Democratic Alliance Supports Basic Education Budget, Citing Progress in Safeguarding Learners

Strategic Insights -

The Democratic Alliance debated in favour of the Basic Education Budget tabled by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, citing notable achievements in eradicating pit toilets and building new classrooms. Under Gwarube's oversight, the Department has made significant strides in ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for learners. Key aspects of the budget include the near-complete eradication of pit toilets in schools (over 97%), the feeding of over 9 million learners per day, and the implementation of the Safe Schools Protocol to enhance school safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Basic Education has achieved almost complete eradication of pit toilets in schools, with over 97% of identified pit toilets eradicated under Minister Gwarube's leadership.
  • The budget aims to provide a conducive learning environment for learners, with over 9 million learners now being fed each day.
  • The Safe Schools Protocol is a significant step forward in keeping learners safe, addressing concerns about bullying, violence, and crime in schools.
  • Large amounts of education funds have gone unspent in key provinces, delaying essential infrastructure and services for learners.
  • Education should focus on developing critical thinking skills while maintaining strong foundations in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
  • The DA supports the budget, calling for continued progress toward safer, more inclusive, and effective schools for all learners.

Statistics:

  • Over 97% of identified pit toilets have been eradicated in schools under Minister Gwarube's leadership.
  • Over 9 million learners are now being fed each day as part of the budget's efforts to provide a conducive learning environment.
  • Key provinces have experienced delays in essential infrastructure and services for learners due to unspent education funds.

Sources:

  • "Democratic Alliance Supports Basic Education Budget" by the Democratic Alliance (2025)
  • "Minister of Basic Education, only 3% of learners are using pit toilets nationwide" by SABC News (2024)
  • "SA schools must be safe havens" by Ofentse Mokae MP (2025)
  • "Education budget debate: DA proposes improvements to schools safety and wellbeing" by Democratic Alliance (2025)