Cabinet has approved several legislative measures aimed at strengthening early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa during Child Protection Month.
The approval includes the submission of the Children’s Act Amendment Bill, 2026 to Parliament, which seeks to improve and streamline the country’s early childhood development system.
Changes to Early Childhood Development Regulations
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the amendment bill is intended to simplify South Africa’s fragmented ECD regulatory framework by placing oversight under one department.
“The programmes and regulations were overseen under Chapter 5 of the Children’s Act by different authorities to a consolidated ECD regulation under the revised Chapter 6 of the Amendment Bill under the sole responsibility of the Department of Basic Education.
“The Amendment Bill introduces a single registration process for ECD centres and one set of Norms and Standards for the ECD Programme,” the Minister said during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
What the Children’s Act Amendment Bill Means
The proposed legislation aims to:
- Consolidate ECD oversight under the Department of Basic Education
- Introduce a single registration process for ECD centres
- Create one set of national norms and standards for ECD programmes
- Improve coordination and consistency in early childhood education services
The changes are expected to simplify compliance requirements for ECD centres while improving access to quality early learning programmes for children across South Africa.
Child Protection Month Focus
South Africa marks Child Protection Month in May, with government departments and organisations focusing on issues affecting children’s safety and wellbeing.
Speaking at the official Child Protection Month launch in the eDumbe Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe called for urgent and coordinated action to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Tolashe warned that rising levels of child abuse and teenage pregnancy remain a “national disgrace”.
Government Prioritises Child Safety and Early Learning
The latest legislative developments form part of government’s broader efforts to strengthen child protection systems and improve access to quality early childhood development programmes.
The Children’s Act Amendment Bill is expected to play a key role in improving the management and regulation of ECD centres while supporting better outcomes for young children in South Africa.
