The department’s allocation has increased by 5.58% compared with the previous financial year. Presenting the budget vote at the North West Legislature on Tuesday (23/6), education MEC Viola Motsumi said the department’s priorities and service delivery responsibilities are organised into seven programmes to improve access to quality education.

The department has allocated R1.355bn for administration, R18.17bn for public ordinary schools, R66.9m for independent school subsidies, and R1.094bn for public special school education. Early childhood development has been allocated R1.26bn, while infrastructure development will receive R1.384bn. A further R853.4m has been earmarked for examinations and education-related materials.

Motsumi said the budget would strengthen the department’s ability to deliver on its mandate. “The budget will empower the department to sharpen its policy implementation and strengthen the systems needed to deliver on our core mandate of providing quality basic education.”

The bulk of the budget would be spent on employee compensation. “Honourable Speaker, before I delve into the detailed allocation per programme, I deem it prudent to bring to the attention of this august house that (R18.6bn), which constitutes 77% of the total 2026/27 of this budget will be spent on compensation of employees,” she said.

Concern is growing over school infrastructure in North West. The department previously faced criticism following allegations that two schools, Klipgat Secondary School in Madibeng and Thule Primary School in the Ratlou municipality were closed after labour department inspectors deemed the buildings unsafe for learners in 2023.

The closure of schools and ongoing construction projects have contributed to overcrowding at neighbouring schools and forced some learners to travel long distances to access education.

Addressing these concerns, Motsumi highlighted the department’s infrastructure programme, which received an allocation of R1.384bn. She explained the allocation consists of R1.369bn for the education infrastructure grant, R14.67m for the early childhood development maintenance grant, and R7.657m through the expanded public works programme integrated grant.

Motsumi said several new and replacement schools had been completed and were now fully operational. These include Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary, Tlhalefang Primary, Kgosi Shope Secondary, Trotsville Primary, Batho Batho Primary, Monchusi Secondary, Mphe-Bana II Secondary, Sarafina School, Tigane Primary and Sediko Primary.

The department also delivered improved water infrastructure at 30 schools, new sanitation facilities at 17 schools and completed 115 maintenance projects during the past financial year. To combat overcrowding, 492 classrooms and 26 specialised facilities, including laboratories, libraries and computer centres, were completed across the province.

School safety and accessibility were enhanced through perimeter fencing at 37 schools, the refurbishment of eight administration facilities, upgrades at eight full-service schools and the construction of 36 support facilities. The department invested in strengthening early childhood development by completing maintenance work at 20 ECD centres and delivering 44 new Grade R classrooms.

In addition, maintenance interventions were completed at nine special schools as part of efforts to improve learning conditions for learners with special educational needs. Motsumi said the investments demonstrate the department’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that learners across the province have access to safe and conducive learning environments.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.