The Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has officially handed over a newly constructed Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Kwa-Guqa Extension 14.

Held on September 30, the official handover was led by MEC Speedy Mashilo.

“This ECD centre was requested by the late former mayor of Emalahleni, Linah Malatjie, and today we are here to hand it over with excitement,” said Mashilo.

The facility includes three classrooms, a staff room, child-friendly bathing facilities, and a laundry room.

During the ceremony, Mashilo stated that the centre aims to provide children with a safe and structured environment for early learning.

“We want our kids not to start school at a late age; they should not stay at home and not do anything till they have to go to a primary level,” Mashilo said.

He further expressed that the department is committed to increasing the number of ECD centres to reduce the number of children staying at home during critical developmental years.

Maria Philias, the founder of Celulwazi Pre-School, welcomed the handover with excitement, highlighting her journey from where the ECD centre started back in the days to where it is now.

“I would like to thank God for keeping me this long to witness this transition. I’d also like to thank our late former mayor for her efforts; they did not go unnoticed,” said Maria.

Mashilo added that the new centre is expected to support children’s readiness for formal schooling and contribute to improved educational outcomes. He confirmed that additional ECD centres are scheduled for handover in Standerton and Bushbuckridge soon.