Gauteng schools face fee hikes after last-minute education budget cuts

THE Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is under fire after announcing drastic funding cuts for Quintile 5 schools, a move the Democratic Alliance (DA) says is unlawful and reckless.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

The late announcement, after the legislated deadline for the 2026 academic year, has sparked fears of fee hikes and financial strain on families.

Sergio Isa dos Santos, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, said the party is considering legal action to compel the department to reverse the decision, warning it could undermine education quality and the financial stability of schools.

“The GDE’s decision to introduce the reduction after the legislated deadline of 30 September 2025 is not only invalid but also reckless and likely to harm thousands of learners in Gauteng. Accordingly, this decision must be reversed to provide schools with more time to adapt to the reduced funding”