African Brain Child

22/12/2025

As the festive season approaches, many families will be spending more time on the road.

Thank you to Expresso Morning Show for the opportunity to share important road safety insights with Associate Professor Ursula Rohlwink, Senior Scientist at African Brain Child.

Every journey is an opportunity to protect young brains — from wearing seatbelts to using correct child restraints. We encourage everyone to travel safely and look after one another this festive season.

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15/12/2025

Thank you Expresso Show for sharing this message. As the festive season gets underway, small safety choices can make a big difference. Let’s protect young brains and keep families safe on every journey.

19/08/2025

Essential Neuro Workshop – Namibia 2025

On the 14th–15th of August, we had the privilege of hosting our Essential Neuro: Neurosurgery for the Non-Neurosurgeon – because brains don’t wait for specialists workshop at Droombos, Windhoek.

Over 1.5 days of interactive generalist teaching and 0.5 days dedicated to research, we brought together a unique blend of participants: neurosurgeons, neurosurgical trainees, final-year medical students, general practitioners, critical care fellows, anaesthetists, nurses, dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, physiotherapists, and family physicians.

🌍 While most delegates were proudly local to Namibia, we were thrilled to also welcome scholarship recipients from Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana, and Tanzania. This diversity enriched discussions and highlighted the importance of collaboration across disciplines and countries.

The workshop reinforced our belief that neurosurgical emergencies can be managed more effectively when generalists and specialists learn together.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, to our speakers shared their expertise, and contributed to building stronger networks in Africa’s neurosurgical and health professional community.

17/07/2025

Proud moment for Us at ABC!

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate our director, Professor Anthony Figaji, on being awarded the 2024/2025 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship, alongside Prof Andrew Forbes.

At African Brain Child (ABC), we have the privilege of working alongside Prof Figaji and witnessing firsthand his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children with brain injuries across Africa.

This recognition of his pioneering research in paediatric neurosurgery is not only well deserved — it shines a global spotlight on the importance of child brain health and African-led research.

Congratulations, Prof! We’re so proud to walk this journey with you.

https://www.omt.org.za/articles/dual-harry-oppenheimer-fellowship-awards-fuel-sa%E2%80%99s-scientific-revolution
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Two South African scientists are doing such internationally trailblazing research that the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has granted each of them its most prestigious honours: the R2.5-million Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award.

14/03/2025

✨ Brain Awareness Week – Inspiring the Future of Neuroscience! ✨

One of the most exciting aspects of Brain Awareness Week is showing students that neuroscience is for everyone—no matter their background! Our incredible speakers came from diverse fields including biomedical engineering, psychology, physiology, and neuroscience, proving that there are many pathways into this exciting world.

On our second day, we welcomed Grade 10 and 11 learners from Sinako High School to the UCT Neuroscience Institute, where they explored the many ways they can contribute to and shape the future of brain science.

Through a series of engaging talks, students learned about the different career journeys of our speakers, the value they bring to their fields, what they love about their work, and key messages on brain health.

A/Prof Ursula Rohlwink kicked off the day with insights into her journey in neuroscience.

Dr. Thandani Mlambo explored the connection between the brain and Amapiano music.

A/Prof Dale Rae explained why your sleeping brain is your superpower.

Prof Leigh Schrieff shared the fascinating world of neuropsychology and the link between brain and behavior.

Dr. Frances Robertson showcased how neuroimaging allows us to see the brain in action.

Dr. Rachael Dangarembizi shared her personal and professional neuroscience journey.

Dr. Adhil Bhagwandin provided an African perspective on comparative neuroscience.

Dr. Hayley Tomes wrapped up the talks with insights on science communication in neuroscience.

The learners also had a blast during lunch at the Cortex Club, engaging in brain-themed activities!

A massive thank you to the Sinako High School learners for their enthusiasm and curiosity—we hope today sparked a lifelong interest in science and the brain! 🧠✨

12/03/2025

✨Brain Awareness Day – A Huge Success! ✨

The African Brain Child group had an incredible time celebrating Brain Awareness Day with the bright young minds from Masiphumelele Primary and Impendulo Primary!

The day was packed with exciting, hands-on learning experiences:
🔍Associate Professor Joe Raimondo captivated students with a talk on the electrical nature of the brain.
🧠 Dr. Nqobile Thango brought brain models to life, explaining the basic functions and gross anatomy of the brain.
🔬 Maahir Kauchali wowed students with microscopic slices of the brain, exploring the brain at a cellular level.
🧠Simone Williams introduced the children to brain imaging and its fascinating applications.

During lunch, the kids had fun with the Cortex Club, solving brain puzzles and crossword searches to win prizes! 🏆🎉

The day ended with a visit to the Cape Town Science Centre, where they had may activties. A few examples were :
🧠 Played memory games
🔢 Tackled a mathematic escape room
🧪 Enjoyed an exciting science experiment session

A huge thank you to everyone who made this day possible! We hope the students left inspired, curious, and excited about the importance of science and the brain.

11/03/2025

🌍 Celebrating International Brain Awareness Week! 🧠✨

African Brain Child is dedicated to inspiring young minds through neuroscience education and outreach. As part of Brain Awareness Week, we aim to highlight the importance of brain health, research, and education, making neuroscience accessible and exciting for all!

🧑‍🎓 Tomorrow, 90 Grade 7 learners from Sikelela Primary and Masiphumelele Primary will join us at the UCT Neuroscience Institute and the Cape Town Science Centre for a fun-filled day of discovery. From interactive exhibits to hands-on neuroscience workshops, we’re sparking curiosity about the brain and its incredible functions!

📅 Event Details:
📍 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
📍 Time: 9:00 AM – 15:30 PM
📍 Venue: The UCT Neuroscience Institute and Cape Town Science Centre

🔬 Program Highlights:
🧠 Interactive Brain Exhibits
🔍 Hands-on Neuroscience Workshops
🎭 Engaging Science talks
❓ Q&A Sessions with Experts

🎥 Check out our video from Brain Awareness Week 2024! Watch below and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to stay updated on our latest outreach initiatives!

Big thanks to Yabonga for partnering with us to bring neuroscience to life! 🙌

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Brain Awareness Week 2024 hosted by the African Brain Child initiative at the University of Cape Town, an opportunity to shape young minds, to educate about...

30/01/2025

Be Quick to Click: Car Seat Safety Drive

On October 26, 2024, the African Brain Child's Be Quick to Click initiative, in partnership with Supa Quick and Wheel Well, hosted a successful car seat drive at Supa Quick Constantia/Plumstead.

This event was a significant step toward preventing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children and promoting road safety. Families gathered to receive car seats, ensuring their little ones have access to safe and secure travel solutions. The event also featured engaging educational sessions on child safety and the importance of proper car seat usage.

A huge thank you to our incredible partners—Supa Quick and Wheel Well—for their unwavering support in making this initiative a success. Together, we are creating safer journeys for South African children.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

On October 26, 2024, the African Brain Child's Be Quick to Click initiative, in partnership with Supa Quick and Wheel Well, hosted a successful car seat driv...

24/01/2025

Road Safety Matters: Protecting Our Children

Did you know that car accidents are one of the leading causes of brain trauma in children? 🚗💔 In South Africa, the proper use of seatbelts and car seats can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries—but too many children remain unbuckled or improperly secured.

The Daily Maverick’s recent article sheds light on this urgent issue and highlights the devastating impact of not prioritizing child safety in vehicles. It's a must-read for every parent, caregiver, and road user.

At African Brain Child, we’re committed to making a difference through our Be Quick to Click campaign, promoting the use of car seats and seatbelts to save young lives. Let’s work together to protect our children and prevent avoidable tragedies.

📖 Read the full article below.

💡 Join the movement by sharing this post and reminding everyone to *BE QUICK TO CLICK. Together, we can drive change! 🚦

Every year thousands of children suffer brain damage from not belting up. It’s a national crisis, so why aren’t alarm bells ringing?

26/11/2024

Thank you for sharing this crucial information, ChildSafe South Africa. At African Brain Child, we strongly advocate for safer roads and the protection of vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians. Speed is a significant factor in road traffic fatalities, and this statistic highlights why slowing down in residential areas and adhering to speed limits is so critical.

12/11/2024

Thank you Yabonga We’re incredibly grateful for your partnership in the Halo Beanie Project. Your dedication to helping children in our community stay safe and visible on the roads truly strengthens our mission. Together, we're making strides toward safer streets and a brighter future for child pedestrians. Thank you Wheel Well and the International women's Club in Cape Town for volunteering your time and effort and for being such an integral part of this journey.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following establishments for their support in helping to keep our children safe: africanbrainchild iwc_capetown & wheel_well_za

Through their generous donation of reflective beanies, our children can now practice functional road safety, and we’re proud to do our part in keeping child pedestrians safe.

This initiative forms part of the Halo Beanie Project, dedicated to creating safer roads and communities.

28/10/2024

When it comes to children’s safety on the road, Capetonians are quick to click! 🤞

African Brain Child, Supa Quick and Wheel Well would like to thank everyone who joined us at Supa Quick Constantia on Saturday, where 100 high-quality children’s car safety seats were distributed to families who needed them. 👨‍👩‍👦🚗

As we approach the festive season, the drive to save lives can’t slow down. 🚗

Visit the Be Quick to Click project on our website to find out more about car seats, seatbelts and the huge impact they have on reducing traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children: https://bequicktoclick.com/

Then share the message on to others.