The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education received a thorough update on early childhood development (ECD) today from government departments and civil society organizations.
In April 2022, the ECD function was transferred from the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Committee Chairperson Ms. Joy Maimela addressed key issues including funding, curriculum changes, teacher and caregiver training, resource allocation, and registration.
Ms. Maimela noted that while the ECD function has officially moved to the DBE, the necessary funding and infrastructure have not followed. “The ECD sector needs better resources to meet the ‘thrive by five’ standard,” she emphasized.
The DBE outlined its 2024 priorities, which include a major registration drive for ECD centers, amending the Children’s Amendment Bill, developing an Outcomes Framework, and increasing sector funding.
The committee was informed that the government aims to ensure every young child in South Africa has access to a quality ECD program. These programs should offer quality learning opportunities, a safe environment, and good nutrition. The mass registration initiative is a crucial first step toward this goal. Over the next year, the government plans to collaborate with provinces to expedite the registration of more ECD programs.
Currently, the subsidy for ECD is R17 per child per day. This amount is insufficient, impacting access and compromising service quality. The subsidy was intended to remove cost barriers for the poorest children, but it is not meeting this objective.
The committee learned that only 35% (1,504,584) of poor children aged 0 to 5.5 years are enrolled in early learning programs, and just 16% receive subsidies. The DBE aims for 53% (2,301,261) access for poor children by 2030, with all receiving subsidies.
The DSD reported its role in providing child protection services and psycho-support at ECD centers. This includes identifying children in need of care, enhancing parenting skills, and implementing the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (NIECD) strategy. The DSD is also working to strengthen community safety nets through the Community Based Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (RISIHA).
The Department of Health highlighted its collaboration with the DBE on ECD initiatives and expressed a desire to enhance this partnership to provide more comprehensive services for mothers and children. Progress has been made in delivering essential maternal, newborn, and child health services at both facility and community levels.
Civil society representatives raised concerns about funding, nutrition, and the qualification of practitioners, with fewer than 50% being properly qualified.
Ms. Maimela acknowledged the progress since the migration but stressed that much work remains. She criticized claims that no progress has been made in the ECD sector over the past 30 years, noting that vulnerable children are indeed better off now than before.
Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of Joy Maimela, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education.