A first-of-its-kind sensory therapy space built from a repurposed shipping container using recycled, everyday township materials was officially opened on 15 April at the Arekopaneng Centre in Orange Farm Ext 8b, offering free access to children with autism, ADHD and developmental delays.
The Orange Farm Sensory Space is more than a facility, it is a working model of how inclusive therapy can be made accessible, affordable and community-driven in under-resourced areas.
“This is not just therapy, it’s an interactive environment that encourages curiosity, imagination and learning through play. That’s where real development happens,” said Dr Dee Blackie, founder of the Sensory Space initiative.
The space was co-created with local mothers through a series of workshops, ensuring it reflects the lived realities of the community while transferring skills and knowledge in the process.
Tanya Norton, Marketing Consultant at Afrika Tikkun, said the organisation partnered on the project because of its strong community focus.
“Their approach involves uplifting and empowering the community with knowledge and skills transfer. This space reflects a deliberate shift away from high-cost models towards one that is accessible, adaptable and owned by the community it serves,” she said.
Housed in a brightly designed container, the sensory room helps children regulate and integrate their sensory experiences through play-based therapy, a critical need in a world many children experience as overwhelming and overstimulating.
For parents like Pamela Duba, the impact is immediate, she said: “Sometimes I come here to reset, because it is peaceful and the music is soothing.”
The launch also recognised key donors, including Wilde Ganzen and the Spingle Trust, while positioning the initiative as a scalable solution for inclusive development in township communities.
With limited access to specialised therapy services across South Africa, the Orange Farm Sensory Space stands as a powerful example of what is possible when innovation meets community, proving that meaningful, life-changing support does not have to come at a high cost.
