Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
10 July 2025 | 15:15 CAT

📷 Thousands of early childhood practitioners face job uncertainty as Grade R becomes a formal part of South Africa’s compulsory education system, raising urgent questions about qualifications and inclusion.

As Grade R officially becomes the tenth year of compulsory schooling in South Africa following the implementation of the BELA Bill, thousands of early childhood development (ECD) practitioners now face job insecurity.

Basil Manuel, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), explained the new legislative shift: “Up to now, Grade R was informal, happening in church halls, community centres and private homes. Now, with it becoming law, there’s a move to shift it into formal schooling attached to primary schools.”

This formalisation, however, has triggered concerns for practitioners who have been teaching Grade R for years without formal qualifications. Many of them may lack matric, have never studied beyond secondary school, or are older and intimidated by the idea of studying. “They gave you and I the opportunity to go work while they cared for our children. They supported the economy in ways that can’t be measured,” said Manuel.

Under the new law, Grade R teachers are required to be registered with the South African Council of Educators (SACE), holding at least a matric certificate and three years of teacher training. “The Minister recently cited 7,000 underqualified practitioners, but I believe the number is much higher,” Manuel noted, adding that support measures must be prioritised.

NAPTOSA has tabled proposals at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) to accommodate different categories of practitioners: underqualified (those who have started training), and unqualified. “We’re saying give them time. For some, we may need to transition them into roles like teacher assistants while they upskill.”

There’s also concern over illegitimate training providers. “People have spent money on qualifications that aren’t recognised. Always check with the Department of Education before enrolling,” cautioned Manuel.

With the Department aiming to formalise 10,000 ECD centres by year-end, implementation timelines remain tight. “There’s no plan to summarily kick people out of jobs before we have a proper plan,” assured Manuel.

As the country prepares to roll out this major policy shift by January 2026, Manuel says the key lies in “support, recognition and inclusion,”  not abandonment.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Basil Manuel.