The City of Johannesburg social development department hosted a regional early childhood development (ECD) summit on Friday 9 September 2021. ECD centres from all 7 regions in the city attended the virtual summit aimed at finding solutions to some of challenges that the ECD sector faces.
MMC for Health and Social Development, Eunice Mgcina said the primary role of the city in relation to the ECD sector is to ensure the safety and security of ECD centres by enforcing compliance with the city’s by-laws.
“The city monitors ECD sites and provide training where there are gaps,” said Mgcina.
A 2014 audit of 17 wards done by the City found that only 20% of ECD centres were compliant with city by-laws.
“Some of the persisting challenges faced by ECD centres especially those in the township and informal settlements is the inability to produce building plans for existing structures.”
Mgcina said ECD centres in low-income communities’ struggle to meet infrastructure requirements for health certificate.
“The total application fees required to comply is unaffordable to ECD centres in low-income communities,” she said.
The ECD summit was robust and managers of ECD centres were given an opportunity to speak on what they wanted the City to improve. Further consultation between the City’s Social Development and ECD centres will take place to come up with a workable policy that will benefit both sides.
“The City is committed to ensure that in so far as our legislative mandate is concerned, we play our role as required. I am begging your assistance and indulgence to fulfill this role without hindrances. I can never over-emphasise the importance of the ECD sector not only in the city but for the country as a whole,” said Mgcina
