More than R2 million has been invested over the past financial year to upgrade five early childhood development (ECD) centres operating from City-owned properties. The upgrades benefited Leonsdale, Nantes, Avonwood, Hazendal and Smurf Bubbles in Bellville, and included a range of repairs, new security fencing and fresh paint.
Early childhood development is a cornerstone of lifelong learning and growth. Children who attend these facilities not only go into the foundation phase with stronger language and numeracy skills; they are more confident and better able to adapt to formal schooling. “It is important that we give our children opportunities to learn and develop in safe environments. Early childhood education helps them learn, make friends and develop independence,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Three more ECDs will receive upgrades this year at a collective cost of just over R2,3 million. These are the Little Lillies ECD in Manenberg, Siyazama ECD in Hout Bay and the Understanding Hope and Care ECD in Khayelitsha. “By investing in these centres, we can impact our children’s school readiness, as well as their future academic achievement and success. These centres not only keep young children active and give them an educational head start, but they also learn social skills and grow emotionally, ensuring holistic investment in their well-being,” added Councillor Higham.
In August, an ECD Indaba was hosted to share updates on changes to the Municipal Planning By-Law that will aid ECD compliance, as well as information on how service providers are being supported to make it easier for them to operate and meet registration requirements.
The Community Arts and Culture Development Department (CACD) plays a key role by:
– Supporting the registration process with the Western Cape Department of Education, including help with documentation and coordinating through the City’s ECD modernisation tool
– Delivering training to ECD staff, operators and caregivers
– Engaging external partners, NGOs, and Support Service Organisations
– Facilitating lease agreements and other property-related matters with ECDs operating from City-owned sites
“In this financial year, the Community Services and Health Directorate will invest almost R4 million into supporting and enabling ECDs across all our departments. Our focus is on creating a more enabling environment for ECDs,” said Councillor Higham.
Upcoming ECD compliance drives will take place at Blackheath Hall on 7 October 2025 and at Beautiful Gate, 73 Stock Road, Philippi on 14 October.
Following a visit to upgraded ECDs, Portfolio Chairperson, Councillor Ronel Viljoen noted: “It is clear that the Community Services and Health Directorate’s aim is to give the little ones in our community the best possible start in life.”
ECD operators can request more information from their local CACD regional offices or email cacd.ecd@capetown.gov.za.
Region 1: 1st Floor, Bloemhof Building, 112 Edward Street, Bellville
Region 2: 94 Van Riebeeck Street, Ground Floor, Omniforum Building, Kuilsrivier
Region 3: Unit 201, Block 2, De Tijger Office Park, Hannes Louw Drive, Parow
Region 4: 3rd Floor, 200 on Main Road, Claremont
