WATCH: Ramaphosa talks about closing schools for two years

While addressing the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development Summit in Johannesburg on Monday, President Ramaphosa admitted that many mistakes had been made regarding early childhood development.

He said that universal early childhood development should have started 30 years ago.

After receiving applause for his statement, the president went on to shock the nation by saying that schools should have been closed for two years.

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"We should have closed all schools for two years, taken the educators to re-education centres, and had them retrained so that they would be ready to teach children properly," he said.

"Yes, the children would have run around the streets without any education for two years, but that would have given us a lot of time to reform our education system," he added.

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South Africans did not take kindly to the president’s statement and expressed their frustration in the comment sections on social media.

During his address, Ramaphosa also said that quality early learning reduces poverty, improves educational outcomes, and lowers costs in healthcare, social services, and crime prevention.

According to Jacaranda FM News, studies highlight that every rand spent on early childhood development (ECD) can save up to R7 billion in future costs.

READ: Ramaphosa: Universal ECD will save SA money in future

"Our immediate focus is to expand access to early childhood development for every child. It is one of the most powerful tools we have to unlock our nation’s potential. Today, we recognise that investing in ECD goes beyond education," said Ramaphosa.

"It's about shaping the next generation of skilled, capable, and entrepreneurial citizens who will drive our economy forward."

"The benefits of universal access to ECD go beyond just educating the child—it empowers families to break free from poverty," Ramaphosa added.

"By focusing on comprehensive early childhood care and education, we can address the disadvantages many children face due to poverty and lack of resources. This holistic approach ensures that children receive not only education but also proper nutrition, healthcare, and a safe environment," he said.

"The framework must ensure that all stakeholders work together at provincial and municipal levels to improve access to quality early childhood education.

"Today, we have come together to explore new public-private partnerships, share innovative solutions, and enhance the community-based initiatives that are already making a difference."

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