Budget cuts ‘significant’ threat to education sector

Chairperson Joy Maimela briefed the media on Thursday, outlining the committee’s focus for the new year amid growing concerns about the lack of funding for education. 

Recent budget cuts by the National Treasury have hit the education sector hard, exacerbating challenges in schools already struggling with limited resources. 

In the Western Cape, the provincial education department announced plans to cut educator posts due to a R3.8 billion budget shortfall.

Civil society groups, including Budget Justice Coalition, Section27, and Equal Education, have consistently called for the protection of education funding, warning that budget reductions would undermine learners' rights.

Maimela highlighted the critical consequences of reduced funding, including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and fewer resources, particularly in underprivileged communities.

"The impending budget cuts pose a significant threat to the sustainability of teaching posts and the overall quality of education," warned Maimela. 

"The situation necessitates urgent and coordinated efforts from both national and provincial governments to safeguard the future of the country’s learners and educators."

She emphasised the need for provinces to retain teaching posts to avoid compromising education outcomes. 

"We’ve been engaging with provincial education departments to encourage solutions that mitigate the impact of these budget cuts, particularly on teaching front-line services," she added.

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Placement Delays Raise Alarm

The committee also expressed concern about ongoing delays in placing learners in schools, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

 In Gauteng’s Ekurhuleni region, parents have been seen queuing in last-minute efforts to secure placements for their children, even as schools entered their third day of the academic year.

"During oversight visits in the Western Cape last year, we noted that some learners were only placed in schools as late as March," Maimela said. 

"We’ll continue to engage on learner admissions and placements, especially in provinces facing significant challenges."

Call to Implement BELA Act

Maimela urged stakeholders to fully comply with the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which introduces critical reforms, including changes to language and admissions policies.

"The act grants provincial departments authority over school admissions, aiming to standardise processes and eliminate discriminatory practices," she explained. 

"For example, in former Model C schools, many community members struggle to gain access due to language policies. We believe this act will help address such issues."

While the BELA Act offers measures to tackle long-standing challenges, its success hinges on effective implementation and collaboration within the education sector

"The committee will closely monitor its implementation to ensure it achieves its objectives," Maimela added.

Call to Implement BELA Act

Maimela urged stakeholders to fully comply with the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which introduces critical reforms, including changes to language and admissions policies.

"The act grants provincial departments authority over school admissions, aiming to standardise processes and eliminate discriminatory practices," she explained. 

"For example, in former Model C schools, many community members struggle to gain access due to language policies. We believe this act will help address such issues."

While the BELA Act offers measures to tackle long-standing challenges, its success hinges on effective implementation and collaboration within the education sector

"The committee will closely monitor its implementation to ensure it achieves its objectives," Maimela added.