Still no reopening date for ECD centres
The Department of Social Development says a date is yet to be determined for the reopening of early childhood development centres (ECD).
Parliament’s social development committee was briefed by the national and provincial departments on the implementation of food distribution programmes and Covid-related matters on Thursday evening.
The department’s deputy director general Connie Nxumalo said they are treating the matter with absolute care.
“We are acknowledging that the issue of return to work is forcing us to reconsider to open ECDs and loss of income, issues of nutrition.
“And also, the fact that we regard ECDs as safe space for children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.”
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Nxumalo added that the department is guided by its framework to establish a suitable reopening date.
The department is currently in phase 2 of its plans.
“Each and every ECD should do self-assessment using the tools that we have developed. We will open in the dates which the minister will pronounce in the gazette,” Nxumalo said.
Partial care facilities such as aftercare facilities are included.
The department is under mounting pressure to reopen ECDs as more and more parents return to work.
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