20262026

Against the backdrop of persistent child poverty, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) today officially launched a newly built Early Childhood Development (ECD) and after-care facility at the Klipspruit West Family Centre. The centre will provide vulnerable children with access to early learning, nutrition, and holistic development opportunities.

According to Statistics South Africa’s 2023 Poverty Trends Report, children aged 0 to 17 remain the most vulnerable group, accounting for 43.1% of South Africa’s poor population. The new facility represents a practical, community-based intervention that improves educational outcomes while supporting families with nutrition, care, and safe learning spaces.

Funded through the GMA’s Social Investment Programme, the centre represents an investment of approximately R1.7 million in early learning infrastructure. It offers quality early childhood education, structured after-school care, and a safe, nurturing environment. Children attending the centre receive three nutritious meals daily, homework support, and access to sports, arts, and life-skills programmes.

Speaking at the launch, GMA Board Chair Prof. Mfanelo Ntsobi highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility:

"Corporate social investment is more than philanthropy; it is a cornerstone of our nation’s socio-economic development. Challenges like poverty, inequality, and unemployment demand proactive responses. By investing in our communities, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also strengthening the social fabric, bridging divisions, and creating opportunities for all South Africans to thrive," said Prof. Ntsobi.

The facility forms part of the Gautrain Project’s ongoing commitment to sustainable community development, particularly in under-resourced areas along the Gautrain corridor and across Gauteng. Through its Social Investment Programme, the GMA supports non-profit organisations working in education, including ECD and STEM initiatives, community care for vulnerable children, and environmental sustainability.

The Klipspruit West Family Centre, a long-standing non-profit, delivers a wide range of social support programmes, including a monthly granny support group, TB, HIV, and AIDS awareness workshops, youth life-skills training, referrals for survivors of abuse and sexual violence, and the provision of school uniforms, stationery, blankets, and clothing to families in need.

End

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Contact:

Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za

Follow Gautrain on:

•X (formerly known as Twitter) - @TheGautrain
•Facebook – www.facebook.com/gautrain
•Instagram - @TheGautrain
•Website – www.gautrain.co.za
•Call Centre – 0800 42887246
•SMS alert line – 32693

__________________________________________________________________________________