This was recently announced by MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya at the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, in Lebowakgomo. The budget comprises an equitable share of R34.106 billion, a conditional grant of R3.354 billion, and own revenue of R727.8 million. This constitutes an increase of R1.743 billion or 4.8% from the main appropriation of R36.445 billion in 2022/23. Compensation of employees will cost the department R28.299 billion, while goods and services will amount to R4.466 billion, transfers and subsidies are allocated R4.316 billion, and payments for capital assets are at R1.107 billion respectively.

Budgets included are conditional grants such as R1.665 billion for the school nutrition programme and R1.372 billion for education infrastructure. R187.261 million was budgeted for early childhood development and R49.592 million for Maths, Science, and Technology. R34.228 million was allocated for learners with severe intellectual disabilities; R27.036 million for HIV/Aids (Life Skills Education); R17.065 million for Public Works (EPWP) social sector incentive and R2.444 million for EPWP integrated.

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The department has also allocated R884 000 million for the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, in which they have employed 135 000 people as part of the program in a five-month contract. LeruleRamakhanya said her department has put more emphasis on accountability sessions for underperforming schools. “Underperforming schools are a priority and mechanisms were developed for proper interventions. As we speak, we have reduced the number of underperforming schools from 636 in 2021 to 440 in 2022, a reduction of 196 underperforming schools.

“We remain steadfast in dealing with the remaining number of schools that still perform below expectations,” she said. The MEC also congratulated Madjadji Primary School from Selwane in Phalaborwa for having the best national school nutrition programme. The school won a state-of-the-art kitchen worth R800 000. Infrastructure is one of the priorities for the department has recently completed 10 schools which include Malamulele Secondary School and another ten schools around the province are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The MEC also applauded the class of 2022 for improving the pass rate from 66.7% to 72.1% and wished the class of 2023 well.