About Us
Introduction
goGOGOgo is a South African non-profit company that works with grandmothers, locally known as gogos, raising grandchildren. Founded in 2020, we deliver community-based programmes that support grandparent-headed households through knowledge-sharing, resourcing and enhancing access to critical health and support services.
But why gogos?
Because many of our stories can’t be told without the care of a grandmother.
Over a third of children in South Africa live in grandparent headed households (StatsSA, 2023)
In South Africa, nearly 8 million children aged 0-17 live in a grandparent-headed household (StatsSA, 2023). Despite raising a third of South Africa’s youth, gogos are rarely prioritised in caregiver interventions and support programmes.
goGOGOgo recognises the transformative potential of gogos at all levels of society – at home, in community groups, as bridges to healthcare services, advocates for social change, local stakeholders and leaders, and a key link in the education ecosystem. By working with gogos as agents of change, we support the positive impact driven by older caregivers daily, accelerating pathways for youth empowerment, community-building and healthy aging for all.
Our Vision
goGOGOgo aims to co-create positive health outcomes and life opportunities for grandmothers and the grandchildren they are raising.
We believe that if gogos are recognised, connected, resourced and supported as agents of change, then families and communities will experience greater outcomes in health, education and social wellbeing.
Our Approach
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Build networks and co-create support systems with gogos to support their communities and the children in their care.
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Develop effective, research-based initiatives that amplifying and support the voice and leadership of gogos in their families and communities.
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Facilitate dialogue and learning between generations, recognising gogos as reservoirs of institutional knowledge.
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Create programmes with gogos, not for them, ensuring community trust and dignity in all we do.
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Influence development, contribute to research and share knowledge to position gogos as recognised contributors in health, education and community resilience.
A Brief History
goGOGOgo was founded in 2020 by Jane Simmonds, who holds an MA in Public Health from the University of Witwatersrand, and grew out of her many years spent working with older women in Alexandra, Gauteng.
The NGO was inspired by a profound encounter during a 2014 Gogo Day event. “I was asked to do a talk on HIV and AIDS with a group of grandmothers hosted by an organisation in Alexandra,” Simmonds recounts. “After the discussion, I was approached by a grandmother of around 70, who asked me to please help her learn how to speak to her grandchildren about sex. She told me that three of her daughters had died from AIDS, and had left her looking after several grandchildren. Faced with another generation of children being entrusted to her care, she was determined to address her fear of talking about sex in order to have a positive impact on their lives. At the time, I was studying for my Master’s in Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand and I decided to do my thesis research on how to enable these older women to talk to the children in their care about sex, sexuality, and HIV and AIDS.”
Simmonds notes that while doing her research, she began to learn and understand more and more about these extraordinary women and the role that they play in families and communities. “Although often marginalised and vulnerable as older women, gogos are experts at raising children in very difficult circumstances. The strength, experience, and knowledge they bring to raising children, families, and communities need to be recognised and celebrated. goGOGOgo aims to do exactly this.”
Where We Operate
We operate in rural and urban communities throughout South Africa.
Our head office is based in Johannesburg
Where We’ve Worked
Gauteng
Alexandra
Diepsloot
Soweto
Katlehong
Eldorado Park
Atteridgeville
Mabopane
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Kwa-Mashu
Mzumbe
Western Cape
Eersterivier
Fisantekraal
Limpopo
Seshego
Mpumalanga
Agincourt
Eastern Cape
Motherwell
Cutwini
Mthambalala
Luphoko
Lujazo