Cotlands successfully hosted its 81st AGM virtually via Microsoft Teams on September 9.

The event featured guest speaker Gavin Keller, an internationally acclaimed educator and leading expert in Mind-Brain Education Science, alongside keynote speeches from Marcelle Arnold, chairperson of Cotlands’ board, and Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe, acting CEO of Cotlands.

Fireside chat with Gavin Keller

The AGM included an inspiring fireside chat with Gavin Keller, who shared insights from his 40 years in education.

Gavin has transformed schools into dynamic learning environments that motivate both educators and learners. He highlighted the critical role of play-based early learning, explaining its scientific basis and its importance in a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

He emphasised the need for both individual and corporate investment in future generations, noting that play-based learning helps break the cycle of intergenerational poverty while shaping future leaders and citizens.

Chairperson’s report

Marcelle Arnold reflected on a year of growth, resilience, and strategic progress despite financial and sectoral challenges.

Highlights included the launch of Cotlands Social Enterprise Toys2Rent, operational upgrades, strengthened fundraising and business development strategies, and approval of the FY2026-2028 strategic roadmap.

The board focused on succession planning, funding growth, and advocacy, while maintaining strong governance and transparency.

Marcelle celebrated milestones such as the expansion of Cotlands’ toy libraries, scaling accredited ECD practitioner training, and deepening advocacy for play-based early learning. She welcomed Adrian Moodley as the new treasurer, thanked Motseki Majake for a smooth handover, and expressed gratitude to Cotlands’ staff, partners, and donors for their commitment to shaping brighter futures for South Africa’s children.

CEO report

Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe highlighted Cotlands’ progress, challenges and vision for the future. Key achievements included the launch of Toys2Rent, establishment of a centralised training unit, SACE endorsement of seven training courses, and a 33% improvement in school readiness scores across Cotlands’ early learning programmes.

Strategic partnerships with Sesame Workshop South Africa, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and corporate partners have broadened Cotlands’ reach and impact.

Despite financial pressures, funding gaps, and talent recruitment challenges, the organisation strengthened governance, explored new funding models, and invested in organisational resilience. Nozizwe also announced that Marcelle would step down as her six-year tenure on the board ends, thanking her for her leadership over the last two years.

New board appointments

Marcelle confirmed the appointment of two new board members, Stanford Ndlovu and Thabo Mokoena.

She also announced the resignation of Nthabiseng Moraka and Kefilwe Mokwena and thanked them for their contributions during their tenure.

Looking forward

Nozizwe outlined priorities for FY2026-2028, including expanding toy libraries, professionalising the ECD workforce, and securing long-term financial sustainability to ensure that vulnerable children continue to benefit from quality play-based early learning opportunities.