ECDs need refurbishment and upgrades

Tshwane deputy mayor Nasipha Mayo visited four city-owned early childhood development (ECD) centres in Atteridgeville and Mamelodi on Monday and Tuesday.

Mayo said she wanted to inspect the state of the facilities, and the metro manages seven of them in Regions 3 and 6.

“Four of these centres are operating optimally, while the other three need support in the form of refurbishment and upgrades,” said Mayo.

She said the metro will prioritise these going forward.

Mayo said she was impressed with the level of care that the management, teachers and parents invest in the children’s development despite limited resources and other challenges.

She said ensuring access to the centres is important to our multiparty coalition.

The deputy mayor visited Itireleng, Mmagobatho, Mabolepi and Tiendhleleni preschools.

“Well-functioning centres offer solid foundational learning and development skills to our children. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults,” she said.

She further said the city-owned centres needed to expand access to more communities.

“Furthermore, we strongly believe all ECD centres should provide good, nutritious food, as no child can learn on an empty stomach.

“Our department is committed to working with stakeholders, including teachers and parents, to ensure high-quality early childhood education in Tshwane,” she said.

Tiendhleleni principal Junior Malele said: “We appreciate the deputy mayor’s visit as it will bring hope and change to the centres.”

The principal of Mmagobatho Beaula Phega said they were happy with the visit from the high office in Tshwane.

“We are lacking in many things at the ECD, and we are glad the deputy mayor is here to witness it all and to see our daily challenges,” said Phega.

She said the visit would hopefully bring about change.

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