Department Registers 1,340 Early Learning Programmes

Over 1,300 early childhood development programmes have reached Silver or Gold registration as the Department pushes toward a 4,000-programme target.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Child Care

Screen-print poster illustration of a small wooden child-sized chair and round low table in a sunlit room with a clay pot of dried grasses. — The Department of Basic Education reported 1,340 early childhood development programmes have reached Silver or Gold registration, serving about 55,600 children, as it pushes toward 4,000. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Department of Basic Education reported that 1,340 early childhood development (ECD) programmes had achieved Silver or Gold registration as at 2 October 2026. The registered programmes collectively serve approximately 55,600 children.

Why it matters

Registration is an important requirement for ECD programmes to qualify for access to the ECD subsidy, which the Department currently pays at R24 per child per day. For families and providers across South Africa, registration status determines eligibility for state support.

The 1,340 registered programmes serve about 55,600 children, and the Department's current subsidy is R24 per child per day against a long-term target of R48. The programme-type breakdown has not yet been published and will be provided to Parliament once verified.

The players

Department of Basic Education

The national government department responsible for early childhood development policy and the ECD subsidy in South Africa.

The details

ECD programmes can apply for registration online or through a USSD service accessible from a mobile phone. Support is provided through more than 75 non-governmental organisations, 14 district support hubs, an Early Learning Programme Support Fund, and joint outreach with SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs.

2025-26: R10 billion allocated for ECD over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
2 October 2026: 1,340 programmes achieved Silver or Gold registration.
End of 2026/27 financial year: Target of 4,000 registered ECD programmes.

Roadmap

The Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive sets a target of 4,000 registered ECD programmes by the end of 2026/27. The 1,340 programmes registered so far represent 33.5% of that goal.

Programmes that register at Silver or Gold level become eligible for the ECD subsidy, which the Department currently pays at R24 per child per day. Parents in rural and low-income communities may see changes in the availability of registered early learning programmes as the drive proceeds.

The takeaway

Parents choosing an early learning programme can check whether it holds Silver or Gold registration, since this status governs access to state subsidy support. Registration can be applied for online or through a USSD service from a mobile phone.

What happens next

The Department targets registering 4,000 ECD programmes at Silver or Gold level by the end of the 2026/27 financial year, and will provide the verified programme-type breakdown to Parliament once finalised.