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We visited the JCH earlier this year (April 2024) to learn more about the work it does, and were struck by the dedication of the people affiliated with this organisation. Importantly, it offered us a glimpse into its rich history and how ordinary citizens can make a difference in the lives of the children who walk through its doors.
When Johannesburg started growing from a mining town into a rapidly expanding city, so did the needs of those who lived in it. Lucy Matthews, the wife of a local medical practitioner, saw the need to establish the first premises in Fordsburg which initially functioned like a crèche. Here, mothers could bring their children during the day while they went to work. Later it became a fully-fledged children’s home which provided care – on a non-denominational basis – for orphans, the abandoned, or unfortunate children whose parents could not care for them.
The JCH later moved to Hospital Hill. During the South African War, it relied on support to keep the institution going, with some children sent to Verulam in Natal where they were supported by kind residents and refugees from Johannesburg.
When the war ended in 1902 and the children returned to Johannesburg, a larger premises was found. To this day, the JCH still operates from the same location in Observatory, with 122 years of detailed history behind it, from setting out in the post-war era to transitioning into a multiracial society and navigating financial constraints and red tape.
The children the JCH has helped – and continues to help – are a testament to the many good souls who joined Matthew’s initial efforts for caring for society’s most vulnerable citizens. People like JCH legend Jenny "Staffy" Stafford who worked at the JCH for 44 years.
“Although there is often sadness and disappointment at The Johannesburg Children’s Home, there is also joy and hope. There is a constant renewal of all that is good in life, and windows of hope are always there to open and look out of.”
In 120 Years of Caring: The Story of the Johannesburg Children’s Home, a former resident, Janet Street, recalls the night she and her three siblings were ‘taken away’ from their parents: “It was a tough night for us. We were traumatised and filled with fear. There were four of us in all – my brother Alec, who was taken to St George’s Home for Boys the next day, my sister Noelene who was just over a year, and me, aged three and a half. Annie, just 12 weeks old, had been hospitalised with a fractured skull. In the Home, a woman took us, fed us, cared for us, put us in bed in clean pyjamas, and held us as we wept. Her name was Staffy.”
It can be a place of utter loss and fear where one has to come to terms with traumas no child should face. But it’s also a place of hope. In the words of Joan Rubinstein, the JCH Director from 1983 – 1994, who is quoted in the same book, “Although there is often sadness and disappointment at The Johannesburg Children’s Home, there is also joy and hope. There is a constant renewal of all that is good in life, and windows of hope are always there to open and look out of.”
Today, the JCH has a staff of over 50 – including 24 qualified childcare workers and two part-time therapists – all of whom are dedicated to creating a safe and loving environment in which children can thrive.
Currently, the JCH offers a home to 64 children between the ages of three and 21 in several cottages, which resemble a home environment more closely than the old-fashioned, dormitory-style lodgings of the past. Once a child turns 18, the staff try to integrate them into the world of adulthood by either helping them navigate further studies, assisting with job applications, or reuniting them with their family where it’s safe to do so. Being at full capacity, the need to support these 64 children is consistently great.
On our visit, we met with Sipho Mdluli, JCH Managing Director, and Fiona Duke, Head of Operations. According to them, the need for food, clothing, personal care items, and support to ensure the children have access to education, school uniforms, and supplies is always present.
This has prompted the team to think creatively about ideas of sustainability – such as starting food gardens on the property – and fundraising initiatives that reach beyond Mandela Day or asking for financial contributions (although these are always appreciated). If you’d like to get involved, we’ve found a few ways to do just that.
Annual art sale on Mandela Day
The JCH celebrates Mandela Day throughout July. A special initiative is an annual art expo where art that's been made by the children is put on display and the public can buy. For 2024, the exhibition will take place on Thu, Jul 18 in their Westcott Hall from 09:00 – 16:00.
Support Thrift Up
Thrift Up is a lovely little thrift store, just off of Norwood's Grant Avenue. It may, at first, appeal to thrifters for its collection of (very affordable) books, clothing, art, and eclectic bric-a-brac. But if you need any more reason to visit – or want to shop some of the items on offer – you can do so knowing that all proceeds support the JCH. Not all the donations made to the JCH are appropriate for children or needed by the JCH and these donated items are sold through the shop. If you’re not an avid thrifter, you can donate to the store by dropping off the items at the JCH (59 Urania Street, Observatory). Pick up of furniture items is by arrangement on dedicated days based on driver availability. Email pr@jch.org.za to arrange collections.
Donate to the JCH
Direct donations to the JCH are always appreciated. If you're unsure what items are needed the most, you’ll find an up-to-date needs list on the website.Hire out the Westcott Hall
The JCH’s Westcott Hall is not a space that’s always in use, which makes it a good asset to hire out. It can seat 120 people, has a projector and screen, Wi-Fi, space for breakaway activities, and safe parking. You can also arrange for catering for your event. Special rates are available for non-profit organisations. For bookings or enquiries, email se@jch.org.za or call +27 11 648 1120.
Make use of the JCH catering service
The JCH not only supplies catering services for those who rent out its hall; anyone is welcome to place an order. They offer sandwich, chicken, meat, and vegetable platters, as well as fun picnic lunch boxes. Visit the website for more information or to place your order.Get your laundry done
Have some laundry you need taken care of? You can drop off your bundles of towels, linen, duvets, and blankets to be washed, dried, and ironed from Mon – Wed between 08:00 – 16:00. For more information, call +27 11 023 6871 or +27 11 648 1120 or email pr@jch.org.zaGive your time
If you’d like to volunteer, the JCH welcomes assistance from all helpers, whether you have green fingers and would like to help in the food gardens, are handy at maintenance, willing to clean, or want to help by adding a lick of paint where needed. You can also assist by sorting donations or offering your time to teach skills or recreational activities.
If you’d like to get in touch, visit the JCH website for a list of full contact details or to fill out a contact form. They also welcome visitors but ask that you arrange this in advance in order for suitable arrangements to be made.
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