Press statement
For immediate Release
14 November 2015
National Lotteries Commission infrastructure project to take off in the Eastern Cape
14 November 2015 - the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) will today launch their Early Childhood Development (ECD) infrastructure project at a sod turning event in the Eastern Cape.
Attendees will be addressed by the Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini and Phumulo Masualle, the Premier of the Eastern Cape.
The programme also includes NLC Commissioner Thabang Charlotte Mampane, and the Chairperson of the NLC, Prof. Alfred Nevhutanda
Says Mampane, “We are pleased to announce that this launch is finally taking place almost a year after the NLC advertised the infrastructure targeted call under the charities sector”.
She also notes that funding from the NLC will be used to build 21 early childhood education facilities across the Eastern Cape. They consist of nine buildings which can accommodate up to 120 children and 12 ‘edutainers’ (converted shipping containers). One of the first centres to receive their ready-to-occupy ‘edutainer’ is the Loyiso Day Care Centre in Mdantsane, East London where the launch is taking place.
The edutainers consist of a classroom with tables, chairs and all necessary learning materials. “Teachers can start immediately with lessons once the container is installed,” says Mampane.
A second service container containing a kitchenette in which to prepare food for the children, a sick bay and an office are included.
“We will also provide a fence if required and install outdoor equipment,” she adds.
The Loyiso Day Care Centre and the other successful applicants in the Eastern Cape were selected from nearly 5 000 countrywide applications received when the NLC issued a targeted call for applications which aimed to invest in ECD initiatives.
“We recognise that weak foundations can seriously undermine the social and economic vitality of the nation.
“In a bid to address the educational and socio-economic gaps caused by historic inequalities, we have commited to investing in ECD initiatives and ensuring that such programmes become game-changers in the lives of South Africa children, particularly those from poor communities”.
Mampane adds that the sites for the Eastern Cape centres were selected in partnership with the Department of Social Development, which identified the communities with the most pressing needs.
Building plans for the brick and mortar schools have also been pre-approved by the department.
Ends.
Media Release for the National Lotteries Commission
Contact: Ms. Odaho Sengani, Senior Communications Officer on
012 432 1506 or e-mail ; 082 821 5846 / 083 753 6968