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 odaho@nlcsa.org.za; 082 821 5846 / 083 753 6968