Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says that South Africa’s education system is under immense pressure, warning that budget cuts are starting to meaningfully impact education outcomes—and that by 2027
(The Post News)- Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube cautions that South Africa’s education sector is under immense pressure due to budget constraints. The situation is expected to worsen by 2027, with most provinces unable to sustain their educational expenditures South Africa’s education department warns of a looming crisis, with a projected R118 billion funding deficits by 2027, jeopardizing vital educational services, including teacher employment, nutrition programs, and student transportation.
The Government argued that four provincial departments in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, and Northwest will go into the red in 2025 and 2026, needing substantial budget allocations of just over R7.5 billion to fund their programmes, including paying teacher salaries.
Budget pressures are not just abstract numbers; they mean reduced teacher numbers, insufficient textbooks, and fewer support staff, resulting in teachers spending more time on paperwork and less on teaching.”The financial burden will intensify as KwaZulu-Natal joins the list of affected provinces by 2026, bringing the total to five and requiring an extra R13.5 billion. The Free State and Western Cape will follow suit in 2027, needing R17.5 billion collectively.
The massive budget shortfall in KwaZulu-Natal has also placed its education department in a precarious position. Financial pressures are forcing the province to consider sweeping cuts to teaching staff and critical educational services.
Gauteng is being forced to prioritise teacher retention over other educational services due to severe financial constraints. The province’s decision to reduce spending on school nutrition and transportation programs is a direct result of the R4.5 billion budget cut. This reallocation of funds aims to safeguard teaching positions, ensuring continuity in education.Gwarube said in the Western Cape, there was already a “unbearable decision” to reduce the basket of teaching posts for 2025. This, she told, was a move that would result in fewer educators in classrooms.
The minister said “our education system is on the precipice of a nationwide crisis. Every province, every educator, and every learner are grappling with the consequences of these difficult financial decisions.”Gwarube stated that it is important to note that these have been cuts in posts, not warm bodies, meaning that no person gets retrenched but rather vacancies are not filled.
Gwarube has mentioned that she requested a meeting with finance minister Enoch Godongwana to discuss the matter further and that she will also meet with all finance MECs.
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