SADTU FS MEDIA STATEMENT ON EXPECTATIONS FROM THE EDUCATION BUDGET VOTE
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Free State Province has received an invitation to attend the Education Budget Vote on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 at Dr Regionald Cindo Secondary School in Kroonstad.
The Union views the budget vote as a critical platform for the MEC to outline Department of Education’ priorities within the allocated budget, taking into consideration the dire situation of many of previously disadvantaged schools, the collapsing Education Support Personnel and state of the Grade R Practitioners.
The Union acknowledges with appreciation the speedy release of Institution Based Promotional Vacancy List 1 of 2026.
As SADTU, we call on the MEC to, among others, focus on the following critical issues in her budget vote:
Support for Grade R
SADTU expects the MEC to outline how the allocated budget for equalization is going to be utilised to improve the conditions of the Grade R practitioners. While the long-term expectation is the of migration/absorption of these practitioners into the mainstream, there is an urgent need to improve their stipends which have remained stagnant for a very long time despite the rising cost of living.
Filling of Public Servants Posts
The Union expects the MEC to pronounce of many vacant Public Servants posts that were never advertised nor filled over a long period of time affecting quality delivery of services in schools and offices. The implementation of Early Retirement without Penalty (ERP) has worsened the situation with many employees retiring because of heavy workloads and this has potential to crush the system.
School Safety
Given that schools are frequently vandalised with many being unsafe for learners and teachers, SADTU expects practical and budgeted measures to secure schools such as the hiring of security personnel in hot spot areas/schools and installation of fencing.
Infrastructure Improvement
The Union calls for increased funding to repair dilapidated infrastructure (classrooms, offices and toilets) particularly considering that Department of Labour is now placing greater focus on school infrastructure
ISSUED BY PROVINCIAL SECRETARIAT