90 years of Pioneering Intermediate Paediatric health care —Double Your Impact with the 9 Zeros Challenge!
Our Journey of Care and Compassion
1935 – The Beginning
St Joseph’s was founded by the dedicated Pallottine Missionary Sisters who travelled from Germany to South Africa. Rooted in their mission of service, they established schools, nursery schools, sewing classes, district nursing, and orphanages. In 1935, with the vision of Catholic Bishop Francis Hennemann, five of these sisters transformed an empty presbytery in Philippi into a sanctuary for the sick. Starting with just eleven patients, the veranda became a ward for children battling tuberculosis. This humble beginning was the seed of a legacy that continues to thrive.
1960s – A Period of Growth
By 1948, St Joseph’s expanded with a two-story building and a chapel, enabling care for 135 children. The focus remained on providing long-term orthopaedic care alongside primary education, handicrafts, and vocational training. However, the Group Areas Act of the 1960s necessitated relocation, bringing St Joseph’s to its current home in Montana in 1967. At the heart of this new facility stands a striking circular chapel with its high-pointed cross—a beacon of faith and hope for the sisters, staff, and children alike.
2025 – Today
- Provide nutritious meals for a week for a child.
- Cover essential medical supplies for an entire month.
- can fund a full week of holistic care, including medical, therapeutic, and emotional support.
- Can provide restorative and rehabilitative care and give a child a second chance at a healthy childhood.
Join the 9 Zero Challenge: 90 Years, 9 Ways to Give
As we celebrate 90 years of compassionate care, we invite you to take part in the 9 Zero Challenge—9 impactful ways to make a difference.
Which challenge will you take on?
✅ Donate ZAR90 or ZAR900 to fund meals, medical supplies, or therapy.
✅ Pledge 90 minutes of volunteering or fundraising for St Joseph’s.
✅ Gift your 90th day of the year (March 30) to raise awareness for our cause.
✅ Encourage 9 friends to join the challenge.
✅ Run, walk, or cycle 90 km in solidarity with our young patients.
✅ Host a 90-minute charity event—a bake sale, trivia night, or coffee morning.
✅ Share 9 reasons why you support St Joseph’s on social media.
✅ Sponsor a child’s therapy for 90 days.
✅ Create your own #9ZeroChallenge idea!
Every gift, every hour, and every action help transform lives.
Together, let’s make this 90th anniversary a milestone of impact, healing, and hope.
Let’s make this 90th anniversary a celebration of impact, hope, and community. Will you rise to the challenge?
