​Thembisa Shologu
As part of changing the education landscape in the province, the Department of Education's budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year is R68.0 billion.
During the post-Budget Vote Media briefing on Sunday at Jeppe Girls High School in Johannesburg, MEC Matome Chiloane stated that this budget affirms the Gauteng Provincial Government's (GPG) resolute commitment to rewriting futures, restoring dignity, and accelerating transformation in every classroom across Gauteng.
"This R68 billion allocation reflects our dedication to building a generation of skilled, confident, and capable learners who will drive South Africa's economic growth and social transformation."
"The GDE budget has increased by R3.1 billion, a substantial 4.9% growth from R64.8 billion in 2024/25 to R68.0 billion in 2025/26. This demonstrates the provincial government's commitment to education as a cornerstone of development," said MEC Chiloane.
Chiloane stated that this budget would enable the GDE to implement the Strategic Framework for Educational Excellence and fulfill its core mandate of providing quality, inclusive, and future-focused education to all learners in Gauteng.
This strategic framework approach is anchored on four interconnected pillars: Early Childhood Development (ECD), R2.2 billion allocated for promoting quality education, R3.9 billion allocated for changing the educational landscape, and creating safe schools.
"The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act has made Grade R compulsory education, transforming early childhood development from an optional service to a fundamental right. A R734 million investment into this strategy will universalize Grade R access across all public schools and ensure child readiness for primary school through qualified practitioners, among other things.
"Education extends beyond academic achievement. With R2.9 billion allocated to creating safe schools, we recognise that schools must be sanctuaries of safety and centres of community," said Chiloane.
The department's comprehensive approach to creating safe schools includes security deployment to over 1,500 schools, integration of sports, arts, and culture to develop physical, creative, and emotional capabilities, and pro-poor interventions to ensure economic circumstances do not become barriers.
Meanwhile, the total budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year for the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) amounts to R1.013 billion. The budget is supported by R308.034 million in conditional grants.
"This budget was also strategically distributed across four key programmes: Administration receives R165.503 million to ensure efficient governance and support services; Arts, Culture, and Heritage has been allocated R219.055 million to strengthen the implementation of the provincial cultural and creative industries strategy and to transform our heritage landscape.
"Programme three, Library and Archival Services, commands the largest portion at R320.714 million, reflecting our commitment to knowledge access and preservation. Finally, Sport and Recreation receives R308.130 million to maintain Gauteng's position as the 'Home of Champions,'" he said.
Additionally, R607.482 million in provincially earmarked funding has been allocated to support SARC's strategic priorities, with R51.145 million dedicated to inclusive economic growth and job creation, and R556.337 million committed to building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
"This budget represents more than a financial allocation; it embodies our collective commitment to building a Gauteng where culture, knowledge, and sport serve as pillars of social cohesion and economic transformation," Chiloane explained.