Case Studies

Ilifa Labantwana: a systems change case study

Systems change work happens in complex, social systems, where interactions between components of the system are dynamic and unpredictable. Many of our most vexing social challenges, from poverty to climate change, are borne out of large, complex systems in which the pathway to change is uncertain and non-linear and patterns and behaviours in the system are deeply entrenched.

Ilifa’s systems work has focused on strengthening and co-creating the institutions, strategies, and practices that the ECD ecosystem needs to thrive, and increasingly, by situating ECD as a multi-dimensional route to shifting South African inequality. The lessons from this process have been recorded in this case study, to elevate Global South systems thinking, by reflecting on the tactical and theoretical approaches honed by Ilifa.

The case study reflects on two of Ilifa’s core system strategies – namely ‘unlocking public financing’ and ‘reframing ECD service provision’ – and explores inflection points, impacts, and lessons arising from implementing these strategies over time.

The case study was produced in partnership with Spring Impact and Percept Consulting.

 In the words of our partners

The complexity of systems change work relies on partnerships. In its 16 years of operation, Ilifa has nurtured multiple long-term relationships across government, civil society and the donor space. Below, two of Ilifa’s partners share their accounts of our joint impact.