The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has taken a decisive step in advancing South Africa’s educational future with the official opening of its multimillion-rand Department of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) building at its East London campus.
The purpose-built, three-storey facility was unveiled on Thursday, 7 August 2025, by UFH Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, Interim University Council Chairperson Ms Kuselwa Marala, and Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof Tsediso Makoelle.
The launch coincides with the full accreditation of the university’s Diploma in Education in Early Childhood Care and Education (NQF Level 6) by the Council on Higher Education. The building is equipped with demonstration rooms, a pre-primary, psychology and speech facilities, one-way viewing booths, and specialised teaching spaces, enabling trainee educators to engage in real-time, practical learning.
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has officially opened its new, purpose-built, multimillion-rand Department of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) building located on the East London campus.https://t.co/zHLmwucF4Y pic.twitter.com/Xi6ChiukgZ
— University of Fort Hare (@ufh1916) August 8, 2025
A Strategic National Investment
Prof Buhlungu hailed the new facility as a “strategic investment in South Africa’s future” and a direct response to the National Development Plan 2030’s call to strengthen early childhood development (ECD) as the foundation for lifelong learning.
“Advancing early childhood education has always been our vision. This facility positions UFH at the forefront of training educators who will lay the foundations for future generations,” he said.
Construction began in 2016 with funding from the Department of Higher Education and Training but stalled in 2017 when the initial contractor became insolvent. The project was revived in 2023 and completed within budget 22 months later.
Tackling Critical ECD Challenges
Prof Makoelle underscored the urgent need to address systemic challenges in ECD delivery, particularly in the Eastern Cape, such as a shortage of qualified practitioners, inadequate facilities, and limited rural access.
“This building is more than bricks and mortar, it is a hub for community dialogue, research, and collaboration to create an inclusive ECCE ecosystem,” he said.
The department already operates research hubs across Buffalo City, Chris Hani, OR Tambo, and Sarah Baartman districts, functioning as “living laboratories” to inform policy and improve practice.
Community and Sector Impact
ECD educator Nomveliso Maleki from Sophumelela Day Care Centre welcomed the development, saying, “We are now more hopeful that ECD centres will be prioritised as an essential foundation for every child’s education.”
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Ms Marala emphasised UFH’s commitment to producing knowledge that directly addresses developmental challenges:
“Investing in the first five years of life yields some of the highest returns of any public policy intervention.”
Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, delivering the vote of thanks, said the facility’s opening marks “a new chapter in UFH’s dedication to infrastructure excellence, teaching, and community upliftment.”
With its modern facilities, research focus, and alignment with national priorities, the new ECCE building is set to become a cornerstone for professionalising early childhood education in South Africa.
