Every Child Can Experience the Joy of Play at Lonwabo Centre’s New Inclusive Playground!

Photo Credit: Cape Care Fund via Facebook

No child should ever have to watch others play from the sidelines. And now, thanks to Lonwabo’s new inclusive playground, every single child at the centre can experience a world of wonder and play, no matter their mobility or neurodiversity!

Mfuleni, South Africa (23 September 2026) – What used to be a sandy, uneven yard at Lonwabo Special Care Centre has been transformed into a vibrant, fully inclusive playground!

With the recent launch of this accessible new space, children who once had to watch from the sidelines, particularly those using wheelchairs, can now join in on the joy of active play, learning, and discovery.

For the first time, children with mobility impairments do not have to stand and watch their peers have all the fun. Instead, they will get to experience the joy of swinging and spinning on a merry-go-round. A sensory-regulation space for children with autism and sensory needs has also been installed. This space will create opportunities for children with hearing, visual and intellectual disabilities to engage through tactile, sensory and social activities.

The playground also has an outdoor rehabilitation space where caregivers and physical therapists can conduct structured activities and therapy sessions safely.

The upgrades were made possible by funding from Türk İşbirliği ve Koordinasyon Ajansı Başkanlığı – TİKA, as well as the Turkish Consul General (Türkiye in Cape Town) for their support, Shonaquip Social Enterprise for providing the play equipment and helping bring this space to life, and PPC Africa for providing the cement. The project was further supported by the Western Cape Department of Social Development and the Cape Care Fund.

“All children deserve to feel the absolute joy of play. This is an important tool for their learning and development. This is a wonderful example of leveraging partnerships to help break down barriers to inclusion for children with disabilities,” said Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander.

Photo Credit: Cape Care Fund via Facebook

Founded by Thandeka Mafila, the Lonwabo Special Care Centre serves children aged 0 to 18 by providing specialised care, early childhood development (ECD), essential daily nutrition, healthcare and therapeutic support for children living with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities in Mfuleni and surrounding Western Cape communities.

This new playground adds to this vital work, creating spaces where every child can play, explore and feel included.

As Lonwabo’s centre manager, Phumza Shayi puts it:

“This playpark is more than just a place to play. It represents inclusion, dignity, belonging and the opportunity for every child to experience the joy of being a child. We hope this playpark will be a catalyst for change and inspire the creation of more inclusive spaces across the Western Cape, because every child, regardless of ability, deserves a place where they can play, dream and thrive.”