South Africa’s Catholic Education Board Decries “chronic underspending” in Schools, Wants Incompetence Addressed

“Our concerns persist regarding classroom overcrowding and staff shortages caused by the freezing of vacant positions,” the board members say, and add, “The budget allocation for staff and teacher development remains insufficient to achieve meaningful change.”

To address chronic underspending in schools alongside other challenges hindering commitment to education, NCBE officials urge the government to strengthen “provincial capacity and accountability.”

“We urge the government to strengthen provincial capacity and accountability by addressing chronic underspending and corruption through improved planning, procurement, and implementation support, while enforcing consequence management and accountability for incompetence and corruption,” they say.

The Catholic board officials underscore the need for “integral human development,” adding that “this begins with the government, private sector, and the church investing more resources to an integral quality education, an education that develops the whole person and benefits all citizens.”

“It is in this regard that we shall continue to provide our support to the Department of Basic Education in making quality education accessible to everyone, advancing the common good and human dignity,” they say.

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In the statement that ACI Africa obtained, the government of South Africa allocated R347 billion (US$19.5 Billion) to basic education for the year 2025/26, which is a 6.7 percent nominal increase, representing a 2.6% real increase after inflation, compared to 2024/25.

According to NCBE officials, the increase, the most substantial in recent years in the country, “it follows a decade of underfunding during which per-learner expenditure has declined in real terms.”

“It is important to note that per-learner government expenditure will increase from R24,230.58 (USD 1,365) in 2024/25 to R25,669.53 (USD 1,447) in 2025/26. However, when adjusted for inflation, this represents a reduction to R23,755.34 in 2025/26 – showing continued erosion of real investment,” they say.

The Catholic board officials continue, “The problem of infrastructure backlog in Basic Education needs attention, and we are happy that the government has prioritized this problem.”

“The direct infrastructure allocations to provinces receive a 4.9% real increase, totalling R15.2 billion for 2025/26 – a vital investment for renovating and expanding educational facilities,” they further say.

NCBE officials explain, “It is, however concerning that, while the Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) receives R15.29 billion in 2025/26 (a 9.2% nominal increase), the underperforming School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant (SIBG) continues to decline and will be incorporated into the EIG after 2025/26.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.