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Naledy’s Teddy Bear: Blowing the Whistle on SA’s Missing Children Crisis

To shine the spotlight on missing children, The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe presents “Naledy’s Teddy Bear” from 28 – 30 November 2025 at Kippies, Newtown. South Africa continues to experience high numbers of missing children, with statistics revealing that nearly a quarter of children reported missing in the last three years – 2 000 in total – were found. Unaccounted for, these children – typically 17 years and younger – are often presumed dead or trafficked, leaving shattered families behind.

Starring Andile Vilakazi and Ntokozo Vilakazi, “Naledy’s Teddy Bear” will be staged in line with the 16 Days of Activism Against for No Violence Against Women and Children.

Developed in 2021, the play emerged in response to a spike in missing children’s cases, giving voice to young girls and drawing attention to ongoing child and women abuse in our country. Today, its relevance is even more critical—the production sparks community dialogue and social reflection, encouraging young people to think critically about social issues.

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“Using the metaphor of a missing teddy bear, the show appeals to young audiences with a powerful message that breaks down an otherwise heavy topic to entertain and educate children. This production is a beacon of hope, a call to action, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.  While the subject matter is intense, the production is crafted with care to ensure an engaging and thought-provoking experience,” said Andile Vilakazi.

The Market Theatre Kippies Fringe, which has delivered exceptional developmental works throughout the year, nears its glorious end with a number of productions scheduled for November. The month’s programming is themed around healing, reflection and renewal. This play continues to engage our collective conscience, interrogating how we treat the most vulnerable. Again, it offers affected people a moment to grieve and heal, while sharing educational information about children’s safety.

This is  a production that will leave audiences moved, inspired and motivated to act against South Africa’s worsening crisis of missing children.

Tickets are out on Webtickets for R100.

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Kippies Fringe is an initiative of The Market Theatre, curated by Art Cave.

The Market Theatre is a Division of The Market Theatre Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

 For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.

 For reduced price block bookings of 10 or more and school groups, contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist at The Market Theatre Foundation) at anthonye@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.