Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has concluded a high-impact visit to the Northern Cape, where she spearheaded a series of early childhood development (ECD) initiatives, including a successful mass ECD registration drive and the unveiling of the new !Xunkwesa ECD Centre in Plattfontein, Kimberley.
The day began at Thabane High School, one of the top-performing schools in Galeshewe. The school principal delivered a presentation outlining the school’s academic progress over the past three years. He reflected on how the school overcame its status as underperforming and shared… pic.twitter.com/4MuyCgmJ8D
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) July 24, 2025
Addressing a large turnout of ECD practitioners during the Bana Pele Mass Registration Clinic, Gwarube applauded their commitment to quality education. “Registering your ECD is the first step towards ensuring that we can provide learning, development, safety, and nutrition for every child,” she said. Importantly, she reminded the public that ECD registration is free, warning that any practitioner being charged should report the matter to the department.
Gwarube confirmed the next registration clinic will be held in the Eastern Cape, where she intends to continue strengthening ECD networks at the grassroots level.
Just visited !Xunkwesa ECD centre in the Platfontein area in the Northern Cape, which was built after the two ECD centres in the community were vandalised.
Teachers in the community reached out to the provincial department and a corporate partner,Palms for Life, to work… pic.twitter.com/QI0u4j6qHx
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) July 24, 2025
A Rebirth in Plattfontein
In a touching moment, Gwarube toured the brand-new !Xunkwesa ECD Centre, built after two prior centres were vandalised in the San community of Plattfontein. The new centre was developed through a public-private partnership between the Department of Education and Palms for Life.
Speaking alongside Northern Cape MEC Zolile Monakali, Gwarube emphasized the long-term value of the facility. “This is perhaps an example of what a state-of-the-art ECD centre should look like,” she said. “It offers a real opportunity to lay the proper foundations for learning.”
The centre caters to !Xun and Khwe children, two San-speaking groups who will now receive early education in their mother tongues, a method proven to improve literacy, comprehension, and learner confidence.
Community Pride and Ownership
MEC Monakali, alongside community leaders, urged locals to take pride in the facility. “The Premier reminded the community during the launch: this is your centre—take care of it,” he said.
The centre stands as a shining example of what collaborative investment in children’s futures can look like when government, civil society, and corporate partners unite.
Minister’s Closing Message
“This is a dream with a plan,” Gwarube told reporters, echoing the headline used by the DFA. “We are working to make early learning equitable, accessible, and foundational for all South African children, no matter how rural their community is.”
Dumelang eNoord Kaap!
It’s a jam- packed day this side.
The first stop was at the province’s top performing quintile 2 school in Galeshewe – Thabane High School.
The matric class of 2025 is rearing to go. I also managed to go into their kitchen to look at their school… pic.twitter.com/nud4FCLP7z
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) July 24, 2025
