Honourable House Chairperson,

Honourable Members,

Esteemed guests, and the people of South Africa,

It is with a profound sense of purpose and unwavering commitment that I rise today to participate in this crucial Basic Education Budget Vote. This vote is not merely about numbers on a ledger; it is about the future of our nation, the dreams of our children, and the continued advancement of the democratic gains we have so painstakingly secured over the past three decades.

The African National Congress, guided by the timeless principles of the Freedom Charter, made a solemn pledge to “open the doors of learning and culture to all.” For 30 years, we have diligently worked to honour that commitment. From the dismantling of Bantu Education to the establishment of a single, non-racial education system, we have fundamentally transformed the landscape of learning in South Africa. Millions of children, previously denied access to quality education, now sit in classrooms, equipped with textbooks and taught by dedicated teachers. This is not mere rhetoric; it is a tangible, measurable success story that stands as a testament to the ANC’s unwavering dedication to its people. We have expanded access, built schools, and provided opportunities that were once unimaginable for the majority. This progress is an imperative we must defend and advance with every fibre of our being.

Honourable House Chair, the budget before us today reflects the ANC government’s continued responsiveness to the critical needs of our education sector. We have seen significant allocations directed towards foundational pillars of learning, such as.

• The integration of ECD into the Department of Basic Education, which is a landmark achievement, rooted in the acknowledgement that the earliest years are the most crucial for cognitive and social development. Our budget prioritizes expanding access to quality ECD, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, gets a strong start.
• We recognise that teachers are the backbone of our education system. This budget continues to support teacher development, training, and welfare, ensuring that our educators are well-equipped and motivated to nurture the next generation.
• The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme remains a beacon of hope, attracting talented young individuals to the teaching profession, particularly in critical subjects. This investment directly addresses historical imbalances and ensures a pipeline of qualified teachers for all our schools.

The above-mentioned, Honourable Members, is in stark contrast to the ideological and policy orientation of some political parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance, whose policies often lean towards austerity and a reduction in public services. While they may speak of efficiency, their track record in provinces they govern often reveals a reluctance to make the bold, necessary investments in education that truly transform lives. Their focus on narrow metrics often overlooks the systemic inequalities that still require significant public investment to overcome.

Honourable House Chair, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act is a critical piece of legislation that seeks to democratise our education system further. We demand its full implementation and the swift release of its regulations. This Act is vital for closing the barriers that continue to hinder equitable access to education.

• The BELA Act empowers schools to adopt language policies that genuinely promote multilingualism and ensure that language does not become a barrier to learning, especially for learners whose mother tongue is not the primary language of instruction. This directly addresses the legacy of a system that privileged certain languages over others.
• Furthermore, the BELA Act strengthens mechanisms to prevent discriminatory admission policies, ensuring that all children have access to schools without arbitrary exclusion.

While the ANC champions legislation that promotes inclusivity and access, we often see the DA raising objections rooted in a desire to maintain the status quo, even when it perpetuates inequality. Their resistance to elements of the BELA Act demonstrates a fundamental disconnect from the lived realities of the majority of South African learners.

House Chairperson, our constitutional obligation extends beyond providing education; it demands that we ensure a safe and protective environment for all learners. The safety and well-being of our children in schools is non-negotiable. This budget reflects our commitment to addressing all forms of abuse, ensuring that our policies and programmes are geared towards creating environments free from physical harm and emotional trauma, with robust reporting mechanisms and support structures.

We urge that the department should increasingly focus on the mental health of our learners, providing counselling and support services to address the growing challenges faced by our youth.

House Chairperson, access to education is not just about having a school building; it is about ensuring learners are nourished and can reach school safely and consistently. The National School Nutrition Programme has been a lifeline for millions of learners, ensuring that hunger does not impede their ability to learn. This government should commit to expanding this vital programme, addressing the growing needs in quintiles 4 and 5, ensuring that more learners from vulnerable households benefit from a nutritious meal. Similarly, expanding access to scholar transport is crucial for improving attendance and reducing the burden on families, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This budget allocates resources to expand this service to more learners, directly enhancing their access to education and ultimately, their educational outcomes. These are not luxuries, Honourable Members; they are fundamental enablers of learning.

Finally, House Chairperson, at the heart of quality basic education lies the ability to read, write, and count. The ANC is unwavering in its commitment to improving literacy and numeracy in the foundation phase. We commend the department’s inroads in rolling out Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education and extending mother tongue instruction beyond Grade 3. The positive findings from the pilot projects are undeniable: learners who are taught in their mother tongue in the early grades demonstrate better comprehension, stronger cognitive development, and a more positive attitude towards learning. We are now strategically expanding this approach, even into critical subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), recognising that a strong linguistic foundation is key to unlocking potential in all areas of learning.

House Chairperson, the ANC’s commitment to basic education is not just a policy; it is a deeply held conviction rooted in our struggle for liberation and our vision for a truly equitable society. Through this budget, we will build on and advance our democratic gains, including opening doors to learning, investing in our teachers, prioritising safety, expanding access to vital services, and championing mother-tongue education.

I thank you.