This report provides a comprehensive review of South Africa’s childcare system, examining its structure, accessibility, and alignment with broader social and economic policies. It identifies critical gaps in affordability, quality, and coverage, particularly for low-income families. These shortcomings limit women’s participation in the labour force and compromise child development outcomes.
The report advocates for a systemic approach to childcare reform, emphasising the need for coordinated policy frameworks, increased public investment, and regulatory improvements to ensure quality standards. Recommendations include expanding subsidies for vulnerable households, strengthening workforce development for childcare providers, and embedding childcare within national strategies for gender equality and economic growth.
