creativity to children and adults.
Tumi Motsepe introduced a session on Godly Play, a concept developed by Jerome Berryman using Montessori methods. She shared her experience of how this gentle, story-based approach helped children explore Bible stories and their own sense of God through play, wondering questions, and creative activities whilst respecting the child’s spirituality.
Two sessions underscored the importance of self-care. Melissa Williams-Platt, founder of Footprints 4 Sam, invited delegates to reflect on how we view the world, what we need, and where we are in our personal journeys—encouraging authenticity and staying true to ourselves. Alex Daniels then introduced mindful breathing, creating space for practice followed by a period of reflection through journaling or quiet contemplation.
Karli Harrison, a paediatric registrar, then shared some excellent practical tips and a video on incorporating memory boxes as part of family support and also to help with the breaking of bad news and grief in neonatal units.
Special thanks go to Dr. Ané Büchner and her team for creating a welcoming space where health and social care professionals could connect, network, learn, and grow. Their encouragement to ‘Start where we are’ filled delegates with hope and passion, inspiring us to take the first step toward this shared vision. As paediatric palliative care continues to evolve in South Africa, opportunities for collective learning will be vital to advancing the field and ensuring its lasting impact.
Written by Alex Daniels, ICPCN Education Manager
Photo credits: El-Roi Media.
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