As the second wave of Covid-19 ripples through SA, it is still unclear how many early childhood development (ECD) programmes will be able to reopen safely and successfully in the next few weeks. 

The stakes are high: before the virus hit SA, an estimated 3.3-million children had access to some form of ECD programme, of which 2.7 million are not registered with the government.  They include those offered in crèches, preschools, playgroups and childminding centres. They teach and stimulate children before they enter the formal school system and give them a better chance of success in later education. The workforce servicing these ECD programmes was 400,000 strong and largely made up of black women...