What to bring to South Africa

I'm going on a trip to Capetown and KNP for the first time. Is there
something I can bring along to give to local children .... pencils or
candy bars, stuff like that? What are some of the places where I might
run across kids that need stuff?

For what it's worth, my view on this is that it isn't a good idea, as a
tourist, to be handing out gifts to local children - especially candy bars.

If you want to help the local people there are plenty of organisations out
there that would be happy to use a donation from you, or you could even
donate directly to a local school.

Giving gifts directly to children just fosters a culture of dependence that
encourages the children to skip school and hassle tourists.

Just my 2c. Others may have contrary view.

Regards

Michael

I'm going on a trip to Capetown and KNP for the first time. Is there
something I can bring along to give to local children .... pencils or
candy bars, stuff like that? What are some of the places where I might
run across kids that need stuff?

That's a terrible idea. You don't want the local children to learn
that begging is the way to get what they want...or to think that
Westerners are there to bring them gifts. Candy bars are an
especially bad idea since many poor children won't have access to
dentistry. If you want to help, contribute to charities which are
active there, especially charities run by locals.

[rconpascua]

Handing out stuffs like candies, etc to local kids in Cape Town is not really a good idea. I also suggest you just contribute money or service to charities and other related institutions.