Launch of the Early Childhood Review (2017)

11 Oct 2017
11 Oct 2017

The 2017 South African Early Childhood Review is now out! The review contains statistics on over 40 indicators covering the demography of young children (0 – 6 year olds), their living environments, and service delivery across various sectors. Analyses shows that the country has made progress in improving the lives of young children over the years, but millions of children still live in poor environments and are not accessing the services they need. Despite a decrease in poverty rates between 2003 and 2015, 62% of young children (approximately 3.9 million) still live below the upper bound poverty line. Close to 2 million young children do not have access to adequate water on site, while 1.4 million have poor access to clinics.

This year’s review also focuses on the welfare of young children at district level, and reveals striking inequalities in access to services within and across provinces. The review also highlights the need for good quality data that is regular, timely and disaggregated to allow for a comprehensive picture of the situation of young children. This will aid in planning, and monitor the coverage and delivery of ECD services.

The review is a joint collaboration between the Children’s Institute, Ilifa Labantwana, the Innovation Edge, and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency. It was launched on 11th October 2017, at an event attended by representatives from government departments, civil society and donors.

Read/download the review here

Media Coverage on the Early Childhood Review (October 2017)

  • Radio interview: CI’s Katharine Hall speaks about early childhood development and inequalities in access to services across the country and within provinces (Radio 786, 11 October 2017)

  • Radio interview: CI’s Winnie Sambu speaks about the high levels of child stunting in South Africa (Radio 702, 11 October 2017)

  • Radio interview: CI’s Katharine Hall “Government departments need to work together to ensure service delivery for all young children in the country” (Power FM, 12 October 2017)

  • Radio interview: CI’s Lizette Berry speaks about the need for essential services for all young children in the country (Tru FM, 13 October 2017)

  • Radio interview: CI’s Katharine Hall “There has been some progress in improving the socio-economic conditions of young children, but more still needs to be done” (Cape Talk radio, 16 October 2017)

  • News article: Nutrition – a child’s first 1,000 days are what really counts (Daily Maverick, 16 October 2017)

Visit the Children Count website for more information and statistics on all children in South Africa