Early Childhood Development To Be Placed Under DBE

Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) will soon be under the wing of the Department of Basic Education. 
This was revealed by the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Social Development during a Joint Portfolio Committee meeting. Both departments have agreed that the shift will happen starting on 1 April 2022.
This follows the announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2019 State Of the Nation Address (SONA). During the address, the President stated that ECDs would no longer be under the management of the Department of Social Development, but rather under the management of the Education Department. 
Addressing the joint committee, the departments said President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed transferring powers of the ECD function to the Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga. 
The department said that they have established a way that will ensure the smooth transfer of responsibilities. “To this end, the two departments established various governance structures to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities. The departments have further reached consensus on the scope of the function shift”.
“Based on the recommendation from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisors, we have drafted two Proclamations. The first Proclamation is signed by the President, while the second Proclamation is signed by the Premiers for the transfer of power and functions to the MEC responsible for Basic Education in each province,” the statement said.
The committee was also briefed on progress made regarding the ECD function shift, particularly in relation to the ECD Census 2021 and the South African Early Years Index and Baseline Assessment. The department will conduct the ECD Census 2021 to gather information that will improve the provision of educational needs to learners at ECDs.