Minister hosts Bana Pele ECD registration clinics in Western Cape

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is pleased to announce that Ms Siviwe G, the Minister of Basic Education, will be hosting the Western Cape leg of her crucial Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Registration clinics. This important event is scheduled for Friday, 19 September 2025, and marks the continuation of the second phase of the Minister’s nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring all early childhood development centres are properly registered and supported. These clinics are designed to provide essential assistance and guidance to ECD practitioners and centres in the region, helping them navigate the registration process.

Key details

• Event: Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Registration clinics.
• Host: Ms Siviwe G, Minister of Basic Education.
• Date: Friday, 19 September 2025.
• Location: Western Cape.
• Organisation involved: The Department of Basic Education (DBE).
• Purpose: To assist ECD centres with registration as part of the second phase of the Minister’s national campaign.

Departmental activities on early childhood development registration

The Department of Basic Education, through its Bana Pele national campaign, is actively working to strengthen the early childhood development sector across South Africa. The upcoming registration clinic in the Western Cape on Friday, 19 September 2025, is a significant part of this ongoing effort. Minister Siviwe G is committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality early learning environments that are safe, stimulating, and conducive to their development.

These registration clinics are vital. Many ECD centres, particularly those in underserved communities, often face challenges with the formal registration process due to a lack of information or resources. The Bana Pele clinics provide a direct point of contact where centre owners and practitioners can receive one-on-one assistance, clarify requirements, and submit their registration documents. By facilitating this process, the DBE aims to bring more ECD centres into the formal system, which enables them to access government support, training, and resources. This, in turn, helps to improve the overall quality of early learning services, benefiting thousands of young children and their families.

The second phase of this national campaign underscores the government’s dedication to foundational learning. A registered ECD centre means it meets specific health, safety, and educational standards, giving parents peace of mind and ensuring children receive the best possible start in life. For more information on the DBE’s initiatives and to learn about various educational programmes, please visit our official website at www.education.gov.za. You can also explore more departmental news and activities on SchoolClick News.

Questions and answers

What is the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Registration campaign?

The Bana Pele campaign is a national initiative by the Department of Basic Education to help early childhood development centres across South Africa get formally registered. This ensures they meet essential standards for safety, quality, and education.

Why is it important for an ECD centre to be registered?

Registration is crucial because it ensures the centre complies with health, safety, and educational standards. It also allows the centre to access government funding, training, and support programmes, ultimately improving the quality of care and education for children.

Who should attend these registration clinics?

Owners, managers, and practitioners of unregistered early childhood development centres are strongly encouraged to attend. Anyone involved in running an ECD facility who needs assistance with the registration process will find these clinics beneficial.

What documents or information should I bring to a clinic?

While specific requirements can vary, it is generally advisable to bring any existing documents related to your ECD centre, such as proof of ownership/lease, identity documents, zoning certificates, health and safety compliance certificates, and details of staff qualifications. Contacting the local education district office beforehand can confirm the exact list for the Western Cape clinic.

Are these clinics the only way to register an ECD centre?

No, these clinics are designed to provide direct assistance and streamline the process. You can also apply for registration through your local Department of Social Development or relevant provincial education department offices, but the clinics offer hands-on support.

Is there a cost involved in attending the registration clinic or for registration itself?

Attending the Bana Pele registration clinics is free of charge. The goal is to provide accessible support. There might be statutory fees for certain permits or certificates required for full compliance, but the registration assistance itself is free.

What are the long-term benefits for a child attending a registered ECD centre?

Children in registered ECD centres benefit from a regulated environment that adheres to national standards for learning, safety, and nutrition. This foundational early learning significantly contributes to their cognitive, social, and emotional development, preparing them better for formal schooling.

Where can I find more information about upcoming Bana Pele clinics?

Details about future clinics and the Bana Pele campaign are usually shared on the Department of Basic Education’s official website at www.education.gov.za, as well as through provincial education department channels and local media announcements.

How does this initiative support the broader educational goals of the country?

By strengthening the ECD sector, the Bana Pele initiative lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Quality early education reduces school dropout rates, improves academic performance in later grades, and addresses educational inequalities, contributing significantly to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.