Education analyst and CEO for IDEA Digital Education, Dr Corrin Varady, says Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube’s budget vote speech has given cause for optimism, although there is space for criticism.
Varady welcomed the increase of 7.4% in the education budget and the minister’s emphasis on efficient-spending, evidence-based policies and strategic investments to uplift South Africa’s education system.
One of Gwarube’s key priorities is ensuring equal access to an inclusive education for all South African learners, which translates to her high evidence-based targets for the academic year.
Varady said, “The minister’s assertion that ‘we must be bolder, ambitious and set high evidence-based targets for ourselves’ is exactly what we need to ensure that our educational investments translate into improved performance.”
However, he warned that there must be tangible results instead of projects that were pipe dreams.
Since the election there have been drastic changes in government, with new ministers heading various departments, including the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
Varady was hopeful of improved fiscal strategies in 2025, underlined the importance of the minister’s focus on “sober and studied” allocation of funds to ensure well-planned and effective future spending.
“It’s understandable that making significant changes halfway through the academic year is not ideal. However, we are hopeful about the promise of more efficient and closely monitored spending in the academic year 2025,” he said.
“For increased expenditure for the Mathematics, Science and Technology sub-cluster, the minister must strengthen investment on project management, curriculum and academic service delivery.
“Effective monitoring is key to connecting these investments to tangible outcomes,” said Varady.
The Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Grant, was allocated R443.8 million, a 15.8% increase from last year’s allocation.
Varady suggested that the DBE introduce an Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), where government and private sector stakeholders form a pact to fund low and middle-income countries for equal access to education, through donations from international donors.
“EOF is an initiative aimed at addressing the global education crisis by improving learning outcomes for children and youth, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Independent verification by third-party evaluators ensures transparency and that the reported results are accurate and credible.
“Payments are only made if the agreed-upon outcomes are met, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve tangible improvements, while also removing corruption and rewarding performance. By linking funding to outcomes, all stakeholders are incentivised to focus on achieving the best possible educational results,” said Varady.
He also urged Gwarube to forge a partnership with the Department of Labour, and the Department of Higher Education, saying: “The current generation of DBE-enrolled learners are future higher education students and job seekers. Strengthening these interdepartmental ties, which historically have been weak, is crucial for creating a seamless transition for pupils into higher education and the workforce.”
Varady added that the minister’s maiden budget vote speech was not only preparing for an optimistic financial year in 2025, but may extend to her five-year reign in office, which would drastically improve the education sector.
“The minister’s budget vote speech has set a hopeful and ambitious tone for the future of education in South Africa. With continued commitment to strategic investments, evidence-based policies, and collaborative efforts across departments, a vision of turning the corner towards providing quality education to all South African children seems within reach.”
The Star