This year marks a significant milestone for Takalani Sesame, as it celebrates 25 years of nurturing the minds and spirits of millions of South African children.
Since its inception in 2000, Sesame Workshop South Africa, the organisation behind the beloved children’s programme, has been a beacon of early education, health, and wellness, effectively reaching over 7 million households across the nation.
In a forward-focused move, the organisation has announced a robust partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) aimed at catalysing early childhood development (ECD) registration throughout South Africa.
This collaboration forms part of the Bana Pele (Putting Children First) campaign, an initiative that aligns perfectly with Sesame’s mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
For decades, Takalani Sesame has been at the forefront of transformative early childhood education, evolving from a pioneering television show into a cultural staple that has reshaped national conversations around inclusion and health.
The introduction of the world’s first HIV-positive Muppet, Kami, and the Peabody Award-winning “Talk to Me” special illustrates the show’s commitment to addressing crucial social issues while engaging young audiences with joy and curiosity.
“For 25 years, Takalani Sesame has stood for smarter, stronger and kinder children,” said Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are thrilled to join hands with the Department of Basic Education to deepen our impact.”
Highlighting the urgency of their mission, Dr Nwaneri pointed out that investing in South Africa’s children today paves the way for a stronger nation tomorrow. The Bana Pele campaign calls for guardians to support local ECD centres in getting registered with the DBE, unlocking free access to essential government support. This includes the newly allocated R10 billion aimed at enhancing the ECD subsidy, thereby expanding access to quality early learning environments for underserved children.
Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, echoed these sentiments in welcoming the partnership: “Children are South Africa’s greatest assets, and this collaboration aligns with our vision to put our youngest citizens first and prioritise early learning as a national imperative.”
Dr Nwaneri further stressed the dual significance of early childhood development, not merely as an educational prerequisite but as an essential economic strategy. “ECD lays the groundwork for lifelong health and learning,” she explained.
“Moreover, investing in quality early learning drives skills development, stimulates job creation, and fosters a more inclusive economy—outcomes vital for South Africa’s long-term growth and prosperity.”
The Bana Pele registration initiative not only enhances learning access but also establishes a compliance framework that ensures safety and quality in ECD centres. Through continuous government support and partnerships, these centres can strive for improved standards, moving from Bronze to Silver and Gold accreditation levels.
As the celebration unfolds, Dr Nwaneri emphasised the initiative’s wider societal call to action: “This campaign is about much more than just celebrating 25 years of success; it’s a collective challenge for everyone in the nation to ensure no child is left behind. Whether it’s registering, fostering early stimulation, or simply raising awareness, there’s a role for everyone in helping our children reach their fullest potential.”
Saturday Star