The South African Child Gauge is an annual publication of the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, that tracks progress for South Africa’s children. It aims to make the latest research accessible to decision-makers in order to inform evidence-based policies and programmes for children. This policy brief presents the key findings of the 2024 Child Gauge which focuses on early childhood development and the full book can be accessed below. See previous issues at www.ci.uct.ac.za.