First Lady uses SADC event to break silence over SA’s children

For many South African families, the earliest years of a child’s life pass quietly, often shaped by circumstances beyond their control. First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, who seldom features at the centre of South Africa’s political conversation, has now used a regional gathering to put those children in the spotlight.

Her message was clear: giving children a stronger start requires action, resources and cooperation.

WHY DID THE FIRST LADY SPEAK OUT?

Motsepe spoke on Monday, 17 August, at a spousal luncheon for First Ladies from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

The event took place alongside the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. South Africa is hosting the summit and has taken over the regional chair for the next 12 months.

Motsepe focused her remarks on Early Childhood Development (ECD). She said about 3.5 million young children in South Africa are not accessing early learning programmes.

That figure underlines a problem that reaches beyond classrooms. Children who miss early learning can lose opportunities to develop skills that support later education and social development.

WHAT CONCERNS THE FIRST LADY ABOUT ECD?

Motsepe argued that ECD should be treated as a right, rather than a privilege. She linked investment in young children to reducing poverty and inequality.

South Africa has already made ECD a national priority under the National Development Plan 2030. The government has also expanded funding and made Grade R compulsory.

Yet access remains uneven.

Basic Education reported that 1.3 million children aged three to five were not attending any early learning programme in 2023. It also said the access gap for 3.5 million children aged zero to two was unknown. Only 45% of children accessing early learning were developmentally on track.

Those numbers give weight to Motsepe’s call. They also show why access alone is not enough. Quality, funding, trained practitioners and safe facilities all matter.

WHY USE THE SADC SUMMIT TO MAKE THE CALL?

The setting allowed Motsepe to widen the conversation beyond South Africa.

She urged the region’s First Ladies to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and support practical action for children. She also highlighted the work of the Early Care Foundation, which has supported ECD practitioners and principals for more than 35 years.

Her message fitted the wider purpose of the SADC gathering. The 46th Summit is addressing regional development, economic growth, food security and social inclusion.

For a First Lady who seldom features at the centre of South Africa’s political conversation, the moment offered a clear platform. Motsepe used it to focus attention on children who rarely have a platform of their own.

Her appeal was also simple.

Every child should have access to care, protection, nutrition and early learning, regardless of where they are born or their family’s circumstances.