Minister Gwarube Increases Early Childhood Development Grant to R1.7 Billion

by Kelebogile Matlou

Minister Gwarube Increases Early Childhood Development Grant to R1.7
Billion. The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has announced an increase in the
Early Childhood Development (ECD) conditional grant of R1.7 billion for the 2025/26
financial year. The announcement was made during the department’s budget vote
presentation in Parliament.
Gwarube said the increased funding is aimed at tackling literacy and numeracy
challenges at the primary school level. Out of the R35 billion total budget allocated to
the Department of Basic Education, a significant portion has been directed towards
five national priorities, with ECD being a key focus.

“The Department of Basic Education receives a total budget of R35 billion, an increase
from last year. Resources are focused where the greatest need is and the greatest
impact will be in the five national priorities,” Gwarube stated. “The ECD conditional
grant, therefore, increases to R1.7 billion, with over R30 million of that allocated to the
ECD nutrition pilot.”
In addition, R162 million has been allocated for ECD infrastructure to ensure that
learning environments are safe and conducive to early development.
“Our goal is very clear. Every child must enter Grade R ready to learn in all respects.
Our strategy centres around foundational learning, ensuring that all children can read
and calculate by age 10,” Gwarube emphasized.

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