About My Family First
A national initiative dedicated to strengthening families, stabilizing communities, and building a stronger future for South Africa.
Who We Are
My Family First South Africa is a national movement committed to restoring the strength and stability of families across the country.
Families form the basic building blocks of society. When families are strong, children thrive, communities are safer, and nations experience long-term social and economic progress.
However, many families today face increasing pressures caused by unemployment, economic hardship, social instability, and changing social environments. These challenges often affect not only individual households but also the wellbeing of entire communities.
My Family First works to support families through education, community programs, and collaborative partnerships with civil society organizations, schools, faith communities, and the private sector.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see strong, stable and resilient families across South Africa where parents are empowered, children are supported, and communities are connected.
We envision communities where families have access to the knowledge, support systems and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
- Safer communities
- Improved educational outcomes
- Healthier children and youth
- Stronger community relationships
- Long-term national stability
By strengthening families we strengthen the future of South Africa.
Our Mission
The mission of My Family First South Africa is to equip families with knowledge, skills and support systems that help them thrive.
We pursue this mission through structured programs that focus on key areas of family development including parenting support, financial stability, communication skills, health education and lifelong learning.
Through these initiatives we aim to empower families to overcome everyday challenges and build stronger foundations for future generations.
The Ripple Effect Philosophy
At the heart of My Family First is a simple idea called The Ripple Effect.
When a stone is dropped into water, ripples spread outward until they reach the farthest shore. Families function in the same way.
When families become stronger:
- Children grow up with stability
- Schools experience improved outcomes
- Communities become safer
- Economic opportunities expand
- Social cohesion improves
A single strengthened family can influence an entire community.
The Family Challenge in South Africa
A number of national indicators highlight the importance of supporting family stability across the country.
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Youth unemployment remains extremely high. In 2024 the unemployment
rate among young people aged 15–34 exceeded 45%.
Source: Statistics South Africa -
Millions of children grow up in single-parent or economically
vulnerable households.
Source: General Household Survey – Statistics South Africa -
Social researchers have repeatedly identified family stability as a key
factor influencing educational performance and youth outcomes.
Source: Human Sciences Research Council -
South Africa also faces high levels of youth disengagement from
education and employment in some communities.
Source: UNICEF South Africa
These challenges highlight the importance of investing in families as part of long-term national development.
Message from the Founder
Across South Africa many families are working hard to raise children, build stable homes, and contribute positively to their communities. Yet many also face growing social and economic pressures that make this responsibility increasingly difficult.
My Family First was established from a simple belief: that families remain the most important foundation of a healthy society.
When parents are supported and families are strengthened, children benefit, communities become more stable, and the nation moves closer to long-term prosperity.
This initiative is therefore not only about family programs. It is about building a national movement that places families at the center of community development.
Through collaboration with communities, schools, organizations and partners, we believe meaningful progress is possible.
Together we can restore confidence in families and help build a stronger future for the next generation.
Join the Movement
Strengthening families requires collaboration between communities, organizations, businesses and government institutions. Together we can build stronger families and a stronger South Africa.