Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has once again reiterated the importance of the foundation phase for the development of children.
Motshekga was speaking at Freedom Park in Pretoria, where the Department of Social Development has transferred the Early Childhood Development (ECD) function to the Department of Basic Education.
The symbolic handover of #ECDFunction was done. All administrative processes and milestones have already been met to ensure a smooth transition.
Starting today, the DBE is responsible for supporting, funding, and regulating ECD programs. pic.twitter.com/tFIuVt0GXz
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) April 1, 2022
The transfer comes in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2019 State of the Nation address that responsibility for ECD centers would pass between the two departments.
Motshekga says they worked tirelessly for a smooth transition.
“There is no way to build a better future than to focus on the first foundations and strengthen them. We believe that early childhood education is the foundation for development and growth. Today marks a high point as we follow our peers around the world in moving ECD from social development to basic education. »
“The change in ECD function will fail without involving civil society, the corporate sector, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations and parents. Its success depends on our collective understanding to achieve universal and equitable access to quality ECD. pic.twitter.com/9m2MzJb3oK
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) April 1, 2022
Fixing education starts with the foundation phase
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said fixing the country’s education system must start with the foundation phase.
In his remarks at the inaugural elementary school summit in Randburg in March 2020, Makhura said research shows there are major gaps in the foundation phase of the school system.
He said it doesn’t help to be among the top-performing provinces when it comes to matrix results, when little attention is given to lower scores.
The prime minister said if children get a good education while they are still young, and with the introduction of technology-related subjects, it will benefit the country in the long run.
