Ms Mmatsetshweu (Ruby) Motaung is a nationally respected Early Childhood Development (ECD) leader with over 30 years of experience in education, policy development, systems change and curriculum. As the former Deputy Director at the Department of Higher Education she developed and Gazetted and trained a policy on professional qualification in Early Childhood Care in Education (ECCE) from birth to 4 years of age. This policy marks the first time in the history of ECD (Birth to 4 years) in South Africa that a formal set of professional and post-professional qualifications for Birth to 4 years has been formulated as a national policy.
At TREE, Mama Ruby pioneered the Sivulithuba Tertiary Programme amongst other initiatives, The Sivulithuba Tertiary Preparation Programme is an innovative partnership initiative pilot launched in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to tackle a pressing challenge in the ECD sector: the lack of pathways for underqualified practitioners to enter and succeed in higher education. Its purpose is simple yet profound — to “create opportunities” (Sivulithuba in isiZulu) for ECCE practitioners to strengthen their academic and professional capabilities, thereby contributing to a more qualified and competent workforce.
Mama Ruby is a sought-after voice on multiple national and international platforms. Her work continues to influence policy and practice across the continent, cementing her legacy as a distinguished change-maker in ECD. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her leadership.
In her current role as Director at Training and Resources in Early Education (TREE), Ms Motaung continues to demonstrate visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to quality early learning. She remains a champion and advocate for ECD, working tirelessly to drive transformation and inclusivity across the sector. Through her service on numerous national and provincial committees, she continues to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration and contribute to the ongoing re-imagining of ECD in South Africa.
Recently appointed to serve in National Education and Training Council (NETC) and serve in the EXCO of the structure. This is a structure that is responsible to Advise Minister of Education on policy issues. Mama’Ruby continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing national ECD sector as she is serving on a number of National structure that are contributing in driving the sector evolution.
She remains a driving force in reimagining and professionalising Early Childhood Development in South Africa.
