Crèche Owners March in Joburg Demanding Changes to Strict ECD By-Laws

Early Childhood Development (ECD) educators and crèche owners took to the streets of Johannesburg on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, demanding urgent changes to what they call “unreasonable” municipal by-laws that prevent them from operating legally or accessing government support.

The peaceful protest, organized by the South African Congress for ECD (SACECD), saw about 70 women educators and principals march to the office of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero in Braamfontein. Many of the participants came from informal settlements and townships such as Alexandra, Fine Town, Kanana Park, and Soweto.

“The By-Laws Are Too Strict”

SACECD secretary-general Thato Ramonotsi says the current by-laws fail to consider the realities of informal and township communities.

“The by-laws we feel are too strict. They don’t consider the needs of the child,” she said. “ECD centres in unproclaimed and tribal lands are expected to have approved building plans, title deeds, and zoning certificates. This delays their qualification for subsidies while the children suffer.”

Ramonotsi and the marchers handed over a memorandum asking for the review of zoning regulations and permit processes that disproportionately affect ECD centres in underserved areas.

“Children Will Have Nowhere to Go”

One of the demonstrators, Mavis Malese from Protea South informal settlement in Soweto, has been running the Itumeleng Day-Care Centre for 18 years. She currently cares for 81 children, but says she’s been unable to renew her permit for the past two years.

“Inspectors told me I needed to reduce the children in my daycare because I need to follow the by-laws to qualify for the nutrition subsidy,” Malese said. “But that means many children will have nowhere to go because this informal settlement is densely populated.”

Malese added that reducing the number of children would also force her to cut staff, further impacting livelihoods in the community.

“When I ask when I can get my permit, they keep delaying me. So I’m forced to work without a permit,” she said.

City Promises Feedback in 21 Days

Ntsiki Neti, a representative from the mayor’s office, received the memorandum and promised feedback within 21 days. As of the time of publishing, the City of Johannesburg had not responded to questions sent by GroundUp News regarding the issues raised in the protest.

Background: ECD Centres Face Ongoing Challenges

South Africa’s ECD sector, especially in informal areas, continues to face regulatory, financial, and infrastructure-related challenges. While ECD centres play a critical role in early learning and nutrition for young children, especially in low-income areas, many remain unregistered due to red tape and inaccessible compliance requirements.

The protest highlights growing frustration within the sector—and a call for the City to adapt its policies to better serve children in townships and informal settlements.

{Source: GroundUp}

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