The Department of Basic Education

Bana Pele
Bana Pele means “children first” in Sesotho. Children sit at the heart of the early childhood development work the Department of Basic Education is doing to meet the 2030 goal of universal access to ECD, quality early learning and safety. The Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive is a vital step towards achieving these goals.
That is why the Department of Basic Education is leading a transformation in how Early Childhood Development programmes are supported across South Africa. Through the adoption of innovative digital solutions, the Department has streamlined the service delivery, reducing administrative burdens, and making it easier for ECD programmes to access the tools and support they need to thrive.
One of the key innovations introduced was the Early Childhood Administration and Reporting System (eCares), a digital platform developed to streamline core ECD business processes. The system was designed to make government support more efficient, accessible, and data driven, enabling broader participation in early childhood development across the country.

Sesame Workshop South Africa and The Department of Basic Education Partner to Drive Early Learning Awareness
As we celebrate 25 years of helping children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we’re proud to announce a new partnership with the Department of Basic Education.
Together, we’re joining forces through the Bana Pele initiative aimed at raising awareness around registration, quality early learning, and stimulation. Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, will play an active role in the campaign, co-hosting key events including play-based community activations, registration clinics, and media engagements across TV and radio.

What is the Mass Registration?
The Department of Basic Education recognises the important and valuable work ECDs offer children, communities and livelihoods across South Africa. They are aware of the various contexts in which ECDs operate and understand that there have been many barriers to registration that have made the application process complex and time consuming.
For this reason, the DBE have developed a new registration process to complete the application for Bronze status that is:
simpler
faster
offering you live support
Watch the video below, it has the 7 steps to Bronze registration.
7 Steps to Bronze Registration
Get Ready to Register for the Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive
Before you begin the registration process for your Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme, it’s important to gather everything you’ll need. The Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive has made it easy for practitioners to take the first step toward compliance by submitting only a few key documents. You will need a mobile phone, tablet, or computer with internet access to complete the registration digitally. Have a certified copy of your South African ID or passport ready, as well as a completed Form 30. You’ll also need a clear photo of one of your classrooms, so make sure the faces of children are not visible in the image. These documents will form the foundation of your Bronze application and help verify your programme’s initial readiness.
How to get in touch?
- Dial our free USSD number *134*7776# and we will call you back (010 476 1004) within 7 days to complete your application
- WhatsApp us on 087 725 2059 and we will call you back from 010 476 1004 within 7 days to complete your application.
- Visit ECD Info Hub or the DBE website for all registration information and documentation, including Form 30.
- Email us at banapele@dbe.gov.za for all general inquiries.


Important Information
- Registration is free. Do not pay any person/organization charging for registration support. If you find out about a scam, please notify us on banapele@dbe.gov.za.
- Registration is only for existing ECD centres, not for people/practitioners looking to open a centre.
- As part of the registration drive, we do not offer any ECD learnerships or training.
