Non-profit organisation Badisa has launched its “Give One Hour” campaign ahead of Child Protection Week, which runs from 29 May to 5 June 2026, calling on businesses across South Africa to help restore the gift of play to vulnerable children.
The campaign invites play parks, children’s museums, adventure parks, family entertainment venues and child-friendly businesses to partner with Badisa in one of two ways: donate one free hour of play or access to children connected to Badisa programmes or donate one hour of profit generated during the week towards child protection services.
Why play matters
This year, Badisa is approaching Child Protection Week differently — shifting the focus beyond awareness campaigns and formal discussions to highlight something many children are quietly losing: the opportunity to play safely, explore, laugh and simply experience joy.
“For many children, play is not something that happens naturally,” said Shannon Usher, Social Services Manager at Badisa. “Poverty, violence, neglect, trauma and unsafe environments often rob children of moments that are critical to healthy development.
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“Yet play is far more than entertainment. It is how children process emotions, build confidence, develop social skills, solve problems and learn to trust the world around them.”
A child climbing a jungle gym, visiting a museum for the first time or laughing freely with friends may seem like a small moment, but for a child experiencing vulnerability or trauma, that moment can become part of healing, belonging and hope.
Protection through joy
Child Protection Week is observed annually across South Africa to raise awareness about the rights of children and the collective responsibility to protect them from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. It serves as a reminder that child protection is not only about responding when harm has already occurred, but also about creating environments in which children are able to thrive and develop fully.
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Through the “Give One Hour” campaign, Badisa wants to translate awareness into practical action, encouraging organisations to use the spaces they already have, ones built for fun, creativity, adventure and discovery, to help restore positive childhood experiences for children who may not otherwise have access to them.
“Sometimes protection looks like safety and sometimes like joy,” said Adrie Jurgen, Director of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising at Badisa. “When children play, they connect, grow, imagine and heal. We want South Africa to remember that creating safe spaces for children to play is also part of protecting them.”
A national effort
The campaign forms part of a national effort led by Badisa’s head office, supported through its network of 134 programmes and social service offices across the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape.
Badisa is inviting businesses across South Africa to stand with the organisation this Child Protection Week by giving just one hour because one hour of play can leave a lifelong impact.
Businesses wishing to get involved may contact Zoe Borchards on 021 957 7130 or email kuumba@badisa.org.za.
For media enquiries contact the Badisa PR and Marketing team at marketing@badisa.org.za or 068 372 6578. Visit www.badisa.org.za for more information.
