By Doreen Mokgolo
Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, warns that without prompt action, four provinces will struggle to fund education by 2025-26, with this issue potentially spreading to most provinces by 2027-28.
“This means fewer teachers, fewer textbooks, and less admin support. Teachers will spend more time on paperwork instead of teaching,” she said.
Addressing the media in Tshwane on Wednesday, Gwarube blamed years of budget cuts and poor management for the growing crisis.
She is working with provinces to find solutions and emphasised the importance of retaining current teaching posts to maintain education quality.
“Some provinces haven’t increased posts despite more students. Others have cut posts over the last three years,” she said.
The minister has held two emergency meetings with provincial education heads.
“We now know where the biggest problems are. We’ll talk to Treasury about fixing this,” Gwarube said.
She stressed that quick action is needed to avoid a widespread education crisis in the coming years.
Pictured above: Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube.
Source: Supplied
