Measuring what matters most.
Are South Africa's young children set up for success?
Important Note: The Thrive by Five Index (April 2022) originally reported stunting rates of 25% nationally, which used a definition of stunting that incorporated ‘mild stunting’.
The Thrive by Five Index stunting data has since been recalibrated to include only ‘moderate stunting’ and ‘severe stunting’, resulting in revised national stunting rates of 5.65% in children aged 50-59 months attending an Early Learning Programme in 2021. The recomputation of stunting statistics has had implications for many sections of the report. The original reports have been updated and we ask that you please use these August 2022 updated versions when quoting the Index.
What percentage of 4 to 5-year-old children in Early Learning Programmes in South Africa are thriving?
Children who start school on track are more likely to stay on track and to lead healthy and productive lives.
The Thrive by Five Index 2021 was South Africa’s first nationally representative survey of preschool children, providing authoritative data used to galvanise action and drive change, ultimately ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive by five. The best way to shape a positive future for South Africa is to harness the full potential of every child.
The Thrive by Five Index 2024
The Thrive by Five Index is run every three years. Data collection for the Thrive by Five Index 2024 has concluded in November 2024.
In addition to assessing over 5,000 children enrolled in early learning programmes across South Africa and across all income groups, the 2024 Index will also include preschool-aged children not enrolled in any form of programme.
About the Thrive by Five Index
The Thrive by Five Index is the largest survey of preschool child development ever undertaken in South Africa with the goal of establishing whether children attending Early Learning Programmes are developmentally on track for their age.
What Our Partners Say
The Thrive By Five Partnership
The Thrive by Five Index is a multi-sectoral partnership, led by the Department of Basic Education and coordinated by DataDrive2030.
