This Mother’s Day, on the 11th of May 2025, the Akani Simbine Foundation had the honour of hosting the very first New Nests Project activation at Esangweni Clinic in Tembisa. This heartfelt initiative was born out of a deep desire to support mothers in need—particularly first-time moms—as they begin their journey into motherhood.

The New Nests idea was lovingly envisioned by our founder and CEO, Terisa Simbine, who believes that every woman deserves to experience the joy of motherhood with dignity, regardless of her circumstances. “It’s about giving new moms a sense of care, community, and confidence,” she said. And that’s exactly what we set out to do.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of ten compassionate mothers who donated essential baby items, and our partners at Biogen, who provided platinum pregnancy packs, we were able to reach young women in Tembisa with meaningful support and encouragement. From clothes and blankets to bottles and other baby essentials, each gift represented more than just material help—it was a reminder that they are not alone.

The love and attention this project received on our social media platforms showed us just how much this initiative resonated with our community. Because of the outpouring of support and interest, we’re excited to announce that New Nests will now take place three times a year—in May, August, and November.

We’re inviting you to be a part of this beautiful mission. If you’d like to donate gently used baby items like blankets, baby clothes, bottles, or other essentials, please DM us on our social media platforms or email us at info@akanisimbinefoundation.org. We’ll arrange a pick-up if you’re based within Gauteng.

Together, we can continue to support new mothers and ensure they feel seen, celebrated, and supported—because every mother deserves to start her journey with love, dignity, and hope.