In response to the devastating loss of 22 young lives and the illness of hundreds more, Food For Mzansi and CropLife South Africa today release Palesa’s brave discovery: A guide to why children should not have access to hazardous substances.
Authored by Ivor Price and brought to life with vivid illustrations by Gareth Davies, this captivating, child-friendly booklet tells the story of Palesa, a courageous young girl from Soweto.
As she unravels the hidden dangers posed by hazardous substances in her community, Palesa’s journey highlights the power of courage, determination, and teamwork in educating others about the risks of poisons and driving meaningful change.
From next week, Palesa’s brave discovery will also be distributed via AIP community newspapers across Gauteng, reaching hundreds of thousands of households. An audio version of the story will also be syndicated to community radio stations nationwide, ensuring this critical message resonates far and wide.
Packed with interactive content – including safety tips, quizzes, and games – this booklet is not just a story but a tool to empower families to protect their homes and communities.
“The tragic events in Gauteng and elsewhere were a wake-up call for all of us,” says Price, co-founder of Food For Mzansi. “This project is about more than raising awareness – it’s about saving lives. Every child deserves a safe environment, and we are determined to be part of the solution.”
“My goal was to bring Palesa’s journey to life in a way that would resonate with our young readers,” adds Davies, head of creative and development at Food For Mzansi. “By using vibrant, engaging visuals, I wanted to make the serious message of safety accessible and memorable for every child.”
The flipbook is below – dive in and read Palesa’s brave discovery now!
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