The Gauteng provincial government has announced a 4.4% increase in subsidies for quintile 5 public schools, bringing the allocation to R329 per learner for the 2027-28 financial year. This decision was made public by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during a sitting of the Gauteng legislature, in response to a question from the VF Plus party. The increase has been deemed insufficient by Adv. Anton Alberts, a VF Plus member, who argues that more substantial increases are needed.
According to Adv. Alberts, the current increase does not adequately address the needs of quintile 5 schools, and there is room for a more significant adjustment in the provincial adjustment budget to be tabled in October, as well as in the 2027-28 budget. He suggests that the subsidy could be increased to historical levels over time. The VF Plus party has expressed concerns about the financial pressures faced by parents of children attending quintile 5 schools and has pledged to continue advocating for a fair subsidy.
Premier Lesufi attributed the limited increase to budgetary constraints, including a reduced allocation from the national treasury and the repayment of e-toll debt. He noted that budget planning for both the October adjustment budget and the 2027-28 budget is ongoing. The VF Plus party has pointed out that significant savings can be made in both budgets, which could be used to increase the subsidy for quintile 5 schools.
The VF Plus party has welcomed the premier's invitation to engage in discussions on the matter and has pledged to work towards restoring the quintile 5 subsidy to a fair level. Adv. Alberts emphasized that the issue should not be reduced to a simple racial debate, as a subsidy increase would benefit all population groups. According to the Gauteng Department of Education's own figures, there are currently 446 English-speaking quintile 5 schools, compared to 116 Afrikaans schools.
A recovery of the subsidy would therefore benefit a significant portion of the population, and the VF Plus party recognizes the financial pressures faced by parents of children in quintile 5 schools. The party has committed to continuing its advocacy for a fair subsidy. The Gauteng provincial government has been urged to consider the VF Plus party's proposals and work towards a more substantial increase in the subsidy.
The announcement has sparked debate, with some arguing that the increase is insufficient to address the needs of quintile 5 schools. The VF Plus party has expressed its commitment to working with the premier and other stakeholders to find a solution that benefits all parties involved. The issue is expected to continue being a topic of discussion in the coming months.
As the Gauteng provincial government continues to work on its budget planning, the VF Plus party and other stakeholders will be watching closely to see if a more substantial increase in the subsidy for quintile 5 schools can be achieved. The outcome will have a significant impact on the education sector in Gauteng and the lives of thousands of learners.
Key points
- The 4.4% increase in subsidies for quintile 5 schools in Gauteng has been deemed insufficient by the VF Plus party.
- The VF Plus party has suggested that significant savings can be made in the provincial adjustment budget and the 2027-28 budget to increase the subsidy.
- A recovery of the subsidy would benefit all population groups, with 446 English-speaking quintile 5 schools and 116 Afrikaans schools currently in operation.
