Children's Act Amendments: DBE & DSD Briefing

Video The Portfolio Committees on Basic Education and Social Development convened to discuss amendments to the Children's Act, with a focus on the transition of Early Childhood Development (ECD) responsibilities from the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The meeting included representatives from both Departments. The briefing highlighted the implications of the 2022 Presidential Proclamation, which transferred ECD responsibilities to Basic Education, making it accountable for Chapters five and six of the Act. The Children's Amendment Bill aims to free up resources in provincial education Departments through new streamlining and efficiency measures; support quality access by ensuring the regulatory framework is contextually appropriate; more clearly enshrine the approaches and principles of Bana Pele in Law; and create alignment with DBE's policy and curriculum frameworks as well as with the functions of other government Departments. During a joint briefing, the DBE and the DSD acknowledged that the current Act has gaps and does not align with the DBE's aim to improve early learning access and quality. These chapters cover partial care facilities and ECD programmes, respectively, with provisions for registration and funding. The DBE emphasised the need to address gaps in the Act, streamline bureaucratic processes, and align ECD services with their educational policies to improve accessibility and quality. The discussion was filled with concerns about funding for ECD centres in rural and informal areas, the integration of nutrition and health services, and the alignment of municipal bylaws across regions. Members questioned the readiness of provincial Departments for implementation and stressed the importance of considering public feedback, especially from parents and ECD practitioners. The DBE committed to refining the registration process and ensuring broader consultation. Further discussions addressed the financial implications for local governments and the need for regulations that support smaller independent ECD providers. Members questioned the anticipated challenges in implementing the Act, and the readiness of provincial Departments to assume new responsibilities. The importance of linking nutrition access to ECD learners and the role of the Department of Health in developmental screenings were also highlighted.