ORT SA CAPE brought the Early Childhood Development community together on 31 July 2026 for its Elevate & Connect Conference at Lagoon Beach Hotel, in Cape Town. The room was filled with principals, practitioners, educators, NGOs, and government partners – all gathered to learn, share, and strengthen the work happening in early learning.
The day covered big, meaningful topics: how leadership in ECD is changing, how AI is beginning to shape the way we think about education, and why mother‑tongue learning remains one of the most powerful tools in a child’s early development. A lively panel featuring the Department of Education and sector organisations unpacked what’s working on the ground and what the next chapter of ECD should look like.
More than anything, the conference reminded everyone why this work matters and how collaboration, shared learning, and strong networks can move the sector forward.
