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Daily Maverick
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Gauteng's R68bn education budget is insufficient to address key issues, warn experts
Experts have warned that despite the Gauteng Department of Education budget increasing to R68bn for the 2025/26 financial year, it is not enough to address critical challenges such as the rapid increase in learners, infrastructure backlogs and systemic inequalities. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has announced a R68-billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year designed to drive improvements across the province's education sector. Key priorities include addressing long-standing infrastructure backlogs, expanding access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes and improving teacher retention and recruitment. Speaking at a post-budget vote media briefing at Jeppe Girls High School on 20 July, Education MEC Matome Chiloane emphasised the transformative intent behind the allocation. Media 'This R68-billion allocation reflects our dedication to building a generation of skilled, confident and capable learners who will drive South Africa's economic growth and social transformation,' he said. Chiloane said the budget supported key initiatives such as the Strategic Framework for Educational Excellence, the expansion of ECD programmes, school nutrition, scholar transport, psychosocial support and upgrading infrastructure. These efforts aim to provide quality, inclusive and future-focused education by universalising Grade R, ensuring school safety and addressing social barriers to learning. It falls short Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) researcher Daniel Peter Al-Naddaf said the budget increase fell short when adjusted for actual spending and inflation. While the GDE's nominal 4.9% increase to R68-billion seems substantial, he explained that this figure was compared to the initial 2024 budget of R65.8-billion, not the actual R66.14-billion spent. As a result, the increase over last year's actual spending is closer to 2.8%. 'The GDE is not planning to increase spending by 4.9%,' said Al-Naddaf, adding that projected increases for the following years fall below inflation. 'This means that in real terms, learners will receive less each year, not more. Gauteng has one of the highest rates of learner population growth in the country, and all provinces have experienced austerity budgeting for more than a decade. Any increase is welcomed, but this is not at all the kind of major increase necessary to rectify years of underspending,' he said. Matshidiso Lencoasa, a budget policy analyst and researcher at SECTION27, underscored the significance of provincial education budgets, which often receive far less public attention than the national budget. 'Most education functions occur at the provincial level. It's crucial for people, especially parents and community members within each province, to actively look at these budgets and monitor what is being allocated. Without this oversight, important needs can easily be overlooked or underfunded,' she said. Lencoasa said that while the increase appeared meaningful, it only roughly aligned with inflation and fell short of what was needed when factoring in population growth and learner migration. 'Gauteng is an urban province that is quite well-resourced, but it has been struggling for years with issues like overcrowded classrooms and vacant teacher posts. Most of this increase will simply cover the rising cost of living and operational expenses, but it doesn't tackle the core issues like overcrowded classrooms, vacant teacher posts and crumbling school infrastructure,' she said. Concerns over deepening inequality and underspending Al-Naddaf warned that the budget risked deepening disparities as a massive 8.3% cut in spending on goods and services over the next three years threatens critical support. Areas affected include learner transport, nutrition, information and communication technology, inclusive education, municipal services, and learning and teaching support materials. 'Some of the most severe inequalities among Gauteng's learners are precisely in their access to food, transport, technology and inclusive services and materials. While there are some promising initiatives, like collaboration with the Department of Social Development to provide uniforms and other materials to indigent learners, the budget generally risks worsening systemic inequalities in a province where many learners already struggle to get to school, eat at least one meal a day, and access learning materials and support,' he said. Lencoasa said provincial education departments faced difficult trade-offs when balancing critical needs with a stretched budget. 'They have to constantly decide between providing scholar transport, textbooks for learners, and stationery, all essential but competing priorities. Even with these increased allocations, the budget remains insufficient. It's still a long way from truly equipping the education system to provide quality basic education to all learners in the province,' she said. Lencoasa expressed concern that underspending and weak consequence management continued to plague education departments despite increased allocations. 'Unfortunately, underspending persists across various departments, including education, which is alarming given the desperate need for funding to improve schools and classrooms,' she said. 'Money being returned to Treasury or spent irregularly highlights inefficiencies. The school nutrition programme frequently faces shutdown threats due to tender and supply issues, underscoring systemic failures.' Lencoasa lamented that while reports flag irregular expenditure and mismanagement, those responsible are rarely named or held to account. Effective consequence management requires naming and shaming, followed by enforcement and remediation. Without this, poor service delivery and corruption will undermine education outcomes. ECD and Grade R funding is inadequate Gauteng's education budget includes a sizeable allocation of R734-million dedicated to universalising Grade R access, expanding ECD programmes, and training practitioners to NQF Level 6. Lencoasa acknowledged the department had made progress in early childhood education, but said it remained inadequate. 'The current allocations are nowhere near enough to support formal registration of ECD centres or effectively expand Grade R,' she said. Al-Naddaf voiced similar sentiments, noting that the funding increase of about 10.1% for Gauteng's ECD budget to R2.6-billion was encouraging, but accounted for less than 4% of the department's total budget. 'This budget will not ensure universal access to Grade R, and this is primarily because National Treasury has refused to provide provincial education departments the necessary funding to do so in 2025. This [R2.6-billion] is nowhere near enough to universalise Grade R, nor to provide quality, holistic ECD services to all young children in Gauteng. The GDE itself has told Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Basic Education that it does not have enough funding to provide universal Grade R, despite it being compulsory nationwide since January this year. 'While Treasury has made a provisional allocation of R10-billion for ECD nationally, this is specifically for subsidies at ECD centres, and not for universalising Grade R,' he said. Alternative funding and fiscal reform Lencoasa highlighted the urgent need for alternative revenue-raising mechanisms to bridge these gaps. She pointed to large sums lost via uncollected taxes, stating that better collection could unlock significant resources without raising the burden on ordinary citizens. She also questioned the effectiveness of corporate tax incentives designed to stimulate employment, suggesting their reform could free funds for education. Moreover, she advocated for redistributive taxes, like luxury and inheritance taxes, to generate equity-enhancing revenues for the sector. 'The Budget Justice Coalition has actively advocated for these alternatives, stressing that political will at national and provincial levels, especially in economically active provinces like Gauteng, is essential to unlocking sufficient and sustainable funding for education,' said Lencoasa. DM
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Gauteng Grade 1 and 8 school applications go live on July 25
Gauteng Grade 1 and 8 school applications go live on July 25 The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that its 2026 online admissions application system for Grade One and Grade Eight learners will open on Thursday at 08:00. This system is specifically designed for parents and guardians of children entering Grade One or Grade Eight in the 2026 academic year. Parents of children currently in Grade R must also apply for Grade One placement, as there is no automatic progression between the two grades. ALSO READ: Gauteng Education terminates partnership after allegations of sexual assault Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, urged families to ensure they follow all application steps correctly. 'All parents must create new profiles – no old profiles or login details from previous years will work,' Chiloane said at a media briefing on July 20. After registering at the system will prompt parents to set up a username and password. These credentials are vital for tracking application progress and making changes when necessary. Parents are reminded to accept the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) disclaimer and terms and conditions, and to enter accurate ID numbers and personal details. Once logged in, the application must be completed using the five-step process. 'It is essential to complete each step correctly. Failing to do so will result in an incomplete application and may affect your child's placement,' Chiloane warned. ALSO READ: Gauteng Education invests R207m to solve learner placement crisis Key steps include: • Completing all five application stages • Uploading or submitting required documents within seven days • Providing one reliable cellphone number for SMS verification and updates Chiloane noted that weekly reminders will be sent via SMS and pop-up notifications on the system. Parents are strongly advised not to lose or change their cellphone numbers during this process. If unavoidable, they should contact the department for assistance. • Select at least three and up to five schools • Use the Home Address Within School Feeder Zone option when applying • Choose schools whose feeder zones include their home address 'All schools will remain open for selection throughout the application period,' the department confirmed. Important dates and warnings Application window closes: August 29 at midnight No late applications will be accepted Chiloane also warned parents about fraudulent schemes. 'Bogus operators are scamming parents by promising placements for money. The GDE does not charge any fees for online applications or support. All official assistance is free,' he said. ALSO READ: Gauteng Education regrets death of Siyabonga Mnisi from suspected food poisoning Parents and guardians are encouraged to report any suspicious activity directly to the department. Need help? Contact the GDE: Call: 0800 000 789 WhatsApp: 060 891 0361 Email: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Gauteng 2026 online admissions for Grade 1 and 8 open
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 online admissions application period for Grade One and Eight will open from July 24 to August 29. To apply, parents and guardians must first register on which will go live on July 24. All parents must create new profiles; old profiles and previous login details will no longer be valid. Only parents with children going into Grade One and/or Grade Eight at a public school in Gauteng for the 2026 academic year must use the system to register and apply online. MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, stated that no new applications will be accepted after the system closes at midnight on August 29. 'The 2026 online admissions system is only meant for parents and guardians with children going to Grade One and/or Grade Eight in 2026. Parents of children currently in Grade R must also apply online for admission to Grade One in 2026 in line with the Admissions Regulations. There is no automatic placement from Grade R to Grade One. Applications for all other grades must be made directly at your desired school(s) in your area,' he said. Registering a profile After visiting the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password). These must be kept safe, as they will be used to access the system to view and manage application details. Parents must also accept the POPI disclaimer, enter a correct ID number, and accept the Terms and Conditions. Once access is granted, parents must complete the five-step application process. Five-step application process When applying for Grade One and/or Grade Eight, the following steps must be completed: • Register parent or guardian details • Register home address details • Register learner details • Apply to a maximum of five schools • Upload supporting documents to the system or submit them to schools within seven school days It is essential that parents fill in accurate details during every step. Failure to upload or submit documents within the required period, or to complete all steps, will result in an incomplete application and the child will not be considered for placement. Importance of a cellphone number To receive important SMS notifications and updates, applicants must provide one reliable cellphone number when registering. Every step will be confirmed by SMS for security and verification purposes. Weekly pop-up reminders will appear on the system, and SMS alerts will be sent to help parents complete the process. SMSs will also acknowledge receipt and verification of documents. Parents are encouraged not to change or lose the number. If this happens, they must contact the Department for assistance. Selecting schools All schools will be open and accessible on the system throughout the application period. Placement will depend on set criteria and the availability of space at each school. Parents are urged to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to improve their child's chances of placement. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Register online to apply for Grade 1 and 8 in Gauteng for 2026
Register online to apply for Grade 1 and 8 in Gauteng for 2026 The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 online admissions application period for Grade One and Eight will open from July 24 to August 29. To apply, parents and guardians must first register on which will go live on July 24. All parents must create new profiles; old profiles and previous login details will no longer be valid. Only parents with children going into Grade One and/or Grade Eight at a public school in Gauteng for the 2026 academic year must use the system to register and apply online. MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, stated that no new applications will be accepted after the system closes at midnight on August 29. 'The 2026 online admissions system is only meant for parents and guardians with children going to Grade One and/or Grade Eight in 2026. Parents of children currently in Grade R must also apply online for admission to Grade One in 2026 in line with the Admissions Regulations. There is no automatic placement from Grade R to Grade One. Applications for all other grades must be made directly at your desired school(s) in your area,' he said. Registering a profile After visiting the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password). These must be kept safe, as they will be used to access the system to view and manage application details. Parents must also accept the POPI disclaimer, enter a correct ID number, and accept the Terms and Conditions. Once access is granted, parents must complete the five-step application process. Five-step application process When applying for Grade One and/or Grade Eight, the following steps must be completed: • Register parent or guardian details • Register home address details • Register learner details • Apply to a maximum of five schools • Upload supporting documents to the system or submit them to schools within seven school days It is essential that parents fill in accurate details during every step. Failure to upload or submit documents within the required period, or to complete all steps, will result in an incomplete application and the child will not be considered for placement. Importance of a cellphone number To receive important SMS notifications and updates, applicants must provide one reliable cellphone number when registering. Every step will be confirmed by SMS for security and verification purposes. Weekly pop-up reminders will appear on the system, and SMS alerts will be sent to help parents complete the process. SMSs will also acknowledge receipt and verification of documents. Parents are encouraged not to change or lose the number. If this happens, they must contact the Department for assistance. Selecting schools All schools will be open and accessible on the system throughout the application period. Placement will depend on set criteria and the availability of space at each school. Parents are urged to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to improve their child's chances of placement. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Gauteng opens 2026 online applications for Grade 1 and 8
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 online admissions application period for Grade One and Eight will open from July 24 to August 29. To apply, parents and guardians must first register on which will go live on July 24. All parents must create new profiles; old profiles and previous login details will no longer be valid. Only parents with children going into Grade One and/or Grade Eight at a public school in Gauteng for the 2026 academic year must use the system to register and apply online. MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, stated that no new applications will be accepted after the system closes at midnight on August 29. 'The 2026 online admissions system is only meant for parents and guardians with children going to Grade One and/or Grade Eight in 2026. Parents of children currently in Grade R must also apply online for admission to Grade One in 2026 in line with the Admissions Regulations. There is no automatic placement from Grade R to Grade One. Applications for all other grades must be made directly at your desired school(s) in your area,' he said. Registering a profile After visiting the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password). These must be kept safe, as they will be used to access the system to view and manage application details. Parents must also accept the POPI disclaimer, enter a correct ID number, and accept the Terms and Conditions. Once access is granted, parents must complete the five-step application process. Five-step application process When applying for Grade One and/or Grade Eight, the following steps must be completed: • Register parent or guardian details • Register home address details • Register learner details • Apply to a maximum of five schools • Upload supporting documents to the system or submit them to schools within seven school days It is essential that parents fill in accurate details during every step. Failure to upload or submit documents within the required period, or to complete all steps, will result in an incomplete application and the child will not be considered for placement. Importance of a cellphone number To receive important SMS notifications and updates, applicants must provide one reliable cellphone number when registering. Every step will be confirmed by SMS for security and verification purposes. Weekly pop-up reminders will appear on the system, and SMS alerts will be sent to help parents complete the process. SMSs will also acknowledge receipt and verification of documents. Parents are encouraged not to change or lose the number. If this happens, they must contact the Department for assistance. Selecting schools All schools will be open and accessible on the system throughout the application period. Placement will depend on set criteria and the availability of space at each school. Parents are urged to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to improve their child's chances of placement. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
