More than 1.2million children in the Western Cape will have access to ECD programmes.
The Budget Vote 16 for 2026 announced by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, revealed that R38.2 billion was allocated for 2026/27, including R32.7 billion for conditional grants and R16 billion for school infrastructure, with watchdogs promising to keep watch on its delivery.
Nearly R11 billion for school nutrition and R16 billion for school infrastructure, including R4.6 billion for ECD; R477 million for Mathematics, Science and Technology; R307 million for learners with disabilities.
Gwarube said these allocations only matter if they reach learners quickly, efficiently, and transparently: "This administration chooses reform over excuses, delivery over slogans, and children over petty party politics.
“Stronger foundations produce stronger schools, stronger communities, and a stronger nation."
