News

Early Childhood Development and Partial Care Centres to remain closed

STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Date: 20 May 2020

Release: Immediate

Early Childhood Development and Partial Care Centres to remain closed

The provincial Department of Social Development has received confirmation from the National Department that despite the easing of the lockdown, all ECDs must remain closed until further notice.

All provincial departments must adhere to the Regulations issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the Directions issued by National Department of Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu. Minister Zulu has reiterated that all ECDs will remain closed until further notice. This announcement and other information has been communicated by the Department via Social Service Organisations, and the network of ECD forums across the province to the sector.

There are currently 1 589 registered ECD facilities in the province, of which we fund more than 80 000 children at 1 124 centres. In addition, we fund 88 after school care facilities.

Should there be any further updates to these directions, the information will be immediately shared with the ECD sector.

We encourage all ECD operators to monitor the provincial coronavirus website at coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za and national government’s website at sacoronavirus.co.za where all of the latest developments are posted, online parent support and learning material provided, as well as relief available to residents and businesses.

Published 2020-05-20