Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, warned that underfunding the education sector would have severe long-term consequences for South Africa. She made this statement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in the National Assembly.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the government’s achievements in the education sector.
He highlighted that millions of learners in South Africa attend no-fee schools subsidised by the government, where they also receive nutritious meals through the National School Nutrition Programme.
Ramaphosa further noted that poor learners who matriculate from these schools can pursue higher education at public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges without the burden of high tuition fees. This is made possible by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which offers comprehensive
bursaries and student loans to deserving students.
Despite these successes, Minister Gwarube raised concerns about the ongoing underfunding of schools, leading to inadequate infrastructure and, in some cases, a shortage of teachers.
Appointed just over seven months ago as part of the Government of National Unity, Gwarube stated that she has been working diligently to address long-standing issues in the sector. However, she emphasised that many of these challenges require substantial government funding and intervention.
Admissions Crisis
The issue of underfunding was underscored by the revelation that 28,000 learners were unplaced on the first day of school. Although placements are being made daily, Gwarube cautioned that such challenges hinder effective learning.
And, in many of our cities, parents are struggling to find places for their children in schools. All of these realities make it impossible for quality learning and teaching to take place.
She called on the President to take swift action to address the situation.
It is for this reason that we need to move with urgency to turn the situation around. Our reforms must be clear, must be swift and must be funded.
Improving School Infrastructure
Inadequate school infrastructure remains a significant obstacle to effective learning.
Speaker, quality teaching and learning cannot take place if our learning environments lack dignity and are unsafe.
Pit latrines pose serious safety risks, with tragic incidents occurring in extreme cases. Gwarube urged the eradication of pit toilets by March 2025, highlighting that the government has missed several previous deadlines.
She also announced a review of the Minimum Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure to enhance accountability among provincial education departments responsible for maintaining school infrastructure.
To improve accountability at a provincial level for the rollout of school infrastructure, we will review the Regulations relating to Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure.
Implementation of The BELA Bill
Minister Gwarube reaffirmed President Ramaphosa’s announcement that the BELA Bill would be implemented in 2025.
As indicated by the President in the SONA, we are busy finalising the regulations that will go out for public comment and input. Ultimately, these guidelines and regulations must be implemented in a manner that protects the learner, teacher and our schools.
The BELA Bill was passed in Parliament on 26 October 2023 and signed into law by President Ramaphosa on 13 September 2024. During the public signing, the President announced a three-month delay in implementing sections 4 and 5 of the Act, which pertain to school admission and language policies.
He also stated that if no consensus was reached by the 13 December deadline, the Act would be fully implemented. Following extensive discussions, the Government of National Unity agreed on the full implementation of the BELA Act.
During the 2025 SONA, President Ramaphosa confirmed that Minister Gwarube would introduce national policy, norms, standards and regulations to support the implementation of the Act.
This year, the Minister of Basic Education will introduce national policy, norms and standards and regulations to empower all partners in basic education to support the implementation of the Act.
Gwarube also confirmed that the Department of Basic Education is consulting with the National Education and Training Council to enhance quality outcomes in the sector.
