Siletha Ukukhanya Day Care

Two communities. Two spaces of hope. One shared mission.

In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensberg, two neighbouring communities — Khetani in Winterton and AmaSwazi (KwaSmahla) — are working to build safe, permanent spaces for their children to learn, grow, and thrive.

At the centre of this mission are two powerful grassroots stories. Together, they ask one urgent question:

Can we build hope where it’s most needed?

Part One: Rebuilding the Khetani Crèche

In the Khetani township of Winterton stands Siletha Ukukhanya Crèche — a small but mighty centre of care, learning, and love.

Founded in February 2020 by Thandazile Mfuphi and a group of local women, the crèche started as a makeshift shack built from corrugated metal and big dreams. What began with 6 children has now grown to over 60 little learners, many from food-insecure homes.

When SmartStart Early Learning stepped in with food support, it helped unlock even more hope — making the crèche not just a place of learning, but a lifeline.

The Urgent Need<...