The City of Cape Town has secured an international grant of approximately R285 million to strengthen early childhood development (ECD) services in high-need communities, improve regulatory compliance, and support violence prevention interventions in vulnerable communities across the city.

This follows the approval of a funding agreement signed by executive mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The report authorising the agreement was signed during the City Council recess in terms of the mayor’s executive authority.

According to a statement released by the City of Cape Town, the funding, provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on behalf of the German government and administered through development bank KfW, forms part of a broader programme valued at approximately R525m. The programme is aimed at improving outcomes for young children, caregivers and families in selected districts across Cape Town.

Deputy mayor and mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a transformative investment in Cape Town’s future.

“This partnership with KfW is a strong vote of confidence in the City’s financial governance and its ability to responsibly manage large-scale international funding in the public interest.

“This funding enables the City to strengthen early childhood development in vulnerable communities by improving safe and compliant ECD infrastructure, supporting ECDs to meet regulatory requirements, expanding outreach and practitioner training, and reinforcing violence-prevention and referral support for children, caregivers and families,” said Andrews

The project will focus on selected districts and combine infrastructure investment with social development interventions to strengthen ECD services, improve safety and enhance institutional coordination.

According to Andrews, the programme has been deliberately designed to address both physical and systemic barriers facing the ECD sector.

“Too many ECD centres operate under difficult conditions that make compliance and sustainability challenging,” he said.

“This programme supports infrastructure upgrades, safer public spaces, professional training and regulatory alignment, ensuring that ECDs can operate legally, safely and with dignity.”

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, councillor Francine Higham, said quality early childhood development plays a critical role in shaping long-term health, safety and social outcomes.

“This programme responds to real gaps at community level by strengthening frontline ECD services, improving access to support and referral pathways, and ensuring that children, caregivers and families receive the right assistance at the right time and in the places where it is most needed,” Higham said.

In addition to the grant, the city will contribute infrastructure investment, as well as operational and maintenance support. The initiative will also build on synergies with previous KfW-supported projects in Cape Town, including skills development and youth outreach programmes.

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment between the city and our international partners to invest in prevention, opportunity and long-term resilience. 

“It is a significant step forward for Cape Town’s ECD sector and for the thousands of children whose futures depend on it,” said Andrews.

lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za

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