South Africa expands early childhood development subsidies

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that South Africa is now providing early childhood development (ECD) subsidies to an additional 200,000 children, bringing the total to 954,000 nationwide.

The government aims to close a gap of one million children who currently do not have access to early learning programs by 2030 through the Bana Pele Shared Blueprint.

Gwarube highlighted progress made since the first Bana Pele Leadership Summit in 2025, noting an increase in subsidy access and a growing number of registered early learning programs, around 40,000 currently operate across South Africa. The ECD subsidy budget has increased from R3.43-billion in 2024/25 to R6.49-billion, with projections reaching R9.1-billion by 2028/29. However, challenges remain.

The KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court recently ordered the provincial education department to release overdue subsidies to local ECD facilities due to consistent payment delays. Gwarube stated the national Department of Education is working to ensure subsidies are distributed properly at the provincial level, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across government departments and sectors to deliver comprehensive ECD services, including health, nutrition, and safeguarding.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the summit, stressing the need to prepare children for a future shaped by technology while emphasizing the importance of fundamental skills like reading and writing.