Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, also tabled the 2025/26 Budget Vote 16 to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 8 July 2025: “This House plays a vital role in strengthening the link between national policy and provincial delivery. Basic Education is a concurrent function, and the success of our national priorities depends on effective implementation by provinces. This House is uniquely positioned to help us ensure that provincial departments are supported, monitored and held accountable, not only in budgeting, but in service delivery to every learner across South Africa”.
Minister Gwarube used the comparison to the boabab tree: “Like the baobab tree, our education system must stand firm, rooted deeply in strong foundations and built to thrive. It must nurture, develop and protect our young people. As the baobab endures the harshest climates, our education system must be resilient, storing up the resources to weather any storm and bloom with purpose”. A learner, Sigcobile Matya, joined the Minister in the gallery. “Like the 13.5 million other South African learners, this bright Grade 10 learner depends on the quality of education we provide. It is a responsibility I carry with humility and unwavering purpose”.
The reality is that our sector is operating under significant financial strain, particularly at the provincial level. Minister Gwarube has requested all Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to develop credible financial recovery plans and account for service delivery failures. The plans must address unfilled funded posts; ghost employees and non-compliance with school funding norms; and stronger oversight and support for provincial spending as delivery is a priority: “Accountability is non-negotiable.” The Minister also added that the DBE will work closely with the Minister of Finance and National Treasury to ensure that additional funding can be secured to ensure that all children are able to access quality Grade R education.
“The 2025/26 Budget is a reminder that that we remain committed to growing the sector towards the light. These additional resources are concentrated where they will have the greatest impact, aligned with our five national priorities,” the Minister said. “The role of oversight was again highlighted to encourage a culture of accountability, collaboration and transparency: “Through better project management and grant monitoring, we aim to ensure that every allocation strengthens teaching and learning outcomes. This is a Budget grounded in our constitutional duty and in the belief that education is the most powerful lever for transformation. Indeed, the system is like a baobab tree,” This is a budget for the future of our country, she concluded.