This September, as South Africa marked Heritage Month, St Joseph’s celebrated its own extraordinary heritage, 90 years of pioneering paediatric care. 

Founded in 1935 by the German Pallottine Sisters, St Joseph’s has remained a place where children facing life-threatening conditions find not just medical treatment, but love, dignity, and a second chance at childhood. To honor this legacy, we have created a commemorative coffee table book capturing stories of children, families, staff, and partners across nine decades, paying tribute to the Sisters whose faith and vision built this place of healing and all who continue to sustain it today. Inquiries to purchase the book can be sent to development@stjosephsipc.org.za. 

Our 90th anniversary celebrations brought together patients, staff, families, and friends in joyful community. From a patient and staff garden party with cake, blowing bubbles, party packs, and laughter, to moments of quiet gratitude at our Thanksgiving service with our donors and partners, we celebrated not only nine decades of history, but the living legacy of compassion carried forward every day by our caregivers and supporters.

Together, we carry forward a 90-year legacy of healing and hope for South Africa’s children. That legacy lives daily in the voices of our caregivers:

• “We are not just treating medical conditions; we are holding the hearts of children and families during their most vulnerable moments.” — Nursing Manager
• “Our role isn’t just about care; it’s also about comfort, dignity, and presence — especially when a child is nearing the end of life.” — Palliative Care Nurse
• “The smallest progress in a child’s recovery is a celebration for the whole team. That’s what keeps us going.” — Paediatric Nurse
• “Each case is different, but what remains the same is how we show up—with calm hands, kind words, and
  clinical focus.” — Enrolled Nurse
• “After the debriefs, we feel seen and supported. It reminds us that even in hard moments, we’re not alone.”— Enrolled Nurse

As we look to the future, one truth is clear: supporting our dedicated care teams means giving children the best chance to recover and return home — happy, healthy, and ready to thrive in their families and communities.

Regular, modest donations have never been more important. They allow us to plan better, respond faster, and reach further, ensuring that no child is ever turned away because of a lack of funds.

Become a Friend of St Joseph’s today. Even a small monthly gift helps provide essentials like medical supplies, nutrition, and the nursing and therapy that bring healing within reach. All contributions are tax-deductible under Section 18A of the South African Income Tax Act. Donations are also tax-deductible in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany through our partnerships with Chapel & York Foundations and Liedelt Stiftung.