Celebrating the impact of play in child development

From 1 May to 11 June, the Power of Play 'Kulula Ukudlala' Play Bus Tour journeyed across South Africa, spreading joy, learning and the transformative magic of play. As the tour concluded with a vibrant celebration on the International Day of Play (11 June) in Durban, it left behind a legacy of inspiration, reminding caregivers everywhere to "Choose Play – Every Day" and showcasing how play nurtures children’s growth, creativity and happiness. 

Play as a foundation for learning and connection 

The tour reinforced that play is not just fun – it is fundamental. Through interactive performances and hands-on activities, parents and caregivers witnessed firsthand how play fosters social skills, emotional resilience and cognitive development in children. 

The campaign brought together over 1,600 caregivers, while community radio and online outreach touched the lives of nearly 7 million. 

For Nomantobazane Molo (Mafikeng), the experience highlighted play’s role in keeping children physically and mentally healthy. 

Meanwhile, Agnes Skhosana from Bethal  found that play had a healing power. "It helped me destress”, said Agnes. “In whatever emotion I was going through, I was able to be myself and be present in the games. It relieved so much stress. I’m very happy!" 

Reconnecting with tradition, inspiring the future 

The tour celebrated intergenerational play, reviving beloved traditional games and storytelling. Gladness Monageng from Bushbuckridge was moved by the theatre performance, especially the scene where a grandfather shared stories with his grandchildren. "It was beautiful," she said. 

Meanwhile, Prudence Malope, also from Bushbuckridge, rekindled childhood memories through games like Pata Pata, proving that play transcends generations. 

Play is simple, accessible and powerful 

One of the most powerful takeaways was that play does not require expensive toys – just creativity and love. Lenah Chokoe from Mookgophong emphasised, "You do not have to buy expensive toys; you can find ways to play right at home." 

And as Patience Mahlangu from Phola Park summed it up: "Parents learned that play needs no fancy tools – just imagination and care." 

A lasting movement for change 

At the end of each activation, participants left their #PledgeToPlay commitments. Glory Mashishi from Mokopane vowed, "I put my handprint on the bus – I promise to play with my child, no matter how tired I am!" 

Meanwhile, Sarah Morongwa from Mokopane pledged to visit homes and show children that "adults can be fun too!" 

For many, the campaign was a welcome reminder of what parents already know. "We needed this reminder”, said Nkensani Nkuna from Bushbuckridge. “Today, we got the tools to play with our children again."  

On 11 June, the International Day of Play, UNICEF South Africa Representative, Christine Muhigana, joined the PlayBus in KwaMashu, Durban for the campaign’s final activation. “It is something that you forget, that we all have in ourselves,” she said, reflecting on the value of play in children’s lives. “In order for us to relate to our children, we need to remember how it feels and how easy it is for a parent to find a way to bring a child to feel safe, to feel nurtured and loved,” Christine concluded. 

The journey continues 

Though the Play Bus Tour has ended, its impact lives on in the laughter, learning and connections it sparked across South Africa. The call – to "Choose Play – Every Day" – echoes on with the knowledge that when children play, they learn, grow and thrive.