How two women embraced early childhood care in South Africa’s underserved communities

This story was written by Shirley Govender. Govender is a community media publisher and managing editor behind three independent, hyper-local community publications in the south of Johannesburg: Globe Post, Orange Farm News and Walkerville & Savanna City Times.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — In Orange Farm, a low-income settlement south of Johannesburg, Sophie Mantoa Motloung, 53, opened her heart — and her home — to the children of working mothers in 2018. What began informally as “Motloung Daycare” was never meant to be a business. 

“I didn’t start it to make money,” Motloung said. “I’ve always had a love for children and I wanted to help the mothers around me who had no one else to turn to.”

Running the daycare from her own home, Motloung offered affordable, loving care to families under pressure. Many were unemployed or underemployed, juggling shifts or attending adult education classes. For a time, her informal center brought laughter, learning and peace of mind to dozens of households. 

“From the very beginning, my vision was to create a safe, warm space where parents in my community could bring their little ones without worrying about the high costs that come with many Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres,” Motloung said. 

“I saw how so many families were struggling — juggling work, home and the care of young children, and I knew I could help,” she added. “Soon, I had many children under my care. Every day was filled with laughter, learning and small moments that reminded me why I had opened my doors in the first place.” 

While fees were modest, Motloung ensured children were well cared for and stimulated, often using recycled materials and storytelling as part of her informal curriculum. She became a sought-after provider of low-cost childcare. Families often referred others to her, citing her warmth and dedication. But community reciprocity was key and when it began to falter, sustainability suffered.

“I didn’t get rich from my daycare and that was never the plan,” Motloung said. “The little I made helped me keep the doors open and meet the child’s needs, but also helped low income women in my community run their homes. That’s what truly kept me going was knowing I was making a difference in my community.”

Eventually, financial strain and broken trust forced Motloung to close. 

“Many started falling behind on payments, forgetting that even a small fee was needed to keep things running,” she said.

“I realized that my daycare, which was built out of love and care, was becoming a source of conflict and resentment. So, with a heavy heart, I decided to close it down.” 

Motloung now looks after her twin grandchildren full-time, but her legacy remains. 

“Even though it ended, I know I made a difference for those families and their lives,” she said. “That’s something no one can take away.”

“I may have stepped away, but I still carry those memories with me — of happy children, grateful parents, and the small difference I was able to make when it was needed most.”

Teaching academics, instilling confidence

Just a few kilometers away in Lenasia South, in a more structured setting in her home, Basheny Garach runs Beautiful Minds, a formal early learning center.

Garach worked as an educator for decades and founded Beautiful Minds in January 2023. It was created in response to the lack of safe, affordable, high-quality care in the area.

“My aim was to provide a safe homey environment where children can learn through play, build a solid foundation and give parents peace of mind that their child is well taken care of and valued at an affordable price,” said Garach, a veteran educator. 

The center follows curriculum guidelines set forth by the provincial government, designed to develop confidence, critical thinking and readiness for formal schooling among children ages 4 to 6.

“Learners speak with clarity and confidence. They recognise, identify and read fluently in English. They excel in mathematics — addition, subtraction, shapes — and have incredible memory recall,” Garach said.

Beyond academics, Beautiful Minds hosts career day field trips, visits to radio stations and newsrooms, does environmental clean-ups and offers interfaith education through mosque, church and temple visits. Garach said a variety of experiences is important for teaching children pride, empathy and respect.

“We celebrate all festivals and respect every background. Our motto is ‘Care with Love’. Every child here is seen, heard and supported,” Garach said. 

Garach’s impact has echoed through generations. 

“Many of my learners’ parents were once my students. They now bring their own children back to me. Some are doctors, artists, business owners — it’s deeply humbling,” she shared.

One case Basheny remembers is an 8-year-old child thought to be unable to cope in mainstream school. 

“He came to us and within months, he was ready and transitioned back,” she said. “Today, he’s thriving and has even won a mathematics award.”

Building community by investing in children

Both women’s stories reveal the opportunities — and constraints — of South Africa’s evolving ECD policy. 

Under the Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005, all centers must meet safety and learning standards. 

Informal setups, like Motloung’s, can now qualify for conditional registration and support. 

Garach has embraced this, but even formal centers like hers face challenges. 

“We don’t enroll more than ten learners due to space,” she said. She dreams of expansion — for learners and for her own sustainability. 

Motloung’s grassroots care addressed an urgent need. Garach’s structured model pushes forward the boundaries of what’s possible with passion and policy. Together, their stories prove that real change often begins not in boardrooms, but in backyards and classrooms — and always in the heart.

“A happy child is a healthy child. A happy parent is a productive, successful, loving parent. And that’s how we build family and community,” Garach said.