SmartStart marks 10 years with Night of the Stars Awards
The SmartStart Network gathered in Fourways for its annual Week of the Stars conference, celebrating a decade of impact in closing South Africa’s early learning gap.
The SmartStart Network gathered at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways on August 9 for its annual Week of the Stars conference, culminating in the Night of the Stars Awards evening.
The four-day event brought together diverse contributors from across the network, including 12 implementing partners, frontline staff, such as call centre agents, coaches, hub personnel, programme leads, and trainers.
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It was an opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and explore solutions to shared and unique challenges in the mission to close the early learning gap for the 1.3 million children in South Africa’s most disadvantaged communities, who currently lack access to quality early learning.
The Night of the Stars Awards recognised partner organisations and individuals whose exceptional performance has propelled the network forward. This year’s keynote was delivered by Kulula Manona, chief director: Foundations for Learning at the Department of Basic Education.
She highlighted the critical role of early childhood development (ECD) in national progress, and recognised the vital contributions of private and social sector partners in building a strong foundation for ECD. “Never for once think we do not know who the real champions are for this work, and what has been achieved for the children.”
Marking 10 years since its founding, SmartStart also celebrated its vision and partnerships. Ntjantja Ned, director of Masoleng Rising, reflected on the early purpose of working closely with government, municipalities, and communities: “To meet children where they are.”
David Harrison, CEO of the DGM Trust, described the network as: “A collective brain and neural system creating consciousness about children in society.”
Mary Venter, executive director of Khululeka, emphasised: “The true power of this partnership can only be realised if we all unlock our potential.” She thanked all network contributors for driving the organisation’s success.
SmartStart CEO Grace Matlhape echoed this sentiment, underscoring a shared commitment to the provision of quality ECD, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to achieve this by reimagining collaboration.
She also thanked partners for their trust in the organisation during the past 10 years, before charting SmartStart’s future as an: “Open network for public good, to achieve universal access to quality early learning for all children.”
Hosted by Nicole Biondi, the Night of the Stars Awards ceremony honoured outstanding contributions across the SmartStart Network, presenting 12 awards to partner organisations and recognising six exceptional individuals for their dedication and impact.
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