What does a national budget have to do with a four-year-old’s chance to thrive?
In this compelling episode of Our Voice, Our Future, we explore how decisions made in government, treasury departments, and corporate boardrooms directly shape the lives and futures of South Africa’s youngest citizens.
Only 45% of children aged 3–5 are enrolled in early learning programmes. One in four children under five is stunted due to chronic malnutrition. And 81% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning in any language.
These aren’t just statistics – they’re signs of a system that fails to recognise early childhood development (ECD) as a vital public investment. Too often, children remain invisible in economic models, development strategies, and budget allocations.
We’re joined by Kelly Morkel, a social policy expert and advocate for child-focused governance, to examine how ESG frameworks, SDG 4 (Quality Education), and long-term planning can – and must – centre children in public investment.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why children are excluded from mainstream economic thinking
- The long-term social and economic cost of underfunding ECD
- How ESG and SDG 4 can reshape national priorities
- What role must government, business and civil society play
Be part of the movement to prioritise children in economic recovery and national planning because the cost of the future should never be paid by those with the least power to shape it.
#OurVoiceOurFuture #ECDMatters #BudgetForChildren #BreadlineAfrica
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Ep 4: Dare to Dream – Greg Bertish
What does it truly mean to “dare to dream”? In this inspiring episode of Our voice, our future, we speak with Greg Bertish, heart surgery survivor, adventurer, author of The Little Optimist children’s books and founder of The Little Optimist Trust.
Greg’s story is a remarkable journey of resilience, imagination and purpose. From spending nearly 200 days in hospital battling a life-threatening illness, to sailing over 200km in a tiny Optimist dinghy to raise funds and inspire children in need, his life is a testament to the power of hope and determination.
We explore how his love for the ocean helped him heal, how his experiences shaped a much-loved children’s book series and how The Little Optimist Trust is bringing optimism, sailing therapy and educational support to under-resourced schools and hospitals across South Africa.
If you believe in the power of stories, imagination and possibility, this episode is for you.
Find out more about Greg’s work: www.thelittleoptimist.org
Support Breadline Africa’s mission: www.breadlineafrica.org
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Ep 4: Dare to Dream – Greg Bertish
What does it truly mean to “dare to dream”? In this inspiring episode of Our Voice, Our Future, we speak with Greg Bertish – heart surgery survivor, adventurer, author of The Little Optimist children’s books, and founder of The Little Optimist Trust.
Full episode live next week
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Episode 3: The power of literacy
In this episode of Our voice, our future, powered by Breadline Africa, we explore the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives and communities.
With 82% of South African grade four students unable to read for meaning, access to books and literacy programmes is more critical than ever.
Join us as we speak with Derek Carelse from The Little Issue, a groundbreaking initiative providing free, curriculum-aligned reading material to young learners across South Africa. We also hear from Dorette Louw from Book Dash, a non-profit dedicated to making high-quality, diverse children’s books freely available to under-resourced communities.
Every child deserves the right to read, to learn and to dream.
Credits:
Production: Creafluence Pty Ltd
Music: Pixabay_music
Images: Canva
Reference Articles:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/02/04/south-africa-afe-transforming-the-basic-education-sector-can-drive-inclusive-growth
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/learning-south-africa-evolving-education-landscape
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/south-africa-broken-and-unequal-education-perpetuating-poverty-and-inequality/
https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/south-africa-education-leading-trends-changing-learning-landscape
https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/371/237029.html
https://www.enca.com/analysis/over-80-10-year-old-south-africans-battle-read-study
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR7NW2jBldY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPgjx0TT4Wg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmUdvTQRbvQ
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Episode 3: The Power of Literacy_teaser
Podcast Description: Our Voice, Our Future – Episode 3: The Power of Literacy**
In this episode of Our Voice, Our Future, powered by Breadline Africa, we explore the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives and communities. With 78% of South African Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning, access to books and literacy programs is more critical than ever.
Join us as we speak with Derek Carelse from The Little Issue, a groundbreaking initiative providing free, curriculum-aligned reading material to young learners across South Africa. We also hear from Dorette Louw from Book Dash, a non-profit dedicated to making high-quality, diverse children’s books freely available to underprivileged communities.
Tune in as we discuss the barriers to literacy, the role of community-driven initiatives, and how innovative publishing models are helping to close the literacy gap.
#LiteracyForAll #OurVoiceOurFuture
About Our Voice, our future, Stories of hope to bring change
"Welcome to Our Voice, Our Future, powered by Breadline Africa—a podcast where real voices tell real stories that inspire change.
This dynamic series brings together changemakers, influencers, journalists, children, community members, politicians, NGOs, and more to discuss the issues that matter most.
With a commitment to inclusivity and community-led dialogue, Our Voice, Our Future provides a platform for crucial social issues, amplifying voices from diverse communities to spark awareness and drive action. Through meaningful discussions, we aim to educate, empower, and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Join us for this compelling journey as we explore, educate, and inform through stories and conversations that empower communities to create lasting change. Together, we can make a difference."
South Africa