Recognising the urgent need for child safety in the city, Joburg Child Welfare is stepping up this weekend to provide a solution: the Play Café – a fully supervised and creative space where children and their families can enjoy secure playtime.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 December 2025) – This weekend, the heart of Johannesburg gets a much-needed haven! Joburg Child Welfare (JCW), in partnership with the Johannesburg Artist Market (JAM), is thrilled to launch the Play Café!
This isn’t just any play area; it’s a safe, fully supervised, and creative space designed to give Joburg families peace of mind, especially at a time when child safety concerns in the city are at a critically urgent level.
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 the 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 with 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
From hemed sensory zones to quiet rooms for children with special needs, the Play Café introduces a range of carefully designed, child-focused features. 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 unique space 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.”
“Jozi My Jozi deeply values the critical work Joburg Child Welfare is doing in our 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,” Weil adds.
A call for partners to strengthen child safety across the city
Corporations, 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.
Sources: Supplied
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