ABSTRACT, \\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nSouth Africa has recognised the positive effects that early childhood education (ECD) has on children, their parents and communities, and the nation at large. Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, South Africa has enacted numerous policies to support the provision of universal ECD in the country. However, although there is a growing body of knowledge regarding the ECD sector in South Africa, limited information is available on the implementation of ECD policies in the country. This article reports on a systematic literature review that was conducted with the main aim of synthesizing findings from research on the implementation of ECD policies in South Africa. The main objective of the study was to identify the various factors that impact on the implementation of ECD policies in South Africa, and to examine how these impacts affect the provision of ECD services and programmes in the country. The literature review covered mainly peer-reviewed journal articles and reports from government departments and non-profit organisations that are concerned with the provision of ECD in South Africa. The review revealed seven main factors that affect the implementation of ECD policies in South Africa: policy clarity; inter-sectorial integration and co-ordination; human capacity; funding; infrastructure; communication and advocacy; and monitoring, evaluation and research. It is hoped this information will provide insight into the obstacles that hinder effective implementation of ECD policies in South Africa as well as informing relevant changes to ECD policies in the country to ensure quality and equitable ECD services and programmes to all eligible children. \\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\n\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nKey words: early childhood development, early childhood policies, policy implementation

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