Press Statement | Early Child Development Centers Fined for Operating Without Impossible to Obtain Permits

Date: 01/10/2026


Three Early Child Development center, or creche, principals from Orange Farm Township are facing fines of R5,000 for operating without a City of Johannesburg permit. 

They are not alone in being unable to comply with the City’s red-tape requirements, which makes it impossible for many ECDs in poorer areas to comply. The Sisonke ECD Forum, which organises ECDs in Johannesburg’s Region G, which includes Orange Farm, estimates that almost half of its 200 members are struggling to obtain these permits. 

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) is representing the three principals. When the matter appeared before the Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, the case was postponed to allow LHR to make written representations setting out why the fines should be withdrawn. Should the representations not be accepted, the matter will proceed to trial on 11 November 2026. 

But even if these fines are dismissed, more ECDs are being fined every week in Region G. This is because ECDs in townships and informal settlements are simply unable to meet the City’s requirements. And even if they pay the fine, they still won’t have the permit and face closure. 

Three key barriers prevent ECDs from obtaining permits. First, a title deed or rental agreement is required: but among other reasons, ECDs in informal settlements or unproclaim township areas cannot obtain these. Second, the cost of required professionally drawn building plans are prohibitive. Third, the overall cost of obtaining the permit, with multiple fees required by different administrative departments in the City. 

None of these requirements are fundamental to the health and safety of children. The ECDs have been complying with the recommendations of health inspectors whenever possible, but even when they do, without a permit, they are being fined and threatened with closure. 

The troubling part is that without a permit from the City, they are not eligible for Department of Basic Education grants, the very funding that could assist these ECDs in meeting the City’s bylaws. 

David Dickinson, an attorney at LHR, explained that;  

“It’s impossible for many ECDs in townships and informal settlements to meet the City of Johannesburg’s requirements. These are the same whether the ECD is in Sandton or an informal settlement. It is the regulatory system that is at fault, not the ECD principals who are doing their best in impoverished communities to provide care and early childhood development.” 

For more information, please contact: 

David Dickinson (LHR) | David@lhr.org.za | 082 789 1265 

Constance Mkhabeta (Chair of Sisonke ECD Forum) 084 458 3306 

Nobukhosi Zulu (Real Reform for ECDs) 074 192 5104 

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