Universal Early Childhood Development (ECD) should have started 30 years ago, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa as quoted at the Bana Pele Childhood Development Summit, where he said: “Investing in ECD isn’t about education, it’s about shaping our next generation of skilled, capable and entrepreneurial citizens who will drive the economy forward.”

One of the major challenges facing those involved in Early Childhood Development is locating and registering the centres with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), particularly in the inner city of Johannesburg where many of these are hidden in hijacked or broken buildings. ECD centres need to be registered for several key reasons: to ensure quality programmes, provide a safe environment, and meet legal requirements. Registration also facilitates access to government funding and support for eligible children.

Jozi My Jozi is taking on the challenge and has set a goal to register 100 ECD centres this year. To undertake this huge, but very necessary task, the organisation needs your support consider its limited capacity to track down ECD centres. Your support will enable Jozi My Jozi to upskill unemployed youth in the inner city, provide employment and pay them a stipend as part of the initiative to track down and get these centres registered.

“Jozi My Jozi invites you to join a movement of inspired change as we celebrate Africa Day on Sunday, 25 May with the first in a series of Taste of Jozi pop-up lunches, a fundraising initiative by our Education Workstream,” says Dr Ria de Villiers, who heads up the workstream. “Your plate has purpose. Every meal will help to register and fund early childhood development centres, so they can start receiving grants and support from the DBE.”

The fundraising event takes place in the heart of Johannesburg at Sadie’s Bistro in Marshalltown, offering an immersive experience of inner-city culture, heritage, and cuisine.

The day will begin with an optional walking tour led by celebrated Jozi storyteller and raconteur, Charlie Moyo of LocalPlaces, at 11:00, offering guests a guided journey through the vibrant streets of the inner city.

From 12:00 noon, guests will be seated at Sadie’s long table for a delicious bistro-style four-course meal crafted by Chef Julian, who trained at The Test Kitchen under Executive Chef Luke Dale Roberts, and is inspired by the rich culinary legacy of his Lebanese grandmother, Sadie.

Adding to the vibrant spirit of the day, Peou, a local band, will provide live entertainment during and after lunch, carrying the rhythm of the city late into the afternoon.

“Fifty percent of the ticket prices for the walking tour and lunch will enable Jozi My Jozi to initiate the ECD registration process. Join us as we show how food can fix Jozi, with a fork in one hand and a child’s future in the other,” says De Villiers.

 

Sunday, 25 May 2025

 

11:00 – Walking Tour with Charlie Moyo

12:00 – Lunch at Sadie’s Bistro

 

Sadie’s Bistro, Main Street, Marshalltown

(Parking on Fox & Anderson Streets, with onsite security)

 

R250 pp – Walking Tour

R1000 pp – Taste of Jozi Lunch

 Bookings close on 22 May 2025

 

Neila Joubert-Hartman

 [email protected]    082 316 8535

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Sign up here to join the #JoziMyJozi movement – be part of the solution.

Jozi My Jozi is a movement that seeks to inspire and unite the residents of Johannesburg, South Africa, and beyond to rejuvenate their city with hope and pride. The initiative aims to engage people from various sectors, including public and private, in sustainable solutions for the city’s inner areas, fostering widespread positive change throughout South Africa. Spearheaded by prominent local and international corporations such as Anglo American, Nando’s, IQbusiness, Standard Bank, Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Maharishi Invincibility Institute, and Microsoft, the movement focuses on five key areas to revitalise Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD).

Firstly, the initiative emphasises enhancing safety and security through initiatives like developing safety corridors and implementing solar lighting to create more secure and well-lit spaces. Secondly, the programme includes social engagement efforts to support vulnerable populations such as the homeless. Thirdly, revitalising commerce in the CBD is crucial, with a focus on attracting businesses of all sizes. Additionally, the movement prioritises education, aiming to make the CBD a hub for training and nurturing creativity. Lastly, fostering arts, culture and tourism is recognised as integral to revitalising the city’s urban core.

By uniting various stakeholders and strategic partners, Jozi My Jozi aims to create a movement driven by the community, grounded in constitutional values, and committed to sustainable progress for Johannesburg and beyond. Through these concerted efforts, the movement seeks to sow the seeds of positive change that will radiate throughout South Africa, promoting a brighter future for all.

The official website of the Jozi My Jozi is: www.jozimyjozi.com

Official hashtag: 

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Press Office – Jozi My Jozi

Janet de Kretser – PR & Comms

Email:   [email protected]

Cell:      +27 (0)83 973 3531