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Over 10 000 residents have signed the Democratic Alliance (DA) petition opposing Gauteng Department of Education's unjustified and cruel budget cuts to public schools. This sends a clear message: parents, teachers, and communities will not stand by while the quality of education in disadvantaged communities is deliberately undermined.

The DA has consistently stated that the department’s decision to slash funding to quintile 5 schools by 64% will negatively affect standards of education at these schools, as schools will have to cut essential programmes. We have also made it clear that these are not regular accounting adjustments; they are a direct attack on learners’ futures.

Our concerns have been validated by Gauteng residents who have endorsed our petition. Every signature represents a parent worried about overcrowded classrooms. Every signature represents a teacher trying to do more with fewer resources. Every signature represents a learner whose opportunity is being taken away.

The Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government cannot claim ignorance. Communities have clearly spoken in significant numbers: the cuts are unacceptable, unwarranted and must be reversed with immediate effect.

School budgets are not a luxury; they sustain essential services like nutrition and scholar transport services. Therefore, if these cuts are implemented, schools will be plunged into a financial crisis, and governing bodies will be forced to raise school fees; it is poorer families who will ultimately bear the brunt of the consequences.

A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would not have permitted such damaging budget cuts for public schools but instead would have sought ways to eliminate waste and inefficiency while protecting essential education services.

Issued by Michael Waters MPL - DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education