Aspire Art is honoured to support and host the Grateful Hearts Foundation’s flagship fundraising event and auction, Pelo: A Mother's Love. Grateful Hearts Foundation & the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital Benefit on 13 March and 14 March 2026 at the Trumpet Building in the prestigious Keyes Art Mile avenue in Rosebank, Johannesburg in support of children born with Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs).
The curatorial direction for this collection was inspired by the story and purposeful intention of the GHF Founder Nhlamulo Tlakula-Sesing. At the core of this project is her experience as a mother — a heart mother as she refers to herself — and the journey it took to care for her baby’s heart’s needs.
We reached out to prominent and emerging artists who were able to relate to the story and say YES to the Call of the Heart. The artworks on view delve into a range of approaches; from metaphors of the heart to very personal inspirations on motherhood and heart-centred work. The title Pelo which translates to “heart” from Setswana encapsulates the driving force behind this entire project.
To our audience, we invite you to look, to feel, to allow the heart to open to Pelo: A Mother’s Love.
Curated by Annicia Manyaapelo
A transformative evening of art and culinary excellence, Pelo: A Mother’s Love brings together some of the country’s most celebrated artistic and culinary talent for a powerful cause.
On Friday evening 13 March, guests will enjoy a signature gastronomic experience curated by Lady Day, renowned for creating immersive, sensory food journeys that blend creativity, flavour, and storytelling, alongside a curated exhibition featuring works by acclaimed South African artists, including Sam Nhlengethwa, Zizipho Poswa, Boemo Diale, and several other distinguished contemporary names.
This unique fusion of fine dining and fine art promises an unforgettable evening for patrons, collectors, philanthropists, and all who believe in changing the future of children living with CHDs. All proceeds from the event will directly support the training of paediatric cardiothoracic specialists, addressing a critical shortage of skilled surgeons and cardiac experts in South Africa.
Tickets for the experience are officially available on Howler:
https://www.howler.co.za/events/pelo-a-mothers-love-bcb5/tickets
We encourage our clients and supporters to secure seats quickly, as the event is expected to sell out.
Twelve original artworks have been generously presented for auction by leading South African artists including Sam Nhlengethwa, Banele Khoza and Zizipho Poswa.
Artworks will be on display at Aspire Art in Rosebank from Monday, 9 March and art lovers can visit Aspire to view the unique collection from Monday to Friday, from 8.30-4.30 or by appointment.
The auction will take place on Saturday, 14 March at 6pm. Collectors can bid live at Aspire or can make use of online bidding, absentee or telephone bidding options.
Grateful Heart Foundation is more than an NGO; it supports those affected by heart conditions and inspires collective action to improve access to life-saving cardiac care. In South Africa, thousands of children are diagnosed annually with CHDs, many requiring specialised interventions from experts who are in critically short supply.
Follow the Foundation on Instagram for updates @ghf_Africa
The Grateful Hearts Foundation NPC: 2023/212105/08
General enquiries:
nhlamulo@gratefulheartsfoundation.com
WhatsApp: 083 656 5031
Auction enquiries:
nonkululeko@aspireart.net
Tel: 010 109 7989
