Sivulithuba
Opening Doors for South Africa’s ECD Workforce
“Sivulithuba”, meaning Opening Doors, is a bold, first-of-its-kind programme in South Africa. It is reshaping how we support ECD practitioners who have the passion and potential, but not the traditional pathway, to access university.
Sivulithuba
Opening Doors for South Africa’s ECD Workforce
“Sivulithuba”, meaning Opening Doors, is a bold, first-of-its-kind programme in South Africa. It is reshaping how we support ECD practitioners who have the passion and potential, but not the traditional pathway, to access university.
Sivulithuba was created to change that.
It is the first national model that bridges the gap between NQF Level 4 ECD training and tertiary education through a structured and supported academic readiness programme.
Developed in partnership with TREE & Midlands Community College, Sivulithuba equips practitioners with:
- Foundational academic and digital literacy
- University-level study and research skills
- Deepened ECD knowledge and reflective practice
- Ongoing psychosocial, mentorship, and career support
Sivulithuba was created to change that.
It is the first national model that bridges the gap between NQF Level 4 ECD training and tertiary education through a structured and supported academic readiness programme.
Developed in partnership with TREE & Midlands Community College, Sivulithuba equips practitioners with:
- Foundational academic and digital literacy
- University-level study and research skills
- Deepened ECD knowledge and reflective practice
- Ongoing psychosocial, mentorship, and career support
How it started
The Pilot That Proved the Dream
Conceptualised in 2019, piloted in 2024, we launched the programme with 50 NQF Level 4 practitioners. After six months of intensive support, all 50 women successfully transitioned into university, now enrolled in 2025 for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at UNISA.
This isn’t just a milestone, it’s a turning point for workforce development in South Africa’s ECD sector.
How it started
The Pilot That Proved the Dream
Conceptualised in 2019, piloted in 2024, we launched the programme with 50 NQF Level 4 practitioners. After six months of intensive support, all 50 women successfully transitioned into university, now enrolled in 2025 for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at UNISA.
This isn’t just a milestone, it’s a turning point for workforce development in South Africa’s ECD sector.
Through belief and partnerships
A Vision Realised, A Future Reimagined
Sivulithuba is South Africa’s first national model to offer structured university access for ECD practitioners through a targeted bridging programme. It answers the call for access, equity, and professionalisation in the sector.
This vision came to life through the belief and investment of our partners:
DGMT, Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Trust.
Together, we are creating a ripple effect of opportunity. Sivulithuba is more than a programme, it’s a national blueprint for change.
PARTNERS
Through belief and partnerships
A Vision Realised, A Future Reimagined
Sivulithuba is South Africa’s first national model to offer structured university access for ECD practitioners through a targeted bridging programme. It answers the call for access, equity, and professionalisation in the sector.
This vision came to life through the belief and investment of our partners:
DGMT, Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Trust.
Together, we are creating a ripple effect of opportunity. Sivulithuba is more than a programme, it’s a national blueprint for change.
PARTNERS
Enabling ECD,
Unlocking THE FUTURE.
Since 1984.
