Boksburg Civic Centre came alive with joy and celebration as 48 passionate early childhood development (ECD) practitioners walked the stage at their graduation ceremony on June 27.
The graduates completed a fully funded, 12-month ECD training programme that awarded them either SAQA-registered qualifications at NQF Levels 4 or 5, or a national diploma in ECD.
The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) accredited the initiative. It was co-hosted by the Motheo Training Institute Trust and the Topsy Foundation, which sponsored the entire programme.
Sasol also contributed as a sponsor of the programme. Rex Molefe, the founder and director of Motheo Training Institute Trust, addressed the graduates.
Nthabiseng Gumbi.
A long-standing advocate for education and skills development, Molefe praised the graduates for their resilience and urged them to continue pursuing academic excellence.
“We are very proud of our graduates. This qualification is a stepping stone. Through our partnerships with UNISA, North-West University and various private institutions, our graduates can now advance to degree level and beyond. There is no excuse. Lifelong learning is the path forward.”
He emphasised that quality ECD is essential to breaking cycles of poverty and ensuring children receive proper foundational education. Zinhle Lukhele, head of fundraising at the Topsy Foundation, spoke passionately about the broader vision of the programme.
“This graduation is a gigantic step toward professionalising the ECD sector. At Topsy, we work directly with a network of ECD centres in under-resourced areas.
Sandra Mabaso.
“These graduates are now trained, qualified, and equipped to provide not just education, care, nurturing, and structure for the youngest minds in the country.”
Vuyiswa Madiya stood out among the 48 graduates as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
“At first, I doubted myself. I wasn’t sure if I could juggle parenting, work, and studying. But with support from Motheo, Topsy, and my classmates, I gained a certificate and a new identity. I am an educator now. I am someone who can shape a child’s life.
“This programme gave me confidence, knowledge, and purpose. The learning has not stopped. I now dream of studying further, possibly for a degree one day. I want my children to see that it is never too late to grow.”
Rex Motheo and Nhlanhla Sibeko.
Hlalefang Raziya, a qualification development coordinator at ETDP SETA, commended the graduates and reassured them that the qualification they received is nationally recognised and quality-assured.
“This certificate is more than paper; it represents trust. It indicates you are trained to care, nurture, and educate children with integrity and professionalism.
“We are proud that the training providers met all quality benchmarks. You’ve earned this. And for those who did this while being mothers or caregivers, you are superheroes. Your achievement reflects strength and dedication.”
For more information on how to apply for the next ECD programme, visit www.topsy.org.za
Rex Molefe, visionary founder and director of Motheo Training Institute Trust.
Some of the graduates who walked the stage.
Hlalefang Raziya, Qualification Development Coordinator at ETDP SETA.
Graduate Vuyiswa Madiya.
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