Heartbeat is a Non-Profit (Reg: 015-242), and Public Benefit (Reg: 18/11/13/4841) organization, as well as a Section 21 company (Reg: 2000/001288/08) that was founded in 2000 by Dr Sunette Steyn.  The organization exists to alleviate the suffering of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) by facilitating change in communities.

Heartbeat works with OVC in communities.  This means we do not remove children from their houses or communities of origin.  We keep siblings together and ensure that they become the legal owners of their late parent(s)' house and then mobilize circles of support around the children.  Our work therefore, is based on 4 guiding principles, including: 

1. Children's Rights
2. Community Participation
3. Sustainable Development
4. Partnerships

It aims to empower OVCs to reach their full potential, through quality service provision, development and capacity building by facilitating change in communities. With a staff complement of 190, the vast majority of whom are based in communities; Heartbeat has reached over 34 000 orphaned and vulnerable children through direct and indirect interventions.

In 2009, Heartbeat continues to grow and has 14 projects in 9 provinces and is striving to attain its goal of reaching 50 000 orphaned and vulnerable children by 2010. Heartbeat's model ensures that orphans and vulnerable children's needs are addressed holistically.