Who We Are
Our story begins with the spark of a courageous life. Aragorn Brave was born in 2018 and came with a surprise extra chromosome. Joy Cronjé, his proud mommy, is our founder.
In the early days of Brave’s life, the family had very little support and no experience raising a child with Down Syndrome. This prompted lots of research about intellectual disabilities and outreach to the global Down Syndrome community. Her own need for information, support and community inspired her to start a local play and support group.
Brave's mommy and daddy learned about the complex and challenging journey of raising a child with Down Syndrome through experience. Brave had lots of medical complexities early on.
They reached out to other parents of children with Down Syndrome with a desire to bring hope and joy to the lives of individuals and families alike. And so began Brave Life, an initiative sparked by one brave soul.
The Brave Dream
At Brave Life, we believe that every child with Down syndrome and special needs deserves the chance to reach their full potential. With the right information, early support, and a community that understands, parents can turn uncertainty into confidence and hope.
Our dream is to see children and teens with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges live joyful, fulfilling lives — from those very first days after birth through every milestone ahead. We aim to equip families across South Africa with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to help their children thrive.
We believe that nothing is impossible. Every child can learn, grow, and achieve their dreams when they’re surrounded by love, opportunity, and belief. Together, we’re building a world where every child knows: You are brave, you are capable, and you can do all things.
Our Team
In 2025, Chené and her one-year-old daughter, Anja, joined the Brave Life family, bringing with them fresh energy, compassion and another beautiful story of courage. Like many parents who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, Chené remembers the mix of love, fear, and questions that filled those first days. Through Brave Life, she found the insights, understanding and connection every new parent needs.
Now, as part of our growing team, Chené helps us reach more families across South Africa, offering encouragement, real-life experience and a message of hope. Little Anja, bright and full of life with her extra chromosome, continues to inspire everyone she meets.
Their journey reminds us why Brave Life exists, to ensure that no parent faces the Down syndrome journey alone, and that every child with Trisomy 21 is celebrated for their strength, joy and limitless potential.
Chané is Brave’s aunty, devoted secondary caregiver, passionate educator and one of the pillars of Brave Life South Africa. With an NQF Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Development and a special interest in special needs education, Chané brings both expertise and empathy to everything she does.
Her deep understanding of children with Down syndrome and other developmental differences helps guide our educational approach and family-support initiatives. She believes that every child, no matter their challenges, deserves patient teaching, meaningful play and the chance to shine.
Chané will also be leading our soon-to-launch Brave House, a registered temporary place of safety that will provide a nurturing, inclusive environment for children in need of care and protection. At Brave House, love, learning and belonging will come first.
Through her work, Chané embodies the Brave Life dream: creating spaces where children with special needs are celebrated, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
