The Kingsway Centre of Concern t/a
Thandanani House Of Refuge

During the late 1990’s, teachers at the Kingsway School began to note that some of the children from the wider Zandspruit community were in desperate need of shelter and protection from the negative influences of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment (either by parental choice, or AIDS-related death).

With this in mind, a committee of dedicated volunteers began searching for a property. Finally in December 2001 an ideal property was found. It is located adjacent to the Zandspruit Informal Settlement (which is a settlement of ±70 000 shack dwellers to the north west of Johannesburg). The property comprises a large old farmhouse, 3 cottages and various outbuildings, all positioned on a 6 hectare plot of land.

Through the generous donations of our supporters, the land was purchased and some basic renovations were completed in preparation for accepting our first children.

Sadly, due to many unsurmountable problems being experienced at this site, the Thandanani House of Refuge was relocated to Randpark Ridge. This relocation took place in December 2023.

Due to many problems being experienced at the original location, it became imperative for Thandanani to find a new home to ensure the safety of the children. However, the task seemed insurmountable as the funds needed to buy a new property were dependent on the sale of the old one, which no-one was interested in, until a local church came to the rescue and acquired a new house in Randpark Ridge on our behalf. Renovations were needed to make it fit-for-purpose, and these took place during 2023, allowing us to move in December 2023, much to the delight of all involved.

In February 2003 the Thandanani House of Refuge was finally established. The children were housed in the old farmhouse. Thandanani currently cares for 22 children with a staff complement of 2 house mothers, a house couple, 2 domestic helpers, social worker, gardener and administrator. Each child is nurtured, schooled and skilled for a hope-filled future.

In January 2007 we were very excited to open our second cottage which now houses the boys. Sophie and her husband Robert have been diligently serving as house parents in this cottage.

Over the years more than 100 children have passed through the doors of Thandanani. Some of the children who have come to Thandanani have stayed for a short while until their families have been able to take them back, whilst others are living at Thandanani on a permanent basis.