The annual Red Socks Golf Day, hosted in partnership with McDonald’s South Africa suppliers, took place recently, raising significant funds for the continued operation of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) South Africa. This long-standing event highlights the power of collaboration and shared purpose, ensuring that families can find comfort and support during their most difficult times. RMHC South Africa is an independent non-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors and operated by dedicated staff and volunteers. Its mission is to create, find, and support programmes that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.
This year’s event saw an outstanding show of generosity and support, with a cheque of R7.9 million officially handed over to RMHC South Africa. An impressive R800,000 was raised directly through the Red Socks Golf Day itself, a testament to the power of this annual tradition and the community that continues to rally behind it.
Max Oliva, CEO of McDonald’s South Africa said, As I step into my new role, I am deeply proud of the incredible work that RMHC South Africa has achieved over the years in bringing hope, care and dignity to families during their most difficult times. The Red Socks Golf Day is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we stand together, and I am truly grateful to our suppliers whose continued commitment makes this possible. I would also like to thank the public for their ongoing support, every Happy Meal purchased helps sustain RMHC’s work, reminding us that small actions can make a big difference.”
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Matshepo Msibi, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities South Africa, added, “The Red Socks Golf Day is a powerful example of how businesses and communities can come together to make a real difference. Every contribution helps us continue to create safe, comforting spaces for families while their children receive the medical care they need. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this event.”
Daniel Padiachy, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Supply Chain, McDonald’s South Africa, said “Our suppliers play a pivotal role in making the Red Socks Golf Day a success. Their generosity and dedication go beyond business, they directly touch the lives of families who need the comfort and care provided by RMHC. This event reflects the true spirit of partnership: working hand in hand to create lasting impact for the communities we serve.”
RMHC South Africa continues to make a significant impact, offering a safe, comforting environment for families while their children receive critical medical care. The organisation’s dedication to supporting these families is unwavering, and events like the Red Socks Golf Day help ensure that this vital work can continue.
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Key Achievements and Services
The Ronald McDonald House at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Parktown, Johannesburg, offers 27 hotel-style rooms for families traveling more than 60 kilometers to receive specialist medical care for their children. Families are provided with private bedrooms and access to common spaces including a kitchen, dining room, family lounge, games room, library, and laundry facilities.
The 27 rooms are a remembrance of the years former President Dr. Nelson Mandela spent incarcerated.
Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, opened on November 28, 2013, serve families with children in the NICU and Ward 66. These rooms provide a homely environment where parents, guardians, carers, and siblings can stay while their sick or injured child receives treatment.
Over the past 10 years, the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms have supported more than 40 000 families and children, offering beverages, snacks, and non-clinical programs to mothers.
Since 2018, the Ronald McDonald House has provided 46,055 bed nights, serving 5,707 families. The average stay for a family in 2023 was 12.52 days, with the House maintaining an 88% occupancy rate in 2024.
In 2024 alone, the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms welcomed 4628 families, with a total of 270,198 registered visits since inception.
In 2024 Ronald McDonald House Charities SA launched a new Lactation Centre, which provides a sanitary space and resources for expressing breast milk, at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The centre was extended in August 2025 and can now accommodate 44 mothers. The Lactation Centre has supported just over 3,800 mothers.
