R35.1b budget for teachers and classrooms

PROVINCIAL NEWS - The Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier has announced a R35.1b budget, the largest in the province, for the 2026/27 financial year, with a focus on more teachers, better early learning and new classrooms.

The budget comes as schools continue to deal with growing learner numbers, overcrowded classrooms and ageing infrastructure. These are challenges also felt in the Southern Cape.

One of the main priorities is adding more teachers. The department has made provision for up to 701 new posts, including 600 in mainstream schools and 101 in special needs education.

Exactly where these teachers will be placed is still being worked out. Responding to George Herald’s enquiries, ministerial spokesperson Kerry Mauchline said the funding is not allocated per district at this stage.

“We don’t budget by district, we budget by type of activity, for example, special needs education, infrastructure and learning support,” she said. “The determination of where new schools and teaching posts will be allocated is still in progress.”

Building strong foundations

Early learning remains a key focus, as R102.9m was set aside to improve literacy and numeracy in the foundation phase. The aim is to ensure that children can read for meaning by the age of 10.

Recent results show improvement, as Grade Three mathematics pass rates have increased from 44.3% in 2021 to 62%, and language from 36.9% to 51.2%.

More support and new classrooms

The department has also set aside R191.1m to support learners in grades four to 12, including extra classes and teacher training, with a strong focus on mathematics.

To ease pressure on schools, R2.7b will go towards infrastructure. The plans include 280 new classrooms and 10 new schools expected to open in 2027, as well as upgrades to existing schools.