By Silulo Foundation
Lubabalo Charles Nqeme, known simply as Charles, has always carried a deep love for children. Born in Johannesburg in 1985 and raised in Dunoon, Cape Town, Charles’s path has been one of purpose, community care, and unwavering commitment to early childhood development.
For over a decade, Charles dedicated his time to helping Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres around Dunoon navigate registration processes with the Department of Social Development. In 2018, he went on to volunteer as a sports coach at Dunoon Primary School, where he supported learners in sport, physical education, and fundraising efforts, remaining committed to the school for five years.
But in 2023, Charles stepped into a new chapter of his life. He opened his own ECD centre with just four children. Today, that number has grown to 53 and counting.
Building a Safe and Educational Space for Township Children
Charles’s business is more than just a learning space. His centre offers education, childcare, an after-school programme, and even holiday camps that bring the community’s children together to play, learn, and grow. “Our centre belongs to the community,” Charles explains.
What makes his ECD different? For starters, Charles is a male ECD founder, an uncommon but deeply important figure in early childhood education. “That already makes it unique,” he says, “but what we’re known for is the way our kids speak English fluently, with confidence.”
Charles’s dream is grounded in impact: “Every child in South Africa and Africa from 18 months to five years should belong to an ECD centre.”
Resilience, Vision, and the Power of a Positive Mindset
Starting the centre came with challenges, like parents struggling to pay fees and competing with other ECDs in the area. But Charles never considered giving up. “I’ve always been positive,” he says. “I sat down, drafted everything in black and white, and made sure parents committed themselves. That’s how I overcame it.”
That same mindset has guided his journey through highs and lows. And as his centre grew, so did the need for structure and support, something he found in the Silulo Foundation.
Silulo Foundation: A Partner in Progress
Charles credits Silulo with equipping him with vital tools to sustain his business. “They gave me students from UWC to do insights on my business and put my centre in the spotlight through articles and campaigns,” he shares.
Charles was part of the Silulo Foundation’s Student Consulting Programme, which provided him with focused, tailored business insights from University of the Western Cape students studying entrepreneurship and business development. Through this programme, his centre underwent a practical business review, and he received a professional strategy plan that helped him identify key areas for growth—such as fee structuring, parent communication, and marketing. This intervention gave him a clearer roadmap to sustainability and helped him position his centre more competitively in Dunoon.
His participation in the programme was funded by Astron Energy Development Fund, whose support made it possible for entrepreneurs like Charles to benefit from skills development, business support, and exposure. “Without Astron’s funding, I wouldn’t have accessed this kind of high-quality business support. It made a real difference,” Charles says.
One of his proudest moments was being invited to speak as a panellist in front of 60 entrepreneurs, a testament to the leadership and influence he now carries in his community.
The Coca-Cola Grant: Recognition and Growth
In 2024, Charles’s dedication was formally recognised through the Coca-Cola Grant and the Michael Boyce Award. “It means I’m growing. It means my business is going far,” he reflects.
With the support of the grant, Charles plans to upgrade his ECD centre and build additional classrooms to welcome more children. “This recognition had a huge impact,” he says, “and it’ll help me build better facilities for our kids.”
Creating Opportunities and Community Ownership
The centre currently employs four teachers, and Charles hopes to expand to ten within the next few years. “We want to open both day and night,” he adds, sharing his vision of becoming a round-the-clock centre of support and safety for children in Dunoon.
While his business has taken time away from his family, Charles finds fulfillment in knowing he’s making a difference in the lives of others. “Parents respect me now. They know I’m someone they can trust with their children.”
His message to the community? “Treat this centre as your own.” His message to Coca-Cola and Silulo? “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have the glory I have now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Final Word to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Keep your head up. Giving up is not an option,” Charles says. And when it comes to building something in the township? “It’s not going to be easy. There’ll be ups and downs. But it’s worth it.”
Seize the opportunity, join the waiting list to enrol in our next entrepreneurship programme to write your own success story. Email foundation@silulo.com if you want to be added to our waiting list for the next cohort.
