‘Edu budget remains strained’ – MEC

The Department of Education continues to face many challenges and the budget received for the 2018/19 financial year is inadequate to address all of these challenges at once.
This is according to Education MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe who officially tabled the 2018/19 budget vote for the department amounting to R30,3 billion at the Legislature on Tuesday. He pleaded with communities for patience and for their assistance in protecting and improving the education system and facilities in the province. He said the budget was made up of R24,6 billion for compensation of employees, R2,7 billion for goods and services, R2,3 billion for transfers and subsidies and R970 million for capital assets.
School infrastructure
Kgetjepe said the department will continue with the programme of school infrastructure development ensuring that every cent is spent to address the infrastructure backlogs. They have, out of the equitable share, allocated an amount of R1,7 million to focus on the maintenance of infrastructure. The department is planning to establish 141 second chance matric support centres in all the 10 education districts to a cost of R6,1 million.
Schools furniture
Of the 398 000 units of furniture needed to reduce the backlog, the department was able to order 131 006 units, thereby reducing the backlog by 33% in 2017/18. Kgetjepe said they were hopeful that the R41 million allocated for the 2018/19 financial year would further assist to reduce the backlog currently experienced.
No-fee schools, LTSM
The no-fee schools threshold is R1 316 and all small schools will receive a fixed amount of R30 490. The total amount provided for Norms and Standards is R2,1 billion of which 70% (R1,4 billion) is in respect of transfers to schools for operating expenses, 29% (R609 million) will go towards the acquisition of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) and 1% (R30 million) for fee exemption provided for poor learners attending at quintiles four and five schools. R19 million was allocated toward sport and cultural activities.
Special schools
He said there were 34 special schools provided publicly by the department and these schools will be supported with a budget of R11 million. The department has laid a foundation to implement intervention for learners with severe to profound intellectual disabilities and
R21,7 million has been set aside for this task.
Early childhood education
He stated that the department will be implementing Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes in 2 325 schools and R40 million has been allocated to procure resources. He stated that they would train 100 ECD practitioners with the North-West University and an amount of R3,6 million has been set aside.
Conclusion
Kgetjepe said they would continue to put necessary measures in place that will ensure that the department works hard towards attaining its targets. He thanked the Office of the Premier and relevant stakeholders for their continued support and reiterated that a lot of work needed to be done to better the lives of the people through education.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za