DBE Q4 2025/26 Performance; Right to Read Campaign on Literacy; with Deputy Minister

Video The Portfolio Committee convened with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on the Department’s performance in the fourth quarter of 2025/26. The Committee also met with the Right to Read Campaign. The meeting was marked by detailed discussions on literacy development, early childhood education, teacher training, infrastructure delivery, financial governance, and programme performance measurement. A key focus area was the Right to Read Campaign, where members and stakeholders raised concerns about the effectiveness of literacy interventions and the need for stronger alignment between departmental strategies and reading outcomes. The DBE acknowledged these concerns, and expressed willingness to strengthen collaboration with the campaign, including assigning senior officials to facilitate ongoing engagement. On early literacy and ECD, officials outlined interventions aimed at strengthening pre-literacy skills, including structured storytelling initiatives, curriculum support materials, and play-based learning frameworks. These were presented as central to improving language development in home languages and building foundational reading skills before formal schooling. Teacher development and qualification reform were also addressed, with the DBE confirming an active review of teacher education qualifications in collaboration with higher education institutions. The Department highlighted ongoing challenges in Grade R, particularly the number of unqualified practitioners, and outlined efforts to upskill and formalise qualifications through bridging programmes, diplomas, and institutional partnerships. Infrastructure reporting focused on sanitation delivery, where the Department explained variances in performance targets due to project transfers between private contractors and government implementation. Additional funding had been allocated to provinces still affected by pit latrines, alongside continued audits to ensure full national coverage. Financial governance was also a major discussion point. The Department outlined its compliance with Treasury regulations on deviations, as well as improvements in reducing irregular and fruitless expenditure. Members noted progress, but also sought clarity on procurement processes, implementing agents, and accountability mechanisms. The Second Chance Matric Programme generated significant debate regarding performance indicators and reported deviations. The Committee clarified that programme indicators should better reflect outcomes versus enrolment or participation. The Department confirmed a very small deviation (six learners) from the target of 50 000 subject passes, while acknowledging broader challenges of learner attendance and examination participation. Inclusive education was also addressed, with the Department reporting ongoing efforts to integrate learners with disabilities into ordinary schools where appropriate, strengthen special school support, and apply screening and support policies to ensure equitable assessment and accommodation. The meeting also briefly covered education assistant programmes, highlighting their role in supporting teaching and learning rather than replacing educators, as well as their contribution to school support and teacher development pathways. In conclusion, the Chairperson emphasised the importance of clearer performance indicators and reaffirmed the Committee’s intention to continue oversight engagements, with a commitment to arrange follow-up sessions to monitor progress on agreed issues.