▶️ the original post was published by ©️ Legal Resources Centre – summary by Vuka.news:
LRC Demands Action
The Legal Resources Centre (LRC) is calling for urgent action after the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Basic Education failed to pay Early Childhood Development (ECD) stipends since August 2023. This has left over 130 ECD centres in financial trouble. Despite many attempts by the LRC, Friends of South Africa ECD Forum (FOSA), and the KZN ECD Alliance, the issue remains unresolved. On 29 October, the LRC sent a letter asking for a clear payment plan by 15 November and full payments by 29 November. If these deadlines are missed, the LRC plans to take legal action.
Background – When the responsibility for ECD shifted from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education, the National Treasury provided funds to support ECD centres. But irregular payments have left many centres struggling, especially in poor communities.
How This Affects ECD Centres – The missed payments have forced ECD centres to make difficult decisions:
- Centre Closures: Many centres have closed or are thinking about closing because of money problems, especially in areas where ECD services are limited.
- Higher Fees: Some centres increased fees, causing parents to withdraw their children.
- No Free Meals: Centres are asking parents to send lunchboxes, but this pushes parents to remove children as they rely on the free meals.
- Unpaid Staff: Workers are not paid regularly, making them lose motivation.
- Poor Nutrition: Centres cannot afford healthy food and must buy cheaper options.
This situation harms children’s learning, safety, and health.
What’s Happening Now
The KZN Department has made some payments but has not explained the delays. The LRC, part of the Real Reform Campaign, asks everyone to join a sit-in on 20 November to demand answers and long-term solutions.
- For media inquiries, please contact: Puleng Mosia 063 011 4333 puleng@lrc.org.za
