Winterton’s children are about to step into a brighter future, thanks to a new Early Childhood Development facility being built through an extraordinary collaboration.
Winterton, South Africa (30 September 2025) – Sometimes the most powerful journeys don’t involve aeroplanes or faraway destinations… they begin right here at home. Good Things Guy has proudly joined forces with Air France–KLM and a collective of passionate partners to support the building of a brand-new Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal.
Earlier this month, we sat down with Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France–KLM, who explained what inspired this heartfelt project.
“Many organisations are well supported nearer to the bigger cities,” he said. “But it’s the rural areas that also need our help. We believe that with our global reach comes a responsibility to give back and make a difference in the communities we serve. This project is a powerful example of how meaningful impact is possible when we break down silos and collaborate with a shared focus. It is a reminder that real change happens when we turn our plans into reality for those who need it most.”
The initiative is a partnership between Air France–KLM, The Wiltons Foundation, Champagne Sports Resort, YouthBuildSA, Aquila Private Game Reserve, Volvo, XL Nexus Travel, GE Monitoring Systems, Access Systems Solutions and Visit Drakensberg. Together, these organisations have committed to uplifting the Siletha Ukukhanya Creche in Khetani, Winterton.
The existing crèche, which currently serves 60 children, has been deemed unsafe and flagged for closure by the District Municipality. Rather than allowing these children to lose their vital early education space, the partnership is building a brand-new facility from the ground up. The project will not only create a safe, permanent home for early learning but will also empower the local community by involving volunteers and residents in the construction process.
At the heart of this initiative is The Wiltons Foundation, an organisation dedicated to transforming rural education.
Their unique, self-sustaining model funds much of their work through their own business operations, ensuring that projects have long-term continuity. With the help of YouthBuildSA, young people are empowered through hands-on training and skills development, particularly in the construction industry. This ensures the project doesn’t just deliver a building – it delivers opportunity, growth, and hope for the next generation.
How You Can Help
Real change requires collective action and the public is invited to be part of this incredible story. Donations can be made via the official BackaBuddy campaign. Every rand will go directly to material and build costs, ensuring the crèche becomes a reality as quickly as possible.
This initiative isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating safe spaces, nurturing education and empowering communities. It’s proof that when businesses, foundations, and individuals come together with a shared purpose, they can build far more than a classroom… they can build futures.
by 