The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme has fully utilised its R1.265 billion budget for the 2024/25 financial year, despite two budget cuts that affected operations.
Financial reports confirm the programme spent 100% of its allocation, ensuring students received the necessary financial support. However, the second budget reduction forced significant adjustments, including a lower target for bursary recipients.
Target Exceeded Despite Constraints
Despite financial challenges, Funza Lushaka exceeded its revised target. By December 2024, a preliminary list recorded 9,872 bursaries awarded, surpassing the target of 9,700. This demonstrates efficient fund management in supporting future educators.
The programme, which addresses South Africa’s teacher shortages, remains vital in funding students pursuing education degrees in key subjects.
Education Funding Under Pressure
Funza Lushaka’s budget cuts reflect wider financial challenges in education funding. Many scholarship and bursary programmes face similar pressures, making adjustments to targets and funding models necessary to sustain student support.
While preliminary figures are encouraging, final data will confirm the programme’s overall success. Education stakeholders will closely monitor future funding decisions to ensure continued support for aspiring teachers.
