This year's AGM features guest speaker, Gavin Keller, an educator who is internationally recognised and is a thought leader in Mind-Brain Education Science. The keynote addresses are delivered by Marcelle Arnold, Board Chairperson at Cotlands, and Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe, Acting CEO of Cotlands, says the NPO.

Fireside Chat With Gavin Keller

The AGM features a fireside chat with Gavin Keller. With over 40 years in education, Keller aims to transform schools into dynamic learning environments that inspire educators and learners. Keller shares his knowledge on the importance of play-based early learning, explains the science behind this and why play is a fundamental part of a child's learning journey, says the NPO.

Keller stresses the importance of individual and corporate investment in future generations, and emphasises the importance of long-term investment in early childhood development and learning, stressing that it shapes future leaders and citizens. He advocates for the value of play in education, explaining that it is essential for children's cognitive development, overall well-being and breaks them out of the intergenerational poverty cycle.

Chairperson's Report

Marcelle Arnold reflects on a year of growth, resilience and strategic progress despite financial and sectoral challenges. Key highlights include the launch of Cotlands Social Enterprise; Toys2Rent, upgrades to operational capacity, stronger fundraising and business development strategies and the approval of a new strategic roadmap for the financial years 2026 to 2028, says the NPO.

The board aims to prioritise succession planning, funding growth and advocacy, while maintaining strong governance and transparency. Arnold celebrates milestones such as expanding Cotlands' toy libraries, scaling accredited ECD practitioner training and deepening advocacy for the recognition of play-based early learning, adds the NPO.

Arnold welcomes Adrian Moodley as Cotland's new Treasurer and thanks Motseki Majake for a smooth and thoughtful handover, and expresses gratitude to Cotland's dedicated staff, partners and donors, affirming Cotland's commitment to creating sustainable impact in early childhood development and shaping brighter futures for South Africa's children, says the NPO.

CEO Report

Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe's report highlights the organisation's progress, challenges and vision for the future. Key achievements included the launch of Toys2Rent, the establishment of a centralised training unit, the endorsement of seven training courses by SACE and a 33% improvement in school readiness scores across Cotlands' early learning programmes. Strategic partnerships with Sesame Workshop South Africa, Clinton Health Access Initiative and corporate partners work to broaden Cotlands' reach and impact. While financial pressures, funding gaps and talent recruitment posed challenges, Cotlands responds by working to strengthen governance, exploring new funding models and investing in organisational resilience, adds the NPO.

Dladla-Qwabe announces that Arnold will be stepping down, as her six-year tenure on the Cotlands board has come to an end. Dladla-Qwabe thanks Arnold for her contribution over her tenure and for leading the Board as chairperson for the last two years, says the NPO.

New Board Appointments

Arnold confirms the appointment of two new board members, Stanford Ndlovu and Thabo Mokoena and announces the resignation of Nthabiseng Moraka and Kefilwe Mokwena from Cotlands Board during the year and thanked them for their input during their tenure, adds the NPO.

Looking Forward

Dladla-Qwabe highlights the following priorities for the 2026 to 2028 period: expanding toy libraries, professionalising the ECD workforce and securing long-term financial sustainability  — ensuring that vulnerable children continue to benefit from quality play-based early learning opportunities, concludes the NPO.

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*Image courtesy of contributor