The DA in Gauteng has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the continued neglect of learners with disabilities, warning that the 2026/2027 budget allocation for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) schools is insufficient to meet growing demands.

According to Bronwynn Engelbrecht MPL, a DA member of the Gauteng Legislature’s Education Portfolio Committee, the R5.7b allocated to LSEN schools fails to translate into meaningful support for learners on the ground.

She argues that while the figure may appear substantial, a large portion is absorbed by salaries, leaving critical areas underfunded.

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“The department cannot claim to champion inclusion when special needs learners are faced with severe shortages of assistive devices, specialised learning materials, safe infrastructure, sensory rooms, therapy rooms, and proper vocational pathways,” said Engelbrecht.

She emphasised that the consequences of underfunding are not abstract but are felt daily by thousands of learners.

“For the department, this may be numbers on a balance sheet. For learners, it means the wheelchair ramp that was never built, the transport that never arrives, and classrooms where even the most dedicated teachers lack the tools to help learners reach their full potential.”

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The DA has rejected the budget and is calling for a comprehensive needs and performance analysis of all LSEN schools across Gauteng to ensure adequate resourcing and support.

Further concern has been raised about a decrease in funding for Goods and Services for Public Special School Education, from R36.5m to R33.5m.

This funding is meant to provide essential services such as therapy support and specialised learning materials, resources that Engelbrecht says are already lacking in most LSEN institutions.

The impact of these shortfalls is already visible in several schools across the province. At Samson LSEN School, fewer than 10% of the 514 learners aged 14 and above have access to any form of skills training. At Ezibeleni and Ithembelihle LSEN Schools, teachers are reportedly overstretched, workshops are under-equipped, and there is a shortage of wheelchairs.

Ithembelihle LSEN School in Germiston is already feeling the financial pressure, with thousands going toward electricity. The school relies on donations to cover its shortfalls. Currently, the school has 322 learners and houses 184 learners in the hostels. The school said not every learner can cover their fees, so the school steps in to ensure these learners are provided for.

Meanwhile, at the Johannesburg School of Autism, a severe shortage of therapists and psychologists has been reported. Concerns have also been raised about learner safety, as the school shares its premises with 22 businesses operating within the same building.

“These examples point to a deeply under-resourced LSEN system. Learners are being denied access to basic training opportunities, essential equipment, specialist support services, and safe, appropriate learning environments,” said Engelbrecht.

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The party emphasised the importance of investing in safe and accessible infrastructure to create secure and adequately equipped learning environments for learners with special needs.