When people think about young entrepreneurs, Early Childhood Development (ECD) may not be the first sector that comes to mind. Yet across South Africa, young ECD centre owners are stepping into leadership roles, bringing fresh energy, determination, and innovation to the sector. They are creating opportunities in their communities, building sustainable businesses, and helping children access the quality early learning experiences they deserve.
The ECD sector needs passionate, capable leaders who understand both the importance of quality early learning and the realities of running a sustainable business. Through the Grow ECD Small Business Programme, young centre owners are gaining access to training, mentorship, practical tools, and support to help them grow their centres and their impact.
Meet three young women from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Cape Town who are using ECD as a way to create change, build futures, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
"Dreams do come true" – Nokwanda Putini, Kwandamagugu Creche
My name is Nokwanda Putini. I grew up in Elandskop, Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, and in 2020 I opened my ECD centre when I was 24 years old.
I was inspired by my love for children, seeing the need for a good ECD centre in my area, and the high rate of unemployment in my community.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting a PTO letter, which was one of the most important documents needed to open doors and grow my centre.
Before joining Grow ECD, we were struggling with teaching resources and having enough space for teaching and learning.
My business grew a lot because I learned a lot. Our enrolment increased and our infrastructure improved. We were able to provide the quality education we were always hoping to provide.
The Grow ECD App and training have helped us so much. Our work is now much easier because we don’t have to do everything from scratch. The app helps us manage the centre and the training introduced us to different styles of teaching.
I have also grown personally. Today I am on a journey to open another business and another ECD centre. I have even started a mentorship programme for other ECD owners and teachers.
My centre has had a great impact on the community. We have created jobs for young women who are now able to provide for their families. Families no longer have to travel far to access an ECD centre. People in the community often tell me they never thought they would one day have such a good ECD centre in the area.
My dream is to open another school, bring change to another community, continue mentoring other ECD owners, have my own school transport, and move into a bigger space as our enrolment continues to grow.
To other young South Africans, I would like to say: start that business, work hard, believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid because dreams do come true.
Being a young ECD business owner means working hard and being a mother of the nation.
"Do not let fear stop you from beginning" – Mosodi Pauline Basaya, Shinning Stars Daycare Centre
My name is Mosodi Pauline Basaya, and I am the owner of Shinning Stars Daycare Centre.
I have always had a passion for working with children and helping them grow in a safe, loving, and educational environment. I started my journey in Early Childhood Development at the age of 30 with a dream of building a centre that would support both children and families in my community.
What inspired me to become an ECD centre owner was my love for children and my desire to make a positive impact in my community. I understood how important early childhood development is in shaping a child’s future, and I wanted to create a place where children could feel safe, loved, and prepared for school and life. I also wanted to create opportunities for myself and others through entrepreneurship.
Like many small business owners, I faced several challenges while starting and growing the centre. Some of the biggest challenges included financial difficulties, limited resources, infrastructure needs, and balancing the responsibilities of running a business while still learning and growing as an entrepreneur.
There were moments that tested my strength, especially during difficult financial periods, but I remained committed to my vision.
Before joining Grow ECD, one of our biggest struggles was business management and financial stability. It was difficult to manage administration, budgeting, and finding sustainable ways to grow the centre while still maintaining quality care and education for the children.
Being part of the Grow ECD Small Business Programme and ECD Business Accelerator has brought many positive changes to my journey. The biggest benefit has been the knowledge, support, and business guidance I received. The programme helped me understand how to manage my centre more professionally and confidently. It also opened my mind to better ways of improving and growing the business while focusing on sustainability and quality education.
The Grow ECD App, training, and business tools have helped me improve organisation, record-keeping, planning, and communication within the centre. The tools made it easier to manage daily operations and understand the financial side of the business better.
Personally, this journey has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident, and resilient leader. Running an ECD centre has taught me patience, responsibility, leadership, and problem-solving skills. I have learned that challenges are part of growth, and I now believe more in my abilities as a young businesswoman and leader.
Shinning Stars Daycare Centre has had a positive impact on the children and families in our community. We provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where children can grow and learn. We have also supported working parents by giving them peace of mind, knowing their children are cared for in a loving environment.
My dream is to continue growing Shinning Stars Daycare Centre into a bigger, fully equipped learning centre that can serve more children and create more employment opportunities in the community.
To other young people in South Africa who want to build something meaningful but feel afraid to start, I would say: do not let fear stop you from beginning. Every successful journey starts with one small step. You do not need to have everything perfect before you begin. Believe in yourself, stay committed to your vision, and be willing to learn along the way.
Being a young ECD business owner means creating hope, building futures, and proving that young people can make a meaningful impact in their communities.
"One step at a time, you will surely get there" – Phelisa Mtengwana, Yizani Sakhe Ubunye Educare Centre
I am Phelisa Mtengwana, Principal of Yizani Sakhe Ubunye Educare Centre in the heart of Khayelitsha.
Growing up, I never imagined myself being part of the ECD industry. I always saw it as an industry for older women. But watching my mother work with children changed my perspective. I could see the impact she had on young children by laying a strong foundation that carried them through their academic years.
I slowly fell in love with the field and started helping her at the centre. When my mother retired, I took over as principal with no ECD qualification and only basic knowledge of running a centre.
At first, it was hard being the youngest person in a space where many of the staff members had more experience than me. Leading people who had worked there for years was challenging, but I was passionate about ECD and determined to make my mother proud by growing the school.
I completed my Level 4 qualification and am currently studying towards Level 5.
Attending Grow ECD training made a huge impact on both my life and the school. I learned how to manage money better, manage staff, and calculate school fees.
The Grow App was a game changer. It made life easier for both me and the staff through assessments, registers, and ongoing training that continues to help us develop and improve.
Through this journey, I have grown to love and accept my calling, which is serving my community through ECD.
Our school has had a positive impact on the community. We are located in an area affected by crime and alcohol abuse, and we provide a safe and caring environment for children while their parents are at work. We choose to love them as they are.
My dream is to elevate my school and see it become one of the leading ECD centres in Khayelitsha. With Grow ECD by my side, I believe I will reach that goal.
To any young person who does not know where to start, I would say: first find your calling. It may seem difficult, but one step at a time you will surely get there. Do not be afraid to start over. If I did it, surely you can too.
Being a young ECD business owner means pushing until you reach your goal and never giving up, no matter the situation.
The stories of Nokwanda, Mosodi, and Phelisa remind us that youth leadership is not only found in boardrooms, offices, or large companies. It is found in classrooms, playgrounds, and ECD centres where young entrepreneurs are creating opportunities and shaping the future of their communities every day.
They are creating jobs. They are supporting families. They are building sustainable businesses. Most importantly, they are helping children access the quality early learning experiences that can change the course of a life.
Their journeys show what is possible when young people are given the opportunity, support, and tools to succeed. Through passion, perseverance, and a commitment to their communities, they are helping build a stronger future for South Africa, one child at a time.