Bulumko Sibenya runs an early childhood development (ECD) centre in Langa with his mother, who founded it in 1993. More than thirty years on, it cares for about 100 children, many from the poorest families in the area. Parents pay R150 a month, and for that amount the centre provides breakfast, lunch and snacks. Seven staff teach two classes, one for two- to three-year-olds, and one for four- to five-year-olds. The centre is registered with the Department of basic education, and has non-profit (NPO) status.

Being formally registered makes the ECD eligible for subsidised school meals, which are covered by the Department. The centre belongs to the Langa United Forum, one of two ECD forums in the township. Medical students from the University of Cape Town visit every Thursday morning to check the children’s speech, hearing and eyesight.

Space is tight: the centre rents its building from the City of Cape Town for R1,300 a month, and the building has only two classrooms. Many children come from very difficult home backgrounds. Bulumko would like social workers to support the children and their families.

Bulumko’s main goal is for the centre to have its own transport. Some parents do not come to collect their children before closing time, so teachers often stay until 6pm and then take the children home themselves. A school vehicle would let the centre collect children in the morning and bring them safely home each afternoon.