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 renewed 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.
For ECD practitioner
Learn everything you need to know about Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive; it is an important initiative to help early childhood development centres across South Africa get recognised and supported.
On our dedicated page, you’ll discover why registration matters, the benefits for your centre and community, and step-by-step guidance on how to register. We’ve also included downloadable resources and direct contact details to support you in every step of the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to become part of a national movement of putting children first. Explore all the information you need and take the next step in your ECD registration journey.
For Parents and Caregivers
Find out what Bana Pele means for your family, the advantages of enrolling your child in a registered ECD Centre, and how to communicate with your child practitioner’s about Bana Pele.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube says “Bana Pele means “Children First” and this registration drive is an important step to get all our children to thrive and meet their learning and developmental goals. As government, and the grown-ups, we can be assured that ECD Centres that get registered are providing children like Elmo and Zuzu with quality learning, and good health and safety in nurturing environments. We want to register 10 000 ECD Centres by the end of the year and you are here to help us to do that, to get the word out there into our communities about the importance of early learning and the Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive.
Takalani Sesame is Celebrating
