The country’s financial future was on the agenda on 25 February 2026, when Finance Minister, Mr Enoch Godongwana, delivered the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament, outlining the financial, economic, and social Government priorities and commitments. During the Budget Speech, the Finance Minister outlined how financial resources will be allocated to fund Government’s priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address (SoNA). 

In terms of consolidated expenditure, spending on education remains the largest component at 23.7 per cent over the medium term. Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, said that “the 2026 budget sends a clear message: we are investing in the future - responsibly. Over the next three years, Early Childhood Development will receive an additional R12.8 billion to expand quality programmes to 300,000 more children, whilst maintaining the R24 per child per day subsidy for nutrition and early learning. ECD is central to national growth. Over the medium term, R33.9 billion is allocated to the National School Nutrition Programme, continuing to provide meals to over 9,9 million learners in nearly 20,000 schools. An additional R340 million will progressively equalise Grade R teacher pay. Investing in the early years means investing in the entrepreneurs, workers and leaders who will drive South Africa’s economy. If we are serious about improving literacy, creating jobs and building an inclusive economy, we must get the foundations right”.

In her response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SoNA in Parliament, Cape Town, on 18 February 2026, Minister Gwarube said: “The President has correctly placed growth and jobs at the centre of the national agenda. But no country can grow without an education system that works. It is where young people gain the skills and confidence to participate in a growing economy. We are working closely with MECs to strengthen delivery, and each province is required to produce financial recovery plans to protect the classroom from budgetary pressures. At the same time, we have opened doors to the private sector. Education is a national investment in our future. If we get the basics right, reading, writing, counting, safe schools, supported teachers, and accountable governance, we will build the human capital that makes growth possible and restores dignity to millions of our people”.