Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has emphasised the importance of funding Early Childhood Development (ECD), describing it as one of the department’s five key priorities for the years ahead.
According to Gwarube, the ECD Conditional Grant for the 2025–2026 fiscal year has been increased to more than R1.7 billion. Of this amount, R162 million will be allocated to upgrading infrastructure at ECD centres across the country, while over R230 million has been earmarked for a dedicated ECD Nutrition Pilot.
The minister underscored the department’s commitment to ensuring that every child enters Grade R fully prepared to learn — physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
“The longer it takes for a child to get into contact with some form of curriculum, formalised learning, reading and writing, the longer it will take them to be cognitively developed at the level they need to be,” she added.
