The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), under MEC Matome Chiloane, has acted unlawfully by announcing drastic funding reductions for Quintile 5 schools (the least impoverished and fee-paying schools) for the 2026 academic year after the legislated deadline had passed. This late communication has caused uncertainty and financial pressure for parents, who now face the possibility of hiked fees ensuing from belatedly announced funding reductions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng slams this action and is considering legal action against the department to force the reversal of this decision.
The GDE’s decision to introduce the reduction after the legislated deadline of 30 September 2025 is not only invalid but also reckless and likely to harm thousands of learners in Gauteng. Accordingly, this decision must be reversed to provide schools with more time to adapt to the reduced funding.
For several years, the GDE has topped up funding for Quintile 5 schools so that they receive the same funding per learner as Quintile 4 schools. Although this was discretionary, it created an expectation that this would continue. Therefore, the decision to belatedly inform schools between 07 and 10 October of the substantial funding cuts is deeply concerning. This has affected School Governing Bodies (SGBs), who had already prepared their budgets based on the previous subsidy levels. The drastic reduction from R879 to R301 per learner places schools in a serious financial predicament and will almost certainly lead to significant increases in school fees.
The decision by MEC Chiloane to cut funding for Quintile 5 schools is both unlawful and unacceptable. This action must be subjected to judicial review to ensure that MEC Chiloane is held accountable and that the rights of learners in these schools are fully protected. Unfortunately, this behaviour reflects a broader pattern under Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s leadership, where MECs act without regard for the consequences, assured that they will not be held responsible.
The DA stands in solidarity with the parents of our learners whose rights to critical information have been violated. We will submit written questions to ascertain what prompted the funding reduction, why the deadline for announcing the reduction was missed, how many schools are affected and if there are any schools that will continue with topped-up funding.
A DA-led government would ensure that all funding decisions are communicated promptly and in full consultation with schools, particularly where budgetary constraints necessitate adjustments. This would enhance transparency and accountability within the education system, protect learners and parents from undue financial pressure.