In her speech, Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, focussed on Foundational Learning, System Planning, Monitoring and Support. “On 8 May 2026, our country celebrated 30 years of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. A Constitution rooted in the values of the Freedom Charter, including the principle that outlines: “The Doors of Learning and Culture shall be Opened! This Budget Vote of R38.2 billion for the 2026/27 financial year demonstrates Government’s commitment to the total transformation agenda in the education system. It expands educational opportunities and improving the quality of learning and teaching across the country”.
The transformation of education required deliberate efforts to address historical inequalities affecting both girls and boys. Government continues to implement programmes that promote the dignity, safety and equal educational opportunities for all learners. Subsequently the focus was more on the girl child due to the circumstance that they were previously subjected to. Girls were not allowed to do all subjects such as Maths, Science and Technology. The adverse effect of that became detriment to the boy child who felt neglected and left behind which led to unintended consequences.
The South African Schools Act 1996 left gaps that the sector had to fill with the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act of 2024, to bring total transformation of Education in South Africa. The BELA Act enforced Grade R to be compulsory.
Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) remains central to improving the quality of teaching and learning in our schools. Government continues to invest in the timely delivery of textbooks, workbooks, stationery, and other essential learning resources to ensure that every learner and teacher have the necessary tools to support effective curriculum delivery.
The Scholar Transport Programme was introduced to address the painful legacy of spatial inequality that forced many rural and township learners to walk long distances to school. In some provinces the Budget of scholar transport is attached to two departments; namely the Department of Transport and Department of Education. Government will continue to expand access to education through scholar transport support for qualifying learners, thereby removing barriers to education and promoting social justice.
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) remains a key pillar of government’s social protection and poverty alleviation efforts, supporting over 2,000 service providers, 61,800 food handlers, and 420 provincial monitors nationally, improving school attendance, learner retention, and the overall wellbeing of children, particularly those from vulnerable communities.
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The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme remains critical in strengthening the teaching profession and supporting curriculum delivery. During the 2025/26 financial year, more than 10,000 bursaries were awarded in priority areas such as Foundation Phase teaching, African languages, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. To support Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education, the programme now prioritises students specialising in African languages. This intervention strengthens reading for meaning, learner comprehension and educational outcomes.
Regarding social cohesion and career guidance, the Department continues to strengthen learner support mechanisms aiming at assisting learners in identifying suitable career pathways aligned to their interests and abilities. School safety is coordinated in a multi-sectoral approach that brings together Deputy Ministers from various government departments, law enforcement agencies, communities and key stakeholders to combat violence, bullying, crime and substance abuse in and around schools. Government remains committed to ensuring that schools become centres of safety, discipline and social cohesion. The 2026/27 allocation will strengthen school safety committees, improve reporting systems and support initiatives such as the “Adopt-a-Cop” partnership between the Department of Basic Education and the South African Police Service.
The Department remains committed to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that every learner has access to quality education. Education remains one of the most powerful tools to advance equality, dignity and opportunity in our country. In conclusion, Deputy Minister Mhaule expressed her gratitude to the Portfolio Committee who keeps us as the Department on our toes as they are able to identify blind spots, in the DBE’s efforts towards continued improvements within the sector.
The DBE also set up a Three Streams Model exhibition during the Budget Vote Debate to showcase the work done by the Department. This is a clear indication that technical, vocational and occupational education is receiving the recognition it deserves. The exhibition included products made by Bellville Technical High School and Westcliff School of Skills developed by learners at the two schools such as welding and fitting skills, hairdressing, nail technology, woodwork and welding.