Western Cape early childhood development registration drive launched by minister Gwarube in Cape Town

The Department of Basic Education has announced that Minister Siviwe Gwarube recently launched the Western Cape phase of the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Registration Drive. This significant event took place on 19 September 2025, at the Play and Learn ECD Centre in Eerste Rivier, Cape Town, aiming to further the national effort to ensure all early learning centres are properly registered and supported.

Detailed list of activities

• Event: Launch of the Western Cape leg of the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Registration Drive.
• Date: 19 September 2025.
• Location: Play and Learn ECD Centre, Eerste Rivier, Cape Town.
• Key person: Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube.
• Purpose: This drive forms part of a larger, important initiative to formalise and support Early Childhood Development programmes across South Africa.

A full detailed article of the Department’s activities

Today, the Department of Basic Education proudly marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Western Cape leg of the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Registration Drive. The event, held on 19 September 2025, saw Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, officiating the launch at the Play and Learn ECD Centre in Eerste Rivier, Cape Town.

This initiative is a crucial part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our nation’s early learning foundation. The Bana Pele Registration Drive aims to ensure that all Early Childhood Development centres across the country are properly registered, meet the required standards, and receive the necessary support to provide quality care and education to our youngest citizens. By formalising these centres, the Department can better monitor their operations, provide essential resources, and ultimately enhance the learning environment for thousands of South African children.

Minister Gwarube emphasised the vital role that quality ECD plays in shaping a child’s future, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and development. The launch in the Western Cape signifies a renewed push to bring all ECD centres into the formal system, ensuring they can access government subsidies, training opportunities, and health and safety guidelines. This effort is not just about compliance; it is about investing in our children and securing a brighter future for South Africa.

The Department encourages all unregistered ECD centres in the Western Cape, and eventually nationwide, to participate in this drive. Our goal is to work collaboratively with communities and ECD practitioners to overcome any registration hurdles and help centres meet the standards for quality early learning. You can find more information about our work and other initiatives by visiting our official website at www.education.gov.za. For more news and updates on Department activities, please visit schoolclick.co.za/category/news/.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What is the Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive?
   The Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive is an initiative by the Department of Basic Education to encourage and assist all Early Childhood Development centres to formally register with the government. This ensures they meet standards and receive support.
2. Why is it important for ECD centres to register?
   Registration is important because it ensures that ECD centres meet safety and educational standards, allowing them to access government support, subsidies, and training. It also provides parents with peace of mind that their children are in a recognised and regulated environment.
3. Who needs to register?
   Any facility that provides early learning and care for children from birth to four years old, whether a crèche, day-care, or pre-school, needs to register with the Department of Basic Education.
4. How can an ECD centre register?
   Centres can get information on the registration process by contacting their local Department of Basic Education office or visiting the national DBE website at www.education.gov.za. The Bana Pele drive specifically aims to simplify this process.
5. What are the benefits for parents if their child’s ECD centre is registered?
   Parents benefit from knowing their child is in a safe, regulated, and quality-assured environment. Registered centres are often better equipped and receive support to offer good educational programmes.
6. Is this registration drive only for the Western Cape?
   While the current launch is for the Western Cape, the Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive is a national initiative that will eventually be rolled out to all provinces across South Africa.
7. What kind of support can registered ECD centres expect?
   Registered centres may be eligible for various forms of support, including government subsidies, access to training programmes for practitioners, curriculum guidance, and resources to improve their facilities and services.
8. Where can I find more information or ask specific questions?
   You can visit the Department of Basic Education’s official website at www.education.gov.za, or contact your provincial Department of Education office for assistance.
9. How does this drive improve early childhood education in South Africa?
   By ensuring more ECD centres are registered and supported, the drive helps to standardise the quality of early learning across the country. This means more children will have access to a strong educational foundation, which is crucial for their future success.