Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has advocated for universal access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive by the age of five. The President was delivering remarks at the official opening of the Bana Pele 2030 Roadmap Leadership Summit at Atlas Studios in Johannesburg.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted that the government’s immediate focus is to extend access to early childhood development to every child, calling it one of the most powerful tools for unlocking the nation’s potential. He emphasized that ECD extends beyond education and is a key driver of economic growth. The President noted that investing in ECD yields significant economic returns, as studies have shown that every rand spent on early childhood education can save up to seven rands in future costs associated with remedial education, social services, and criminal justice.
The President underscored that early childhood development provides children with foundational skills necessary for building a successful future, helping to break the cycle of poverty passed down through generations. He stated that children who receive a strong start are more likely to succeed in school and the workforce, reducing societal costs in areas such as healthcare, crime prevention, and welfare.
A research report published to coincide with Brazil’s G20 Presidency estimated that an investment of 2.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in universal childcare in South Africa could have supported 10.5 million women to join the workforce over three years. Due to the profound effect ECD can have on social well-being and development, the President declared that the government had decided to prioritize the country’s children.
Last week, the Minister of Finance announced an additional investment of R10 billion in ECD over the next three years. President Ramaphosa pointed out that 80% of children in South Africa are unable to read for meaning by the age of 10, emphasizing that early childhood development is critical for developing foundational skills such as language, literacy, and numeracy. He added that the experiences and interactions children have can significantly influence their future learning potential.
The President urged all ECD programs to register with the Department of Basic Education to ensure all children receive the start in life they need and deserve. He noted that the ripple effects of a robust ECD system are felt across generations, fostering a cycle of opportunity and growth. President Ramaphosa called for a collaborative framework for ECD that includes government, business, donors, ECD workers, and all other social partners working together at both provincial and municipal levels to improve access to quality early childhood education.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of uniting for the benefit of children, stating that the future of the nation depends on the children being raised today. The President called on all stakeholders to commit to creating an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.