Despite global understanding that the first 1000 days of life are critical to the development and future of the child, access to the best start is rarely guaranteed. In South Africa, Statistics SA report that only 37% of children 0-4 years attend an Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility, with the greatest access in urban areas. For isolated, under-resourced rural communities opportunities for children to thrive are limited by a lack of funding and facilities.

Siyathuthuka Crèche was founded in 2012 by Sindy Zulu a retired teacher, who recognised the desperate need for children in the area to have access to pre-schooling in order to better prepare them for school. Siyathuthuka translated to English means We are developing. Aptly named as Siyathuthuka crèche is the only ECD facility in the area, serving 2 communities of eSikwakwaneni and Magwenya areas in KwaMduku with a population of about 3600 of people.

Community passion brought this creche together with the land donated by the local Chief, bricks and cement donated by a local police officer, and roofing sheets by a local Councillor.

Today the one basic brick structure stands and 41 children attend regularly - their parents eager for them to receive stimulation and care from an experienced teacher. Usually creche facilities also provide a hot meal which is further incentive for parents who have limited resources to nourish their children optimally at home - however Siyathuthuka does not have capacity to provide this - yet. They also do not have ablutions on site - leaving it to the carers to dig holes in the ground - an unsafe and unhygienic practice.

In November 2022 fundraising for this creche was launched by The Mduku Cycling team and Africa Foundation. The cyclists in the local club range from 19-49 years of age and rely on second-hand bikes and apparel to enable them to take to the road and make a difference for their community in doing so. Their moto is "we ride to better someone". They and Africa Foundation staff and supporters cycled the famous RIDE JOBURG challenge - a 97km road bike race through the streets of Johannesburg. Every penny they raised has gone towards Siyathuthuka Creche and we continue to raise funds, to build on what they have started, and to enable the construction of classrooms, ablutions, a kitchen, perimeter fencing and playground equipment.

Thank you for your support!