Thousands Celebrate the Power of Play @ Penreach Play Day 25

MBOMBELA – Laughter, colour, and the joyful sound of 3 000 children echoed across the Nelspruit Rugby Club during one of the region’s largest celebrations of early learning — Penreach Play Day 2025.

This high-energy, high-impact event was held in honour of the International Day of Play, under the global theme “Choose Play – Every Day.” The rugby field was transformed into a purposeful play wonderland, igniting imagination and laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

From interactive play zones and storytelling sessions to music, movement, and sensory exploration, the day was more than just fun — it was a bold, visual demonstration of collective commitment to Early Childhood Development (ECD), not only in Mpumalanga but across South Africa.

“Play is not a luxury — it is a right, and a vital part of how children learn. Today, we saw the power of that truth come alive,” said Thulile Makofane, Penreach ECD Director.

Penreach expressed pride in hosting this powerful moment alongside valued partners, funders, educators, and the broader Penreach and Penryn family — all united in their belief in building a smarter South Africa from the ground up.

“We extend our deepest thanks to our current ECD funders and the sponsors of the day, whose investment is not just enabling events like this — it is unlocking potential in thousands of children.”
As the ECD sector continues to gain national momentum, Penreach Play Day 2025 served as both a celebration and a call to action — rallying communities, organisations, and government around the value of early learning and the urgent need to prioritise play.

For more information or to support Penreach’s programmes, visit www.penreach.org.za or contact johanri@penreach.co.za. – Laughter, colour, and the joyful sound of 3 000 children echoed across the Nelspruit Rugby Club during one of the region’s largest celebrations of early learning — Penreach Play Day 2025.

This high-energy, high-impact event was held in honour of the International Day of Play, under the global theme “Choose Play – Every Day.” The rugby field was transformed into a purposeful play wonderland, igniting imagination and laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

From interactive play zones and storytelling sessions to music, movement, and sensory exploration, the day was more than just fun — it was a bold, visual demonstration of collective commitment to Early Childhood Development (ECD), not only in Mpumalanga but across South Africa.
“Play is not a luxury — it is a right, and a vital part of how children learn. Today, we saw the power of that truth come alive,” said Thulile Makofane, Penreach ECD Director.

Penreach expressed pride in hosting this powerful moment alongside valued partners, funders, educators, and the broader Penreach and Penryn family — all united in their belief in building a smarter South Africa from the ground up.

“We extend our deepest thanks to our current ECD funders and the sponsors of the day, whose investment is not just enabling events like this — it is unlocking potential in thousands of children.”
As the ECD sector continues to gain national momentum, Penreach Play Day 2025 served as both a celebration and a call to action — rallying communities, organisations, and government around the value of early learning and the urgent need to prioritise play.

For more information or to support Penreach’s programmes, visit www.penreach.org.za or contact johanri@penreach.co.za