Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats

Simple item page
dc.contributor.advisorSwai, Marlon
dc.contributor.authorGrey, Darrin Lee
dc.date.accessioned2025-09-05T06:57:05Z
dc.date.available2025-09-05T06:57:05Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.date.updated2025-09-05T06:51:40Z
dc.description.abstractThis research delves into the intricate challenges and interconnected dynamics of early childhood development (ECD) within the socio-educational landscape of South Africa, specifically focusing on the Cape Flats area in the Western Province. By examining the work, stakeholders, and operations of the non-profit organization ELRU, this thesis underscores the critical importance of ECD in addressing the broader societal issues stemming from a history marked by colonialism and apartheid. South Africa's educational paradigm remains contested due to its historical legacies that birthed racial segregation and societal disparities. Despite efforts post-apartheid to establish equality, the foundational challenge of education for the very young persists, resulting in adverse implications for the country's future. The central chapters intricately weave ELRU's dynamics with the broader educational landscape, emphasizing class distinctions, economic realities, and symbolic powers within the organization. The narrative mirrors the complexities of the Cape Flats, resonating with historical injustices and aspirations for educational equity. Despite these challenges, the research illuminates ELRU's commitment to early childhood development as a means of counteracting historical wounds through quality education. It underscores the role of empowered women, ethical leadership, and the transformative potential embedded within ECD in nurturing resilient communities. Moreover, the study emphasizes Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality as crucial frameworks to challenge oppressive structures and address interconnected societal inequalities, advocating for a comprehensive approach to foster inclusivity and resilience. Opportunities for further research is promoted, including exploring the intricate relationship between memory and pedagogy within ECD, conducting situational analyses in similar socio- challenged regions, and leveraging anthropological tools for deeper insights into NPO-driven ECD interventions. This research underscores the transformative potential of ECD staff and their pivotal role in nurturing equitable societies. It calls for continued efforts to dismantle systemic inequalities and create inclusive educational landscapes for a brighter future in South Africa.
dc.identifier.apacitationGrey, D. L. (2025). <i>Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats</i>. (). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Humanities ,Social Anthropology. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41698en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationGrey, Darrin Lee. <i>"Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats."</i> ., University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Humanities ,Social Anthropology, 2025. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41698en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationGrey, D.L. 2025. Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats. . University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Humanities ,Social Anthropology. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41698en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Grey, Darrin Lee AB - This research delves into the intricate challenges and interconnected dynamics of early childhood development (ECD) within the socio-educational landscape of South Africa, specifically focusing on the Cape Flats area in the Western Province. By examining the work, stakeholders, and operations of the non-profit organization ELRU, this thesis underscores the critical importance of ECD in addressing the broader societal issues stemming from a history marked by colonialism and apartheid. South Africa's educational paradigm remains contested due to its historical legacies that birthed racial segregation and societal disparities. Despite efforts post-apartheid to establish equality, the foundational challenge of education for the very young persists, resulting in adverse implications for the country's future. The central chapters intricately weave ELRU's dynamics with the broader educational landscape, emphasizing class distinctions, economic realities, and symbolic powers within the organization. The narrative mirrors the complexities of the Cape Flats, resonating with historical injustices and aspirations for educational equity. Despite these challenges, the research illuminates ELRU's commitment to early childhood development as a means of counteracting historical wounds through quality education. It underscores the role of empowered women, ethical leadership, and the transformative potential embedded within ECD in nurturing resilient communities. Moreover, the study emphasizes Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality as crucial frameworks to challenge oppressive structures and address interconnected societal inequalities, advocating for a comprehensive approach to foster inclusivity and resilience. Opportunities for further research is promoted, including exploring the intricate relationship between memory and pedagogy within ECD, conducting situational analyses in similar socio- challenged regions, and leveraging anthropological tools for deeper insights into NPO-driven ECD interventions. This research underscores the transformative potential of ECD staff and their pivotal role in nurturing equitable societies. It calls for continued efforts to dismantle systemic inequalities and create inclusive educational landscapes for a brighter future in South Africa. DA - 2025 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - ECD KW - Cape Flats LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - University of Cape Town PY - 2025 T1 - Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats TI - Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41698 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/41698
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationGrey DL. Exploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats. []. University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Humanities ,Social Anthropology, 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41698en_ZA
dc.language.isoen
dc.language.rfc3066eng
dc.publisher.departmentSocial Anthropology
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Humanities
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Cape Town
dc.subjectECD
dc.subjectCape Flats
dc.titleExploring the role of an NPO in the ECD sector: a case study of ELRUs collective society of community stakeholders and staff members within the Cape Flats
dc.typeThesis / Dissertation
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
thesis_hum_2025_grey darrin lee.pdf
Size:
745.96 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.72 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Masters