Khanyisa Development Centre is set to host its much-anticipated annual Raising Hope Gala Dinner at the Durban ICC on 19 June: an evening dedicated to advocacy, awareness, and vital fundraising in support of children with special needs.
Currently catering for 65 children, the centre provides specialised education and therapeutic support to learners with diverse and complex needs. According to Event Co-ordinator Tammy Jordaan, the gala has, over the years, become a cornerstone of the organisation’s mission.
Jordaan said: “Over the years, Khanyisa’s Raising Hope Gala Dinner has become so much more than just an event for us – it has truly become the heartbeat of our fundraising and advocating efforts. With our slogan of ‘Raise Awareness, Raise Funds, Raise Hope’, our gala dinner brings together people from diverse backgrounds who can then be ambassadors themselves in their places of work and communities after seeing what our students are capable of, and meeting the incredible staff who make it all happen.”
Funds raised through the gala play a crucial role in bridging the gap between school fees and the actual cost of delivering high-quality, individualised support. Jordaan adds: “It has enabled us to continue providing specialised education and therapy to children who need it most, ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of a child reaching their full potential. This year’s event will continue to strengthen that foundation, allowing us to expand resources, support our dedicated staff, and create even more opportunities for our learners to grow, communicate, and thrive.”
Beyond financial contributions, the gala has also fostered meaningful partnerships. Jordaan highlights one particularly impactful connection made at the 2025 event, which has since evolved into an ongoing initiative. A guest now hosts Khanyisa learners weekly at his offices for work experience, offering them a safe environment to build confidence, develop skills, and experience a sense of belonging.
Jordaan says: “What has been most moving is seeing the ripple effect of this experience. Our students are not only gaining invaluable exposure to the working world, but are also being seen, understood, and celebrated for who they are.”
She adds that the presence of the learners has had a profound impact on the workplace itself, with staff choosing to come into the office specifically to engage with them. Jordaan notes: “Moments like these remind us that the Gala Dinner does not end when the evening is over. Its impact continues to unfold long afterwards.”
Proceeds from previous events have also strengthened the centre’s therapeutic offerings. Investments in assistive communication tools and specialised resources have transformed how some learners interact with the world. Jordaan notes: “We’ve seen children who once struggled to express even basic needs begin to communicate with confidence. For families, these moments are life-changing.”
This year’s gala promises an elegant and uplifting experience. Guests can expect a four-course meal, live entertainment from local choirs and bands, and a headline performance by Tanner Wareham. Jordaan says: “This is our first time having a well-known personality on our stage and we are so excited to have him open our dancefloor.” Alongside auctions and raffles, the evening is designed to be both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
For those unable to attend, there are still opportunities to contribute. Community members can donate auction or raffle prizes, make financial contributions, or simply help spread awareness. Jordaan emphasises: “Every act of support, no matter how small it may seem, helps us continue the work we do every day.”
Like many organisations in the sector, Khanyisa faces ongoing financial pressures. The cost of providing specialised education—requiring smaller classes, skilled professionals, and continuous therapeutic care—far exceeds what many families can afford. The Raising Hope Gala Dinner plays a critical role in closing this gap.
Jordaan says: “It truly takes a community to uplift our learners. We are so grateful for every person who chooses to walk this journey with us.”
The evening will include a four-course dinner, auctions, and live performances by Key of Hope Choir, The Northwood Marimba Band, and Tanner Wareham.
As the date approaches, the event stands not only as a fundraiser, but as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. For booking and enquiries, Jordaan urged interested members of the public to contact the centre via email at admin@khanyisacentre.co.za.
