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Abraham Kriel Bambanani

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Our History

  • More Than A Century of Care

From a safe haven in 1902 to a connected system of care across Johannesburg

Abraham Kriel Bambanani’s history began in 1902 when Rev. Abraham Kriel established a safe haven in Langlaagte for children orphaned during the South African War. Over the years, the organisation grew through Maria Kloppers Children’s Haven, Emdeni Children’s Home, satellite homes, home-based care, early childhood development and community programmes.
Key milestones include 1902, 1908, 1979, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2025 and 2026.
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  • Timeline Highlights

A legacy of of care through the years

From a safe haven established in Langlaagte in 1902 to a connected system of residential care, community support, early childhood development and skills development, Abraham Kriel Bambanani’s journey reflects more than a century of care, growth and long-term impact.

1902

Rev. Abraham Kriel established a safe haven in Langlaagte.

1908

Maria Kloppers established a haven for unwanted and abandoned babies.

1979

Emdeni Children’s Home established in Soweto.

1993

Amalgamation with Maria Kloppers Children’s Haven.

1995

The first satellite home was opened in an ordinary suburb of Gauteng. Amalgamation with Emdeni Children’s Home.

1998

Five additional satellite homes were established in Gauteng

2003

The Home-Based Care programme for HIV/AIDS affected children, in partnership with Steinhoff Africa, was started. Johanna Malan Early Childhood Development Centre became part of the Abraham Kriel Bambanani family to save it from closure.

2006

An additional satellite home was established. Specialised care for traumatised children is introduced on the Langlaagte Campus.

2007

Name change from Abraham Kriel Maria Kloppers Children’s Home to Abraham Kriel Childcare. Westbury Family Care, home-based care, was established.

2008

Impact School opened on the Langlaagte Campus. The Drop-in Centre in Zola, Soweto opened its doors.

2010

Emdeni change: The Emdeni Children’s Home changed from residential care to a skills development centre and a drop-in centre.

2010

Student Accommodation: University student accommodation as a third-stream income venture started on the Langlaagte Campus.

2020

The Langlaagte Campus became a specialist campus for girls only

2021

Restructuring of Community Care Services to include orphaned and vulnerable children.

2025

Closure of the Baby Unit at the Maria Kloppers Campus. It now serves children aged 1–18 years only.

2026

Youthspace Satellite Home moved to a new house in a Johannesburg residential area.

  • 1902: Rev. Abraham Kriel established a safe haven in Langlaagte
  • 1908: Maria Kloppers established a haven for unwanted and abandoned babies
  • 1979: Emdeni Children’s Home established in Soweto
  • 1993: Amalgamation with Maria Kloppers Children’s Haven.
  • 1995–2003: Satellite homes and community programmes expanded
  • 1995: The first satellite home was opened in an ordinary suburb of Gauteng. Amalgamation with Emdeni Children’s Home.
  • 2003: Home-Based Care and Johanna Malan ECDC joined the family
  • 2006–2008: Specialised trauma care and drop-in centre growth
  • 2020–2025: Programme restructuring and campus changes
  • 2026: Youthspace Satellite Home moved to a new Johannesburg house

Continue the legacy of care.

For more than a century, Abraham Kriel Bambanani has walked alongside vulnerable children and youth. Today, you can be part of the journey that helps rebuild futures with safety, dignity and hope.

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