Thandi House

We care for abused and abandoned children, and are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children who have experienced some of the most difficult and traumatic experiences imaginable. We believe that every child deserves to be loved, cared for, and given the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Thandi House is a non-profit organisation that was established in 2009 by Mark and Rene Morcom. Located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Thandi House is built on the philosophy that every child deserves a loving and nurturing family environment. The effects of early childhood trauma can be profound and long-lasting, but research has shown that children who experience stable, supportive, and nurturing relationships can recover and develop resilience. Therefore, we promote a family-like environment and prioritise building strong bonds with the children. We recognize that these relationships provide the foundation for healthy development, help children overcome trauma, and give the children a sense of belonging and connection that is essential to their well-being, and can positively impact their lives for years to come. 

We are dedicated to supporting the emotional, spiritual, physical, and educational development of the children in our care. We work tirelessly to ensure that each child has access to the individualised attention, support, resources, and the love and care they require to heal, thrive, and overcome any obstacles to growth and well-being. This is achieved by our dedicated team of caregivers and a teacher's aide, as well as our team of volunteers, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social work services. We ensure that the children in our care have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our goal is to help the children at Thandi House not only survive but thrive. 

At Thandi House, we understand the importance of family, and we believe that every child deserves to be a part of a loving and supportive family environment. That's why we work hard to create a sense of family within our home, and to ensure that each child who comes to us feels welcomed, valued, and cared for. Whether they stay with us for a short time or for many years, we are committed to providing them with the love, support, and sense of belonging that every child needs to thrive.

Our Team

Our team members work tirelessly to ensure that our children are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for at all times. They provide not only physical care, but also emotional support, counseling, and guidance. They understand the unique challenges that our children face and are committed to helping them overcome their trauma and achieve their full potential.

Mark & Rene
Morcom

Founders
"Dad and Mom"

Aunty Bongiwe

Caregiver
"Aunty"

Aunty Nosipho

Caregiver
"Aunty"

Aunty Octvia

Caregiver
"Aunty"

Hlengiwe Mwali

Teachers Aid

Jess Joubert

Volunteer
Speech Therapist
Website

Isolde Burger

Volunteer
Occupational Therapist
Website

Chelin Shuttleworth

Volunteer
Teacher

We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers. We witness the tremendous impact that our volunteers have on the lives of the children we serve, and we are in awe of their selflessness and dedication. Thank you!