South Africa’s early childhood education is undergoing significant reforms to address longstanding challenges in literacy and numeracy. Although in 2022, 98% school attendance of children from ages 7 to 17 was recorded, there is still a substantial number of learners who struggle to read and write.

Following the recognition of the importance of early learning in South Africa, the government implemented policies that enhance foundational education.

Such initiatives involve making Grade R (the reception year before Grade 1) compulsory for five to six-year-olds and including early learning centres under the Department of Basic Education's jurisdiction.

At the National Assembly in Cape Town, Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, said, "the department is prioritising access to quality early childhood development, recognising that the formative years are critical to laying a strong foundation for a learners’ education journey".

Although efforts are acknowledged, the reforms still face challenges such as complex registration processes and public funding shortages, which hinder the effective operation of community-run businesses.

To bridge this gap, grassroots initiatives have materialised.

Faith Nedoboni, a 57-year-old single mother of three children from Soweto established an after-school program in the neighborhood that aims to strengthen early childhood development. This effort transitioned to Konka Academy, focusing on children up to Grade R, and aims to offer quality education that improves numeracy and literacy levels despite systemic challenges.

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after school program

How South Africa is tackling its early learning childhood crisis