In August 2009 the Angel Starfish Creche moved into the new purpose built facilities at the Sijonga Phambeli Community Learning Centre.

The crèche started in a shack in Imizamo Yethu in 2000 and then from 2005 was hosted at the home of Tetile and Nonzwakazi (Gertrude) Sgwentu. The Sgwentu’s double garage converted into one classroom and another formed from a large wendy house. During this time Gertrude managed the crèche whilst Vuyiswa Mhlahlo and Zodwa Bobelo worked as care assistants.

In 2008 it was discovered that the crèche did not meet the requirements of the Children’s Act as it was contrary to regulations to operate a childcare facility in an area zoned for residential use. The Sijonga Phambili Community Education Centre responded to the need for an alternative venue and even agreed to include facilities for a child care centre in a new development being funded through a donation from the Netherlands and a National Lottery Award.

The crèche was also not compliant with legislation, It needed to have a proper governance structure, to formally register as a provider of early childhood development services and in order to raise funds and receive non taxable donations, register as a Non Profit Organisation (Charity).

The crèche is now known as the Angel Starfish Educare Centre as the new name better reflect its role as an early childhood development centre providing both childcare and the pre-school grade R curriculum. The Angel Starfish Educare Centre is now under the governance of a management committee and is staffed by a Principal Teacher, Gladys Marange and Care/Teaching Assistants Vuyiswa Mhlahlo and Zodwa Bobelo.

The management committee are currently completing the processes required to ensure legal compliance and registration as a provider of Early Childhood Development services, an employer and as a Non Profit Organisation.

Where possible we encourage donations to the Angel Starfish Educare Centre to be made though the Angel Starfish Project which is a registered UK charity. No donations should be sent to South African bank accounts previously used by the crèche. Organisations wishing to make donations in South Africa can contact the management committee through the website www.angelstarfish.com