Universal Children’s Day highlights the rights of children as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, reminding governments of their responsibility to uphold these rights.
The ECD Sit-In is organised by Real Reform for ECD (RR4ECD) and grounded in the recommendations of the People’s Manifesto for ECD, developed collaboratively by ECD sector advocates ahead of the 2024 general elections. The ECD Sit-In builds on the momentum from April 2024, when over 600 advocates marched to Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, calling on all political parties to recognise ECD’s vital role in shaping South Africa’s future
Despite the government's commitment to universal ECD access by 2030, significant issues remain. There is an insufficient budget, no clear plan for a national ECD nutrition pilot despite R197 million being allocated, no timeline for tabling the Children's Amendment Bill (2023), and a frozen R17 per child per day subsidy that only benefits one in seven poor children.
Meanwhile, 70% of children are now living in very poor households where their basic needs are not met, one-in-four children under five are stunted by chronic malnutrition, 57% of children attending an ECD programme are not on track for cognitive and/or physical development, about 1.3 million three to five year old children from mostly poor households are not accessing any ECD programmes at all, and 81% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning.
Primary Demands of the Sit-In
The Sit-In aims to draw attention to three urgent priorities:
- #TableTheBill: Table the Children’s Amendment Bill (2023) before Parliament by the end of 2024 and pass it by the end of 2025. This bill addresses critical structural and financial gaps in ECD.
- #SpendTheMoney: Implement a national ECD nutrition pilot by the end of the 2024/25 financial year, using the R197 million allocated by National Treasury.
- #UpTheSubsidy: Restore the ECD subsidy to its 2019 purchasing power of R23 per child per day, with a commitment to increase it to R46 by 2030.
Why This Matters
ECD remains underfunded and undervalued, neglecting the rights of South Africa’s youngest children. The People’s Manifesto for ECD outlines a nurturing care framework that addresses health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety, and early learning. Real Reform for ECD emphasizes that early interventions are essential for developing capable future citizens. Without adequate funding and policy support, the needs of young children and their caregivers remain unmet.
ECD Sit-In Details
- Date and Time: 20 November 2024, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Location: Department of Basic Education Head Offices, Pretoria
Call to Action
Real Reform for ECD is inviting ECD practitioners, parents, supporters, community partners, and the general public to join this ECD sit-in, adding their voices to the call for transformative change in ECD and the future of our country. Those unable to attend can support by sharing the People’s Manifesto for ECD, signing the petition, or amplifying the message on social media with #SpendTheMoney, #TableTheBill, and #UpTheSubsidy
