I want to welcome first and foremost the Honourable Minister of Social Development, Minister Bathabile Dlamini, and the Honourable MEC, of Social Development Nancy Sihlwayi.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Fort Hare, Professor Larry Obi, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor George Moyo, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development, Mr Thokozani Magwaza, the Chief Director for Early Childhood Development of the Department of Social Development, Ms Musa Mbere, the Acting CEO of the NDA, Ms Nelisiwe Vilakazi, the President of Wheelock College, Professor Azzi-Lessing, Chairperson, of the Eastern Cape ECD Forum, Ms Michele Kay, the Director of Masibumbane Development Organisation, Ms Tabisa Bata, representative from the Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC), Daryl Braam, representatives from South Africa Partners, members of the National Office of Social Development, the broader early-childhood development members, and the HOD of Social Development - KZN, Ms. Nokuthula Khanyile.