Some people are born into entrepreneurship — others are raised by it. For Nonhlanhla Mngomezulu, it was both. Since matriculating, she has never entered formal employment. Instead, she’s always found a way to earn independently — from baking to hairstyling to informal trading. But her true calling emerged close to home, within the walls of Thembalethu Community Crèche, a daycare founded by her mother, Ethel Mngomezulu, in 1996.

What began as a safe haven for vulnerable children quickly evolved into a structured early learning space serving the community. The crèche can care for 67 children (46 were at the creche on the day we interviewed Nonhlanhla), 80% of whom come from households reliant on social grants. With a team of six teachers, two kitchen staff and one principal, Nonhlanhla runs a fully functioning early childhood institution — one rooted in love, discipline and safety. Laughing warmly, she says, “I’ve raised many kids — some even call me their second mother.”

Now that her mother is retired and on pension, Nonhlanhla has stepped up to lead the organisation. But passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Her biggest struggle is cash flow — many parents cannot pay consistently, and rather than turning children away, she and her team often use their own money to keep the daycare running. For them, children’s safety and development come first, profit second.

Depending on the age of a child, parents are expected to pay between ZAR 400 and ZAR 500 per child per month. As a registered “early childhood development” center (ECD). Thembalethu also benefits from financial support from South African Department of Basic Education. Nonhlanhla explained to us that the subsidy is currently six-months late, causing important cash flow issues to the ECD.

Despite the financial strain, Nonhlanhla remains focused on growth rather than survival. Her administrative systems are largely in order — what she needs now is support. Her vision is to secure ongoing sponsorships and partnerships that can sustain Thembalethu’s impact long-term. She isn’t just running a daycare — she’s preserving a legacy of community care while building the future of township childhood development.