Sandton:President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the private sector to significantly increase its investment in early childhood development (ECD) initiatives. He emphasized that quality early learning is crucial for reducing inequality, supporting working families, and strengthening the future workforce of South Africa.

According to South African Government News Agency, in his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa outlined how businesses could help expand access to early learning. This could be achieved by subsidizing fees, upgrading facilities, and funding training for early childhood practitioners. He highlighted that while many companies include education in their Environmental, Social and Governance strategies, their investments often focus on basic education rather than early learning.

The President pointed out that strengthening ECD is not only an investment in children's education but also in the broader economy. It supports the livelihoods of families and practitioners, predominantly women, who manage these programs. He noted that such initiatives allow parents and caregivers, especially in areas with limited employment opportunities, to work, study, or provide for their families.

Ramaphosa highlighted the unequal access to early learning, with over 1.3 million children aged three to five not enrolled in any program. He stressed that children from poorer backgrounds are particularly affected due to the financial burden of ECD centers, whereas those from wealthier communities are more likely to start school with necessary literacy and numeracy skills.

To address these disparities, the government has increased its investment in early learning over the past two years. This includes raising subsidies for ECD programs and committing resources to expand access. The President aims to reach an additional 300,000 children by 2027 and a further 900,000 by 2030.

Efforts like the Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive have also aided in formalizing previously unregistered early learning programs. This helps the government better understand the sector and allocate support effectively.

Ramaphosa praised ECD practitioners for their dedication, recalling a visit to a center in Bizana, Eastern Cape, where staff continued their work despite not receiving payment. Their commitment underlined the necessity of support and recognition for those in the sector.

The President concluded that investment in early childhood development extends beyond education, impacting healthcare, social protection, employment, and economic growth. He called for accelerated reforms in ECD, urging collaboration between government, businesses, and communities to ensure that by 2030, every child in South Africa has access to quality early learning.