Buthelezi supports early learning
Buthelezi was invited as a guest speaker at the Mandela Day commemoration organised by the NPC at KwaCeza outside Ulundi last Monday
PRINCE Mangosuthu Buthelezi praised the SmartStart Early Learning NPC for “closing the gap” in access to early learning in rural areas by training practitioners.
Buthelezi was invited as a guest speaker at the Mandela Day commemoration organised by the NPC at KwaCeza outside Ulundi last Monday.
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“It is a remarkable project. I thank you on behalf of the members of the Buthelezi clan, Inkosi Sibusiso Ndebele and members of the Ndebele clan.
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this work, particularly as it is being done right here where I live, in a place that is close to my heart,” he said.
He said that, while SmartStart operates throughout South Africa with a network of over 90 000 enrolled, they choose their localities wisely.
“By operating in KwaCeza, Mahlabathini, and Babanango, they are empowering some of the most vulnerable communities. That would have pleased Tata Mandela, and it pleases me.”
He thanked SmartStart for empowering women to become entrepreneurs and providing opportunities to use their skills to benefit young children.
“The value of Early Childhood Development cannot be overstated. It lays a foundation for young children to successfully navigate formal schooling, by preparing them for the environment of learning.
“Right now, these children look to adults to meet their every need. But they must be taught to stand on their own two feet and to help themselves.
“The philosophy of self-help and self-reliance is one that I have advocated for my entire life. I believe in equipping people to create their solutions,” he said.
SmartStart CEO Grace Matlhape said, according to Stats SA, KZN has the highest percentage in the country of children without access to early learning.
She explained that studies show the first five years of a child’s life are crucial to developing social, cognitive, emotional, and language skills that form the foundation for school performance and overall life success.
“Regardless of whether it’s SmartStart or another local early learning programme, the important thing is that your child receives sufficient nurturing and play-based mental stimulation from a young age,” said Matlhape.
“In addition to teaching them key skills, early learning provides safe spaces for children to spend their time while their parents are out at work.”
Recognising that learning is a collective process, SmartStart partners with communities, churches, ECD forums, government, and social impact investors to reach families across the country.
“Our partnerships have been instrumental in helping to close the early learning gap in South Africa.
“We continue to seek organisations that will partner with us to drive transformative behaviour shifts at both policy and delivery levels,” Matlhape concluded.
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