Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube tabled South Africa's R38.2 billion basic education budget vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday evening. cape {city} etc. Report.
guarube described This is money that belongs to the children of the country, not to the politicians.
Earlier this evening I tabled the 2026/2027 Basic Education Budget vote.
We must ensure that we protect every bit of this budget to provide quality education to the 13.7 million learners in the education system. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/paMBQRTQ27
– Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) 26 May 2026
Budget Rs 11 billion has been allocated for the National School Nutrition Programme, Rs 4.5 billion for early childhood development, Rs 16 billion for improving literacy and numeracy and upgrading school infrastructure across the country.
'This is your budget for your children, building a strong foundation for a strong future,' Gwarube told the National Assembly. 'At home, 13.7 million children expect us to make good, sound decisions that take care of their future.
🔔Key announcements in the DBE Budget Vote 2026/2027 speech:
1. ECD registrations have increased by 200% between 2021 and 2026, 1.2 million now use registered ECD programs
2. To teachers in South Africa: We hear you. I am pleased to announce that the National… pic.twitter.com/Sr0xbwRXl2
– Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) 26 May 2026
Gwaruba also acknowledged the country's approximately 500,000 teachers, and announced steps to reduce the administrative burden that takes teachers away from the classroom.
'We see your work, we listen to you,' He said.
The budget will be presented before the National Council of Provinces on Wednesday. Gwarube confirmed the allocation at X, noting that every rand must be conserved to provide quality education to learners in the system.
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Also read:
Western Cape Education unveils R35.1 billion budget for 2026/27
Picture: @Siviwe_G/X