Cape Argus reports that the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is ready for a smooth transition of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) function from its fold to the Department of Basic Education (WCED) come 1 April.

The shift of responsibility follows the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation address in 2019 that the ECD function would be moving from the DSD to the DBE. In announcing that it was ready for the move, the DSD advised that it had implemented relevant procedures to ensure that the function shift took place as smoothly as possible. In a statement, the DSD said that it had so far facilitated the transfer of contacts and memoranda of understanding and handed over overall business architecture (Standard Operating Procedures), databases and required documentation, among other processes. While all ECD services will move over to WCED, partial care services will remain with the provincial DSD. The DSD will also continue to render child care protection and support to families within the broader area of ECD. “No significant major changes will be made to the operational aspects and service delivery model for ECD in the first two years to ensure a smooth transition,” DSD spokesperson Joshua Chigome said.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nomalanga Tshuma at Cape Argus

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