Turning national commitment into community action

DURING his State of the Nation Addres (SONA) 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of “the crucial first 1 000 days” and committed South Africa to ending child stunting by 2030 through strengthened nutrition interventions.

- GETRUDE MAMABOLO & JUANITA PARDESI

In doing so, he placed early childhood development where it belongs: at the centre of our nation’s future.The first 1 000 days of a child’s life are not only a health window. They are a developmental foundation. They shape brain architecture, emotional security, learning potential, and ultimately economic participation. If we are serious about reducing inequality and building inclusive growth, then we must begin where development truly starts — with parents and caregivers.

This is what aRe Bapaleng is all about. aRe Bapaleng is a Sesotho phrase meaning “Let's Play.’ But it represents far more than play. It is Seriti Institute's flagship early childhood development programme, designed to close critical gaps in support for children aged 0 to 8 in underserved communities. At its core, it recognises a simple but powerful truth: the primary influencers in a child’s life are not systems - they are parents and caregivers.