LOCAL ECD PRACTITIONERS ADVANCE

June 2026.

Investing in education, skills development, and the empowerment of Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners is essential to improving the quality of early learning and shaping stronger foundations for young children. As part of this effort, fourteen ECD practitioners from the Siyancuma Local Municipality have completed their NQF Level 4 qualification and are now progressing to a Level 5 Higher Certificate, strengthening their skills to deliver better early learning and improve school readiness in their communities.

This milestone reflects a strong focus on building skills and supporting practitioners who play a key role in children’s development. By strengthening their qualifications, the programme is improving teaching quality and supporting ECD centres in local communities.

“Completing this training is an important step in my growth. It has helped me better understand how important our role is in shaping young children’s lives, and it has strengthened my commitment to caring for and supporting them. As I move on to the Level 5 Higher Certificate, I am looking forward to learning more and improving my skills so that I can make a real difference in the lives of children, their families, and my community,” said Segomotsi Modise, beneficiary practitioner.

The training was funded by Boikanyo Solar through its ECD flagship initiative. As part of an 18-month capacity-building programme, the practitioners obtained an accredited NQF Level 4 certificate in Early Childhood Development, issued by the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA).

“All children deserve access to quality basic education. This milestone shows progress in improving teaching, strengthening ECD centres, and increasing the number of qualified practitioners,” said Lesego Mosiane, Social Performance Practitioner for Boikanyo Solar.

Following this achievement, the group has progressed to the NQF Level 5 Higher Certificate. This next phase is aligned with CAPS and prepares practitioners for Grade R teaching roles. It also opens opportunities to apply for teaching posts and register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).

A graduation ceremony was held earlier this year in Bongani Douglas, where the practitioners celebrated with their families and community.

Amongst the practitioners are Amie Smit, Anna Horst, Patricia George, Johanna Baartman, Angelina Blad, Patience Tsibentla, Susan Mlilwana, Josephine Molatlhegi, Segomotsi Modise, Handrieka Kamfer, Brumhilda Leeuw, Roseline Kok, Odette Mostert, Melany Delay, and Monique Kamfer.