ECD shift to education dept underway
“It is possibly the single most important factor in overcoming poverty, unemployment and inequality.”
The Gauteng provincial government’s early childhood development (ECD) centres will no longer fall under Social Development Department but under its Basic Education Department from April 1 next year.
This came after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in 2019 that ECD functions will be moved to the department.
In his speech, Ramaphosa said the government was working to achieve higher and more equitable growth to draw young people into employment and to prepare the country for the digital age.
He said this was essential in equipping children to succeed in education, in work and life.
“It is possibly the single most important factor in overcoming poverty, unemployment and inequality,” he said.
“With over 700 000 children accessing early childhood education in the 2018 financial year, we have established a firm foundation for a comprehensive ECD programme that is an integral part of the education system.”
The announcement comes after a joint presentation during a Tshwane regional ECD summit.
“Most of the ECD programmes are owned by non-governmental organisations, communities and private institutions,” said the director for restorative services to children at the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
“They will not be affected by the function shift, but the Department of Basic Education will become responsible to support, subsidize and regulate the programmes.”
ALSO READ: Metro to continue maintenance of cemeteries
Gauteng Department of Education Phumelele Tloubatla reiterated that the funding of R17 per child per meal would remain the same; however, discussions were still underway.
Tshwane social development MMC Thabisile Vilakazi said that the metro was already in partnership with the departments and also working with the South African ECD sector since last year to ensure a smooth hand-over.
Vilakazi said this shift was important because it would align the school curriculum and the ECD sector to ensure that the children’s future was in good hands.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
