Early education in South Africa is in crisis and the crisis is at its worst in poor, rural communities such as Malungeni in the former Transkei homeland. Here development is hampered by lack of water, electricity, internet, infrastructural constraints, lack of government subsidies and unemployment leading to challenges around access to food, health care, education and general quality of life. Through the work of Dr Spiwo Xapile of The Platform (an NPO), infrastructure has been put in place, including a feeding scheme and new schools. With development of the Malungeni communities has come a need to invest in quality foundational education at ECD centres. Africa A+ Schools collaborates with The Platform to upgrade the quality of early education in Malungeni and is active in more than 20 schools. The three-year project has been delayed by lack of funds, but is now moving forward into its second year of training in 2025.

Reports on the Malungeni project are available below: