Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has tabled a R38.2 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year while announcing major reforms aimed at strengthening South Africa’s education system.
The Department of Basic Education has tabled a R38.2 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, framing an ambitious reform agenda focused on early childhood development, foundational learning, teacher accountability and improved provincial financial management.
Tabling the Budget Vote, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube outlined 12 major policy and programme announcements, describing them as the next phase of education reform under the 7th Administration under the theme “Strong Foundations for Strong Futures.”
The Minister said the reforms are intended to strengthen early learning systems and improve classroom outcomes across the country.
A significant portion of the budget is channelled through conditional and targeted programmes, including:
