By Charmaine Ndlela
The MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, and the Deputy Minister of the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Dr. Reginah Mhaule, visited the Isiqalo-Semfundo ECD Centre in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality on Monday for a special event dedicated to supporting early childhood development.
Joined by the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma, the officials handed over learning kits, school stationery, and other essential resources to five Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the municipality: Sinethemba, Sithembele, Isiqalo-Segundo, MaAunties, and Mahlubi.
The visit formed part of the Bana Pele drive, an initiative aimed at ensuring that all ECD programmes are regulated and comply with legal requirements.
The drive also focuses on quality assurance, ensuring that all centres meet established minimum norms and standards.
“The drive recognises the diverse contexts in which ECD programmes operate and seeks to support them in meeting these standards,” said Masina.
This initiative follows the launch of a new ECD registration drive by the Department of Education in April 2025.
Guided by the department’s 2030 Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Development Programs, the eCares system enables the government to deliver high-quality services to young children.
During her address, Mhaule highlighted the impact of the ECD Mass Registration Drive.
“Since the implementation of the ECD Mass Registration Drive, more than 7 million children are now able to access early foundational learning opportunities,” said Mhaule.
Educators at the event expressed appreciation for the continued investment in the foundation phase, calling it a confirmation of the government’s commitment to quality education from the very first step.
Masina commended the department’s efforts to empower every child.
“Together, we are building a generation of confident, capable, and inspired young learners,” said Masina.
She added that the Department of Basic Education aims to professionalise ECD centres and ensure that every child has access to a quality programme that provides three key elements: quality learning and development opportunities, a safe and nurturing environment, and good nutrition.
The revised 2025 National Budget includes R210 million in new funding for the ECD infrastructure grant in 2026/27 and 2027/28, marking the largest fiscal investment in early childhood development in South Africa’s history, supporting the Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive.
In 2025, the Thrive by Five Index showed that only 40% of children in early childhood programs meet developmental expectations, while 81% of Grade 4 students cannot read for meaning, underscoring the urgent need for improvement.
The Department of Basic Education continues to distribute learning resources to ensure that all learners progress together.
INSIDE EDUCATION
