How to register a crèche in KwaZulu-Natal

If you run — or want to open — an ECD centre in KwaZulu-Natal, registration goes through the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. The departmental application has no fee, it is required by the Children's Act if you care for seven or more children, and it is what makes you eligible to apply for the R24-per-day DBE subsidy, which is paid per approved place for days attended.

Updated July 2026 · KwaZulu-Natal-specific details below — confirm with your district office

Who handles ECD registration in KwaZulu-Natal

Since the ECD function moved from Social Development to Basic Education, registration in KwaZulu-Natal is run by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (head office in Pietermaritzburg). Your first stop is the education district office closest to your centre — ask for the official responsible for ECD registration. You can also start through the DBE's national Bana Pele channel online or on WhatsApp (find the current links on education.gov.za).

The three stages

1. Apply — Bronze. Submit your application online, via the Bana Pele WhatsApp channel, or at your district office. You receive a Bronze certificate showing you are in the system.
2. Comply — site visits. Submit your remaining documents; officials visit your premises to check the norms and standards.
3. Complete — Silver or Gold. You receive your registration certificate. Fully or conditionally registered centres can apply for the subsidy.

Documents to gather (start now — municipal clearances are slow)

• Zoning confirmation from your local municipality
• Health clearance certificate (Environmental Health inspection)
• Fire clearance certificate (Fire Department inspection)
• Approved or submitted building plan
• Child Protection Register clearances for you and all staff
• Learner records and a copy of the past month's attendance register
• Your daily programme, fee structure, and staff list

Apply for the zoning, health, and fire clearances at the same time — they are different municipal departments, each with its own inspection queue. Full national walkthrough: how to register your crèche with the DBE.

After registration: claim the subsidy

Registered KwaZulu-Natal centres with qualifying learners can apply for the R24 per child per day DBE subsidy through the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. The subsidy is paid on the places your district approves, not on your enrolment, and only for days a child actually attends. If your province approves 30 places and those children attend 19 of the month’s 21 days, that is 30 × R24 × 19 = R13,680. The number of approved places is set by the provincial allocation, and attendance is counted off your daily register. Read: how to claim the R24 DBE subsidy.