Preschools which vowed to play become winners.This awards evening recognised those who implement the Preschools 4 Africa, Play-with-a-Purpose ECD programme with excellence.

Principal of Shalom IHS Pre-Primary from Matlosana (Klerksdorp), North West, Sharon Rhodes, with the National School of Excellence and Top Model Preschool awards.


Excellent early childhood development (ECD) is critical to changing the future of our country.

To recognise those who are contributing to their vision of a ‘Preschool within Walking Distance of Every Child’, Preschools 4 Africa held their 10th Annual National Awards Banquet at Oakfield Farm and Wedding Venue in Muldersdrift on 15 March.

Over 140 guests and preschools from all corners of South Africa and Zambia joined in the festivities at this prestigious black-tie event.

Guests were treated to entertainment by South Africa’s Got Talent runner-up and Preschools 4 Africa brand ambassador, Will Rayz, and enjoyed a delicious dinner and beautiful dècor sponsored by Oakfield Farm.

Rainbow Drift Preschool from Muldersdrift walked away with School of Excellence and Model School Award. Principal Sarah Eloff accepted the award.

This awards evening recognised those who implement the Preschools 4 Africa, Play-with-a-Purpose ECD programme with excellence. The CEO and founder, Robyn Wienand, who is also the chairperson of the National Intersectoral Early Childhood Forum for Registration and Infrastructure, presented the awards.

Guests of honour included the Gauteng Department of Basic Education Chief Education Specialist, Faith Tshabalala; Advocate Terrence Mokale; Director of Development for West Rand District Municipality: Human Capital Management at Gauteng Provincial Government, Fikile Madi, and the Preschools 4 Africa Board of Trustees.

A number of schools were named Schools of Excellence and awarded the title of Model Preschools of the Year. Among these schools were Rainbow Drift Preschool in Muldersdrift; Manor Pre-primary in Sandton; Rainbow City Preschool in Cosmo City; Star Sprouts Preschool in Alberton; Groentjies in Boksburg, and Rainbow Valley Nursery School in Roodepoort.

Shalom IHS Pre-Primary of Matlosana (Klerksdorp), North West walked away with the National School of Excellence and the Top Model Preschool awards.

Early childhood development is vital to changing South Africa, as statistics show that crime decreases and higher education results increase if one gets the first five years of child upbringing right.