The Thrive by Five Index 2024 has been released, providing South Africa with the most comprehensive picture yet of how our preschool children are developing in terms of learning, health, and wellbeing.

The findings are both sobering and urgent:

• Only 42% of children enrolled in early learning programmes are on track in their development.
• Fine motor skills and early numeracy scored lowest, with fewer than one in three children meeting expected milestones.
• A persistent gender gap shows that girls (48%) are outperforming boys (37%).
• 7% of enrolled children are stunted, highlighting the deep connection between nutrition and learning.
• For children not enrolled in an early learning programme, the risks are most significant; only 18% are on track, while over half are falling far behind.

Beyond the statistics lies a clear message: without urgent action, too many of South Africa’s youngest learners will start school already at a disadvantage.

The Index also highlights six areas that require immediate attention, including financing the sector and supporting teachers, strengthening Grade R, linking health and learning, and empowering parents as their children’s first educators.

At Ntataise, we see these findings not just as a warning but as a roadmap. The solutions exist, and the responsibility belongs to all of us – government, funders, NGOs, educators, and parents alike. With the right investment and collaboration, every child in South Africa can be allowed to thrive by the age of five.

 Read the full Thrive by Five Index 2024 here