This weekend (6 and 7 December 2025), Joburg Child Welfare (JCW), in partnership with the Johannesburg Artist Market (JAM), formerly 27 Boxes in Melville, will launch the Play Café, a safe, fully supervised and creative space designed to give Johannesburg children and families a secure environment for children to play at a time when child-safety concerns in the city have reached critically urgent levels. The initiative is also supported by Play Africa and Jozi My Jozi, a movement championing sustainable, citizen-driven transformation in Johannesburg’s inner city.
Abubakr Hattas, CEO of Joburg Child Welfare, says “Play Café is not a luxury, it is a necessary intervention. It provides an inclusive, safe play space that brings together children supported by JCW and others in the broader Johannesburg community, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to lead a normal and healthy life.”
“We cannot ignore the reality that many children in our city are simply not safe,” Hattas cautions. This space deliberately integrates children supported by JCW with children from all Johannesburg communities to promote inclusion while prioritising safety. It also provides people an opportunity to experience firsthand the work of JCW and its beneficiaries and introduces opportunities for them to positively contribute to this work.
A purpose-built, fully supervised play space
The Play Café introduces a range of carefully designed, child-focused features, created in collaboration with JAM, among others, including themed sensory zones and quiet rooms for children with special needs. It also includes imaginative playhouses, building zones and problem-solving stations. Other creative play activities include creative corners for art, music, drama and storytelling as well as active play areas for physical development and a café-style lounge for parents to work, relax and connect while their children play under full supervision.
JAM’s revitalisation of the centre through markets, exhibitions, workshops and performances now contributes directly to sustaining the Play Café and JCW’s broader programmes.
The Play Café operates on a self-funding model driven through affordable per-child tickets and flexible passes for the public. The JCW provides free access for all JCW beneficiaries and all proceeds are reinvested into JCW’s essential services and programmes linked to the Play Café.
As schools close for the end of year holidays, JCW expects a surge in demand from parents seeking a safe, supervised alternative for their children.
Dean Weil, Team Lead, Social Engagement Pillar of Jozi My Jozi says, “Initiatives like the Play Café show what is possible when committed organisations come together to prioritise child safety and wellbeing. Jozi My Jozi is proud to support JCW in this vital work, and we remain committed to building a city where every child can realise their full potential in an environment that protects and empowers them.”
Weil adds, “Jozi My Jozi deeply values the critical work Joburg Child Welfare is doing in our city. We have seen firsthand the breadth and depth of JCW’s impact, from their after-school programmes to their dedicated support for vulnerable children across the inner city. Their teams are not only creating safe, nurturing spaces for children to learn, play and grow, but are actively shaping the next generation of Johannesburg’s leaders by instilling confidence, resilience and strong values.”
A call for partners to strengthen child safety across the city
Corporates, foundations and civic partners are invited to support the Play Café and its programmes through sponsorships, in-kind contributions, volunteer engagement, or funding of special projects. “Every contribution directly protects a child,” Hattas says. “We have launched the Play Café to meet an urgent need, and we invite partners to help us expand safe spaces like this across Johannesburg.”
Play Café is open to the public this weekend and families and children are invited.
Event bookings for special use of Play Café can be made via info@joburgchildwelfare.co.za. All proceeds made from Play Café bookings will go towards JCW’s programmes.
About Joburg Child Welfare (JCW):
The Joburg Child Welfare was established in 1910, and for over 115 years, the non-profit organisation (NPO) has been dedicated to providing abused, abandoned, neglected, orphaned, and vulnerable children with the love and support they deserve. The JCW provides comprehensive care and empowerment services to vulnerable children, families, and communities, with a special focus on GBV prevention and victim support initiatives.
To volunteer or make a donation visit https://jhbchildwelfare.org.za/get-involved/
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