The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly rejected claims that it cut funding to Quintile 5 schools by 64%, calling these reports false, misleading, and a deliberate distortion of information. The Department emphasized that no such reduction has been implemented and clarified that an interim funding realignment was necessary due to severe budget reductions imposed by National Treasury, which have affected all provinces.
The GDE outlined the rationale, scope, and timing of adjusted funding levels for Quintile 5 schools, effective from 1 April 2026, in line with the National Norms and Standards for School Funding set by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Schools were formally notified through indicative budget allocation certificates issued in September 2025, ensuring transparency and ample notice. The Department stressed that this process represents a realignment to nationally prescribed adequacy rates rather than a budget cut, particularly addressing historical funding disparities for certain fee-paying Quintile 5 schools.
The current funding arrangement is a temporary stabilisation measure designed to maintain system functionality while managing a R444 million shortfall in the current financial year and a projected R160 million shortfall over the 2026 MTEF period. Despite these constraints, the GDE has prioritised classroom protection, uninterrupted teaching and learning, and full, timely payment of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM).
Gauteng’s financial pressures are a direct result of national budget cuts. MEC Matome Chiloane highlighted that the DBE, led by the Democratic Alliance, is fully aware of the funding challenges facing provinces, yet meaningful relief has not been provided. He described attempts to blame provinces for funding issues as misleading and politically opportunistic, stating that any petition regarding funding should be directed at the DBE, which controls national funding norms and allocations.
The GDE reaffirmed its commitment to transparent communication, equitable funding, and the protection of public education in Gauteng. The Department warned that misinformation about school funding should not undermine public confidence in the schooling system or distract from the urgent need for sustainable national funding solutions.
