Championing early childhood development in higher education

The Principal of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Educare, Natascha Hector, was recently named as a finalist for the 2025 HERS-SA Women in Science and Scholarship (WISS) award.

As the only representative from UCT in this year’s national awards, Hector’s recognition places an intense spotlight on her personal journey. The nomination also underlined the importance of the role of early childhood development (ECD) in the higher education sector.

“I didn’t realise the noise it would make,” Hector said. “For me, it was simply about putting myself out there, and in doing so, showing that our work in ECD matters.”

The HERS-SA WISS awards, held on 28 August, celebrate women who are driving change in academia and beyond. Hector, who holds a master’s in adult learning and global change, views the nomination as a representation of a milestone in a career spanning more than three decades in education.

Her career began with her teaching foundation phase learners for 15 years, including four years at a non-profit organisation and six years as a senior lecturer at a TVET college, before her current position as principal of UCT Educare.

Although she did not walk away with the top prize this year, Hector described the experience as an eye-opening one.

“I came in expecting to win, but I left realising there’s always someone better. That in itself was such a valuable lesson. I’ve grown through the process and I’m already preparing to apply again next year.”

The power of recognition

For Hector, the WISS nomination was about much more than professional recognition. It was also deeply personal. Her son, now a student himself, accompanied her to the awards evening.

“As we drove home, he reflected on the pressures women face in the workplace. For me, that was the highlight: that he could see it, acknowledge it, and learn from it.

“Those are the life lessons that are priceless.”

Hector hopes her recognition will inspire others, especially women navigating the dual demands of work and family. “Women are always thinking of everyone else before themselves. My goal is to make a difference for the children we work with, for their parents, and for the women in our profession.”

ECD at UCT: a unique space

Hector currently oversees UCT’s ECD centre, which offers a safe and nurturing space for children of staff and students. Established more than 40 years ago, the centre has grown from just six children to nearly 100, and has become a vital support system for working parents.

“It’s not just childcare,” she explained. “We work with children from as young as six months through to five years old, including those who are neurodiverse or differently abled.

“We collaborate with health sciences, occupational therapy, and engineering students who do their practicals here, linking theory with practice in a way that benefits both children and students.”

The demand is overwhelming, with long waiting lists each year. Parents value the convenience – from on-site breastfeeding support to partnerships with clinics and swimming schools – but, as Hector pointed out, the true impact is in the developmental gains of the children. “Parents are so grateful when they see how far their children have progressed by the time they leave us. That’s the reward.”

A career influenced by dedication

Hector’s path to education was shaped early. With a family history of school principals, she initially resisted the teaching route, but financial realities made it the only option

With a career spanning from the foundation phase to teaching and leadership roles in non-profits and TVET colleges, she built her career on resilience and adaptability.

“I’ve always been determined to keep going, even through health challenges and personal struggles,” she said. “Resilience is my greatest strength.”

That resilience has also guided her through postgraduate studies. Completing her master’s part-time while raising her son as a single mother, she is now considering a PhD, a prospect made more tangible through new national initiatives supporting professional staff in higher education.

“It would be a dream to finally do it full-time,” she said with a smile. “For years, it felt out of reach. Now, it feels possible.”

Looking ahead

As she looks to the future, Hector is eager to strengthen partnerships across UCT and beyond, while continuing to advocate for the value of ECD within higher education.

“UCT has always been groundbreaking – from opening its doors during apartheid, to supporting initiatives like ours,” she said. “We have a unique model that others, even Parliament, are looking to replicate. There’s so much potential still ahead.”

For now, the WISS nomination has reaffirmed her sense of purpose. “Being a finalist was energising. It showed me that even when you don’t win, you’ve already achieved something by stepping forward.

“And that’s what I want others to take from this: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know the doors it may open.”