Takalani Sesame celebrates 25 years of educational impact in South Africa

For the past 25 years, Takalani Sesame has delighted millions of South African children, becoming a cherished source of education and joy. The non-profit organisation behind this beloved television show, Sesame Workshop South Africa, is taking a bold step into the future as it celebrates a quarter-century of impactful programming. This year, they are forging a new partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) aimed at enhancing early childhood development (ECD) registration nationwide.

As part of the Bana Pele (Putting Children First) campaign, this collaboration seeks to drive awareness and support for early education, health, and well-being. With over 7 million viewers and an embrace from 95% of households with young children, Takalani Sesame has been a transformative force in the realm of early childhood education, making topics like inclusion, health, and well-being resonate across the national conversation.

“For 25 years, Takalani Sesame has stood for smarter, stronger, and kinder children,” said Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa. This milestone is not merely a celebration; it’s a clarion call to deepen their impact in collaboration with the DBE. The importance of this partnership embodies the philosophy that investing in children today will yield a more robust, successful nation tomorrow.

The Bana Pele campaign strongly encourages parents and guardians to register their local ECD centres with the DBE. Not only is registration free, but it also opens avenues for vital government support, including a recently announced R10 billion funding initiative aimed at enhancing the ECD subsidy. This investment aims to widen access for underprivileged children, ensuring they experience high-quality early learning in safe environments.

Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Children are South Africa’s greatest assets, and this collaboration aligns with our vision to put our youngest citizens first.” The registration process will help secure brighter futures for the nation’s children, thereby addressing a crucial national imperative.

Dr Nwaneri elaborates on the broader implications of supporting early childhood development: “ECD is not just about education; it lays the groundwork for lifelong health, learning, and overall well-being.” Ultimately, investing in quality early learning fosters skills development and stimulates job creation, paving the way for a more inclusive economy and nurturing South Africa’s long-term prosperity.

The Bana Pele registration drive asserts that ensuring access to learning goes hand in hand with the enhancement of safety and quality through a transparent compliance process. Early childhood development centres will be empowered to advance their standards, moving from Bronze to Silver and Gold accreditation levels, with continuous support from government and partners like Sesame Workshop.

“This campaign is about much more than just celebrating 25 years of success; it’s also a call to action to the nation,” Dr Nwaneri emphasised. “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring every child has the opportunity to be the best they can be.”