SONA Impact on Basic Education; Western Cape & Gauteng learner placements (with Minister)

2025 SONA The Committee met to assess the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) implementation of the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) commitments and to review 2025 learner admissions, placements and migration trends in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Concerns were raised over unplaced learners, migration trends, infrastructure constraints, and delays in policy implementation. The Committee raised concerns about ongoing learner placement challenges, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The WCED’s decentralized admissions system was questioned, with allegations that it enables exclusion based on race and socio-economic status. The Committee pressed for the adoption of a zoning-based system similar to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), which prioritizes placements based on proximity. GDE noted that migration from other provinces continues to strain infrastructure, with over 100,000 new learners entering Gauteng annually. The Committee asked if stricter zoning measures should be enforced to ease pressure on high-demand schools and whether mobile classrooms and satellite schools provide adequate long-term solutions. Infrastructure delays were discussed, with concerns that bureaucratic processes are slowing down school construction in high-growth areas. The WCED stated that land availability is a significant challenge, while GDE noted the need for streamlined municipal approvals to accelerate school development. The Committee emphasized the importance of improving collaboration between national and provincial governments to address infrastructure bottlenecks. The impact of migration on language policies was raised, with GDE reporting that certain subjects, such as isiZulu, face overcrowding while others are under-enrolled. The Committee asked if adjustments should be made to align language offerings with demographic shifts. The BELA Act’s delayed implementation was also highlighted, with DBE confirming that regulations are still being finalized. The Committee called for urgency in rolling out these regulations, particularly in relation to school governance and admissions policies. Concerns were raised over the slow pace of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre registrations and insufficient funding. DBE stated that the Bana Pele ECD registration drive is now active in all nine provinces, but the Committee asked if unregistered centres in rural areas are being prioritized. WCED was pressed on the high number of unplaced Grade R learners, with questions on whether low-income families are being forced into fee-paying independent schools due to placement shortages. The Committee interrogated the impact of late placements on learner performance. WCED and GDE outlined support programs such as catch-up classes, but the Committee emphasized the need for systemic changes to prevent recurring delays. Special needs education was also discussed, with concerns over unplaced learners and inadequate infrastructure. The Committee called for increased investment to ensure all learners with disabilities receive appropriate support. The efficiency of online admissions systems was questioned, with reports of parents struggling to navigate the application process. GDE maintained that its system has not crashed while WCED acknowledged that some parents face digital access challenges. The Committee called for better support mechanisms, particularly in rural areas. DBE was pressed on budget priorities, with concerns that Treasury cuts could impact SONA commitments. The Committee emphasized the need for additional funding for infrastructure and ECD expansion. The Chairperson concluded by requesting written responses from the DBE, WCED, and GDE on outstanding issues and confirmed that the Committee will conduct oversight visits to Gauteng at the end of March.