Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has warned that more than 60% of South African children are not developmentally on track by the age of five.

She said this raises concerns about setbacks that undermine children’s ability to learn and thrive later in life.

Gwarube was speaking at the Southern and East Africa Regional Childcare Conference, co-hosted with the World Bank on Monday.

She said inequalities in education outcomes begin long before children enter formal schooling.

“Learning does not begin in grade 1; it begins in the earliest years of a child’s life. If we fail to act during this critical window, we entrench inequality before formal education even begins,” she said.

Opportunity Shapes Outcomes

Gwarube said differences in education outcomes are shaped by opportunity, not ability.

She noted that children without early learning support are at a disadvantage from the start.

The minister reaffirmed the government of national unity’s commitment to strengthening early childhood development and education.

She said key interventions are already under way to improve support for young children.

ECD Centres and Subsidies

According to Gwarube, more than 13,300 early childhood development centres were registered in one year, exceeding national targets.

She also pointed to the allocation of a R10bn budget to support ECD subsidies over three years.

The government is also working with the private sector and philanthropic organisations to raise R496m.

The money is aimed at expanding access to quality childcare, especially in underserved rural areas.

Childcare Called an Economic Priority

Gwarube called for urgent and sustained investment in early childhood care and education across Africa.

She said this investment is critical for improving learning outcomes, advancing gender equality and driving long-term economic growth.

“Childcare is a social and economic priority. Access to affordable and reliable childcare enables more women to participate in the workforce, contributing to broader economic growth and sustainability,” she said.

Gwarube also called for stronger regional co-operation, saying countries in Southern and East Africa must work together to improve childcare systems.

“The measure of our success must be the number of children who arrive at school ready to learn, to thrive and to succeed,” she said.