Over 500 jobs will be created through the development and operation of KidZania Johannesburg
Alpha Investment Group (Alpha), a 100% black-owned investment holding company, is set to invest approximately R400million to bring KidZania to South Africa. This initial investment will see the launch of a flagship children’s educational city facility, KidZania Johannesburg, empowering children with informative career choices and creating over 500 jobs during development and ongoing operations.
Through realistic role-play, children up to the age of 18 years learn about different careers, the inner-workings of a city and the concept of managing money. Each experience is designed to empower children, giving them the confidence to be their best selves and to inspire great global citizenship.
KidZania Johannesburg, the first to launch in sub-Saharan Africa, will open in December 2018 and be located in Fourways Mall. It will be an approximately 8000m2 replica of an urban commercial eco-system complete with streets, buildings, a transport system and a fully-functioning economy.
“We [Alpha] believe that it is our role to bring this educational, career-focused concept to life. We are building a platform that will create hundreds of direct and in-direct jobs, and are establishing a safe and fun environment where children can realise their dream career of being a pilot or cabin crew scientist, radio presenter, fireman, surgeon, investment banker, dentist and more,” says David Ngobeni, founder and CEO at Alpha Investment Group.
Ngobeni also said the decision to invest in KidZania and bring the global concept to South Africa was easy as it supports Government’s call for private sector companies to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in our youth, business development and job creation in South Africa.
“The South African economy is in urgent need of professionals across all sectors and the long-term work of developing these skills needs to start at an early age, particularly in children up to the age of 18 years,” says Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba.
Xavier López, founder of KidZania, notes that the launch of KidZania Johannesburg expands the franchise’s footprint to 20 countries globally. There are currently 24 operating facilities with 12 under construction.
Educational and entertaining experiences are crucial to the success of transforming a KidZania city into a mini-reality, and are done in collaboration with industry partners across various sectors. These include aviation, science and technology, automotive, healthcare, finance, arts and culture, education, media, and private sector services, early childhood development, retail, sports and transportation.
South African industry partners who have signed MOUs with KidZania Johannesburg include Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA, DRA, PAR, McDonald’s, Jacaranda FM, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Pritt(Henkell), Clinix, Papachino’s, Mugg n Bean, Milky Lane, Mike’s Kitchen, Chip ‘n Dip, Krispy Kreme, SPAR, BiC, FedEx, Proudly South African to name a few.
“Our industry partners enable us to bring in the necessary realism and authenticity, transforming the city and its activities into an unforgettable experience,” Ngobeni says. “We work closely with our partners to ensure that we deliver activities that echo their brand values and, in turn, empower, inspire and educate children.”
Visitors enter the city through an airport that has a Boeing 737 mounted above it, which will be moved into the site by mid-April at Fourways Mall, and children receive a boarding pass, a city map, 50 KidZos and a GPS-equipped security bracelet to ensure safety. As an added security layer, the children’s bracelet is paired with one given to the adult who brought them – and only that adult may leave with them.
KidZania Johannesburg chose Fourways Mall as the location for its first offering in sub-Saharan Africa to leverage off its substantial investment currently underway, which is set to transform it into one of South Africa’s largest malls.
“KidZania is a vital ingredient in the multi-billion rand redevelopment of Fourways Mall, as it supports our goal of creating South Africa’s premier experiential shoppertainment destination,” says Andrew Costa, COO of Accelerate Property Fund, which owns Fourways Mall. “The children’s city will attract visitors from far beyond our regular customer audience, adding even more to the Mall’s super-regional appeal.”
KidZania is one of the fastest growing global learning and entertainment brands in the world, and has new locations in the pipeline including France, USA, Saudi Arabi and Canada.
Issued by: Tribeca Public Relations
Mmabatho Segole
Direct: +27 (0)10 005 1000
E-mail: kidzania@tribecapr.co.za
On behalf of: Alpha Investment Group Pty Ltd
David Ngobeni, Founder and CEO
Tel: + Tel: +27 10 285 0680
E-mail: enquiries@kidzania.co.za
Website: www.kidzania.co.za
