While acknowledging the nation's fiscal constraints, we express concern over certain areas of expenditure.
Key Observations and Recommendations:
- Education and Healthcare:
- We welcome the significant budget allocation to Basic Education and Healthcare.
- However, we stress the need to ensure these allocations translate into tangible access for all South Africans.
- During Human Rights Month, we urge the government to deliver on basic socio-economic services as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant:
- While we acknowledge the increase in the SRD Grant, we believe a collaborative effort involving government, the private sector, and civil society is crucial to create sustainable employment opportunities.
- Partnerships across sectors are essential to provide youth with quality education, skills, and social services, fostering economic and social independence.
- Inclusive Education:
- We are concerned about the persistent underfunding of inclusive education, which marginalizes learners with disabilities and special needs.
- We urge the government to:
- Increase funding for special needs education infrastructure.
- Enhance support for inclusive education training and resources.
- Improve accessibility in mainstream schools to promote genuine educational inclusion, following the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) White Paper 6 and the National Development Plan (NDP).
- Overall Calls:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of education funding models to align with actual needs and demographics.
- Integrate social development programs with economic opportunities for sustainable solutions.
- Enhance support for community-based organizations delivering essential services.
- Develop innovative funding mechanisms for youth entrepreneurship and small business development.
Afrika Tikkun remains committed to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders. However, adequate resource allocation and effective implementation are crucial for achieving youth development and economic inclusion.
