DBE Q3 2024/25 Performance; Plans to address AGSA audit findings; with Minister

Video The Portfolio Committee met virtually to consider the performance of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) for quarter three of the current financial year. Members raised serious concerns regarding delayed invoice payments, highlighting inefficiencies in the financial tracking system and questioning the DBE's ability to ensure timely payments to service providers. Particular attention was given to the Funza Lushaka bursary programme, with Members challenging the DBE’s reliance on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as the disbursement agent amid ongoing student complaints of delays in receiving funds. Calls were made for the DBE to reassess its financial models and explore alternative mechanisms to prevent financial hardships for bursary recipients. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the state of school infrastructure, with an emphasis on delays in maintenance and construction projects, contractor inefficiencies, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Members questioned the slow pace of infrastructure upgrades, particularly in rural and township schools, and sought clarity on the measures being implemented to address backlogs and ensure proper oversight of contractors. The National School Nutrition Program was another major point of discussion, with concerns about disparities in meal provisions across provinces. Members pressed the Department on why some provinces still failed to provide two meals a day despite available funding, and asked about strategies to improve food distribution and monitoring, to ensure all learners received adequate nutrition. Teacher employment and training issues were also extensively debated, particularly the appointment and retention of young teachers, the qualification of Grade R practitioners, and the placement of Funza Lushaka graduates. The Committee inquired about the Department’s plans to address teacher shortages in key subjects, and whether incentives were in place to attract and retain educators in underprivileged areas. Members also raised concerns about unqualified Grade R teachers currently in the system, and questioned what interventions were in place to provide them with training and support to ensure quality early childhood education delivery. Governance and oversight challenges within the education system were scrutinised, with discussions centred on school governing body (SGB) training, curriculum implementation monitoring, and efforts to curb financial mismanagement in the sector. Members questioned the effectiveness of SGB training programmes, pointing out that many governing bodies lacked the skills necessary to manage school finances effectively, and called for a more structured and ongoing training model. The Committee also discussed the monitoring of learning material distribution, and questioned why certain provinces still failed to deliver workbooks on time. HIV/AIDS education initiatives and their impact on schools were also debated. Members highlighted alarming statistics regarding rising HIV prevalence among young women aged 15-19, questioning the effectiveness of current intervention programmes, and urging the Department to review its approach to ensure better outcomes. The need for stronger partnerships with non-governmental organisations, health agencies and community organisations was emphasised to strengthen life-skills education and promote prevention strategies. The meeting concluded with discussions on oversight visits and administrative planning, where concerns were raised about delays in scheduling oversight programmes, logistical challenges, and the need for better coordination with the DBE to ensure ministerial accountability. Members expressed frustration over the continued absence of key political heads during critical meetings, and called for improved engagement with government leadership to ensure proper accountability and responsiveness to the Committee’s concerns.