Inspired by the lived experience of a young girl diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Naledi Ya Pholo is spreading awareness, tackling misinformation and building the community that Naledi hopes for.
What is Naledi Ya Pholo?
Naledi Ya Pholo, meaning “Star of Healing,” is a dynamic, community-centred non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming how diabetes is understood, managed, and supported, particularly in previously disadvantaged and underserved communities.
Founded from the lived experience of a young person living with Type 1 diabetes, our organisation is committed to raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their diabetes journey. We believe that access to quality diabetes education, support, and advanced care should not be a privilege reserved for a few, but a right available to all.
At Naledi Ya Pholo, we are building a future where people of all abilities and backgrounds have the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between world-class diabetes knowledge, technologies, and support systems and the many South Africans who are left behind due to geography, income, or stigma. Through education, wellness programmes, advocacy, community outreach, and inclusive initiatives, we empower individuals and families to live healthier, more active, and confident lives.
What inspired you to start the organisation?
Naledi Ya Pholo was inspired by the personal journey of our founder, Naledi (11). Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just two years old, Naledi grew up wanting to understand more about her condition. By the age of five, she had countless questions about diabetes and why she had it. Together with her mother, they started Naledi Ya Pholo (NYP) as a way to learn more, educate others, and raise awareness about diabetes.
The name Naledi Ya Pholo comes from Naledi herself and reflects her desire to help others understand that diabetes is not simply caused by eating too many sweets. Through sharing her story, she hopes to challenge misconceptions and show people that a diabetes diagnosis is not the end of the world. As the organisation grew, so did its vision.
We recognised that many individuals, particularly those living with disabilities and those from underserved communities, often lack access to opportunities that promote health, wellness, education, and social inclusion.
Naledi Ya Pholo was therefore created not only to raise diabetes awareness but also to build a platform where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
What is Run With Us Kagiso, and how can people get involved?
Run With Us Kagiso is one of our flagship community wellness initiatives that encourages people of all ages and abilities to embrace an active lifestyle through walking, running, and fitness activities. The programme promotes physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection, and community spirit.
People can get involved by:
- Participating in our community walks and runs.
- Volunteering at events.
- Becoming sponsors or partners.
- Donating resources to support our programmes.
- Following and sharing our activities on social media to help us reach more people.
Where can people find out more about your work?
People can learn more about Naledi Ya Pholo through our social media platforms, community events, and by contacting us directly. We regularly share updates on our programmes, success stories, upcoming events, and opportunities for partnership and volunteering. We welcome anyone who wants to support our mission or benefit from our services.
What makes Naledi Ya Pholo different from other organisations?
What makes Naledi Ya Pholo unique is our commitment to inclusion, community ownership, and sustainable impact. We do not simply run programmes — we build supportive communities where people are empowered to participate, contribute, and thrive.
“At Naledi Ya Pholo, we believe that every person has the potential to shine. Through health, wellness, inclusion, and community partnerships, we are building stronger communities and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
Our approach focuses on bringing together individuals, families, businesses, and community stakeholders to create lasting change. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, active, and fulfilling life, regardless of their circumstances or abilities.
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